Concerns raised over cobbled paving in Kilkenny's city centre

A Kilkenny councillor has raised concerns over the use of cobbled paving along the High Street in Kilkenny and on some of its adjoining laneways.

The matter was raised at Friday's meeting of the Kilkenny Municipal District by Cllr John Coonan who described the paving as 'a hazard' adding that it presents a risk to public safety.

"Although it is aesthetically pleasant to look at the cobbles can be difficult for people with mobility issues and the visually impaired," he said. In a motion passed at the meeting Cllr Coonan called for a review the use of the cobbled paving along High Street due to its deteriorating condition leading to hazardous conditions for pedestrians and all users along this public thoroughfare.

"High Street has the most traffic and pedestrians and I have concerns around the safety of this paving," he said adding that many of the cobbles are displaced and loose.

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The Fianna Fáil councillor also raised concerns around the paving in William Street.

"Many of the cobble stones are loose and displaced and I have safety and welfare concerns," he said.

Cllr Coonan praised the local authority for the improvement works that they have carried out at Ormonde Street, which has no cobbled paving and has an even surface.

"The surface is both aesthetically pleasing and functional and it accommodates everybody," he said.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Andrew McGuinness who said that 'work needs to be done' around the cobbled paving on High Street adding that he was aware of a number of people who had fallen on the paving.

"I am aware of people that have fallen on it and this review could help stop that," he said.

Cllr Eugene McGuinness remarked that 'cobblelock is not going to work on High Street'.

City engineer, Ian Gardner said that he was arise of issues around the paving.

"We are looking at options but there will be no cheap solutions," he said adding that he would come back to members with potential solutions at a future date.