Pedestrianisation of High Street may be trialled under plans for Kilkenny City
Pedestrianisation of High Street is expected to be trialled as part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP)
The long-debated pedestrianisation of High Street is once again firmly in focus, with the prospect of the measure being introduced a real possibility as part of the wider Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP).
However, members of Kilkenny City’s business community and the wider public are being reassured that such a move would be a ‘pilot’ and done on a ‘gradual basis’, restricted to selected events and festivals temporarily in the short term if passed.
Several members of the local business community as well as local representatives attended two ‘Town Hall’ meetings hosted by the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce at the Ormonde Hotel, where the proposed SUMP was presented by members of the executive of Kilkenny County Council.
Kilkenny’s councilors and Oireachtas members heard feedback from the first meeting, and discussed the concerns of Chamber members and businesses in Kilkenny.
The SUMP is designed to meet the mobility needs of people and businesses in and around Kilkenny City and on the Ring Road, all while reducing car dependency, traffic congestion and emissions.
As a result, the plan intends to improve access to education, employment and key services by enhancing public transport, walking and cycling networks.
Many of its recommendations are being implemented currently but it is at a very early stage with many of its plans requiring consultation periods as well as council approval on an individual project basis.
Under the plan, the local authority proposes to trial/introduce pedestrianisation during events or festivals to identify any potential issues.
However, if implemented, access for deliveries, emergency services, residents, people with disabilities and potentially public transport would remain.
Meanwhile, the SUMP plan also proposes a ‘gradual displacement’ of on-street parking in the overall city centre, with the exception of parking for people with disabilities, to enable wider footpaths, segregated cycle infrastructure and public realm improvements.
As an alternative, the council propose to implement alternatives such as Park and Stride/Ride facilities and improvements to local bus services as well as walking and cycling routes.
At the meeting, Chamber members raised a range of issues and concerns relating to accessibility, connectivity, business operations, and future transport infrastructure for the city.
More to follow on Kilkenny Live and in next Wednesday’s Kilkenny People...