'Patience has run out': Kilkenny Senator calls for urgent action on worsening traffic chaos in Kilkenny’s Butts area

Senator Patricia Stephenson has called on Kilkenny County Council to urgently publish an updated traffic management plan for the Butts area, following growing frustration and concern among residents over worsening traffic conditions and safety risks.

“Residents have repeatedly raised serious issues relating to speeding, heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic, dangerous rat-runs, and disregard for pedestrian crossings — particularly near the CBC school. Despite previous commitments from the council, locals report that the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent months," said Senator Stephenson.

“Families with young children, older residents, and those living near the CBC school are deeply anxious about the daily risks they face. This is ultimately an issue of safety, dignity, and respect for a community that has been waiting far too long for effective solutions.”

Senator Stephenson said while temporary measures, such as prohibitions on certain turns, have been introduced, these steps alone 'are insufficient to tackle the wider traffic chaos affecting the Butts'.
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The senator is calling for a clear, transparent, and accountable plan, developed in partnership with residents. She is urging Kilkenny County Council to:

• Publish an updated traffic management plan for the Butts, including measures to address HGV use, rat-running, speed control, and pedestrian safety.
• Provide regular public progress updates to ensure residents have confidence that agreed measures are being implemented.

“The people of the Butts deserve to see that their concerns are being listened to and acted upon with urgency,” Senator Stephenson said. “Residents have shown great patience, but that patience has run out. It’s time for the council to deliver on its promises and ensure that the area is safe for everyone who lives, works, and goes to school there.”