Masterplans for two Kilkenny towns being prepared - due in September

Public consultation evenings in Paulstown and Ballyragget saw a good turnout of people interested in the future development of their towns, local councillors have heard.

At the July meeting of Castlecomer Municipal District Councillors a presentation on the masterplans for each area was made by Arlene O’Connor, Senior Executive Planner with Kilkenny County Council.
Ms O’Connor said she hopes the final plans will be ready in September.

In Paulstown, 60 people attended the local information evening. Among the issues raised were: traffic around the school, the lack of visitor accommodation, the lack of disabled parking, the unfinished footpath to the Gowran Road roundabout and water issues.

Giving an already positive update, Ms O’Connor said Scoil Bríde, in Paulstown, has been accepted under the Safe to School scheme for funding so work on traffic measures in that area will begin in September.

In Ballyragget more than 50 people attended the public information session, Ms O’Connor said.

Among the issues raised were: traffic in the area of the nursing home entrance and the GAA pitch, the need for more traffic calming around the town and more parking, the need for a walkway around the Fair Green and to the graveyard and the need for a casual trading area in the town.

She said locals also felt that Ballyragget Castle should be prioritised as a tourist attraction and measures taken to improve the path there, which is deteriorating.

Butler House was raised by a lot of people, she said, with suggestions it would suit a library or community centre.

Both plans will be amended and brought back to councillors in September for adoption, Ms O’Connor said.