Green Party TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Mary White, has said that modifications to the central access scheme proposal will have to be sustainable from an environmental and heritage perspective if they are to be acceptable.
Commenting on the decision by An Bord Pleanála last week regarding the council’s central access scheme proposal, the Green Party Deputy Leader said: “After a considerable length of time examining the council’s proposal, An Bord Pleanála has indicated it will accept phase 1 of the scheme subject to a modified design, while stating that phases 2 and 3 are not necessary because of the construction of the ring road between the Castlecomer and Freshford roads.
“I am pleased that the Bord has agreed with the view of the Green Party, myself, and others that the latter phases would have been ineffective in alleviating traffic problems in the city. While I welcome An Bord Pleanála’s stipulation that the proposed road between St Canice’s Place and the Castlecomer Road will have to be an urban street which provides for future public transport and non-motorists, its statement that this development will have to take into account the riverside context, sensitive location, and the need for the old and newer parts of the city to be integrated must be taken very seriously by the council.
“The council’s revised designs will have to reflect the very real concerns expressed by An Bord Pleanála and many local groups and residents that this project could have a segregating and historically insensitive impact on the city.”
Deputy White added: “It is worth noting that An Bord Pleanála made reference several times to the promotion of cycling and future provision of public transport. Emphasis on providing public transport, encouraging cycling, and facilitating pedestrians must be given more priority by the council. Providing new roads and bridges to deal with gridlock will not solve traffic problems on its own,” she concluded.
