Bus transport
'getting the public out of their cars requires a more responsive bus system... expanded services, enhanced quality of services such as integrated timetabling, tickets and real-time passenger information.. park and ride'. (2020 Vision - Sustainable Travel and Transport, An Roinn Iompair, 2008).
Kilkenny must be one of the few, backward counties in the country without bus shelters (excepting Iarnrod E's). The money is probably being hoarded to fund the outdated, unnecessary and expensive Central Access Scheme (CAS). This isn't 'smart travel'.
The Peace Park
Presently, this is a quiet, healthy haven for cyclists and pedestrians. During the threatened CAS construction phase it would be a no-go area. Afterwards, there would be atmospheric pollution of an increased scale 'Share the.... Pollution'!
Pedestrian bridge (from Carnegie library (lane) to Bateman Quay)
Summer has come and gone without this necessary facility to remove pedestrians and cyclists from Green's Bridge and John's bridge, as much as possible, for their safety. The money is probably being hoarded for the alien, intrusive, noisy and controversial CAS bridge. This isn't 'smart travel'. Share the Pollution! No!
An Baile Gaelic and Early Christian Cill Chainnigh
It seems this inheritance was based mainly in the Kennyswell Road, Abbey St, Dean St., Vicar St., area etc., areas including the Round Tower vantage and its vicinity. CAS would have negative consequences here including endangering pedestrians and cyclists, delaying them and not being conducive to good health. People seriously affected would include both residents and tourists, as well as local shoppers.
A new Retail Centre?
With retail centres in McDonagh junction, Newpark and Hebron, it is doubtful whether another would be supported at the old mart site, in the n.east. Such a centre would reduce footfall on High St! The working population has reduced because of emigration and people's incomes are lower because of unemployment and cuts.
And what about the brewery site, council owned (?) which would be fractioned by CAS? Would it?
The Ring Road
The bridge extension to link Castlecomer Road with Freshford Rd should be prioritised to facilitate businesses on the outskirts of the City to transact business both locally and nationallly without the delays caused by congestion and substandard road networks. A substantial amount of money is contributed by these businesses to the Council, which should be concerned about their progress.
Property prices along this proposed route would be cheaper than expensive urban sites as envisaged by CAS scheme.
The reduction in Council car parking funds by 10,000 may be another indication that CAS is unnecessary because of increased emigration and unemployment, reduced incomes etc and business failures, as fewer vehicles are being used.
Prudent financial management
Prior to local government reorganisation, the Council shouldn't enter into huge financial commitments such as CAS which could leave the Council seriously indebted, as happened some years ago, when millions had to be paid off by successive administrations.
Siuloir, rothai, taistealai, tiomanai
