What We Know: Kilkenny City traffic plans face key council vote this week
The SUMP Plan will be voted on by Kilkenny councillors on Monday
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 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, but the overall process remains at an early stage. Individual projects are subject to consultation periods and require council approval before implementation.
Approximately 80 submissions have been made to the local authority as part of the SUMP process so far.
As reported in this week’s Kilkenny People, the SUMP Plan has caused some local concern with the piloting of pedestrianisation on High Street dominating conversation.
Under SUMP, the local authority proposes to trial/introduce pedestrianisation on the street during events or festivals to identify any potential issues. - MORE DETAILS HERE
Meanwhile, the expansion of the one-way system to more of the city centre’s streets is also being considered in the longer term.
Some of the key points were presented to members of the Kilkenny Chamber at a Town Hall meeting in the Ormonde Hotel.
What We Know: According to the presentation given to local traders, private cars were the dominant mode of transport to access work or education in Kilkenny City as of 2022, accounting for 58% of all trips. Under council plans, the intention is to lower that to 40% by the year 2040, encouraging greater use of public transport and cycling facilities as well as walking.
This target is in the context of the city's projected population increase from 27,184 people in 2022 to 34,500 by 2040, with the local authority asserting it is 'unsustainable' to allow the projected increase in car use to continue.
A series of complementary measures are proposed to sup- port the principles and objectives of the SUMP, including a carpooling scheme, a bike share and cargo bike rental scheme, mobility hubs along with increased taxi facilities.
Meanwhile, also under SUMP, it's proposed that a 'gradual displacement’ of on-street parking in the overall city centre be carried out, except for parking for people with disabilities, to enable wider footpaths, segregated cycle infrastructure and public realm improvements.
The council's parking strategy aims to use existing public and private parking more efficiently and make any changes 'manageable.'
Currently, there are 2,600 privately operated spaces for public use in the city. McDonagh Junction (1,000 spaces), Ormonde Street (800 spaces) and Market Cross (500 spaces).
As alternatives, Park and Stride measures are due to be put in place at UPMC Nowlan Park, close to the Gaol Road and St James' Park, while a Park and Ride facility will coordinate with future bus routes once they are established, with an initial bus network expansion and the first Park and Ride Service expected by 2030.
Furthermore, SUMP has identified the inner-city as a priority for reducing car traffic. There are no plans to remove the current one way system with a further expansion of the one way system to additional city streets being considered for a later time.
This is to encourage travel 'to' the city centre than 'through' and entice visitors to use other means of transport or designated carparks.
Vehicle access for deliveries, emergency services, residents, people with disabilities and future public wouldn't be impacted according to the plan.
A council vote will take place on Monday, July 20.
More to follow...