Kilkenny’s Lacken Walk is set for a much-needed overhaul according to Councillor Andrew McGuinness.
The works are to be included in the next phase of the River Nore Linear Park extending from Maudlin Street along Lacken Walk and onwards to Ossory Bridge. The works will include a direct pedestrian link from the Linear Walk to the Ring Road where it will coincide with a newly constructed footpath.
This phase of the Linear Park development will provide approximately 1.5km of riverside amenity, complementing and enhancing previous works.
Speaking to the Kilkenny Advertiser Cllr Andrew McGuinness said, “I’m delighted with this proposal as it is something I have been working towards for some time. The Lacken Walk is an area that has been enjoyed by generations of people from all over Kilkenny and in particular the St John’s Parish.”
"Unfortunately it became overgrown, dirty and an attraction for anti-social behaviour in recent years and this has deterred people from using it for better purposes like walking, fishing and enjoying its natural attractiveness,” he said.
After raising the issue on numerous occasions over the last number of years, Cllr McGuinness expressed frustration with the lack of response from Borough Council officials and he believes that it should never have been allowed to deteriorate so quickly.
“This is an area that was once cherished by people in the St John’s Parish. We owe it to them to bring the Lacken Walk back to its former glory and so I’m delighted that this progress has been made,” he said.
“The refurbishment works will include the upgrading of the existing footpath, the reinstatement of unstable sections of the existing stone wall, the refurbishment of seating areas, a new cycle track, a pedestrian/cycle link to the Ring Road, landscaping, public lighting and the development of a wildlife area,” concluded Cllr McGuinness.
The proposal is on public display until March 18.
