Time to have your say on proposals for the core laneways in Kilkenny City

Major plans have been drawn up for a substantial redevelopment of Kilkenny City centre’s urban laneways, and Kilkenny County Council now want you to have your say!

A new feasibility study, open for consultation, has proposed the pedestrianisation of key lanes around the city, including a section of James’ Street and all of William Street, Poyntz Lane and Pennyfeather Lane.

Also proposed is a new laneway to run from Friary Street to a sensory garden which is set to be developed at Wellington Square.

The removal of a motor garage on Evan’s Lane is also planned in a bid to facilitate better access to the historic Black Abbey.

[Picture: The motor garage at Tilbury Place/Evan's Lane]

This feasibility study, produced with funding from the National Transport Authority, was recently presented to elected members of Kilkenny City Municipal District Council.

After receiving a mostly positive response, further consultation with the public, nearby residents and other interested parties will take place before more detailed and amended plans are sent forward to planning.

It is hoped that the works will be financed in phases through different rounds of funding from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and other eligible schemes such as NTA Active Travel.

Among the other proposals in the feasibility study was plans for laneway lighting improvements. It is hoped that uplight entrances will help improve the safety and the general appearance of the laneways in the city.

Natural elements such as trees and planters are proposed to be planted along the sides of laneways to absorb the water flows from gutters.

Additional design elements including wall art are planned to make city laneways more attractive, and it is hoped to get local creatives involved.

It is also hoped that the Mother of Fair Love School will play an active role in the design process of the proposed sensory garden at Wellington Square.

It was noted in the meeting that the new laneway planned between Friary Street and Wellington Square will require the cooperation of Presentation Primary School and the removal of a number of parking spaces at Cathedral Square Car Park.

It was also noted that much of Kilkenny’s old city walls still remain underground and it is planned to acknowledge where it runs on the surface of the pavement.

To view the whole visibility study, and have your say, CLICK HERE.