Lots of recommendations in proposed mobility management plan for areas of South Kilkenny

Almost 50 individual projects/initiatives have been identified and subsequently recommended for implementation under the Piltown Fiddown Mobility Management Plan.

Details of the recommended projects and initiatives were recently laid out before the elected members of Piltown Municipal District.

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The overall aim of the plan is to improve connectivity and support a better balance between vehicular traffic and more sustainable modes such as walking, cycling and public transport in both Piltown and Fiddown.

29 of the recommended proposals are expected to be ‘immediate to short-term projects’, taking one to two years to implement, six are to be ‘short to medium term’ (2-4 years) and 13 are to be medium to long term (within a five year period or beyond).

Amongst the recommendations are proposals for the provision of new footpaths at various locations, revised box markings and dedicated bicycle parking.

It is also recommended to relocate the bus stop in Fiddown (Meade’s Pub) to Merry’s Garage and to relocate the Piltown Centra bus stop to a location adjacent to the Old Garda Station.

The provision of facilities and parking for electric vehicles have also been recommended as well as alterations in the traffic flow in certain areas (such as the L5125 - New Road/Hillcrest Avenue).

In the medium to long term, it is hoped that river trails will provide walking and cycling loops between the River Suir and Piltown.

Heritage trails are also being recommended in a bid to highlight the rich heritage in the area and also being considered is the feasibility of a local connection to the proposed Carrick-on-Suir to Kilmeaden Greenway.

The next stage of the plan is a phase of public consultation in October, where locals and interested parties will be invited to provide their own feedback to the recommendations.

The final plan will then be submitted to Kilkenny County Council in December 2023.