Kilkenny Central Access Scheme

Kilkenny Central Access Scheme (CAS), previously Kilkenny Inner Relief Road Scheme, is sections of new road, improvement of existing roads and junctions, and a new River Nore bridge crossing, with provisions for footpaths and cycle lanes throughout. CAS comprises 4.5 kilometers of single carriageway road that is 7.3 metres wide.

History

The Inner Relief Road was first proposed in 1978 as a means of dealing with traffic problems in Kilkenny City. Kilkenny County and Borough Council's approved submission of Environmental Impact Statement to an Bord Pleanala

Strategic and Operational Objectives

The Council’s objectives in providing the proposed scheme are as follows:cite web
url= http://kilkennycoco.kilkenny.ie/eng/Publications/Council_News/Kilkenny_Inner_Relief_Road_Press_Release_-_Tuesday_March_4th_2008.html?printer=1
title= Kilkenny Inner Relief Road Press Release - Tuesday March 4th 2008
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* To build a unified city centre with the River Nore at its heart, with strong connectivity between High Street, The Mart and McDonagh Junction
* Improve access to the city centre and provide for economic and cultural development;
* Reduce the impact of road traffic and private car domination on the city centre; and enable partial pedestrianization of John’s Street and High Street.
* Improved accessibility for emergency services and access to health facilities and hospitals;
* Make provision for planned residential development on the west side of the city without creating traffic problems in existing residential areas.

Route

The proposed road commences within the Kilkenny Western Environs at the Kilmanagh Road and will pass northwards through a roundabout in the townsland of Kilcreene. From Kilcreene, the proposed KIRR will extend north eastwards to the Waterbarrack roundabout and along the existing Dean Street to St Canice’s Place. A new road will then be built from the Kilmanagh road to the Waterbarrack, with another stem going from the Kennyswell roundabout to the Freshford Road and another going from Dean Street over the River Nore to the Castlecomer road.

Design

The design of the Inner Relief is by RoadMalone O’Regan/Scott Wilson, Consulting Engineers who were engaged by Kilkenny Council.

Funding

Over €11.6 million was allocated to non-national roads in Kilkenny in 2005 under the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP is funded primarily by the Exchequer with support from the EU Structural Funds. The funding was designated for work on projects such as the R695/R887 Kilkenny Inner Relief Road and the River Nore Crossing. [cite web
url= http://www.ndp.ie/viewdoc.asp?Docid=1020&mn=&nID=&UserLang=EN&CountyID=15&StartDate=1+January+2008
title= NDP DELIVERING IN KILKENNY
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Concerns Raised

* The proposed route dissects the medieval core of the old Irishtown of Kilkenny, one of the most historic quarters of the city.

After concerns of stakeholders and members of the public, changes that have have taken place in the design include;Kilkenny Inner Relief Road Press Release]
* To build a unified city centre with the River Nore at its heart, with strong connectivity between High Street, The Mart and McDonagh Junction
* Improve access to the city centre and provide for economic and cultural development;
* Reduce the impact of road traffic and private car domination on the city centre; and enable partial pedestrianization of John’s Street and High Street.
* Improved accessibility for emergency services and access to health facilities and hospitals;
* Make provision for planned residential development on the west side of the city without creating traffic problems in existing residential areas.

Activitys involved

Publications and Environmental Impact Report

Formal publication of the Inner Relief Road Scheme and Environmental Impact Report

Approval of scheme and Environmental Inpact Study

Between June 2008 and December 2008 the scheme approval will be subject to An Bord Pleanala.

Ground Investigations

Land Acquisition and CPO

Phase 1

Phase 1 will start in November 2008 and end in August 2011 . This will involve a detailed design, tender, awarding and construction.

Detail Design

Nov 2008 Jul 2009

Tender and Award

Aug 2009 Dec 2009

Construction

Mar 2010 - Aug 2011

See also

*Roads in Ireland- (National Primary Roads)
* Secondary Roads
*Regional Roads

References

External links

* [http://www.kilkennycoco.ie Kilkenny County Council Offical Website]
* [http://www.transport.ie/upload/general/7616-0.pdf Roads Act 1993 (Classification of National Roads) Order 2006] (PDF)- [http://www.transport.ie/ Department of Transport]