Amended Kilkenny SUMP unanimously passed by County Council

After weeks of intense debate an amended version of the infrastructure plan was quickly passed by councillors

Published 30th Jul 2026, 18:30 BST Rendering of High Street under a possible pedestrian system. Image: Kilkenny County Council After weeks of intense debate an amended version of the infrastructure plan was quickly passed by councillors Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.

The much discussed Kilkenny Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) was roundly approved at a special meeting of Kilkenny County Council at County Hall on Wednesday evening.

The ambitious and wide-ranging infrastructure project was given the green light with certain amendments to the original version in a Council session which lasted barely 15 minutes.

Councillors had been briefed on amendments in behind closed doors workshops and the passing of the SUMP had seemingly been agreed well in advance of the vote itself.

Kilkenny Chamber had previously held two town hall meetings to voice some concerns on the plan, especially the potential pedestrianisation of High Street and introduction of one-way systems in other areas.

The Council took these sentiments on board with the adopted amendment ensuring that any permanent changes in traffic restrictions would have to be approved by the City Municipal District, full Plenary Council and undergo a Part 8 public consultation before being introduced, a provision not originally included.

Read More CK United fixtures announced but return to Buckley Park delayed Medieval festival and witchcraft festival among ideas for Kilkenny Modern Kilkenny property for sale is finished to 'show house standards' The SUMP aims to improve accessibility and sustainable transport options over the next 20 years by developing bus, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure and reduce car dependency and congestion in the city centre.

Part of the wider County Development Plan, certain aspects of the SUMP have already been completed including new cycle paths on the Waterford Road while new bus routes and improved park and ride, and park and stride facilities are other short-term priorities.

After the plan was quickly passed without any no votes, Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Malone thanked the elected members and Council executives for their role in getting it over line after several years of work.

He also stressed the need for continued consultation with local businesspeople and that “Kilkenny was open” for all visitors throughout the process.

Speaking to The Kilkenny People, the Cathaoirleach added that any changes would be rigorously looked at before being implemented.

“Now it’s going to be sequenced and we have to see what happens,” he outlined. “Nothing’s going to be done without public consultation with stakeholders, i.e. business people, the Gardaí and the general public as well.”

“People think that High Street is going to pedestrianised next week; that’s not going to happen.”

After the meeting, Chamber President Claire McInerney Brown expressed her support for the amended plan and the potential it has for the city.

“I’m delighted with it because I think it’s fantastic for Kilkenny,” she said. “The amendment is clear, it’s well written and it was unanimously passed by all councillors which is a feat in itself.”

“I really want to thank all of the councillors for listening to the Chamber and it’s really now about moving forward because it is certainly a big achievement for Kilkenny and that’s what’s most important here.”

“We’re absolutely heading in the right direction and yesterday was an important day for all stakeholders involved,” she concluded.

After some consternation it now appears that the plan has broad support from local politicians and businesses, however, a disturbance at the end of the meeting from the public gallery showed that there may still be some discontent around the SUMP.

An onlooker took issue with the fact that business owners in the public gallery were not allowed to contribute to the meeting and said angrily as councillors were filing out: “How could you not let business owners speak? I’ve invested €4m in this city.”

The man continued to question the elected members’ acumen claiming that “only one councillor has a business, how could they know about business” and “so it’s war on business.”