Kilkenny city traffic is to be turned around next month as the local authority implements a much-talked about trial one-way traffic system.
The idea has been mooted for months now by some members of the council and council officials along with others who believe that the business and residential community of the city will benefit from a one-way traffic system.
However, not everyone is convinced of its success, therefore the trial run of the system has been agreed on by the members of the council.
Kilkenny’s narrow streets and footpaths are the main cause of concern and it is widely believed that the implementation of a one-way system will create a safer city environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
County manager Joe Crockett detailed his concerns for the city’s footpaths this week claiming that they were some of the worst in the country.
He expressed his desire to bring Kilkenny forward along with other European cities, and he said that he believes that the Five Year Mobility Management Plan for the city which includes a one-way system for the city provides the blueprint for a safer and more appealing city for everyone.
The Kilkenny County Council intends to implement the system on several streets from Tuesday April 6.
Streets that will be affected include John St from its junction with Maudlin St in a westerly direction.
Rose Inn St from Johns Bridge in a westerly direction and High St from its junction with the Parade in a northerly direction.
The scheme will be reviewed on an ongoing basis over the summer period for its affects on vehicular traffic flow, pedestrian and cycle movements, and traffic safety.
Meanwhile city residents are to be affected on a more permanent basis when a permanent one-way system is implemented on certain streets from the same date April 6.
Streets to become permanently one-way include Michael St from its junction with Wolfe Tone St in a southeasterly direction, Back Lane from the Library car park to Michael St in a northeasterly direction, New St and Jacob St from the entrance to McDonalds car park in a clockwise direction to Patrick St, and Fr Hayden Rd from Patrick St to Castle Road in an easterly direction.
