Editorial: Don’t forget to have your say on new plans for Kilkenny

Public consultation processes are currently under way on three important projects around Kilkenny City, with a view to improving accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians.

One of these, the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, is an overarching strategy designed to satisfy people’s mobility needs. It will see the implementation of a vision, objectives and measures that relate to the movement of people in the city, such as the design of streets, integration of public transport and safer walking and cycling infrastructure.

Consultation is also under way on proposed changes to key radial routes in terms of improving them for walking and cycling, while the council is seeking feedback on a proposed pedestrian/cyclist bridge at Coote’s Lane.

It’s great to see so many different schemes progressing to make our towns and city more cycle and walking-friendly.
The consultation processes are meaningful if the people who are going to be using the infrastructure — and the communities where they are located — engage with them. 

Recent public consultations on masterplans for areas such as Loughmacask and St Canice’s Hospital have received great interest and feedback. This will help the plans be realised to their fullest potential, and hopefully, to the mutual benefit and satisfaction of all interested parties. So, make sure to get involved and have your say.

ST PATRICK’S DAY
Well done to everyone on a fantastic St Patrick’s Festival in the city and county again this year.

It may have rained on our parades, but it did not deter people from turning out in huge numbers for all the various festivities.

Fireworks on Saturday evening were a fantastic finishing touch to a brilliant couple of days, including Ireland’s rugby grand slam success. The weekend was then capped off with a win for the Cats in the hurling on Sunday and a number of other local sporting successes. Plenty to celebrate.