One-way traffic system plan for Kells

A one-way traffic system could be on the cards for Kells, a decade after a previous one-way system proved highly controversial.

The draft Public Realm Plan for Kells which is expected to go on public display in September includes a much reduced one way system in comparison to that planned ten years ago.

The current proposals would see two-way traffic in John Street and Cross Street with Kenlis Place, Market Street, New Market Street and Church Street one-way in a clockwise direction.

The trial in August 2016, which proposed a more extensive one way system and the possible pedestrianisation of Cross Street, proved highly contentious and had to be cut short.

At last week's meeting of Kells Municipal Council, Senior Executive Engineer Alan Crawford said the Public Realm Plan was aimed at rejuvenating Kells town centre and alleviating some of the blockages to development that present themselves at the moment and a balance needed to be struck between the needs of the car, the pedestrian and the cyclist.

"The aim is to increase the footfall throughout the town and improve the viability of the urban core. There has been serious interaction between the council, consultants and stakeholders which had informed the plan."

Mr Crawford said the introducing a one-way system within the core streets of the town centre would improve movement through the town and allow for a more pedestrian friendly and inclusive urban core.

He said the introduction of additional regular pedestrian crossings at appropriate locations would enhance pedestrian movement throughout the town and create a safer environment.

"A balance would also have to be found between on-street and off-street parking.

"Creating wider footpaths and narrower carriageways where feasible will prioritise pedestrian and cyclist mobility and create a more vibrant urban core through public realm with planting, street furniture and improved street lighting."

He said there were plans to "transform and repurpose vacant properties and revitalise building facades through appropriate funding streams and grants."

Cathaoirleach, Cllr Eugene Cassidy, said the plan had been lying dormant for a while and they needed to push it on. "Off-street parking is the key to bringing people with you, as well as on-street parking. It is not all about aesthetics, if people cannot get into the town and park then they won't come into the town.

"I believe that a one-way traffic system would work. We learned a lot from the trial period. We need to bing everyone with us", he said.

Cllr Sean Drew said he would like to know what consultation had taken place about off-street parking. "To bring the ratepayers with us, we need to be very careful that we are not putting the cart before the horse, so we need to be identifying where the off-street parking will be."

Cllr Sarah Reilly agreed. "If we look at a detailed design without having the answers to where the off-street parking will be, it would be very hard to get support from the ratepayers. The real issue is in relation to parking."

Cllr Michael Gallagher said there was need to get people on board. "We have to have car parking close to the centre of the town, otherwise the town will fall apart".

Cllr David Gilroy said it was good to see that funding would be available and that the plan could be moved forward.

Councillors agreed to a further public consultation process in September.