Did you know that…?
From the recently published preliminary 2011 census data, the population of Kilkenny City and Kilkenny Rural ED increased by 1,611 people or by 6.7% between 2006 and 2011.
The population of the City is now 24,423; an increase of 2,244 since 2006.
Kilkenny city is the primary urban centre in County Kilkenny and it is a Hub in the South East region. It is a compact city, defined by its rich heritage and special character, recognised as a bustling marketplace and tourist destination. Considering the future development of the city raises many issues regarding how the fabric of the medieval city and contemporary living should be intertwined so that Kilkenny city remains a great city to live in, work and visit.
Significant city sites include St. Francis Abbey Brewery and the old mart. It is important to get the mix of uses on these sites right, to ensure the continued consolidation of the city centre.
The night-time economy is an important contributor to Kilkenny city’s appeal in general. The requirements of this economy are different and distinctive from those of the day-time economy; a balance needs to be struck between the two.
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Questions:
- City living: What makes the city special? How can it be improved? What should the future vision be for Kilkenny city?
- What uses should be encouraged in the Mart and Brewery sites?
- The City Economy: How can the city’s employment opportunities be improved and fostered through the planning process? Where is there potential?
- The night time economy versus the day time economy: are they both equally important?
on Tue, 08/05/2012 - 12:46pm creilly
Comments
Bottled water business on brewery site:
Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny City Borough Council have purchased the 10.6-acre site St Francis Abbey brewery in Kilkenny city. This is on the location of Saint Francis' Friary, founded in 1232. Back in the 13th century the Franciscans established this Abbey on the banks of the River Nore in Kilkenny with its own well which is dedicated to St Francis, and long held in great veneration. The well is located about 45 metres to the northeast of the friary and is now underneath one of the brewery buildings. It is a site of enormous historical, but also economic development potential in the centre of Kilkenny. The proposal that I am putting forward is a water bottling business be set up on part of the site using water from St Francis' Well. Most people are likely to buy or at least use bottled water on a day to day basis or at least once a week. Despite the recession bottled water brands have grown in value and volume. If done correctly this would be a good way for the Kilkenny County Council to make additional income and “pure “profits that would go directly into the development of the many projects in Kilkenny, and would also create jobs which is badly needed A very appropriate name for this bottled water would be Saint Francis Abbey Spring water.
Response to Bottled water on brewery site
Thank you for your suggestion. The prospect of water bottling at any location is dependent on a range of factors, and would be subject to detailed examination and analysis. All ideas for the redevelopment of the Brewery site are welcome and will be considered in the Development Plan objectives for the site.
Victorian or contemporary style bandstand in the Castle Park:
Kilkenny Castle Park is one of the supreme cultural attractions in Europe so it’s about time a permanent Victorian or Contemporary style bandstand was constructed. A simple construction, yet, it creates an ornamental focal point, provides acoustic requirements and shelter from the changeable weather. A bandstand in Kilkenny Castle Park could have numerous types of musical groups performing during the summer months. Lunch time recitals would also go down a treat. Kilkenny has an abundance of talent; brass bands, pipe bands, choirs, chamber orchestra, school bands, community groups etc. It could also be a place for Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann to showcase the music of Ireland. In addition it would be an impressive way for families with young children to be informed and be made aware of different types of music. This would be a unique open air venue that could be used not only for musical recitals but also for poetry reading, yoga, flower arranging, cookery demonstrations and many other activities. The council’s, Board Failte and the Office of Public Works could come together and construct a bandstand and raise the profile of Kilkenny as tourism destination. Funding could also be sourced from public subscription or public fund raising. A bandstand would encourage visits from wider sections of the local communities and would further enhance the tourism potential of the Castle Park.
Response to bandstand in Castle Park
Thank you for your suggestion. The Castle and the adjacent park are in state ownership and are managed and controlled by the Office of Public Works (OPW). We will be liaising with the OPW and Fáilte Ireland during the preparation of the Development Plan, and will discuss this suggestion with them.
Biodiversity
Is there a biodiversity policy for land that the councils control, such as roadside banks on the ring road, traffic roundabouts, parks etc? Planting of local wildflower seeds, and native shrubs and trees would all encourage insects, birds etc.
Some years ago I suggested planting trees such as silver birch on roundabouts to give them a vertical scale. I was told then that they would obstruct drivers' view of traffic on the other side of the roundabout. The present signs on roundabouts are at driver eye level and completely block views across the roundabout (which I would have thought is actually safer). The flower beds are very attractive but they are very regimented and become hackneyed. I note some tree planting on one of the roundabouts at least so maybe views are changing? In France not only are their trees but also small cottage-like structures and large sculpture on bigger roundabouts.
Response to Biodiversity
There is no specific written or operational policy for biodiversity on council owned property.
There is merit in the suggestion of having a biodiversity policy and/or objective and having this in the relevant Development Plans. This will be examined in the review process. It is not a straightforward issue in terms of day to day operations and would require staff and financial resources in awareness raising and training across the local authority. This is an issue that can also be raised through fora such as the Heritage Forum which is tasked with implementation of the Biodiversity plan and the Heritage plan for the County, particularly in view of the current review of the Heritage Plan.