Kilkenny parents 'called out' for traffic congestion at peak times

The Labour Party’s Sean Ó hArgáin has 'called out' parents living in Kilkenny city and its surrounds for failing to avail of accessible transport during school rush times claiming many parents are responsible for traffic congestion at peak times.

"I ran the whole way from the Freshford Road to the Callan Road and I saw hundreds of cars. I think this has to be said and called out," Cllr Ó hArgáin told a meeting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District.

"Hundreds of cars, one parent, one child. Will parents who live within the city area please get their children out of their cars and get them walking or using bikes.

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"They’ll say ‘we can’t have our children on the road cycling as it’s too dangerous’ but they’re the people on the road and they’re the people causing the congestion themselves," he continued.

The Labour councillor also argued that Kilcreene Hospital along with nursing homes in the city be serviced by the bus service.

Last December, Kilkenny County Council confirmed potential new bus stop locations are being analysed with eight new bus shelters set be erected in the city in 2026 subject to funding and approval from the NTA.

The hoped expansion follows a successful year for the local service with 47% of the local population using the KK2 service while 53% avail of KK1.

"It’s the only medical facility that isn’t facilitated and I ask it be considered along with all the major nursing homes,” he continued.

"I believe that relatives have a right to be able to get public transport to visit their relations."

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