User:Mrchris/Central Access Scheme for Kilkenny City (CAS)

The Central Access Scheme for Kilkenny City (KCAS/CAS), is a proposed 700 metres of single carriageway road including a bridge over the River Nore, in Kilkenny. The road is proposed to link the Castlecomer Road (N77) to Dean Street (map).

Kilkenny County Council 2013 submission to An Bord Pleanála was for the "construction of 700 metres approximately of single carriageway road in Kilkenny City which includes a bridge with isolated pier supports over the River Nore. [..] Four at-grade junctions are proposed [..]. The bridge is described [..] as a five-span structure with abutments at each end with the bridge supported on four pairs of concrete piers over a total length of 108 metres. The road is proposed to link the Castlecomer Road to Dean Street." (An Bord Pleanála Inspector’s Report on Proposed Development: The Central Access Scheme for Kilkenny City.)

The scheme will impact 7 sites of architectural heritage. The scheme will involve the demolition of a number of structures which are of local historical importance. There will be a "direct negative impact" on Numbers 20 to 22 Vicar Street. There will be a "direct negative impact" on two boundary walls on Wolfe Tone Street. Two sites of industrial archaeology will be affected, a smithy site which is "directly affected", and the ruins of a factory which is "indirectly affected". The scheme will have an "indirect impact" on site 12th century mill located at mill lane, a portion of Kilkenny City wall and Evans Turret, the remains of a 16th century Inn at St. Canice’s Place, and the site of St Maul’s Chapel at Greensbridge Street.

The River Barrow and River Nore are Special Areas of Conservation. So the Environmental Impact Study was selected for appropriate assessment "and all the potential impacts resulting from the proposed KCAS as identified in the screening process [..] discussed in relation to the conservation objectives of this site." CAS Volume 4 Appendices Inland Fisheries Ireland, Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and Marine Institute were invited to submit comments.

Kilkenny County Council say that the the scheme is aimed at.
 * Develop in a sustainable and cost effective manner over 20 acres of brownfield city centre sites.
 * Strong connectivity between High Street, The Mart, and McDonagh Junction.
 * Improved accessibility for emergency services
 * Improve access to the city centre

The proposed route dissects the medieval core of the old Irishtown of Kilkenny, one of the most historic quarters of the city. The campaign group called "Complete Kilkenny Ring Road as a priority over the CAS" or CKRR is holding demonstrations to gain further support for a call to rethink the CAS and demand to complete the outer ring road around Kilkenny. Several of Kilkenny’s leading figures in the areas of tourism, heritage and archaeology – as well as local residents – have come out against the scheme. Kilkenny city is currently surrounded by two thirds of a ring-road. Completion of this ring-road is seen by some as a greater priority for alleviating Kilkenny's traffic problems as they stand. Some campaigners believe the road will bring more traffic into the centre of the medieval city. Following years of objections to the scheme and new bridge, campaigners have been involved in a 24-hour a day protest at the site, which Kilkenny County Council says cost over €200,000.

History
The Kilkenny Inner Relief Road was first proposed in 1978. Kilkenny Borough Council study recommendation for ‘a new Bridge across the River Nore, so located as to provide a direct connection between Wolfe Tone Street and St. Canice’s Place, plus a new link road extending Dominic Street to Lord Edward Street/Granges Road.’ (1978 Kilkenny City Traffic and Land Use Review study). KCAS-Presentation-to-Council-July-2014

Following the failure of An Bord Pleanála to approve the proposed Kilkenny Inner Relief Road,, "approximately 3.5 kilometres of single carriageway road in Kilkenny City and including a cable–Stay Bridge over the river Nore", the Kilkenny County Council REVISED documents and resubmitted "The Central Access Scheme for Kilkenny City", "for the construction of 700 metres approximately of single carriageway road in Kilkenny City which includes a bridge with isolated pier supports over the River Nore."

Design
The design of the Inner Relief is by RoadMalone O’Regan/Scott Wilson, Consulting Engineers who were engaged by Kilkenny Council.

Kilkenny County Council revised the Environmental Impact Statement to the "construction of 700 metres approximately of single carriageway road in Kilkenny City which includes a bridge with isolated pier supports over the River Nore. [..] Four at-grade junctions are proposed [..]. The bridge is described [..] as a five-span structure with abutments at each end with the bridge supported on four pairs of concrete piers over a total length of 108 metres. The road is proposed to link the Castlecomer Road to Dean Street." (An Bord Pleanála Inspector’s Report on Proposed Development: The Central Access Scheme for Kilkenny City.)

The proposed road will comprise of a 3.5m wide single lane in each direction for vehicular traffic, and cycle lanes and footpaths of 1.5m and 3.1m in width respectively in each direction. The proposed River Nore Bridge crossing is a 3 span arch concrete structure, and will incorporate separate pedestrian and vehicular corridors. The bridge crossing will be supported on two sets of piers within the river and a further two sets of piers located away from the river together with abutments at each end of the crossing. Each pair of piers will be supported off a single base of approximate plan dimensions 12 m long and 3 m wide.

Original KCAS scheme
Conditions to development.
 * The River Nore Bridge shall not be opened to traffic, other than pedestrian, cyclist, bus or emergency vehicle traffic prior to the completion of the portion of the Kilkenny Ring Road joining the Castlecomer Road (N77) and the Freshford Road (R693) "to ensure traffic levels are controlled pending completion of other road development".
 * That archaeological monitoring be carried out in accordance with all licence and permit requirements of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government "to protect cultural heritage".
 * That the section of roadway from the junction of Vicar Street through Dean Street to the Waterbarrack Roundabout be designated as a roadway with a maximum speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour "in the interests of reducing traffic impacts"
 * proposed Road Development referred to as 'the Link to the Western Environs' and 'Loughmacask Road' shall not go ahead, because the 'two sections referred to would generate significant traffic and give rise to unacceptable traffic volumes on the Central Access Street and River Nore Crossing.'

The River Nore Bridge shall not be opened to traffic, other than pedestrian, cyclist, bus or emergency vehicle traffic prior to the completion of the portion of the Kilkenny Ring Road joining the Castlecomer Road (N77) and the Freshford Road (R693).

Revised KCAS scheme
An Bord Pleanála Inspector’s Report on revised CAS scheme.

Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)

 * Compulsory Purchase Order (No. 1) of 2011. (Public Notice 31 January 2011) "Compulsory Purchase Order will authorise the local authority to acquire compulsorily the land described in the First Schedule hereto for the purposes of the construction of the  altered road development known as the Central Access Scheme for the City of Kilkenny, having regard to the exercise by An Bord Pleanala of its powers under Section 217B of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 by Notification dated 7th July 2009."

Route
The proposed KCAS incorporating a bridge over the River Nore, is approximately 700m in length, and extends through medieval Irishtown from St Canice’s Place to the junction of Dean Street and Vicar Street, to the Castlecomer Road.

Timeline

 * Malone O’Regan Scott Wilson appointed to provide consultancy services (2006), a route and bridge options report was prepared in 2006.
 * 2006 referred to statutory consultees.
 * General Public Consultations and Information sessions(2007),
 * Specific consultations with Michael Street and Wolfe Tone Street Residents (2007).
 * May 2008 Original Enviromental Impact Study submitted to ABP.
 * December 2008 Oral Hearing.
 * A three day Oral Hearing was conducted by An Bord Pleanala in December 2008
 * Jan 2009 to August 2011 Changes to original project design.
 * Oct 2011 ABP approves stage 1
 * EIS/CPO submitted in 2011 for approval
 * Approval issued by ABP in December 2011 final decision to grant approval for the scheme on 13th December, (subject to conditions) (ref 10.HA0014.,ref 10.HA0014A.)
 * May 2012 applied for a Ministerial Order, Evacuation Licences and Survey Licence.
 * Consultations with the National Monuments Service in March and April 2012
 * Site Investigation along the line of the KCAS and on the banks of the Nore was undertaken in the summer and autumn of 2012.
 * The Bord also confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Order for the scheme on foot of which statutory notices were served on affected property owners/occupiers in the Spring of 2012.
 * The detailed design of the bridge and street was substantially completed in early 2013.
 * In a Report to County Council Members on 21st June, 2013 the Management layed out the "Chronology of Planning & Action to date" Kilkenny Central Access Scheme, Current Status 21st June, 2013
 * Following years of objections to the scheme and new bridge. Campaigners have been involved in a 24-hour protest at the site.

Construction

 * Site Investigation Contract awarded and completed (2012)
 * Detailed Design and Tender Documentation prepared (2012/2013)
 * Short listing of contractors for Bridge Construction ( Nov 2013)
 * Invitations to Tender (February 2014)
 * Letter of Intent (April 2014)
 * Letter of Acceptance (Binding Contract) 10/06/2014 (€4.18 million ex VAT)
 * Works commenced on site 30th June, 2014.

Archaeology
The scheme will impact 7 sites of architectural heritage. The scheme will involve the demolition of a number of structures which are of local historical importance. There will be a "direct negative impact" on Numbers 20 to 22 Vicar Street. There will be a "direct negative impact" on two boundary walls on Wolfe Tone Street. Two sites of industrial archaeology will be affected, a smithy site which is "directly affected", and the ruins of a factory which is "indirectly affected". The scheme will have an "indirect impact" on site 12th century mill located at mill lane, a portion of Kilkenny City wall and Evans Turret, the remains of a 16th century inn at St. Canice’s Place, and the site of St Maul’s Chapel at Greensbridge Street.

Requires the demolition of three houses in Vicar Street. The three houses (particularly the south gable wall of number 22) form part of the medieval manse house of the prebendary of Tiscoffin and would be demolished to build the new road. Archaeological Direction received from Minister and 7 associated licences for archaeological investigations and monitoring (ongoing).

An archaeological impact report is contained in Appendix 4 of the EIS. Revised EIS - Central Access Scheme

Two further phases of Archaeological investigation were scheduled into the scheme work programme.
 * Phase 1 was completed following the excavation of slit trenches along the line of the new street in the summer of 2012.
 * Phase 2 is due on completion of and concurrent to the deconstruction of the Vicar Street buildings this summer.

An Architectural Conservation inspection of 20 to 22 Vicar Street was carried out in late 2012/early 2013. The Members of the Council Council were "advised that to date there is no archaeology or architecture of special significance associated with the terrace of houses." Vicar Street Summary of Archaeology and Architecture June 13.pdf (size 6.3 MB)

Approval has been received from an Bord Pleanala and from the Department of Arts Gaeltacht and Heritage to deconstruct the buildings and to carry out archaeological investigations on site.

Kilkenny City & Environs Development Plan Objective 'Reserve the line of Phases 2 and 3 of proposed Central Access Scheme free from development and to complete Phase 1 of the Central Access Scheme within the Plan period.’ (2014 Kilkenny City & Environs Development Plan). The 2014 Kilkenny City & Environs Development Plan was Adopted unanimously by Kilkenny County Council 22nd April, 2014 and Kilkenny Borough Council on 16th the May, 2014.

Funding
Over €11.6 million was allocated to non-national roads in Kilkenny in 2005 under the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP is funded primarily by the Exchequer with support from the EU Structural Funds. The funding was designated for work on projects such as the R695/R887 Central Access Scheme and the new River Nore bridge.

Is funded from local development levy contributions (CAPITAL (DEVELOPMENT LEVY) EXPENDITURE).

Concerns raised
The proposed route dissects the medieval core of the old Irishtown of Kilkenny, one of the most historic quarters of the city. Large protests have been taking place, with as many as 2,000 people protesting, a significant number given the small population of Kilkenny as a whole.

The Council’s objectives include building a unified city centre with the River Nore at its heart, with strong connectivity between High Street, "old Mart site" and McDonagh Junction. And to improve access to the city centre and provide for economic and cultural development, and relieving traffic congestion around the city centre.

The "old Mart site" (a 5.5 acre brownfield site in the western suburbs of the city). Site was refused planning permission to be developed into a shopping centre. (currently for sale).

The new bridge will enable increased pedestrianisation in the city centre at John Street and High Street.


 * Reduce the impact of road traffic and private car domination on the city centre; and enable partial pedestrianisation of John’s Street and High Street.


 * Make provision for planned residential development on the west side of the city without creating traffic problems in existing residential areas.

Those apposed to the scheme believe it will concentrate the city’s traffic through Dean Street.
 * Improved accessibility for emergency services and access to health facilities and hospitals;

Kilkenny County Council remains resolved that progress in the CAS project should continue ahead of completion to the outer ring road.

CAS comprises 4.5 kilometers of single carriageway road that is 7.3 metres wide, with provisions for footpaths and cycle lanes throughout.

The scheme is proving to be controversial as the route of the completed road will bring heavy traffic through residential areas, also the route will bring heavy traffic through the centre of medieval Irishtown section of the city.

The Inner Relief Road was first proposed in 1978. as a means of providing access to brewery traffic to the brewery itself, which has now closed.

Environmental
Formal publication of the Inner Relief Road Scheme and Environmental Impact Report

First Environmental Impact Statement
An Bord Pleanála Inspector’s conditions to development include;
 * The River Nore Bridge shall not be opened to traffic, other than pedestrian, cyclist, bus or emergency vehicle traffic prior to the completion of the portion of the Kilkenny Ring Road joining the Castlecomer Road (N77) and the Freshford Road (R693), "to ensure traffic levels are controlled pending completion of other road development".
 * That archaeological monitoring be carried out in accordance with all licence and permit requirements of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, "to protect cultural heritage".
 * That the section of roadway from the junction of Vicar Street through Dean Street to the Waterbarrack Roundabout be designated as a roadway with a maximum speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour "in the interests of reducing traffic impacts"
 * proposed Road Development referred to as 'the Link to the Western Environs' and 'Loughmacask Road' shall not go ahead, because the 'two sections referred to would generate significant traffic and give rise to unacceptable traffic volumes on the Central Access Street and River Nore Crossing.'

Revised Environmental Impact Statement
Kilkenny County Council revised CAS scheme is the "construction of 700 metres approximately of single carriageway road in Kilkenny City which includes a bridge with isolated pier supports over the River Nore. [..] Four at-grade junctions are proposed [..]. The bridge is described [..] as a five-span structure with abutments at each end with the bridge supported on four pairs of concrete piers over a total length of 108 metres. The road is proposed to link the Castlecomer Road to Dean Street." (An Bord Pleanála Inspector’s Report on Proposed Development: The Central Access Scheme for Kilkenny City.)

Kilkenny County Council Revised Environmental Impact Statement (Public Notice 22nd February 2011)
 * Index Page (pdf 554 KB)
 * Volume 1 - Non Technical Summary (pdf 4.33 MB)
 * Volume 2 - Main Report (pdf 1.51 MB)
 * Volume 3 - Figures (pdf 57.6 MB)
 * Volume 4 - Appendices (pdf 18.2 MB)

Natura Impact Statement
Natura Impact Statement, 21st November 2010, and was carried out by Conservation Services as part of the Appropriate Assessment process for the proposed central access scheme. This notes that the Appropriate Assessment is an evaluation of the potential impacts of a plan or project under conservation objectives of a Natura 2000 site. The report lists the stages including Screening, Appropriate Assessment, Assessment of Alternatives where a significant impact cannot be prevented and where no alternatives exist, an assessment of compensatory issues in the case of projects or plans which can be considered to be necessary for Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI).

KCAS: cSAC assessment
The River Barrow & River Nore cSAC is selected for appropriate assessment "and all the potential impacts resulting from the proposed KCAS as identified in the screening process [..] discussed in relation to the conservation objectives of this site." CAS Volume 4 Appendices The following bodies were invited to submit comments and/or information for this assessment:


 * Inland Fisheries Ireland.
 * Department of Environment,Heritage & Local Government.
 * Marine Institute