One-way system to continue in Kilkenny

The one-way traffic system in Kilkenny City is set to remain in place for the foreseeable future following a vote to retain it at Friday’s meeting of the Municipal District of Kilkenny City.

The one-way system was first introduced as a safety measure in 2020 to combat the spread of Covid-19 but has remained in place since the ceasing of restrictions.

A proposal to maintain the current one-way system and to remove bollards across the city was proposed by Mayor of Kilkenny Joe Malone and voted on by councillors during the meeting at City Hall.

Five of the six city councillors voted in favour of the motion, with Cllr Eugene McGuinness voting against.

Prior to votes being cast, a Kilkenny Local Area Model (KLAM) study was presented by senior engineer for Kilkenny County Council, Ian Gardiner.

The study outlined the potential outcomes if the current traffic system was altered partially or completely reversed to two-ways.

The study found a return to the two-way system would increase traffic congestion in the city centre and the presentation concluded by recommending the retention of the one-way system pending the outcome of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) process.

Cllr Eugene McGuinness voiced his concerns over the retention of the system, stating the initial vote was for 'different reasons' and the public were told it would be reversed post-Covid.

"The fact is that is what we told the people of Kilkenny," he added.

Cllr McGuinness admitted in isolation he may vote differently but couldn't so in this case.

Cllr Maria Dollard, commented: "Today is one of those days I feel frustrated," expressing her annoyance at the length of time the process has taken.

Cllr Dollard also questioned if the climate emergency was being taken seriously enough, bemoaning the heavy traffic congestion in the city centre.

Cllr John Coonan added his backing to the measures, stating there was a desire to ‘decongest’ the city, while Cllr Martin Brett said it would be 'foolish' to change the system now.

Mayor Joe Malone expressed his support for the one-way system, stating: "Is it perfect? No, but people have short memories," adding, people 'swanning around' in their cars needs to stop.