'This is not progress' - Kilkenny City businesses slam proposed SUMP changes
The future of Kilkenny’s city centre is sharply in focus ahead of a council vote on Monday
There was predominantly anger and concern at the second of the Town Hall meetings held by the Kilkenny Chamber last Monday as members of the business community voiced their views on the proposed measures outlined in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP).
Unlike the first meeting, where the gathering was a blend of opinion and fact-finding, last Monday's event proved to be more opinion-driven, with local traders sharing their views with councillors ahead of a crucial vote.
The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) is a strategic plan that is designed to satisfy the mobility needs of people and businesses in the city and its surrounds for a better quality of life.
As reported in this week’s Kilkenny People, one element of SUMP that has caused some local concern is the potential piloting of pedestrianisation on High Street.
Under SUMP, the local authority proposes to trial/introduce pedestrianisation on the street during events or festivals to identify any potential issues.
Meanwhile, the expansion of the one-way system to more of the city centre’s streets is also being considered in the longer term. MORE DETAILS HERE
Whatever comes to pass, the con-sequences are expected to be huge, for better or worse.
A John Street publican admitted they were "very afraid" of the plan, claiming businesses are interdependent and "like dominoes, could collapse.
"I, as have my family, have put a life-ty time into this," they continued commenting, "you couldn't take this seriously. Why are we doing this? Will the councillors go bankrupt when we lose our jobs? I couldn't get out quick enough if this got through.”
Meanwhile, another trader on the street said: "It's very, very bad for retail."
A city-based travel agent expressed a similar sentiment, telling the meeting, "the outcome for the local economy was not considered properly."
A department store owner on High Street asserted traders will be the "worst hit" if the plans fail to deliver, warning, "you don't make the money back" if sales dry up.
Meanwhile, a jeweller on the street praised some of the project, but believes there is room for improvement.
"There are loads of things there that will help the town (city), but a load of things will hurt."
"The sequencing is all wrong," they said, arguing that the rollout of improved bus systems and the completion of the Ring Road should come first.
A representative from a John Street decorating store described the plan as "not fit for purpose."
"Where's the logic here? The one-way system is crazy; we're going to have loads of anti-social behaviour. It needs to be brought down and deconstructed," they exclaimed.
On Kieran Street, traders have experienced their fair share of disruption, albeit for the greater improvement of the public realm. However, according to the owner of one local boutique, the plan needs to be re-examined.
"This is not progress. People need their cars."
Councillors will vote on the SUMP Plan as July’s Plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council.
More to follow...