A new EU Partnership Project will have huge benefits for Kilkenny over the next decade and could also mean the introduction of further pedestrian zones for the Marble City.
That is according to Green Party Councillor Malcolm Noonan who recently spent time in Freiburg, Germany analysing the pedestrianisation of historical cities with a view to addressing Kilkenny’s traffic management problems in the future.
The Urbact ‘LINKS’ Programme ‘Future-Proofing Historic City Centres’ brings together nine historic cities of the EU to discuss urban development, restoration of important buildings, and a programme to engage citizens in the city’s future development.
The LINKS Partners met for the third time in Freiberg.
Kilkenny’s work to date and future plans were presented at the three-day gathering by members of Kilkenny’s LINKS steering group which included Cllr Noonan; Denis Malone, senior planner with Kilkenny County Council; and Anita Morrissey, an architecture graduate working on St Mary’s Church.
Denis Malone outlined the measures in the plans, restoration examples, and legislation governing the protection of heritage buildings.
Cllr Malcolm Noonan, who wrote Kilkenny’s application for LINKS while mayor, told the Kilkenny Advertiser that this is a very prestigious project for Kilkenny.
“It is timely that as we debate traffic management and mobility within the city, that this project is dealing with such issues. All of the partner cities have had similar experiences to Kilkenny with either one way systems or complete pedestrianisation of the historic core. Cities that have introduced pedestrian zones have seen a marked improvement in footfall and in the quality of life of the city centre,” said Cllr Noonan.
“It was encouraging to hear the views of our partners on this and other issues. I am convinced now more than ever that the urban mobility measures that we hope to introduce over the next few years can only be good for city trade and all users of the city.
“The scrapping of the Central Access Scheme would free resources and energies to adapt the city to future needs in a sustainable way. Kilkenny could be a leader among regional towns in urban development and mobility,” he added.
Involvement in the project may also help access EU Operational Programme funding to aid the eco restoration of St Mary’s Church.
For further information see www.urbact.eu/links
