Drivers of certain vehicles take note of planned traffic changes in Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council has announced its intention to amend phase two of the Kilkenny City and Environs Management Plan for Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs).

Phase two of the Management Plan was introduced in 2018 and applies to the period following the completion of the Central Access Scheme Bridge, also known as St Francis Bridge, and prior to the completion of the Northern Ring Road Extension.

Under the current plan, specific routes in the city and its environs are designated for HCV use, while Gross Vehicle Weight restrictions prohibit HCVs from using several roads, including Newpark Drive, Lovers Lane, Ballybough Street, Dominic Street, Stephen Street, O’Loughlin Road, Hebron Road, and part of Bateman Quay.

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Delivery times for large HCVs in the Core Retail Area are restricted to between 6pm and 8am, and deliveries by vehicles over 3.5 tonnes G.V.W. are not permitted in the city centre between 11am and 6pm.

The plan also outlines a designated route for tourist buses on Castle Road, includes signage and enforcement measures, and introduces one-way systems for HCVs on Dean Street, Greens Bridge, Kennyswell Road, and Freshford Road.

The proposed amendments are being brought forward as part of a review of signage and enforcement measures and reflect infrastructural improvements made since the introduction of phase two.

One proposed change would provide for a two-way designated route for HCVs using Old Mart Road, St Francis Bridge, Dean Street, and Butts Green.

This follows road upgrades on Dean Street that have improved the capacity for both vehicle and pedestrian movement, making two-way HCV flow feasible.

The amendment is expected to reduce HCV movements on Granges Road, which has nearby primary and secondary schools, as well as on Freshford Road and Greens Bridge, which are less suitable for heavy traffic.

It will also create a shorter and more efficient route from Lord Edward Street to Castlecomer Road, reducing congestion, emissions, and travel times for HCVs, while improving overall road network safety and efficiency.

Another proposal is to designate William Robertson Way as a new two-way HCV route between the Callan Road and the Inner Relief Road.

The recent completion of this road offers a safer and shorter alternative to the R909 Callan Road and Circular Road, which have numerous direct accesses and lack proper segregation between the road and footpaths.

This measure would reduce emissions, shorten HCV travel times, and minimise impacts on residents along Circular Road.

In line with this, the council proposes to introduce Gross Vehicle Weight restrictions and prohibit HCVs from using Circular Road entirely.

By rerouting vehicles to William Robertson Way, the plan aims to decrease traffic volumes and associated emissions on Circular Road, enhancing safety and environmental quality.

A further amendment would extend existing two-way HCV restrictions on College Road and Old Callan Road from Circular Road to the Ring Road.

This change would create consistency with restrictions already in place and further reduce heavy vehicle movement through residential areas.

The proposed amendments can be inspected until Friday, May 23, on the Council’s consultation website at consult.kilkenny.ie or in person by appointment at the Kilkenny City Municipal District Offices, St Patrick’s Court, between 9.30am and 4.30pm on weekdays.

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Submissions or observations on the proposed development may be submitted in writing to the Council, online via the consultation website, or by email to kmd@kilkennycoco.ie

All submissions should be clearly marked “HCV Management Plan Amendment” and must be received by 4pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Kilkenny County Council has confirmed that all submissions will be made publicly available on its consultation website during the consultation period.

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