Urgent: Kilkenny Faces Traffic Chaos as New School Opens Soon

UPDATE: As the countdown to the new school term begins in Kilkenny, parents and residents are bracing for what they fear will be severe traffic congestion. With just weeks to go until the opening of the new CBS Secondary School this September, concerns are mounting over potential “traffic carnage” in the area.

The excitement surrounding the new school quickly turns to alarm as locals report that narrow roads are already heavily congested. Reports indicate that an additional 800 cars could flood the vicinity each morning, raising urgent safety concerns for students and residents alike.

Local residents are sounding the alarm about the inadequacy of the current road infrastructure to handle the influx of traffic. Despite previous assurances from local authorities regarding traffic management, many feel that their concerns have fallen on deaf ears, emphasizing the need for greater accountability in local governance.

The area surrounding the new school is part of the controversial Kilkenny Central Access Scheme (KCAS). While Phase 1, which included the Central Access Bridge completed in 2017, was touted as a solution to congestion in the city center, evidence suggests it has exacerbated traffic issues by redirecting flows into already-burdened neighborhoods.

Authorities had previously stipulated that Phase 2 of the KCAS would not commence until the Northern Extension of the Ring Road was completed. Unfortunately, this critical road extension appears to be years away from realization, with estimates suggesting it may not be operational until the 2030s. In the meantime, the construction of the new school and nearby housing developments continues, further straining the existing road network.

In light of the impending school opening, questions arise regarding what emergency measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of students and commuters. Local officials confirm that they are actively engaging with stakeholders and have secured additional bus services to alleviate some of the traffic. However, the concern remains: will these additional services truly mitigate congestion, or will they simply become trapped in the anticipated gridlock?

The rural catchment area for the school complicates matters further. While walking and cycling infrastructures are being developed, many families rely on car travel, making alternative transport options less viable.

READ NEXT: The community is calling for transparency from local authorities as the new school year approaches. With initial weeks of school being crucial for safety, residents demand clear communication regarding traffic management strategies and emergency access routes—especially for emergency vehicles needing unimpeded access to local hospitals.

As the first day of school approaches, the urgency for effective planning and immediate action is paramount. The Kilkenny community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the traffic turmoil that looms on the horizon.