KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL will today debate a motion calling for a review of a controversial plan to build a new road bridge in Kilkenny city.

Locals have been protesting against the plans for the Central Access Scheme, claiming it will bring more traffic to the centre of the medieval city.

Instead, they have been calling for the funding to be used to finish a ring road. At today’s council meeting, two councillors will put forward a motion that the council should hold a special briefing meeting to review the scheme.

This review would take into account “urban mobility and smarter travel, costs to date, projected costs and financing”. It would also give consideration to public opinion and possible alternatives to the project.

Councillors will hold a debate on whether or not to review the scheme later this afternoon.

Protesters have been stationed outside the gates every day for the past few weeks and have prevented construction vehicles from entering the site. Last week, gardaí cordoned off the streets in the city to facilitate machinery entering the site.

Related: Protest over Kilkenny bridge grows from ‘a dozen to hundreds of people’>