Independent consultants are to have a fresh look at the proposed route of the Inner Relief Road (IRR) for Kilkenny city.
They will consider the objections lodged by residents in various parts of the city to the controversial plan.
In a strategy which was worked out before Monday night's corporation meeting, it was agreed to carry out an assessment of the recreational needs of the communities which will be affected by the new road.
The third piece of the new strategy put forward by the Fine Gael mayor, Cllr Paul Cuddihy, deals with the growing traffic demands of the city.
It was agreed to start the planning for the completion of the road and to set up a traffic management committee.
During two hours of debate, ail were taking the high moral ground. There were several bitter exchanges, many involving Cllr Pat Crotty (FG), who accused Fianna Fail members of having no alternative to the IRR.
He said they had a well-rehearsed and negative stance towards the IRR which has come under criticism from people living in two different areas of the city.
Cllr Paul Cuddihy told a clearly distressed elderly resident of the Butts area of the city that two pedestrian crossings would be in place there by Christmas.
Fianna Fail members were united in their opposition to the road. They proposed an amendment to the three-pronged approach put forward by Cllr Cuddihy.
Mr John McGuinness TD ail) (FF) asked that the plan be abandoned. He was supported by the other four party members on the corporation.
All six Fine Gael and Labour members voted to allow the consultants to carry out an investigation into the current design. The vote was carried by six to five.