City Development Plan 2008 Chapter 8: Transport excerpt

8 Infrastructure and Environment

8.1 Transport

The principal transport aim of Kilkenny Borough Council and Kilkenny County Council is to develop an efficient, sustainable and integrated multi-modal transport and communications system facilitating the movement of people, goods and services in the City and Environs.  This is essential for the economic and social development of the City, its Environs and the county as a whole.

Different types of land uses, by facilitating economic activity, will give rise to demands for travel and transport provision.  Equally the provision of transport services will give rise to changes in land uses.  In its transport policies and objectives, Kilkenny Borough Council and Kilkenny County Council will seek to reduce the reliance on private motor vehicles and will promote an increased use of public transport, walking and cycling.

 

8.1.1 Climate Change

The Council has had regard to the National Climate Change Strategy (2007-2012) in framing its policies and objectives in this Development Plan and will seek to play its part towards the achievement of the national targets set out in therein.  Two principles as espoused in the NSS have been applied to reduce transport-related energy consumption;

• The formulation of a settlement strategy which is intended to guide urban and rural settlement patterns and communities to reduce distance from employment, services and leisure facilities and to make use of existing and future investments in public services; including public transport.
• Maximising access to, and encouraging use of, public transport, cycling and walking. 

In addition, the Councils support of renewable technologies and encouragement of more sustainable energy-efficient building methods will further reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources.  All new development must allow for Climate Change as set out in the GDSDS Technical Documents, Volume 5, Climate Change, and must take proper account of its potential effects on the existing flood regime where necessary. 

 

ACTION

The Councils will prepare a County Climate Change Action Plan over the course of this Development Plan.

 

8.1.2 Kilkenny Smarter Travel Programme

The Smarter Travel Programme has been developed around the principle of Kilkenny being a ‘10 Minute City’ and based on the ‘Share the Space’ philosophy.  The Kilkenny Smarter Travel Programme has the following key objectives:

• To improve health and safety for residents and visitors to Kilkenny
• To improve the built and natural environment of Kilkenny
• To provide equality of access to services
• To improve the economy of the city

The proposed Smarter Travel Measures comprise both physical measures and awareness/ marketing initiatives. These can be arranged into three broad groupings:

 

City-wide measures which affect the general community of Kilkenny such as:

• City Centre Environmental Improvement Scheme
• City centre parking management
• Reinforcement of road hierarchy
• Cycle network; and
• City-wide travel awareness campaign.

Measures which affect specific Population Groups within the community:

• Accessible bus service supported by an appropriate marketing campaign for elderly people and people with disabilities and young families
• Safer routes to school programme – to include both physical improvement schemes, safety / awareness training and travel planning
• Employers Workplace Travel Plans
• Business Travel Networks.

Measures which are focused on Local Areas of the city:

• New pedestrian and cycle bridges over the River Nore – The Quay Link from John’s Quay to Bateman’s Quay and the Bridge-way improvement at Green’s Bridge
• New shared pedestrian and cycle path along the riverside - the Nore Linear Way incorporating the River Boardwalk linking to the Bridge-way
• Personal Travel Planning focussed on residents living in the vicinity of the new bridge or its feeder cycle routes

 

Progress to date:

Measures already undertaken through Smarter Travel programme include the construction of cycle lanes and pavement enhancements along the Dublin Road and John Street.  Research into travel patterns is also being conducted by the Centre for Health Behaviour Research in Waterford Institute of Technology. 

 

8.2 Roads

A road and street hierarchy is essential in order to classify the function, shape and use of all roads and streets in the city. The Kilkenny City Centre Local Area Plan (2005) established a road and street hierarchy for the city centre which defines the function, shape and use of all roads, streets, lanes and slips. This hierarchy will form the basis for determining appropriate forms of traffic management.

 

The classification is based on criteria such as the available road and footpath space, the desirable and necessary volume of traffic, the potential pedestrian and cycle volumes, the surrounding environment and urban form and the destination of traffic on the route.

In broad terms the classification in Kilkenny City can be described as follows:

 

 

Table 8.1: Classification of Streets within Kilkenny City

Classification	Description
Distributor Road	Key routes generally providing both vehicular and pedestrian access to the City Centre or providing linkage around the City Centre
Primary Streets	Routes providing access to main car parks and main delivery routes and also carrying high pedestrian volumes
Secondary Streets	Predominantly providing local access for vehicles and potentially carrying relatively high pedestrian volumes
Pedestrian Thoroughfares	Links with high levels of pedestrian activity that are not serving as key vehicular routes
Laneways	Limited vehicular access routes serving as secondary pedestrian routes
Slips	Pedestrian only routes usually characterised by stepped formation

 

Maps 2.1 and 2.2 of the Kilkenny City Centre Local Area Plan 2005 illustrate the hierarchy of the road network in the City and Environs both in terms of the existing road network and strategic road proposals. The Central Access Scheme, Eastern Ring Road, Western Ring Road and North Link Road are the strategic routes that will have a significant impact on traffic flow in the City.

 

The road and street hierarchy maps of the City Centre LAP illustrate the objective of pedestrianising High Street, and St Kieran's Street, which are existing pedestrian thoroughfares.

 

All significant development proposals will be required to have transport and traffic assessments and Road Safety Audit carried out in accordance with the publication ‘Traffic Management Guidelines’ published by the DoEHLG/DoT/DTO.

 

8.2.1 Road Objectives

It is the objective of the Kilkenny Borough Council and the Kilkenny County Council to:

• Reserve free from development the line of the proposed Central Access Scheme and to complete the Central Access Scheme within the plan period. (R1 on the zoning objectives map)
• Reserve free from development the proposed line of the western by-pass for the city from the Castlecomer Road to the Callan Road including for a river crossing. (R2 on the zoning objectives map)
• Complete the N10 Ring Road Improvement Scheme from the Dublin Road Roundabout to the Waterford Road Roundabout. (R3 on the zoning objectives map)
• Complete the N10 Road Improvement Scheme from Dublin Road Roundabout to Leggettsrath Roundabout (R4 on the zoning objectives map)
• Complete the R697 Kells Road Improvement Scheme from Upper Patrick St. to the Kells Road Roundabout (R5 on the zoning objectives map)
• Provide a link road from the roundabout at Springhill on the N10 to the Outrath Road (R6 on objectives map).
• The development of the lands located at R7 (known as the Murphy machinery lands) to be dependent on access from the link road from the N10 to the Outrath road.
• Reserve free from development the proposed line of a new road link from the Callan Road to the Waterford Road roundabout. (R8 on the zoning objectives map). 
• Provide a second entrance to the Hebron Industrial Estate from the Hebron Road (R9 on zoning objectives map).
• Continue to implement the recommendations of the Cycle Routes Study for the City & Environs as resources and finance permit.
• Complete the Golf Links Road,  New Orchard Road and Lovers Lane Improvement Scheme
• Complete the pedestrianisation of  Kieran St. (from  Parliament Street to Rose Inn Street);
• Pedestrianise High Street from Friary Street junction to its junction with Kieran Street;
• Implement a traffic management scheme for Upper New Street, Jacob Street and Upper Patrick Street.
• Prepare and implement traffic management and calming schemes for the City & Environs as the need arises.
• Complete a traffic calming scheme for the Castlecomer Road.
• Provide appropriately designed pedestrian crossing points at all schools in the City & Environs within the Plan period.
• Promote the diversion of heavy through traffic via the eastern by-pass;
• Introduce charges for on-street parking within the city  centre;
• Provide suitable arrangements for coach parking within the City and Environs;
• Facilitate the provision of approved bus stops and shelters within the City and Environs as the need arises;
• Provide a pedestrian bridge over the Nore at the Carnegie Library.
• Where roads infrastructure is provided to accommodate future development, to require contributions from developers who benefit from such works.
• Ensure that adequate footpaths, public lighting and cycle paths are provided in newly developing areas.
• Ensure that all new footpaths are dished at junctions wherever feasible and that tactile surfaces are used where appropriate to assist the visually impaired.
• Complete the John’s Bridge Rehabilitation Scheme
• Complete the Ballybought Street Improvement Scheme
• Complete the Glendine Road Improvement Scheme
• Complete the Newpark Drive Improvement Scheme

8.2.2 Traffic Management and Gateways

The centre of the city is an area of high pedestrian activity and, to a lesser extent, cyclist activity.  In the context of the historical form and predominantly narrow streetscape, the movement of pedestrians and cyclists should, in overall terms, take precedence over the movement of vehicular traffic. However it must also be recognised that the movement of some types of vehicular traffic trips are essential for the continued economic consolidation and growth of the city centre. In particular, vehicular trips to car parks for deliveries and for public service vehicles and private coaches must be catered for in a manner that is compatible with pedestrian and cyclist movements.

 

In order to cater for these partially conflicting slow mode and vehicular movements, in the context of the roads and street hierarchy, a series of Gateways will demarcate the city centre streetscape within which vehicular movements will be restricted and will cater only for vehicular trips that have a destination in the city centre. The Gateway locations are indicated on Map 2.4 of the Kilkenny City Centre LAP (2005) and will be defined by a variety of urban design and traffic management schemes some of which already exist.

 

8.2.3 Pedestrian/Cycle Movement

8.2.3.1 Cycle routes

Kilkenny is a relatively flat and compact City with a significant proportion of its population living within two kilometres of the City Centre. These characteristics contribute towards making Kilkenny City an ideal location for commuting to work or school by bicycle. A unique opportunity also exists in Kilkenny to promote leisure cycling, by the creation of high quality cycle routes linking places of local and national interest.

 

During the period of the last plan a Pedestrian and Cycle Network Study was commissioned and completed by the local authorities.  Based on this study, undertaken in 2001, a cycle network has been developed for the City linking the outlying residential areas to the major trip attractions, namely educational, commercial, leisure and community facilities. This cycle network is indicated on Map 2.5 of the Kilkenny City Centre LAP (2005) incorporating routes outside of the City Centre.

Key to the delivery of a successful cycle network is the provision of a complete supporting infrastructure.  This includes providing secure cycle parking facilities at popular destinations such as The Parade, Johns Green, Bateman Quay and High Street and within the Specific Development sites.

 

POLICY

IE1 Implement the recommendations of the Kilkenny City & Environs Cycle Routes Study as resources and finances permit as part of the transport strategy for the City & Environs.

 

ACTION

To complete a mobility and traffic management plan dealing with issues such as modal shift accessibility.

 

8.2.3.2 Pedestrian movement

In general terms, new and upgraded main pedestrian links should be provided based on the following principles:

 

• Connected: Linking the places where people want to go.
• Convenient: Direct routes should follow desire lines, with easy to use crossings.
• Comfortable: Good quality footways with adequate widths and free of obstructions.
• Convivial: Attractive, well lit and safe, with a variety of landscaping and views along the route.
• Conspicuous: Easy to follow routes with helpful signage.

These principles should be broadly applied to both existing and new main pedestrian links within the City in order to optimise accessibility to, from and within the City Centre. Outside of the Gateways, pedestrian links are provided on traditional footpaths spaces. These form key links to and from the city centre and are fundamental to the principle of providing accessibility to all. The improvements to existing links and the development of new links within the boundary of the Kilkenny City Centre Local Area Plan (2005) provide the template for developing links out into the Environs from the city centre through the Gateways. In particular, the development of these external links should be incorporated into the master planning of new western and north-western environs. 

The city centre, within the Gateways, contains the core retail area and main tourist trails and therefore must provide an overall priority to pedestrians. This priority can take a variety of forms and following the completion of the Central Access Scheme the pedestrianisation of St Kieran's Street, and High Street, from Friary Street to St Kieran's Street, can be delivered. A key element of new linkages is the provision of pedestrian and cycle linkages on both the east and west bank of the river. These will serve as both amenity routes and access routes to the city centre. As amenity routes, they will form part of long distance amenity routes along the Nore. Within the urban area of the City they will provide ideal short and longer distance walking routes along the river incorporating the existing bridges, the Central Access Scheme Bridge, and new pedestrian bridges at John's Quay and to the south of John's Bridge. These links will form part of the Bateman Quay and County Hall sites and will open up new vistas of the City and in particular the Castle.

 

The Councils recognise the importance of walking and that an essential element of any integrated transport system is to provide for the needs of cyclists and pedestrians. The increased provision of cycle lanes and safer facilities for pedestrians is identified as a key action in the Government’s Sustainable Development – A Strategy for Ireland and has been enshrined in the European Charter of Pedestrian Rights.

 

POLICY

IE2 To improve facilities for pedestrians and access facilities for people with special mobility needs in line with the aims of the European Charter of Pedestrian Rights.

 

8.2.4 Car Parking

Within the city centre public car parking is provided both on and off street. Car parking inventories carried out during the preparation of the Kilkenny City Centre Local Area Plan indicated that there were approximately 1,400 free or daily rate parking spaces within or on the periphery of the city centre.

 

POLICY

IE3 Seek the provision of well located car parking spaces, multi storey car parking being the preferred option and to ensure that adequate and convenient car parking spaces are provided;

IE4 To ensure, through price control measures, that the city centre car parking spaces are for short stay purposes

IE5 To provide and control the development of parking for both long and short term parking demand that optimises the use of all spaces.

 

Public parking within the boundary of the Local Area Plan will mainly be reserved for short-term parking, which will be subject to a tariff system.

 

8.2.5 Bus Services

Bus services in the City must be considered in the context of the various forms of services that operate in the City.   These are as follows:

• City and Environs services
• Hinterland services
• Inter city services
• Coach tours
• School bus services

POLICY

IE6 To investigate the establishment of a Transport Forum to oversee transport policy for the city and county, in conjunction with the County Development Board. 

IE7 To facilitate the provision of bus shelters as appropriate.

 

8.2.5.1 City and Environs Services

At present the City and Environs are served by a nominal service. Within the context of the potential growth in population there is potential for the urban area to be served by scheduled services. This potential is the subject of a detailed investigation, in order to ascertain the overall viability and scale of the service in accordance with the City Centre Local Area Plan.

 

8.2.5.2 Hinterland Services

The City is presently served by a number of services from various towns within the county. These services by and large set down and pick up passengers at The Parade. In addition these services use the bus bays at The Parade as a stop-over facility.  These services are an integral part of the transport system for the City and County. Proposals for the future provision for these services in the vicinity of The Parade are outlined in the Urban Design Framework for The Parade. This went through a Part VII planning procedure in 2006.

 

8.2.5.3 Inter City Services

The City is served by both private and state operated services. The state services operate from the McDonagh station site whilst private services generally operate from The Parade. Ideally these services should operate from a joint facility for a number of reasons including:

• The development of a transport hub for all intercity bus and rail services.
• The proximity of the rail station to the national road network
• The preclusion of the requirement for bus services to travel on the street network within the City Gateways.

 

8.2.5.4 Coach tours

Coach tour buses are generally facilitated at the larger hotels or in the vicinity of the main entrance to Kilkenny Castle. The vicinity of the Castle entrance should only be used for the purposes of set down and pick up whilst stop over facilities should be provided elsewhere.

 

8.2.5.5 School Services

School services are generally well served in the City, either adjacent individual schools or in bus bays such as the facility on Gaol Road. These services provide a vital social need and should be accommodated for the convenience and safety of students.

 

8.2.6 Taxi Services

Taxis serve as an integral part of the City's transport network and their role will grow as the City and Environs grow. It is critical that the City is facilitated with adequate taxi services that are readily available at peak demand periods. In this context the provision of taxi services is to be facilitated in terms of providing taxi ranks and 'pick up' and 'set down' facilities. Furthermore transport objectives must be tailored to accommodate taxi services.

 

Taxi ranks are designated at present on The Parade and in Johns Street between 8 p.m. & 8 a.m. Taxis are also available at Bateman Quay and Canal Square

 

8.2.7 Signage

The City Centre Local Area Plan looked in some detail at 'Directional and Explanatory Signage Strategy' for the City and gave a framework for the commissioning and implementation of a comprehensive Signage Scheme.

 

The overarching objective of any Signage Scheme is to provide clear, concise and consistent directional signage for vehicular traffic and clear, convenient and discrete signage for pedestrian traffic.

 

POLICY

IE8 To prepare a comprehensive Directional and Explanatory Signage Scheme for Kilkenny City & Environs during the lifetime of this Plan, in line with objectives in the Kilkenny City Local Area Plan.

 

The Signage Strategy for vehicular traffic can, by and large, be considered separately for   traffic entering and traffic leaving the City Centre. The overall aim of the Signage Strategy should be to direct traffic to the main public car parks and to direct exiting traffic to key routes and external destinations from the point of exit from these car parks.

The Pedestrian Signage Scheme should be based on directing pedestrians within the City Centre area to the main tourist attractions, amenity walking routes, public buildings, main retail areas and main public car parks.

 

A crucial element of the Signage Strategy is to strike a balance between the provision of an adequate but discrete amount of directional information, preferably based on a series of walking trails around the historic core and along the river corridor that will help visitors to discover the historic and amenity attractions in an informal manner.

 

8.2.8 Rail

Journey speed is a key factor in choosing rail travel over other modes of transport. In the past rail services in the South-East did not offer significant time savings compared to travel by bus or private car.

 

The Regional Planning Guidelines (2004) identified a need for the upgrading and redesigning of services between Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Dublin to include additional services throughout the day coupled with early morning and late evening trains so as to facilitate business users. 

 

Kilkenny City is connected to the Dublin/Waterford line by a spur from Lavistown to the Railway Station on the Dublin Road.

 

Major investment has taken place with the completion of network resignalling on the Dublin to Waterford intercity line. This improved journey times and safety across the network.  Further investment will come on stream with the provision of new rolling stock and this will allow improved service frequencies on a phased basis on all intercity routes.  Delivery of these units began in March 2007 and will continue until mid-2008.

 

Under this investment programme by Iarnród Éireann it is envisaged that there will be enhanced rail services on the Dublin to Waterford intercity route, with two hourly services during the day.  This will allow for improved passenger facilities, in particular commuter and tourist services, which will help to facilitate economic growth and assist in the sustainable development strategy for the City and its Environs and the county as a whole.

 

POLICY

IE9 Seek the improvement of services to and from Kilkenny City in particular the provision of commuter services between major urban centres and towns within the county, the region and to and from Dublin City for the benefit of the commercial and tourism sectors.

IE10 Seek to implement the South-East Regional Passenger Transport Strategy 2002-2012. 

 

8.2.9 Airports

The Council recognises the importance of air travel in improving the attractiveness of the city and county for industrial, commercial and tourism development.  The South-East Regional Airport is located close to Tramore Bay, about six miles by road from Waterford City centre.  Aer Arann operates commercial service to the UK and France.    The Irish Coast Guard operates an air/sea rescue service from the airport.  The Councils recognise that Waterford Airport is a valuable asset to the South East region and must be developed to ensure that the South East Region has a viable regional airport. This is important if enhanced regional accessibility to air services is to be provided.   To develop the Regional Airport into a strategic asset, the following key components are required:

• The extension of the existing runway to accommodate larger aircraft,
• Improved transport linkages and services between the airport, and the entire South-East Region, i.e. roads and public transport,
• Additional operators offering services from this location.

There is an aerodrome located three miles to the west of Kilkenny City. It is a privately owned public use airfield.  Principally it has a leisure use but it does have potential for expansion.

 

POLICY

IE11 Support the continued development of airport facilities and services at the South East Regional Airport and Kilkenny Aerodrome to the benefit of industrial commercial and tourism development.

IE12 Support the improvement of transport linkages and services between the airport, and the entire South-East Region, i.e. roads and public transport.

IE13 Facilitate the future development of Kilkenny aerodrome by reserving air corridors as necessary.