Major response to local area plan in area of Kilkenny

A strong public response to plans for a new Ferrybank/Belview Local Area Plan was noted at this month’s meeting of Piltown Municipal District.

Approximately 110 attendees were at the most recent information session, held in a school in Ferrybank where the local authority fielded questions from those in attendance.

“We’ve been workshopping issues that have come up in submissions,” Acting Director of Services Denis Malone told elected officials.

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Malone referenced there were multiple challenges to be addressed including transport challenges, recreational challenges and issues around densities.

It is hoped that the first official draft of the proposed new Ferrybank/Belview Local Area Plan will be made public in the first week of October.

A further public event is planned once this happens and further public submissions will be invited, with a view to officially adopting the refined plan in early 2025.

Some of the aims of the Ferrybank/Belview Local Area Plan include:
1) Supporting the role of Ferrybank and Belview in the achievement of a more balanced Waterford City on both sides of the river while retaining the Ferrybank area’s social, cultural, sporting and political identity.
2) Ensure development takes place sequentially, in a compact form and contributes to an improved quality of life.
3) Ensure the creation of attractive, liveable, well designed, high quality urban places.
4) Support existing ecological and green corridors such as treelines, hedgerows and waterways.
5) Provide for new jobs and new economic opportunities and support Belview Port in the development of port facilities.
6) Create a comprehensive walking and cycling network including linkages and connections between places where people live, work, study and shop.

Members of the public are invited to engage with the local authority as the plan advances.

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