Plan to make Inistioge village more pedestrian and traffic friendly
A plan to develop Inistioge village centre into a more traffic and pedestrian friendly zone has been put to public consultation.
The Inistioge Local Area Plan 2004 stated that the full potential of the area around The Square was not realised as there is a lack of directional stability and insecurity due to the expanse of tarmacadam and the existing road pattern.
It was also noted by planners there was a lack of definition for the movement of vehicular traffic and for pedestrian movement.
To address the above shortcomings, Kilkenny County Council, as the project promoter, has proposed to undertake a public realm enhancement and traffic management scheme within the core of the village. These works will complement the refurbishment of the monuments and metal work within the village green and the enhancement works in the green area along the River Nore, both of which will be completed over the summer. A council spokesperson said: ‘ The realisation of these projects will further enhance the reputation of Inistioge as one of the finest villages in the south east – which in turn will make for a better living environment for the residents and help promote business and tourism in the area.’
Among the changes being implemented are: the introduction of additional traffic management measures which will remove the current uncertainty concerning the layout of the High Street junction with the R700 and remove the current haphazard parking which, the council says, fails to utilise the maximum benefit from the space available. ‘ The village improvements will promote a sense of place, a new pride within the local rural community, encourage tourism in the area and support local commercial enterprises by making the village a safer, nicer place to visit and live.’
Proposed modifications to the existing kerb-lines will provide defined junctions, footpaths and designated parking along with the introduction of at-grade crossings will reduce traffic speeds through the village. ‘ This will ensure safer pedestrian movement within the village and reduce the dominance of motor vehicles over pedestrians.’
The proposed layout will maximise the road space available to meet parking and pedestrian requirements, thereby making the area more accessible and convenient for all road users.
‘ The enhanced delineation of the streetscape using materials sensitive to the historical built heritage of village will showcase the buildings and the green area.’
The council is optimistic the works will inculcate an improved commercial environment within the village arising from increased foot traffic to local shops and businesses as a result of the new safer pedestrian orientated facilities providing enhanced connectivity along pedestrian ‘desire lines’.
Additional landscaping and planting will improve the visual appearance of the area and compliment the planting in the Square. The scheme will be designed in accordance with the NRA Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and the DTTAS Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.
Part funding for the project was secured via the Town and Village Renewal Scheme under the Department of Rural & Community Development’s “Rural Development Investment Programme, Project Ireland 2040.”
‘Unfortunately, the available remaining grant funding is insufficient to cover the full scope of the works prescribed in this document. Thus, it is proposed that elements of the proposal will be completed in a phased basis as funding becomes available. It is intended that priority will be given to the delineation of the R700 / High Street (L4216) junction in this regard.’
Submissions or observations concerning the proposed development may be
made online at https://consult.kilkenny.ie;, in writing to Tim Butler, Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny or sent to Inistiogevillage@kilkennycoco.ie.by 4 p.m. Friday, July 10.