New pedestrian link makes Kilkenny a more ‘attractive and accessible’ city

A ramp allowing passengers getting off trains and buses to access MacDonagh Junction shopping centre via the Goods Shed Square directly is making Kilkenny City more accessible.

The new ramp’s design embodies that of the Goods Shed Square, a beautiful civic space that fronts onto the historic Goods Shed Building at MacDonagh Junction and the old station platform. 

It removes the need for pedestrians to access the station via the hill on the Dublin Road as they can now take the lift or pedestrian-friendly access via the Dublin Road entrance to MacDonagh Junction.

Ambitious measures are outlined in the new Climate Action Plan and National Sustainable Mobility Policy, towards meeting our 2030 transport targets of a 51% reduction in emissions.  

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Reaching this target will require transformational change of the transport system and a shift to public transport, walking and cycling. The greatest shifts from private cars will take place in large urban areas where alternative solutions are more easily provided.  

In Kilkenny City, improving connectivity and integrating transport modes are key steps to making public transport options more attractive.   People are ready to choose sustainable modes and reduce car-dependency as can be seen by the popularity of the Kilkenny City Bus service.  The number of trips taken has grown dramatically, with over 26,000 users in the last four-week period of 2022. Similarly, enhancing pedestrian and cyclist facilities and providing more priority in the city for vulnerable role users is essential to encourage people to choose active travel for their daily journeys, to work, school and accessing services.

Creating links is a simple step that can make key differences to journeys undertaken on foot or by bike or for those using wheelchairs and buggies.  The installation of a new link between the train station and shopping centre is one such link that can make journeys much easier.   

MacDonagh Shopping Centre Manager, Marion Acreman, says "the ramp is a “positive advancement” of the interconnectivity envisioned for the Centre when it was first opened. It has been fantastic to finally deliver the project linking the two sites at Goods Shed Square.”

“It enhances our status as a fully accessible, age friendly centre and we welcome the enhanced convenience the link ramp offers all who use it into the future,” She adds.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, has welcomed this positive pedestrian link. 

"As well as the shared bikes, there are now EV charging points and shared cars, operated by Go Car, to extend the transport options at the Centre.  I am delighted to see continuous expansion in Kilkenny City’s sustainable transport solutions and it’s fantastic to see people benefiting from them," Cllr Fitzpatrick said. 

“With the alternative transport solutions in place at MacDonagh Train Station, it has become an attractive and now accessible gateway to Kilkenny City and a sustainable, multi-modal space,” He added.

The ramp was completed as an active travel measure by Kilkenny County Council, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, to enhance the attractiveness of sustainable, multimodal alternatives for those who live, work and visit the City.   

Other examples of works completed in 2022, include upgrades to pedestrian crossings such as Dean Street, Kickham Street, Kells Road and Pennyfeather Way, enhancing pedestrian routes to schools, shops and services. Plans for permanent, segregated cycleways and further pedestrian improvements continue to be progressed through the design stages. Kilkenny’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan will identify other measures that will make sustainable transport an attractive option in Kilkenny City.