Sir, – I am writing in response to the article by Frank McDonald (March 24th) concerning the proposed Central Access Scheme for Kilkenny City. At a time when virtually every city in Europe is devising schemes to remove traffic from city centres through enhanced public transport, Kilkenny is proposing to bring more traffic through its medieval centre. Cities in France and Germany have implemented imaginative, sustainable city centre road schemes which satisfied pedestrians, motorists and traders in an environmentally friendly way. In contrast Kilkenny is proposing to follow the destructive approach of the Celtic Tiger era when development proceeded without consideration for people or the environment.
The construction of a grotesquely ugly bridge to facilitate the Central Access Scheme will create an appalling vista which will alter the essential character of Kilkenny forever and split its medieval core in two. The additional traffic flow will make the city unattractive for living or leisure.
The protest in the city last Saturday demonstrated the high level of opposition to the scheme and how out of touch the local councillors are with the people they claim to represent.
Yours, etc.
MARY RICE,
Michael Street,
Kilkenny