Development of new street in Kilkenny being held up

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick has expressed his disappointment that the development of a new street in Kilkenny city is being held up.

Cllr Fitzpatrick was informed at a recent meeting of Kilkenny County Council that officials cannot proceed with the Urban Street in the Abbey Quarter, despite funding and planning permission already secured for it.

The reason given at the meeting for the inability to proceed with the Urban Street was that the Department of Housing hasn't yet sanctioned the project.

"I'm disappointed that it’s taking so long to get Department approval," he said.

"It was submitted again last September and we've been waiting since then so I’m calling on the Department to clarify the situation.

"We must ensure that development of the Abbey Quarter can continue with the development of the street."

Cllr Fitzpatrick pointed out that further development of the Abbey Quarter plan is hugely impacted by how quickly the Urban Street proceeds and described the delays as 'not good enough'. 

The Urban Street will be aligned north-south through the Abbey Quarter, linking Bateman Quay in the south with St. Francis Bridge in the north and will provide multiple pedestrian linkages to the city, making the Abbey Quarter Urban Park readily accessible.

It is planned to be designed as a shared surface, allowing easy movement for pedestrians and vehicles through the Abbey Quarter development.

Vehicular access is planned to be limited to access for deliveries, service and emergency vehicles.