Despite 10,000 signatories to a petition against it and newspaper polls showing 88% of locals opposed, Kilkenny Council look set to approve a controversial construction project that could ruin the medieval city.

Gardaí swooped at 4am Friday morning last to ensure protestors wouldn’t block the passage of seven heavily laden trucks. This marked the first step of a project that has enraged local Kilkenny people and looks set to cripple the centre of the historic heritage city. Around 40 Gardaí, some in riot gear, were in attendance letting the locals know that protest in Kilkenny will be dealt with as it has elsewhere.

Town councillors are voting tonight on the continuation of the Central Access Scheme (CAS) project which will build a Heavy Goods Vehicle access road and bridge into the centre of the town rather than finish the ring road which is 2/3 complete. A minimum of 13 councillors need to vote for a review. At present it seems 9 councillors are willing to vote that way, the rest will be representing interests other than their constituents if the polling and protest are to be believed.

The site of the old mart has just been relisted for sale while the company which owns it Citymart Properties had gone into receivership after previous planning permissions were refused. It is expected that Tesco will be accommodated at the site.

The Tesco-isation of Irish towns is ongoing and leads to the death of town centres, family and small business.

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