Councillor expresses concern over masterplan for a Kilkenny town

Cllr Michael McCarthy has expressed concern over certain elements of the new masterplan for Ballyragget carried out by Turley Consultants for Kilkenny County Council.

Among 20 suggestions for development in the town are improvements to the public realm and providing more public leisure space; changes to parking, traffic calming and the pedestrian and cycle network; tackling vacant and derelict properties as well as supporting the improvement of how local facades and heritage are presented.

"The provision of a plan for Ballyragget is a step towards a destination," Cllr McCarthy said.

"However, as the plan is classed non-statutory, funding is always going to be a challenge. Ballyragget Development Association are to be commended for their work and engagement with Kilkenny County Council over many years. I have a cautious welcome for the plan but I am concerned with some of the aspirations, such as the proposed car park, the removal of some of the on-street parking in the town and lack of a pedestrian crossing to serve primary school children."

"The Heather Court Hotel is a key opportunity site within the town," he added.

"A feasibility study should be carried out to explore the potential for a hotel or hostel accommodation, which would support the active tourism initiatives proposed for the town and would contribute to the existing active street frontages," Cllr McCarthy concluded.