Call for more consultation on plans to extinguish right of way in Kilkenny

City councillors have called for further consultation to take place in relation to the local authority’s intention to extinguish the public right-of-way on a section of footpath at Jacob Street, at its junction with Patrick Street Upper.

The issue was raised at a recent meeting of Kilkenny City Municipal District, where several councillors expressed strong reservations about the process and communication surrounding the proposal.

Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Andrew McGuinness noted that while he was not fundamentally opposed, he was “reluctant” given that adjacent houses “may have concerns.”

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Cllr David Fitzgerald criticised the approach taken, saying, “This should be a formal motion before us… a lot of people get quite upset… we’re the ones who’ll be collared in the streets.”

Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin said the local authority should consider “distributing material to local households” in this case.

While he personally saw “no major issue,” he acknowledged the need for visibility into the impact of the proposal, particularly onto Patrick Street.

Cllr Maria Dollard echoed calls for better outreach. “To err on the side of caution is wise,” she said.

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Cllr John Coonan also highlighted that the proposed extinguishment could “inhibit views for car and bicycle users,” while Cllr Eugene McGuinness said that “a small leaflet drop there would’ve made a huge difference.”

Director of Services Tim Butler noted that the issue was mentioned in the March meeting under the roads report and clarified, “We are not foisting this on elected members.”

The issue was put back until the next meeting of the municipal district, to allow for further consultation to take place on the issue.

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