Kilkenny losing €2million a year

A RECENT study by ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute) has found that a city like Kilkenny can lose up to €2 million a year in revenue because of traffic congestion.

This is according to Kilkenny County Council Director of Services John Mulholland who was speaking during an update on Kilkenny's Mobility Management Plan 2009 to 2014 at a meeting of Kilkenny Borough Council.

As part of the plan a trial one-way-system in Kilkenny city centre will go into operation on April 6. Rose Inn Street will be one-way from John's Bridge to The Parade, High Street will be one-way from The Parade junction as far as Parliament
Street and John Street will be one-way from the Maudlin Street junction to John's Bridge.

A permanent one-way system will also be introduced over a two year period in Michael Street, Back Lane, Upper New Street and Jacob Street. A cycle way network spanning the city and adequate cycle parking are also part of the plan. Public consultation will be carried out throughout the trial to assess how the new system is working.

According to Mr Mulholland there is a lot of support for the plan but there are also those who are concerned. "It is not the intention of Kilkenny Co council to do anything to damage the running of the city. We are trying to improve the experience of Kilkenny for everybody. We need the whole city to try it together and give it their full support," he said.

Cllr Joe Reidy pointed out that it would be hard to quantify how it would impact on local business as many were already suffering in the recession. "It's important to enhance what we have in Kilkenny but if after the trial period we find that it has had a negative impact on business or traffic then we need to be reassured that we can revert to the old system," he said.

"We will be completely open minded on the impact it may have on business," responded Mr Mulholland.

Cllr Marie Fitzpatrick said that the John Street traders were very concerned about the new system. "John Street is always the poor relative when it comes to city upgrading. When you have your results I hope you are going to sit down with them and discuss how you plan to move forward," she said.

Cllr David Fitzgerald said he was worried about the fact that a high number of visitors to Kilkenny approached the city from the Callan Road or The Parade and would have a long journey through the city to reach John Street if that was their destination.

Cllr Martin Brett said it was an idea that they had been discussing for a long time in the Council. "It's a positive move for the
betterment of the city and should enhance the business core," he said.

County Manager Joe Crockett agreed and said that the new system would also provide a better experience for pedestrians, for families with prams and for people with disabilities.

Cllr Andrew McGuinness described the changes to the traffic plan as "innovative but also very brave". He said that it could work out great but would be disastrous if it did not. "If it's detrimental after three months we should end it. If the consequence is that businesses close down then we will need to act fast.We need to constatntly liaise with the business community on this."

Cllr Joe Malone said he would not wait that long. "I'd give it one month," he said. "Why wait for three months if businesses are closing down?"

Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin appealed to the other members to be positive about the trial period. "It would be ludicrous to be back discussing it after only one month. Businesses are closing down on High Street and John Street every week. If one business closes a week after the trial begins we can't call the whole thing to a halt. We need to benchmark it against a similar city," he said.

"This city is choked. Many people are sick of this city being choked. This plan will be overwhelmingly positive for business and will encourage people back into the city centre."