2.3 Transport
2.3.1 Roads
The N24 national route from Waterford to Limerick by-passes Piltown to the south-west of the town. The regional route the R698, linking Piltown to Owing and Callan runs through the east of the town on a north-south axis. The section of the R698 through Piltown is known as Banagher Road. There is a network of local roads, along which most of the residential development has taken place – Main Street, Tower Road, the Tybroughney road, Creamery Road, and the Ardclone Road.
Residents remain concerned regarding traffic safety on the by-pass, particularly at the junctions at the Tower and the Ink-Bottle, due to the number of incidents occurring – some particular issues related to inadequate lighting, and the need for a slip road when turning left coming off the by-pass from Carrick-On-Suir.
The Final Stage 3 Audit was undertaken by TMS Consultants in relation to the by-pass and the recommendations of this audit were implemented. A Road Safety Audit involves the evaluation of road schemes during design and construction to identify potential hazards that may affect any type of road user, and the appropriate measures to eliminate or mitigate any such hazards.
The ‘2+1 System’ was introduced in 2006 and a Stage 3 Road Safety Audit was undertaken following the completion of the scheme, the recommendations of the audit were implemented.
Since the introduction of the 2+1 System the feedback from An Garda Siochana has been extremely positive. A proposal has been approved by the NRA for works to be carried out, on a trial basis over a number of weeks, at the Piltown Tower Road exit to gradually reduce the width of the hard shoulder on approach from Carrick-on-Suir, having regard to the number of incidents occurring, and to improve traffic safety at this location.
Policy:
T1 – To work with the NRA in the provision of a safe transport route along the N24 national route, particularly at the Tower Road junction and the Ink Bottle Junction.
2.3.2 Traffic Management & Calming
Traffic volumes through Piltown have reduced with the completion of the by-pass since the opening of the N24. Traffic figures nationally have also reduced due to the economic down-turn and this is particularly the case of construction related bulk cargo vehicles.
School
Traffic safety, however, remains an area of concern for residents, with particular regard to traffic safety at the national school, which combines in the morning with the traffic entering Kildalton College.
Since the Piltown Local Area Plan 2003, on-site parking has been extended and improved at the school, a pedestrian crossing has been installed, together with flashing lights at the crossing and flashing warning signage, reduced speed limit of 30km/h and rumble strips on approach to the school.
The school implements a traffic management system with a general agreement locally for a one-way system to operate at collection time for traffic to move from north to south towards the village. Further measures at the school would come as part of an overall schools review programme for the county. It can be investigated if the flashing lights can be set on a timer at the school.
Policy:
T2 – To facilitate measures to provide a safe traffic system at Piltown National School that will prioritise and secure the safe movement of children.
A number of issues were raised during the public consultation in relation to traffic including the condition of the access road to the soccer club, safety on the Tybroughney and Ardclone roads and maintenance concerns.
The road leading to the soccer club is in private ownership; in order for the Council to take control of the road, a formal taking in charge application is required, with the consent of the landowner and a requirement for the road to be brought up to an acceptable roads standard before it would be considered to be taken in charge.
Maintenance of hedges are the responsibility of the landowners, and where relevant letters will issue to the relevant landowner in relation to responsibility for hedge-cutting and maintenance. Roads maintenance works are carried out on an ongoing basis in the area on the basis of priority.
Speeding through the built up area remains a concern. Ramps have been installed on the Tower Road and Hillcrest Avenue. Review of speed limits is carried out every 2-3 years, and the Council request formal submissions during this time, which are considered as part of the review.
2.3.3 Footpaths
Footpath provision is generally good along the Main Street and the western sides of Hillcrest Avenue and the Banagher Road extending to the Iverk Show grounds.
However there are several areas in which footpath provision remains deficient, including on Tower Road, at the bridge north of the Church of Ireland church and on the road from Tenneysons leading to the soccer pitch.
Road and footpath maintenance are undertaken on an ongoing basis in the area. Construction of new footpaths is heavily dependent on the availability of finance and the inclusion of the objectives in the Council’s work programme for the area.
The feasibility of a pedestrian link from the community centre to the soccer club could be considered in consultation with the relevant land owner as an alternative pedestrian route.
Policy:
T3 – To provide and improve footpath connections in Piltown.
Considering the inter-dependency between Fiddown and Piltown, it is appropriate that a pedestrian and cycle linkage should be provided to link the two settlements; although this may not be realised in the short term, this remains an objective for the area. This link would be very beneficial to the residents of both settlements from an amenity and health perspective, In addition it could reduce the number of car journeys between the settlements, particularly in relation to activities for younger members of the community. In addition, better pedestrian and cycle access to Fiddown, could increase accessibility to the River Suir and may in turn encourage the secondary benefits and improvement of the site of the Fiddown Castle.
Objective – T4:
To investigate the feasibility of providing a safe pedestrian and cycleway linkage between Piltown and Piltown, subject to financial and human resources.
2.3.4 Lighting
Most of Piltown is well served by public lighting, including along the main street and Tower road; and public lighting was required as part of any new residential development.
A lack of public lighting still remains in several areas, including at the school and extending towards Kildalton College, from Anthony’s Inn to the Parish Community Centre and at the Tower.
In some areas the infrastructure exists to facilitate new lighting, but funding is required to erect the lampposts. In the area of the school maintenance of trees and foliage may assist in prevent the lighting being obscured.
Objective – T5
To carry out a review of public lighting needs in Piltown with a view of identifying priority areas in need of improvement and to seek to install new lighting subject to the availability of financial and human resources.
2.3.5 Parking
Parking in Piltown is mainly provided on street; off-street parking is provided at several locations in the town – at the Parish Community Centre, the national school, Anthony’s Inn, and at Centra. There are no double yellow lines in the town at present, and parking usually takes place on street.
Whilst parking at the take-away and the pharmacy has been identified as very busy at particular times of the day; there is on-street parking available along both sides of the main street and off-street parking on Hillcrest Avenue at Centra. The parking bollards on Main Street were erected due to concerns regarding pedestrian safety which is considered a priority and are considered effective in this regard; in addition this ensures accessibility is not restricted for persons with mobility impairments on the foothpath.
The car-parking standards as set out in the Kilkenny County Development Plan shall apply to new development in Piltown.
2.3.6 Public Transport
Piltown is well served by bus services linking the town with Waterford, Limerick, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. The Ring-a-link service is active in the area provides a service in the south-west of Kilkenny.
There are no bus shelters within the town at present, and an objective of the plan will be to investigate the possibility of a bus shelter being erected in the village.
In addition it will be investigated if a second bus stop can be provided at the Fiddown end of the town, to facilitate residents living in this area.
Objective – T6:
To investigate the possibility of bus shelters being erected in the village and a bus stop being provided at the Fiddown end of town.
2.3.7 Linkages within the Town
In assessing any new development in Piltown, the Council may have regard to the development potential of adjoining land. One of the elements of this integration will be the provision of pedestrian and cycle linkages between all new developments, to provide for a pleasant network of routes and walkways interlinking the town. In particular, should lands to the south of Main street be developed, access points should be reserved free from development to allow for the creation of pedestrian and cycleway linkages to the Tybroughney road in the future.
Questions to consider for Transport
Do you agree with this approach, if so, why?
Do you disagree with this approach, if so, why?
What would you like to change?
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