Kilkenny County Council to explore walking, cycling, and public transport options
What will the future have in store for Kilkenny City?
Kilkenny County Council is developing a 'Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan' to address congestion, pollution, and enhance quality of life through better walking, cycling, and public transport options.
Currently, Kilkenny City, is a key growth hub with the largest employment centre outside the five metropolitan areas with a projected population growth of 35% by 2040.
Kilkenny’s strong employment growth is attributable to ongoing strong performances in the fintech, agri-food and tourism sectors.
To meet this anticipated growth, Kilkenny City is set to expand through the development of new neighbourhoods at Loughmacask and Breagagh Valley with over 1,000 housing units have been approved in these areas.
As part of the local authority's 'Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan', the four-neighbourhood development strategy which will also include the established Loughboy and Newpark areas which will include a focus on additional vital retail services, walking spaces and green spaces. - READ MORE HERE
Meanwhile, to provide for the mobility needs of a larger population and reduce the dependency on cars, Kilkenny County Council is committed to firstly reducing overall transport demand through the four-neighbourhood concept and providing alternative transport solution to reduce the reliance on cars.
Solutions include accommodating an improved public transport system integrated with safe walking and cycling infrastructure.
Park and Stride and Park and Ride facilities will cater for those with car dependency such as rural commuters. Although greater priority will be given to pedestrians and cyclists in the city centre it will still remain accessible by car, particularly for those with mobility issues and the emphasis will be on the reduction of through traffic.
Other key projects in the planning stages that will contribute to improved mobility in the city are the northern extension of the Ring Road, additional road links for the western environs, safer crossings of the existing Ring Road, and enhanced pedestrian and cyclist facilities throughout the city with particular emphasis on junctions and routes around schools.
These initiatives are designed to support Kilkenny City’s sustainable growth and ensure that its transport infrastructure can meet the demands of a thriving, expanding city in a sustainable manner.