Kilkenny City and Environs Draft Mobility Management Plan

1. Kilkenny City and EnvironsDraft Mobility Management Plan 2009-2014

2. Draft Mobility Management Plan Background and Introduction . In March 2009 Kilkenny Local Authorities published their Draft Mobility Management Plan . The public inspection period expired on April 28th and the last date for receipt of observations and submissions was Tuesday May 12th .

3. Draft Mobility Management Plan The document sets out • The purpose , objectives and benefits of the Plan • Outlines the Planning and Legislative requirements • Examines traffic growth , current traffic conditions and the existing road network • Reviews previous traffic studies up to present day • Outlines the proposed new traffic management measures • Summarises the implementation aspects

4. Draft Mobility Management Plan Main Objectives • to reduce demand for and use of cars by increasing the attractiveness and practicality of other modes of transport • to improve facilities for pedestrians and access for people with special mobility needs in line with aims of the European Charter of Pedestrian Rights • to promote and improve sustainable active travel modes such as walking cycling and public transport • to effectively manage the movement of people and goods within the City Environs

5. Draft Mobility Management Plan Main Objectives • to provide and control the development of parking for both long and short term parking demands to optimise the use of all spaces • to investigate the provision of improved bus services within the city • to investigate the establishment of a Transport Forum to oversee transport policy for the City and County, in conjunction with the County Development Board • to establish guidelines for the preparation of mobility plans for private development where appropriate

6. Draft Mobility Management Plan JOHN STREET PINCH POINT

7. HIGH STREET PINCH POINT

8. Draft Mobility Management Plan The Proposals • Widening of footpaths on John Street, Rose Inn Street , High Street and the completion of Kieran Street 2. An option for full pedestrianization of High St from its junction with Friary Street to its junction with James Street. 3. The introduction of a one-way street system encompassing John St, Rose Inn St, High St and Michael Street. A smaller one-way system is also proposed for Upper Patrick St / Jacob Street for implementation in late 2009. 4. The introduction of special speed limits of 30kph on John St, High Street, The Parade, Patrick St ( part of), Friary St and James St.

9. Draft Mobility Management Plan The Proposals • The introduction of more than 50km of cycleway lanes through out the city environs street network and on proposed new road developments. This scheme is currently in delivery, with the first phase due for completion by the end of 2009. 6. The consideration of a bus shuttle service for the inner city and two bus routes servicing the city environs on an east-west and north-south alignment. These services would be subject to considerable financial subvention and it is considered that the services could be introduced within the lifetime of the Mobility Management Plan with support from central government. 7 . Initial findings in relation to the provision of park and ride facilities suggest that the proposal would not be currently viable on financial or practical grounds at the moment.

10. Draft Mobility Management Plan The Proposals • The rollout of parking charges proposals with the provision of the necessary equipment and resources to implement the introduction of these charges in 2009. • The introduction of intelligent signage to provide motorists with real time information on the availability of city car parking spaces. • School safety programme, personal travel plans, education and awareness.

11. Draft Mobility Management Plan Some Observations • All the proposals accord with the provisions of the Kilkenny City and Environs Development Plan 2008 to 2014. • Accords with latest national policy “Smarter travel-A Sustainable Transport Future” • Full cognizance of Accessibility (Disability Act 2005). • Use of UK Manual for Streets in design approach. (Irish manual due shortly)

12. Existing Section

13. General Section

14. Pinch Point Section

16. THE PARADE

17. THE PARADE

18. THE LIBRARY

19. THE TOWN HALL (BEFORE)

20. THE TOWN HALL (AFTER)

21. Draft Mobility Management Plan The Benefits • Prioritization of pedestrians over motor cars in core city centre. • Improvements to the quality of the urban realm. • Meeting environmental targets by reducing air pollution, CO2 emissions, greenhouse gasses and noise emissions • Resolution of transport and access problems such as travel delay, access and parking. • Encouragement of better health through walking and cycling.

22. Draft Mobility Management Plan Implementation and Phasing • One way systems and alterations to traffic flows to commence in Sept 09 following completion of The Parade Project . This includes works in the Jacob Street/Upper New Sreet and Michael Street areas. • Footpath improvement works and undergrounding of overhead cables on John St and other Conservation areas to commence in Oct 09 and continue in 2010. • New speed limit signage and City Signage Scheme to commence in Q4 2009. • Cycle ways to continue to be implemented in 2009. Application to be made to Dept. of Transport to seek support for Kilkenny city as pilot for green public transport scheme.

23. Draft Mobility Management Plan Estimate of Cost • Pedestrian improvements on John Street, Rose Inn St, High Street estimated at €2.0 million . • Patrick Street, Jacob St € 0.1m • Signage Scheme... € 0.35 m • City Centre Shuttle bus service..???

24. Draft Mobility Management Plan Summary • Major Investment in City Centre. • Kilkenny Goes Pedestrian. • A new identity for the Central Business District