The metal archway does not reflect or interpet the typical archway in medieval Kilkenny and is more representative of an industrial city in terms of materials, angular shape and proportions.
It will dwarf the teahouse and is completely out of scale with them and in no way sympathetic to them.
The opportunity to create a quiet and natural park is being lost by combining the paths and cycleways. It is internationally recognised as being less than optimum due to the conflict between cyclists and pedestrians.Please see link below
https://www.cyclemanual.ie/manual/thebasics/1-9-pedestrians-and-cyclists/
It is stated under 'Materials Palette' that the paving material in use throughout Kilkenny City will be used in the park. As the native stone in Kilkenny and on the streets is Limestone it is surprising to read on and find "Granite flag paving and blocks to areas of importance"
Kilkenny has a distinctive landscape - a combination of the natural and the historic - the teahouses would be a case in point.. Dotting 'found' items along the park will create clutter and distraction from the essential character of the area.
As a semi-natural area beside the River Nore the concentration should be on restoring the green and natural core of the city that existed there before the flood relief works with an emphasis on hardwood trees and an understory of semi-natural planting to underpin this Special Area of Conservation.
As evidenced by recent flood events, it seems highly unlikely that the River Nore will flood in Kilkenny City. If it does the River Breagagh will also flood and raising the site levels along the river are more likely to trap water coming from the Breagagh than prevent water rising from the Nore. Where is the engineering evidence for this approach?
The river is already canalised and building the banks 1.5metres above this will create a hazardous area at the river side of the park (which then will have to be fenced off no doubt).
The Linear Park should be designed as part of the Abbey Quarter Project integrated into a larger green space/public park, a lasting legacy for the people of Kilkenny.