7         Heritage

Strategic Aim: To seek the protection, sustainable management and where possible, enhancement of heritage for the benefit of current and future generations and to promote increased awareness of heritage through policies and actions.

7.1       Introduction

Kilkenny City and environs has a rich and varied built, natural and cultural heritage resource. Rivers, trees, woodlands, hedgerows, geology, landscape, plants and animals are all part of our natural heritage. Buildings and structures such as houses, shops, churches, bridges and mills, and also archaeological sites are features of our built heritage. Our cultural heritage includes aspects of heritage, such as traditions, practices, knowledge and skills, which are an expression of our culture.

Kilkenny’s heritage is that which makes the city unique, what gives it its special character and its ‘sense of place’. It is a valuable economic resource. It is the basis for Kilkenny’s tourism industry, and brings significant economic benefits to the city county. Heritage is also vital for the health, well-being and quality of life of communities.

The National Heritage Plan and the National Biodiversity Plan 2011-2016[1] recognise the key role that local authorities, and locally-led action, plays in heritage awareness and management. A key element of both plans is an enhanced role for local authorities in heritage management, to be given effect through the preparation and implementation of County Heritage Plans and Biodiversity Action Plans. 

Under this remit the Councils will seek the protection, sustainable management and where possible, enhancement of the heritage of Kilkenny City for the benefit of current and future generations.  By preserving characteristic features of the City & Environs, we seek to maintain and nurture our environment and cultural heritage as part of our identity.

Through its policies and actions the Council will promote increased awareness of the heritage of the county.

Objective:

·         To implement, in partnership with the Kilkenny Heritage Forum and all relevant stakeholders, a County Heritage Plan and County Biodiversity Plan.

 

7.2          Natural Heritage

Natural heritage includes the variety of life we see around us every day, often referred to as biodiversity, including rivers and woodlands, hedgerows, mammals, birds and plants. It also includes geology and landscape. 

Our natural heritage provides significant economic benefits for the city and county. It underpins important economic sectors such as agriculture, tourism and recreation, and is a core component of the city’s green infrastructure. Protection of the city and county’s natural resources is regarded as necessary to sustain economic growth[2].

It is the aim of the Council to conserve, enhance and manage the city’s natural heritage including its biodiversity, landscapes and geological heritage and to promote understanding of, and sustainable access to, it.

7.2.1       Protecting Biodiversity in Kilkenny

A number of areas in Kilkenny City and Environs have been identified as being of exceptional importance for wildlife at a national and/or international level. These areas are protected through national and European legislation.  In addition, certain plant, animal and bird species found in the city and environs are considered rare or vulnerable and are protected by Irish law.

7.2.1.1  Protected Areas of International Importance: Natura 2000

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are being, or have been, designated to conserve habitats and species of European importance pursuant to the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. These sites are part of a pan-European network known as Natura 2000. The designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) is to conserve habitats and species of European importance and the aim of designating Special Protection Areas (SPA) is to protect birds which are rare, in danger of extinction or vulnerable to changes in habitat, and which need protection.

The designation of these sites is the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) division of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Up-to-date information regarding these sites is provided on the NPWS website (www.npws.ie).  Current Natura 2000 sites in Kilkenny City and Environs are listed in Table 8.1 and shown on Figure 7.1.

Conservation Management Plans have been drawn up for a number of Natura sites, but for only one in Co. Kilkenny to date, for Cullahill Mountain SAC. Such plans include descriptive information and a management framework section that outlines objectives and strategies. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will be requested to prioritise the preparation of Conservation Management Plans for the two Natura 2000 Sites which are located in Kilkenny. This is in order to examine how the Conservation Objectives of the sites can be achieved in the context of the proper planning and sustainable development of the city.

 

Appropriate Assessment

As set out in Chapter 1, appropriate assessment means an assessment, based on best scientific knowledge, of the potential impacts of a plan or project, wherever located, on the conservation objectives of any Natura 2000 site and the inclusion, where necessary, of mitigation or avoidance measures to preclude negative effects.

The Council will ensure that an Appropriate Assessment, in accordance with Articles 6(3) and Article 6(4) is carried out in respect of any plan or project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site, but likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site(s), either individually or in combination with other plans or projects, in view of the site’s conservation objectives. 

7.2.1.2  Protected Areas of National Importance

Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) have been designated to conserve species and habitats of national importance under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.  The designation of these sites is the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) division of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.  The boundaries of the protected areas may change during the lifetime of the plan and additional areas may be designated. Up-to-date information regarding these sites is provided on the NPWS website (www.npws.ie).  Current protected areas of national importance in Kilkenny City and Environs are listed in Table 7.1 and shown on Figure 7.1.

7.2.1.3       Rare and Protected Species and their Habitats

Certain plant, animal and bird species are rare and threatened and are protected by law. This includes plant species listed in the Flora Protection Order, 1999 (or other such Orders) and their habitats; animals and birds listed in the Wildlife Act, 1976 and subsequent statutory instruments; animals and plants listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive; and birds listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive.  For further information on protected species and their habitats see www.npws.ie.

The Planning Authority will consult with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (a) in respect of any proposed development where there is a possibility that such development may have an impact on a protected area of international or national importance, or protected species and their habitats, and (b) take account of any licensing requirements, when undertaking, or approving development which is likely to affect plant, animal or bird species protected by national or European legislation.

Objectives

·       To protect and, where possible, enhance the plant and animal species and their habitats that have been identified under European legislation (EU Habitats Directive, EU Birds Directive).

·       To protect and where possible enhance the natural heritage sites designated in National legislation (the Wildlife Acts and the Flora Protection Order).  This protection will extend to any additions or alterations to sites that may arise during the lifetime of this plan.

 

Development Management standard

Ensure that an ecological impact assessment is carried out for any proposed development likely to have a significant impact on rare and threatened species including those species protected by law and their habitats.  Ensure appropriate avoidance and mitigation measures are incorporated into development proposals as part of any ecological impact assessment. 

 

Table 7.1 Protected Natural Heritage Sites of International & National Importance
Site Name	Site Code/Ref	cSAC	SPA	pNHA
River Barrow & River Nore	002162	ü		ü
River Nore	004233		ü
Archersgrove (located outside, but adjoining, the development boundary)	002051			ü
Dunmore Complex	001859			ü
Lough Macask	001914			ü
Newpark Marsh	000845			ü

 

cSAC      Candidate Special Area of Conservation                                pNHA    Proposed Natural Heritage Area

SPA        Special Protection Area

 

See www.npws.ie for further information on protected areas.

 

7.2.2       Green Infrastructure

The term Green Infrastructure can be defined as strategically planned and interconnected networks of green space and water capable of delivering ecosystem services and quality of life benefits to people.  The South East Regional Planning Guidelines advocate the development of a green infrastructure approach at all levels in the planning system and the preparation of Green Infrastructure Strategies at County/City level.

Green Infrastructure is designed and managed to provide and facilitate the following:

•         a high-quality environment which will provide economic benefits by attracting inward investment and new business

•         high quality open spaces which provide health and social benefits for people through the provision of play areas, safe and attractive areas and routes for meeting, walking and cycling

•         opportunities and space for contact with nature, which is considered essential for good health and wellbeing

•     adaptation to the impacts of climate change and flooding.

•        local food production - in allotments, gardens and through agriculture

•        space for biodiversity (nature and wildlife) to flourish

•        a sense of place and local distinctiveness

 

The emergence of Green Infrastructure planning is a response to the growing recognition of the many benefits which green space provides to society and of the need to plan for its protection, provision and management in tandem with plans for growth and development. It has a significant role to play in assisting in the protection of Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity.

The Councils of the City and County of Kilkenny produced a habitat and green infrastructure survey[3] of Kilkenny City and environs, which identifies and maps key habitats and green infrastructure, see Figure 7.2. The findings of these surveys are vital to improving our understanding of biodiversity resource in the city and environs, and will be used to inform the development management process and any future Green Infrastructure Strategy.

The green infrastructure and habitats report can be accessed with the following link: http://www.kilkennycity.ie/eng/Services/Heritage/Habitat_Survery/Habitat_Survey_and_Mapping_of_Kilkenny_City.html

Objective:

• To prepare and support the implementation of a Green Infrastructure Strategy for Kilkenny city and environs, as resources allow.

 

7.2.3       Nature Conservation Outside of Internationally and Nationally Protected Areas

Much of the biodiversity and many of our landscape features of importance in the city occur in areas outside of sites which are subject to legal protection under National or EU law. These habitats and features are particularly important in contributing to the biodiversity, landscape value and sense of place of the city and environs. They also have an important role to play as ecological “corridors” or “stepping stones”, that is, they allow for the movement of species, and help to sustain the habitats, ecological processes and functions necessary to enhance and maintain biodiversity.  They provide vital links and corridors to allow movement of plant and animals between the network of protected sites. These features include: trees, hedgerows, gardens, ditches and banks, stone walls, woodlands, parklands, rivers, streams and associated riparian zones, ponds and canals. Such corridors or interconnected networks are the basis of our Green Infrastructure. It is important that these areas are conserved and managed well.  The green infrastructure and habitats report can be accessed with the following link: http://www.kilkennycity.ie/eng/Services/Heritage/Habitat_Survery/Habitat_Survey_and_Mapping_of_Kilkenny_City.html

Article 10 of the Habitats Directive outlines our obligations in relation to natural heritage in the wider countryside.  It provides that, through land use planning and development policies, Planning Authorities shall endeavour to improve the ecological coherence of the Natura 2000 network and encourage the management of landscape features that are of major importance for wild fauna and flora.  Such features are those which, by virtue of their function and structure are essential for the migration, dispersal and genetic exchange of wild species and form part of the network of green infrastructure.

 

Objective:

To protect and, where possible, enhance wildlife habitats and landscape features which act as ecological corridors/networks and stepping stones, such as river corridors, hedgerows, gardens and road verges, and to minimise the loss of habitats and features of the wider countryside (such as ponds, wetlands, trees) which are not within designated sites. Where the loss of habitats and features of the wider countryside is unavoidable as part of a development, to ensure that appropriate mitigation and/or compensation measures are put in place, to conserve and enhance biodiversity and landscape character and green infrastructure networks.

 

7.2.4       Geological Heritage

7.2.4.1       County Geological Sites

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) has assessed the geological heritage of County Kilkenny and produced two reports entitled The Geological Heritage of Kilkenny (2007) and An Audit of Geological Sites in County Kilkenny,  Phase 2 (2012). Both reports are available on the Council’s website (www.kilkennycoco.ie). In these reports the GSI identified sites of geological and geomorphological importance in the city and county and recommended their protection as County Geological Sites.  One such site is located in the city - Archersgrove Quarry, one of the original Kilkenny Black Marble Quarries (See Figure 7.1). 

Some of these sites may be designated by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the GSI as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) because of their geological interest from a national perspective. In the interim, the Council will seek to maintain the geological value of this site and to protect, and where appropriate, enhance the geological and geomorphological heritage values of this County Geological Site. 

Development management standard

·       The Council will consult the Geological Survey of Ireland when considering undertaking, approving or authorising developments which are likely to affect Geological Sites.

 

7.2.5       Woodlands, Trees and Hedgerows

Woodlands and trees are an environmental, economic, amenity and landscape resource of great importance.  They contribute significantly to the biodiversity and landscape character of the city and environs and form part of a network of habitats, ecological ‘corridors’ and ‘stepping stones’ essential for wildlife to flourish and move between and within habitats.  They are also an important part of our townscapes.

Kilkenny County Council commissioned a survey of mature trees in the City worthy of preservation[4]. This report, along with other relevant information, will inform future additions to the list of Tree Preservation Orders.  A copy of the report is available from the Parks Department of Kilkenny County Council and the list of trees is included in Appendix E. 

The Tree Register of Ireland (TROI) is a database of outstanding trees in Ireland compiled by the Tree Council of Ireland. The TROI identified significant trees in the city and county, based on characteristics such as age, height, diameter, historical or folklore connections. A copy of the TROI for Kilkenny is available to view from the Parks Department of Kilkenny County Council.

A Woodland Survey of Kilkenny, commissioned by Kilkenny County Council in 1997, identified the amenity potential of woodlands in the county. A copy of the survey is available to view from the Parks Department of Kilkenny County Council.

There are a number of legislative measures which recognise the importance of trees and woodlands and provide for their protection. These include:

i.              Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, TPOs allow for the protection of trees, groups of trees and woods of amenity value. Trees, which are the subject of a TPO, cannot be felled unless the owner also obtains planning permission.   At present there are no TPO’s in the city, however this may change over the course of this Plan.  This list may be added to over the course of this Plan.  Consult with the Parks Department of the County Council for the most up-to-date list.  The Council will conserve important trees, groups of trees or woodlands, using Tree Preservation Orders, as appropriate.

ii.             Tree Felling

Under the 1946 Forestry Act, with certain exceptions, it is illegal to uproot or cut down any tree unless notice of intention to do so has been given in accordance with the Act.  The Council will provide guidance to landowners on the legal requirements and procedures in relation to tree felling in order to protect the landscape character and biodiversity of the county.

 

7.2.5.1       Hedgerows

Hedgerows contribute to the biodiversity and landscape character of the environs of Kilkenny City. They are wildlife habitats, wildlife corridors between habitats, they also have historical significance as townland and field boundaries and can also have an important farming function.

Hedgerows are afforded protection under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000, prohibiting the cutting of hedges within the bird nesting period (1^st March -1^st September).

Kilkenny County Council has undertaken surveys of hedgerows as part of the Habitat Survey of Kilkenny City & Environs.  See Section 7.2.3 Conservation Outside of Internationally and Nationally Protected Areas.

Development management standards

•        To protect existing woodlands, trees and hedgerows which are of amenity or biodiversity value and/or contribute to the landscape character of the city and environs, and to ensure that proper provision is made for their protection and management, when undertaking, approving or authorising development.

• To ensure that when undertaking, approving or authorising development that sufficient information is provided to enable an assessment of impacts on woodlands, trees, and hedgerows.

• Have regard to, and seek the conservation of (a) sites of significance identified in the Kilkenny Woodlands Survey 1997, and (b) the trees of County Kilkenny identified in the Tree Register of Ireland

• Require the retention and protection of any mature trees as identified in the Survey of Mature Trees in Kilkenny City and Environs in the assessment of planning applications.

• Retain hedgerows, and other distinctive boundary treatment such as stone walls, when undertaking, authorising or approving development; where the loss of the existing boundary is unavoidable as part of development, to ensure that a new hedgerow is planted using native species, and species of local provenance to replace the existing hedgerow and/or that the wall is re-built using local stone and local vernacular design.

• Prohibit the felling of mature trees to facilitate development in particular those listed in the survey of mature trees unless felling is required for safety reasons.

•        Require the planting of native broadleaved species, and species of local provenance, in new developments as appropriate. See Appendix F for a list of native trees and shrubs.               

Objective

•             The Council will promote the planting of native tree and shrub species, by committing to using native species (of local provenance wherever possible) in its landscaping work and on Council property.

 

7.2.6       Inland Waters, Rivers, Streams, Wetlands and Groundwater

The rivers and streams, wetlands and groundwater in Kilkenny City and Environs are important for biodiversity and provide amenity and recreational resources, including angling tourism. Groundwater is important for supplying water and maintaining wetlands and river flows in dry periods. Rivers and streams are also a key component of our Green Infrastructure (see section 7.2.2).

The River Nore, along with its tributaries the Breagagh and Pococke, is the principal river flowing through Kilkenny city.  It is a protected heritage site under European legislation.  (See Section 7.2.1.1 above.) Rivers are susceptible to impacts from developments carried out at areas geographically remote from the protected site boundary, through hydrological links with the protected site, including water abstraction, discharges from wastewater treatment plants, surface water or surface water attenuation. 

The development of riverside walks has enabled greater access to the waterways corridor, whilst the rivers themselves are used for water-pursuits including angling, boating, canoeing and kayaking, and swimming.  The rivers also provide a rich landscape setting for the city and are the primary green infrastructure network in the city. 

The economic benefits of the rivers are significant.  In 2010 some 127,000 overseas visitors engaged in angling while in Ireland, resulting in a spend of €89 million[5].  Kilkenny County Council has undertaken a heritage audit of the River Nore, identifying and mapping the built, natural and cultural heritage of the River Nore corridor in County Kilkenny.  The data from the audit is being used to inform an interpretative strategy for the River Nore corridor, funded by Kilkenny County Council and Trail Kilkenny.

Their corridors and valleys will be protected and maintained for their biodiversity and landscape values, including flood protection, where practicable.  The natural floodplains along the rivers serve as buffer areas and also as flood attenuation areas. In partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Waterways Ireland and other relevant stakeholders the Council will facilitate public access to, and understanding of, waterways corridors and wetlands where feasible and appropriate.

Development management standard

·       To consult with Inland Fisheries Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service prior to undertaking, approving or authorising any works or development which may have an impact on rivers, streams and waterways.

·       Proposals must demonstrate that they will not adversely affect any habitats and/or species of interest or compromise the river’s function as a green infrastructure corridor.

7.2.7       Invasive Species

Invasive non-native plant and animal species (animals and plants that are introduced accidently or deliberately into a natural environment where they are not normally found) are a significant threat to biodiversity. They can negatively impact on native species, can transform habitats and threaten ecosystems causing serious problems to the environment, buildings and the economy. The current estimate of the annual cost of invasive species in Ireland is €261 million[6].  There is potential for the spread of invasive species during development works and recreational activities. A number of invasive species are prevalent in Kilkenny. For more information on invasive species see (www.invasivespeciesireland.com).  The Council will raise awareness of, and promote best practise in the control of, invasive species.

 

Development management standard

Ensure, as far as is possible, that the potential for spread of invasive species is examined as part of any application. 

7.2.8       Native Plant Species

Where possible, the use of native plants and seeds from indigenous seed sources should be used on all developments and landscape projects/treatments. This is important as it:

• Contributes to national commitments on the conservation of biological diversity by establishing native habitats and reducing the planting and dispersion of non-native plants
• Ensures a reduction in the threat posed by the importation of pests and diseases carried on non-native (and non-indigenously sourced) plant material, which have potential for major impact on native flora and fauna, the landscape, agriculture and forestry
• Restores or compensates for loss of habitat
• Maintains regional identity, landscape character and diversity

Development Management Standard

• To promote the use of native plants and seeds from indigenous seed sources in all landscape projects

 

7.3       Built Heritage

Built heritage includes all man-made features, buildings, and structures in the environment.  It includes our rich and varied archaeological and architectural heritage.  The most significant part of the built environment of Kilkenny is the quality of the city centre. This character comes from its unique setting and layout incorporating a number of distinctive elements. Firstly the dominant position of its great buildings – St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny Castle and St. Mary’s Cathedral – which are linked by streets of different character and type, many of which are joined together by the narrow laneways (slips). Secondly, there are buildings of different uses, architectural quality and historic backgrounds, including the historically important Shee Alms House, Rothe House, Bishops Palace, Black Abbey etc., but also many examples of traditional shopfronts and of domestic housing.  The network of streets and laneways is complemented by the River Nore, which with its tree-lined banks and adjacent open spaces provides an important natural element in the overall townscape character of the city.

By preserving characteristic features of the City & Environs, we seek to maintain and nurture our environment and cultural heritage as part of our identity.

7.3.1       Archaeological Heritage

Archaeology is defined as the study of past people through the physical traces left by them in the landscape, often in the form of monuments, sites, features or objects. Our archaeological heritage contributes to our understanding of our past and also to our cultural, educational and tourism assets.  Archaeological sites and monuments vary in form and date. They include early Christian ecclesiastical sites, churches, graveyards, medieval buildings, castles, industrial archaeology, earthworks (e.g. ringforts), megalithic sites, Fulachta Fiadh, and underwater sites. Archaeological remains may not always be isolated finds or sites but may have been linked at one time with other archaeological monuments in the immediate vicinity or sometimes in more distant locations – creating historic landscapes.  The Council will promote awareness of, and facilitate access to, the archaeological inheritance of Kilkenny City and Environs and will provide guidance to developers and property owners regarding the archaeological implications of proposed developments.

Zones of Notification of Recorded Monuments in Kilkenny City and in the Environs are illustrated in Figures 7.3 and 7.4 respectively. 

The National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004 provide for the protection of the archaeological heritage. The principles set out in the Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (1999) provide the national policy framework in relation to archaeological heritage. 

There are different levels of monument protection under the National Monuments Acts. A level of universal protection is afforded to all monuments listed in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP). A lesser number of monuments are accorded a higher level of protection, that is, some are entered on the Register of Historic Monuments, and some are deemed to be of national significance and are National Monuments. While the RMP lists those sites above and below ground that are known to exist, due to the time span and density of human settlement in Kilkenny city the possibility always exists of finding previously unrecorded archaeology.

Copies of the RMP for Kilkenny City and County are available for viewing in the Council’s Planning Department and online at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht’s website www.archaeology.ie.

 

A list of National Monuments in State Care[7] is available at:

 http://archaeology.ie/NationalMonuments/NationalMonumentsinStatecarebycounty/

A list of Monuments subject to Preservation Orders is available at:

 http://www.archaeology.ie/media/archeologyie/PDFS/PO10V1_AllCounties.pdf

 

Archaeological structures may, in some situations, be considered as architectural heritage and, therefore, may appear on both the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) and the Record of Protected Structures (RPS).  This means that these structures are protected by both the National Monuments Acts and the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010.

7.3.1.1       Walled Towns

The Kilkenny city walls, built during the medieval period, would have historically formed a defensive line around the medieval town. Today, the walls are part-standing and part-buried.  Town defences are considered to be monuments for the purposes of the National Monuments Acts, 1930-2004. The Council will support the National Policy on Town Defences[8]   which sets out national policy for the protection, preservation and conservation of the defences of towns and cities.

7.3.2       Industrial Archaeology

Kilkenny has a wealth of industrial archaeological sites - sites of past industrial activity.  This includes sites and machinery relating to extractive industries (e.g. mines and quarries), manufacturing (e.g. corn and textile mills), service industries (e.g. main drainage, water supply, gas, electricity), power (windmills, watermills, steam engines) and transport and communications (e.g. roads, bridges, railways, canals, harbours, airfields).  Although some of this heritage extends back to prehistoric times, most of what now survives relates to the last 250 years, the period during which Ireland became progressively industrialised. 

An Industrial Archaeology Survey of County Kilkenny (1990) was commissioned by Kilkenny County Council and this identified significant sites which have since been added to the Record of Protected Structures.  Contact the Heritage Office of the County Council for further details.

OBJECTIVE

• Protect archaeological sites and monuments (including their setting), underwater archaeology, and archaeological objects, including those that are listed in the Record of Monuments and Places, and in the Urban Archaeological Survey of County Kilkenny or newly discovered sub-surface and underwater archaeological remains.

 

Development management standards

·         Endeavour to preserve in situ all archaeological monuments, whether on land or underwater, listed in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), and any newly discovered archaeological sites, features, or objects by requiring that archaeological remains are identified and fully considered at the very earliest stages of the development process and that schemes are designed to avoid impacting on the archaeological heritage.

·         To require archaeological assessment, surveys, test excavation and/or monitoring for planning applications in areas of archaeological importance if a development proposal is likely to impact upon in-situ archaeological monuments, their setting and archaeological remains.

·         Ensure that development within the vicinity of a Recorded Monument is sited and designed appropriately so that it does not seriously detract from the setting of the feature or its zone of archaeological potential. Where upstanding remains of a Recorded Monument exist a visual impact assessment may be required to fully determine the effect of any proposed development.

·         Require the retention of surviving medieval plots and street patterns and to facilitate the recording of evidence of ancient boundaries, layouts etc. in the course of development.

·         Safeguard the importance of significant archaeological or historic landscapes from developments that would unduly sever or disrupt the relationship, connectivity and/or inter-visibility between sites.

7.3.3       Conservation Plans

Conservation Plans have been prepared for significant archaeological and architectural sites in Kilkenny city. These include Kilkenny City Walls[9], Rothe House[10], and St. Mary’s Church and Graveyard. [11]

 

Objective:

To facilitate and support the implementation of the existing (and any further) conservation plans as resources allow. 

7.3.4       Historic Graveyards

The historic graveyards of Kilkenny are an important part of the heritage of the county.  They contain a wealth of architectural and archaeological features and are refuges for many species of plant and animal. Most historic graveyards are afforded legal protection through the National Monuments (Amendment) Acts or the Planning and Development Acts. 

Kilkenny County Council commissioned an inventory of the historic graveyards of the city and county.  The data from this survey has been mapped and is available at for inspection on the council’s website[12].  In addition, recordings of the headstones in historic graveyards have been collected by community groups with support from the Council and can be accessed at www.historicgraves.ie.  

There are 12 historic graveyards in the City & Environs as follows:

1. St. Canice’s Cathedral
2. St. Francis Abbey
3. St. Mauls
4. St. Canice’s
5. Black Abbey
6. St. Mary’s Cathedral
7. St. Mary’s (CoI)
8. Capuchin Friary
9. St. Rioch’s
10. St. John’s (CoI)
11. St. John’s
12. St. Patricks

 

“Guidance for the Care, Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards” (Heritage Council, 2010) provides best practice guidance and advice on caring for and recording historic graveyards[13].  The Council will conserve and protect historic graveyards and churches within Kilkenny and encourage their maintenance in accordance with conservation principles and as resources allow.

7.3.5       Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes

Historic gardens and designed landscapes are of natural heritage, architectural, landscape, cultural and historical importance. In addition, they are often the important setting of a Protected Structure.  Kilcreen Lodge to the west of the city is one such property.

The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) has carried out a preliminary survey of historic gardens and designed landscapes in 2003-2005. A total of 196 potential historic gardens and designed landscape sites in County Kilkenny were identified.  For further information see http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/Surveys/Gardens/

 

Development management standard

To seek the protection, and enhancement of significant historic gardens, parklands and designed landscapes in the city and environs, their setting and views to and from them.

7.3.6       Floodlighting

The floodlighting of buildings and structures is often regarded as a means of highlighting the significance of a structure and reflects the substantial pride that communities have in individual heritage sites and structures. Notwithstanding this, floodlighting has the potential to negatively impact on both natural and built heritage. It can contribute to light pollution, impinge on protected species such as bats, and affect the architectural and archaeological significance of a site. 

Draft guidance “Guidelines on the Floodlighting of Monuments” has been prepared by the National Monuments Section of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. This Department should be contacted for further details.

 

Development Management Standards

•          To require an assessment of the potential visual, heritage and environmental impacts of proposals to floodlight buildings and structures.

•          To ensure the protection of the special character and setting of protected structures, ACAs and Recorded Monuments, and protected species when considering proposals for floodlighting.

 

7.4       Architectural Heritage

7.4.1       Urban Structure

Kilkenny, often referred to as the medieval capital of Ireland, offers an abundance of fascinating historical sites. The historic urban centre of Kilkenny City retains much of its medieval fabric.  Prominent buildings such as the Shee Almshouse, Rothe House and the imposing Kilkenny Castle are some of the better-known secular buildings about the streetscape, while numerous medieval religious buildings, such as St Canice’s Cathedral, the Dominican Black Abbey and St Francis’s Abbey, also survive. Buildings such as these, and other less well-known later medieval structures hidden behind Georgian and Victorian façades, are a feature of the surviving medieval streetscape.

In principle, it will be the policy of Kilkenny Borough and County Councils to retain and enhance the essential character of the historic city, whilst assisting in its continued but controlled development, enhancement and maintenance. 

The character of Kilkenny is the result of a combination of the natural features of river and topography, the street spaces, the built fabric and the numerous landmark buildings and structures of historical and archaeological value.

The Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral are the opposing poles of the central area. The enclaves of these two buildings and the spaces which link them – Irishtown, Parliament Street and High Street - form the spine of the central area.

The main spine tends to run parallel to the contours while minor streets and lanes run across the contours, often forming “short cuts”.  These narrow lanes, or “slips” as they are locally known, are a particular feature of Kilkenny’s townscape.  Some are just pedestrian ways, which form short cuts across the width of particularly long city blocks and do not have frontage development.  Others act as narrow streets with buildings fronting onto them.

Within the central area, the streets are typically narrow space channels enclosed on both sides by 18th and 19th century structures.  Generally the facades are vertically proportioned and narrow fronted.  The terraces of vernacular structures are occasionally interrupted by something more ornate or large scaled, often the façade of a bank or other public institutions.  Buildings of great public importance such as the Castle, City Hall and Courthouse, not only differ in scale and material from the vernacular structures, but are either set back or brought forward in respect of the general building line.

The historic centre has been the subject of much change with the redevelopment of some large sites within the city centre such as The Market Yard (Dunnes Stores), the Presentation School (the Market Cross Shopping Complex), the River Court Hotel off John Street and the multi-storey car park, hotel and apartments off Patrick Street.  These large developments were generally on large extensive sites in backland areas where existing uses had become redundant.  Although these are large developments, the essential townscape character of the city centre as described above is still clearly evident. 

However, the centre cannot continually accommodate large-scale development, particularly if the result is the erosion of historic building plots.

7.4.2    Public Realm

The architectural character of a city is determined not only by the importance of individual buildings and groups of buildings but also by the quality of the spaces formed by the buildings – i.e. the footpaths, streets, squares, parks, views and vistas are all of importance, and are an integral part of the urban structure.

Public realm can be best described as the form and use of outdoor areas and spaces that are accessible to the public.  This includes many familiar types of place such as streets, squares, parks, car parks, as well as the physical and visual connections between them, and with buildings.

The public realm in Kilkenny is varied, from the grand civic space in the Parade to the many smaller and incidental spaces and the numerous streets and slipways of the medieval city.   The effects of proposed developments on the quality of the adjacent public spaces and the possibilities of creating new spaces will be an important factor in assessing planning applications.   Pedestrians will be afforded priority in the use of the public realm throughout the historic city.

7.4.3       Views and Prospects

There are a number of sites, areas and vantage points within the City and in the Environs, from which fine views of the City can be had, see Figure 7.5. There are also vantage points within the City from which particularly good views of the City’s most important public buildings and natural landscape features may be obtained.  Of particular importance are views of and from the Castle, Cathedrals and the River Nore.

Views include:

1.       Panoramic view of River Nore valley from Bleach Road

2.       View of St. Canice’s and St. Mary’s Cathedrals from Tullaroan Road

3.       View (north) of River Nore and Linear Park from Greensbridge

4.       View from Michael Street to Kilkenny Castle

5.       View of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Tholsel and St. Mary’s Church from No. 30-35 Michael Street

6.       View of St. Mary’s Cathedral from Kenny’s Well Road

7.       Panoramic view from Dublin Road/Windgap Hill area to River Nore and city skyline

8.       View of Castle Park, open countryside from Castle

9.       View of River Nore valley to east from Ossory Bridge

10.   View of River Nore valley to west from Ossory Bridge

11.   View of St. Mary’s from Callan Road

12.   View of Kilkenny Castle from John’s Bridge

13.   View of city from Dunningstown Road

 

Development Management

·         To protect views and prospects identified on Figure 7.5 by requiring new development or extensions to existing development to be designed and located so as not to have a significant impact on its character.

·         To encourage street layouts in newly developed areas which create new vistas to existing and new landmarks, in particular within brownfield sites, the Western Environs and the Loughmacask Local Area Plan lands. 

·         Where the Council believes development has the potential to either diminish or enhance significant views into and/or out of the city and environs, it may require that a visual impact assessment be carried out prior to development being undertaken on any site. 

               

7.4.4       Record of Protected Structures

Protecting architectural heritage is an important function of the planning authority, particularly in a city like Kilkenny where the built heritage has such a strong role to play in ensuring the continued economic prosperity of the area.  Each development plan must include policy objectives to protect structures or parts of structures of special interest within its functional area.  The primary means of achieving this is to include a Record of Protected Structures for the functional area within the development plan.  A planning authority is obliged to include in the RPS every structure, which, in its opinion, is of architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. 

A protected structure, unless otherwise stated in the RPS, includes the interior of the structure, land lying within the curtilage, any other structures lying within that curtilage and their interiors, plus all fixtures and features which form a part of the interior or exterior of any of these structures.

Works which would in the opinion of the planning authority have a material effect on the character of the protected structure require planning permission.  Those with an interest in a protected structure may seek a Declaration under Section 57(2) which would offer practical guidance in relation to the protection of the structure.  Section 57(10)(b) of the Planning and Development 2000 provides that permission may only be granted for the demolition of a protected structure in exceptional circumstances.

The Record of Protected Structures (as correct at the time of publication) is listed in Appendix G of this written statement.  The RPS, incorporating any additions or deletions from the RPS within the lifetime of this plan, will be maintained on the planning authority’s website or can be checked at the Planning Department in the City Hall.

The Councils will promote the importance of regular maintenance of structures contained within the RPS to ensure the protection of the architectural heritage. Information will be given to owners of protecting structures in undertaking essential repairs and maintenance of protected structures.  The Councils will promote by example the principles of best practice in conservation of the built heritage through the custodianship of Protected Structures in the Council’s ownership/care.

 

7.4.5       The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage

The NIAH survey for Kilkenny was published in 2006.  The planning authority is obliged to consider for inclusion in its Record of Protected Structures any buildings rated as being of Regional, National or International importance by the NIAH.  Kilkenny City and County Councils are continuing to process, on a phased basis, the addition to the RPS of all NIAH buildings recommended for inclusion by the Minister.  This may be done as part of the development plan review process or separately under Section 55 of the Planning and Development Act.

Objectives:

·         To ensure the protection of the architectural heritage of Kilkenny City & Environs by including all structures considered to be of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest in the Record of Protected Structures.

·         To respond to the Ministerial recommendation to include in the Record of Protected Structures, structures which have been identified as being of Regional, National or International significance in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage survey of the city and county published in 2006.

·         To carry out a review of the Record of Protected Structures for the functional area of Kilkenny City and Environs

Development Management

·         To have regard to the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines[14] when assessing proposals for development affecting a protected structure.

·         To promote principles of best practice in conservation in terms of use of appropriate materials and repair techniques through the administration of the Structures at Risk Fund, provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

·         To require the sympathetic retention, reuse and rehabilitation of Protected Structures and their settings.

·         To require an architectural impact assessment/conservation method statement for developments within the grounds of country house estates which are Protected Structures. 

 

7.4.6       Architectural Conservation Areas

Each development plan must include a policy objective to preserve the character of Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) within its functional area.  An ACA is a place, area, group of structures or townscape, taking account of building lines and heights, that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or that contributes to the appreciation of a protected structure, and whose character it is an objective of the development plan to preserve. 

Kilkenny Borough Council has identified nine areas within the City and Environs which it has designated as ACAs.  A general set of policies for all ACAs within the City and Environs is set out below.  A statement of character has been devised for each ACA in order to make clear what the intention of the planning authority is to preserve.  Any works proposed within an ACA which would affect the special character of the area or works outside the ACA which would affect the setting of the ACA may not be considered exempted development.  For example, replacement of timber sash windows with inappropriate alternatives (e.g. uPVC) would not be exempted development within an ACA and development outside an ACA which may affect views into or out of the ACA thereby affecting its special character may not be exempted development.   Guidance on the criteria the planning authority will use to assess proposals for new development and proposals for demolition within an ACA are given in section 3.10 of the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines.

 

7.4.6.1       General Objectives for all ACAs in Kilkenny City and Environs

·         To ensure the preservation of the special character of each ACA particularly with regard to building scale, proportions, historical plot sizes, building lines, height, general land use, building materials, historic street furniture and paving.

·         To designate ACAs where appropriate and provide a local policy framework for the preservation of these areas.

 

The following general development management guidelines will apply to all nine ACAs.

General ACA Development Management Guidance

·         To have regard to the Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines when assessing proposals for development affecting an ACA.

·         To ensure the retention, repair rather than replacement, and the regular maintenance of original/early features in buildings which contribute to the character of an ACA, such as roof profiles, chimney stacks, roof coverings, external wall treatments, doors and windows, shop fronts, pub fronts, and to ensure the use of appropriate materials and repair techniques when repairs are being carried out. 

·         To ensure the conservation of early/original timber windows and to ensure that inappropriate materials such as uPVC windows, doors, fascias, rainwater goods etc. are not introduced to buildings within an ACA.

·         To ensure the conservation of historic shopfronts and pubfronts

·         To require high quality, contemporary design and materials in shopfronts/pubfronts where replacement is necessary and new ones are proposed and to avoid pastiche shopfronts/ pubfronts.

·         To ensure the preservation of the special character of the ACA when assessing proposals for advertising, to limit the number of projecting signs to no more than one on each commercial premises to avoid visual clutter, to control lighting and coloured lighting on facades.

·         To require high quality contemporary design and materials when new buildings are being introduced into an ACA and the retention of historic scale and plot size.

·         To retain historic items of street furniture where they contribute to the character of the ACA.

·         To facilitate the removal of overhead cables throughout the ACA.

·         To seek the retention of mature trees/significant planting (when in good condition) which contribute to the character of the ACA.

 

7.4.7       ACAs in Kilkenny City

There are nine ACAs.  Each one is given a description, statement of character and set of policies.

1.            City Centre

2.            Kilkenny Castle

3.            St. Canice’s

4.            John Street

5.            Patrick Street

6.            Michael Street and Wolfe Tone Street

7.            St. Mary’s

8.            Lacken

9.            Talbotsinch

 

7.4.7.1       City Centre ACA

Description and historical background

The city centre ACA encompasses the medieval core of Kilkenny, the boundaries of which follow the line of the city wall to the west and north, the river to the east and Rose Inn Street to the south (see Figure 7.6).  This area is defined by the central spine of the city running along High Street and Parliament Street with the medieval slips running to the east between High Street and Kieran Street and the surviving burgage plots to the rear of properties on High Street and Parliament Street.  This part of the City contains some of the city’s most architecturally and historically significant structures including St. Francis Abbey, The Black Abbey, St. Mary’s Church, Rothe House, Shee Alms House, and the Hightown Circuit of the city walls, visual reminders of the city’s prosperity in the 14^th, 15^th and 16^th centuries. The Tholsel and the Courthouse are also within this area representing major contributions from the 18^th century.  Apart from these landmark buildings and structures (of which there is a high proportion in such a small area) the external built fabric of these streets dates to the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Even within this however, there are small reminders of the medieval past incorporated into many of the city’s structures, particularly on High Street, and it is highly likely that there is further medieval fabric hidden from view. 

The urban vernacular of much of the City Centre is characterised by rendered and painted facades with classically proportioned wall to window ratios and the survival of the timber sash as the most common window type.  This presentation is typical of the commercial centres of most Irish towns.  One departure from this type is the east side of Parliament Street which is home to a number of redbrick four-storey over basement Georgian houses.  Adjacent to these is an important reminder of the 19^th century brewing industry in the St. Francis Abbey Brewery.

 

Statement of character

The City Centre ACA is characterised by its evolution during the medieval period as Hightown, containing the residences of the merchant princes, the custom house/Tholsel, the market cross and later the courthouse.  Much of the medieval street pattern survives with the main streets running along a north south central spine, having narrow slips unique to Kilkenny running downhill off the main street to the east and having long burgage plots running east-west to the rear of the properties on High Street and Parliament Street.    The area today is characterised by a sizeable collection of landmark medieval and 18^th century buildings set in an 18^th and 19^th century commercial streetscape of two and three-storey rendered facades with classically proportioned wall to window ratios and many surviving early shop and pub fronts to ground floor.  In the north-east corner of the area is a significant element of Kilkenny’s 19^th century industrial heritage in the form of the St. Francis Abbey brewing site.

 

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character.

·         CCACA 1 Assessment of proposals for the presentation of commercial premises will require retention of genuine early/original shopfronts/pubfronts, and the provision of high quality contemporary design when new shopfronts/commercial fronts are proposed,

·         CCACA 2 To maintain high standard of presentation of ground and upper floors by controling  the size, number and composition of advertisements on buildings to prevent  and reduce visual clutter in the ACA.  Plastic or neon signage will not be considered in the ACA.

·         CCACA 3 To protect the remaining surviving medieval street pattern and tight urban grain, particularly the burgage plots to the rear of High St. and Parliament St. limiting large scale developments which may necessitate assimilation of smaller historic building plots and retention of the existing scale of three and four storey buildings.

·         CCACA 4 To improve the visual appearance of the car parking area at the Market Yard and to ensure a high standard of architectural design for any development at Bateman Quay.

 

7.4.7.2       Kilkenny Castle ACA

 

Description and historical background

The Kilkenny Castle ACA comprises three main components – the Castle and its grounds, the public open space known as the Parade linking the castle with High Street, and the residential areas immediately adjacent to the boundary walls of the Castle Park.  See Figure 7.7. 

The Castle is an impressive National Monument, not only due to its size and scale, but also its elevated location and its relationship to The Parade, the city’s most prominent civic space. The Castle itself is located in the spacious setting of the Castle Gardens and parkland, which cover an area of over 50 acres. This ACA also includes the millrace buildings located on the Castle Grounds adjacent to the River Nore. This area also includes sections of the medieval Kilkenny City Walls (Hightown Circuit).

The Parade is an impressive urban space which stretches from the Castle Grounds to High Street. It is graced by the 18^th century grand four-storey over basement red brick Georgian terraces.  The 18^th century also saw the introduction of the castle stable yard as an architectural set piece reflecting the classicisation of the south entrance to the Castle. 

The former bank building, an impressive stone structure, on the corner of the Parade represents the rise of the banks as an institution in the middle of the 19^th century.  The Parade today remains an impressive piece of urban design and has in recent years been opened up to pedestrians with the removal of car parking and the reinstatement of paving.  

On the north side of the Parade is the Mayor’s Walk flanked on one side by the Rose Garden Wall and on the other by a row of trees planted in the 20^th century.  There are two formal 18^th century cut-stone and wrought-ironwork gateway entrances to the Mayor’s Walk, one at the Rose Inn Street end and the other at the Castle end.  These are works of considerable elegance and architectural significance and make a strong contribution to the character of the area.

The grounds of the castle are an important green space within the city providing a valuable amenity to the city dwellers and visitors alike, linking open parkland with a walk along the river Nore.  The castle grounds provide a setting which showcases the castle buildings and their inclusion in the ACA is vital for the protection of the setting of one of Kilkenny’s most visited landmarks.  Also within the grounds of the Castle and an important element of the industrial architectural heritage of the city are the millrace buildings adjacent to the river and dating to the first half of the 18^th century and possibly incorporating fabric of an pre 1650 mill complex but having its origins in a mill established here in the 13^th century.

On the north side of the castle grounds located between the retaining boundary wall of the castle grounds and the river is the Canal Walk.  This was recently upgraded and improved for pedestrians in line with the works done on the Parade, having renewed paving and railings to the riverfront.  This area now contributes significantly to the setting of the Castle.  The retaining random rubble boundary walls of the castle grounds which flank the south side of the Canal Walk make a strong contribution to the character of the ACA.

The residential area of the Castle Gardens is the setting for a mature giant Redwood tree which was once part of the Castle grounds.  The detached dwellings dating from the 1950s and 1960s are not of any architectural merit in their own right but their inclusion in the ACA represents a buffer zone for the castle grounds.

The Switzer’s Almshouses on the Castle Road consists of a terrace of five two-storey three bay houses with a pediment over the central house.  It is a group of significant architectural importance dating to 1803 and built by James Switzer, building contractor at the Kilkenny City Military Barracks.  An important element of the complex is the impressive classical rubble and cut-stone gateway.

Statement of Character

Kilkenny Castle ACA is characterised by the medieval Castle and its parkland setting and mill buildings, the random rubble limestone boundary walls which surround its grounds on both north and south sides, by The Parade with its Georgian residential terrace and 18^th century promenade (The Mayor’s Walk), The Canal Walk, Switzer’s Asylum and the Castle Gardens residential area.  Much of the character of the area is public open space with significant landmark buildings including the Castle, its mill buildings, a red brick Georgian terrace and promenade, the castle stable yard, Switzer’s almshouses and extensive lengths of limestone boundary walls.  There is a mix of uses, public amenity, residential and commercial.  It is important that the commercial uses on the Parade do not detract from the character of their setting.

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character.

·         KCACA 1 To protect the historic and architectural character of the Castle and its unique setting.

·         KCACA 2 To protect the natural amenity of the Castle Park as an important recreational area and wildlife habitat.

·         KCACA 3 To protect and consolidate the structures of the Ormonde Mill and to protect their setting on the banks of the river Nore.

·         KCACA 4 To maintain high standard of presentation of ground and upper floors by controlling  the size, number and composition of advertisements on buildings to prevent  and reduce visual clutter in the ACA.  Plastic or neon signage will not be considered in the ACA.

·         KCACA 5 To ensure appropriate uses for the buildings on the Parade, which will not detract from the character of the area. 

·         KCACA 6 To protect and retain the historic integrity of the city walls in accordance with the City Walls conservation plan.

·         KCACA 7 To protect the special low-density residential character of the Castle Gardens residential area.

·         KCACA 8 To ensure the conservation of the boundary walls surrounding the castle grounds on all sides.

 

7.4.7.3       St. Canice’s ACA

Description and historical background

St. Canice’s Cathedral, which gives its name to the city (Cill Chainnigh, Church of Canice), is the central landmark in this area which encompasses an area running from Butt’s Green in the west to the river Nore in the east and bounded to the north by a line running from the Freshford Road west to Granges Road (See Figure 7.8).  The area is known as Irishtown and was historically always separated from Hightown by the River Breagagh, prone to flash flooding at certain times of the year, forming a natural boundary between the two.  The 13^th Century St. Canice’s is still surrounded by the remnants of its close, including the 11^th century round tower, the Bishop’s Palace, The Deanery,  St. Canice’s library, almshouses and St. Canice’s steps.  It is a complex of buildings of enormous significance architecturally, historically and culturally to the city.  The area is characterised by narrow lanes and streets which surround the base of the mound on which the cathedral was built – Dean Street, St. Canice’s Place, Vicar Street and Troy’s Lane.  The area also includes sections of the medieval Kilkenny City Walls (Irishtown Circuit).

The 13^th century St. Francis Abbey is located in the south-eastern corner of the Smithwick’s brewery site.  This structure has survived substantially intact in spite of its location in the centre of a working brewery site but requires a strategy for future integration into any new developments which will be proposed on this site.

St. Canice’s Catholic Church is another major landmark in the area, occupying a visually prominent position on another of the five hills of Kilkenny, terminating the vista westwards along Dean Street.  It was built in 1824-47 in the Gothic style by Rev. Jacob Gorman.  The scale and the fine detailing throughout represent a quality rarely seen in churches predating Catholic Emancipation (1829), thereby indicating the religious tolerance in Kilkenny together with the relative prosperity of the local congregation.

The area is traversed by a number of small laneways enclosed by high stone walls.  There is a predominantly residential character to the area with some institutional buildings and a small number of shops along Dean Street.

The line of the Central Access Scheme runs through the area and a new bridge has been approved across the River Nore at the south eastern most section of the ACA.

Green Street which runs east off Vicar Street towards Greens Bridge is an area of mixed uses with some vacant commercial buildings which have potential for renovation and re-use.

 

Statement of Character

This is the area which gives its name to the city of Kilkenny.  It is characterised by its separateness from the medieval Hightown – being located outside the walls and known as Irishtown - and is dominated by the Church of Ireland Cathedral, St. Canice’s, the current structure an impressive gothic structure dating to the 13^th century.  This church is surrounded by a complex of associated buildings of great architectural and historical importance to the city. Its attendant buildings are located on a hill, the streets and laneways that surround it and which criss-cross it being another significant feature which contributes to the character of the area.  To the east of this complex is the area close to the river which includes that part of the19th century brewery site containing the remains of the 13^th century St. Francis Abbey. To the west of the Protestant Cathedral is St. Canice’s Catholic Church, an 1820s church in the gothic style with fine detailing, and a visually prominent landmark on the approach roads into the city.  Surrounding these landmark buildings the area is predominantly residential in character with the exception of Dean St., Green St. and the brewery site.

 

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character.

·         SCACA 1 To protect the historic and architectural character of St. Canice’s Cathedral and its unique setting and to protect the grouping of the Cathedral, Library, Deanery, and other buildings associated with the administration of the Cathedral.

·         SCACA 2 To protect and retain the historic integrity of the city walls, in accordance with the Kilkenny City Walls Conservation Plan.

·         SCACA 3 To encourage and facilitate the adaptation and re-use of any derelict and under-utilised buildings on Green Street.

·         SCACA 4 To ensure the buildings proposed following the completion of the  Central Access Scheme proposal are designed in such a manner so as not to detract from the special character of the area and are sensitive to the existing scale of development within the area.

·         SCACA 5 To seek the conservation of St Francis Abbey  and its setting

·         SCACA 6 To ensure that any development occurring along the River Nore will be sensitive in its design and mindful of its proximity to the river.

 

7.4.7.4       John Street ACA

Description and historical background

On the east bank of the river Nore, and linked with the Hightown by John’s Bridge, was the suburb of St. John’s which occupied a roughly quadrangular area located around the axis of John St., see Figure 7.9.  The area was surrounded by the St. John’s Circuit of medieval city wall of which some sections remain, and was dominated by the Augustinian Priory of St. John the Evangelist, the substantial above ground remains of which survive as a romantic ruin which contributes significantly to the character of the area.  These ruins wrap around the Board of First Fruits Church of St. John (1817) providing a dramatic backdrop to the later church.  The Greek Revival detailed cut limestone Evans Almshouses, to a design by Willam Roberston, adjacent to the Abbey are a significant landmark, until recently hidden in the backlands of the area but currently receiving attention as the subject of an extensive conservation and renewal project being undertaken by Kilkenny Local Authorities and the Butler Gallery. 

John St. itself retains its essentially 19^th century character with two and three-storey rendered buildings with commercial units to ground floor.  The County Hall and its classical gateway onto John Street are a strong contribution from the eighteenth century and the Carnegie Library is a significant bijoux structure dating to the early twentieth-century and adding to the character of the riverside frontage of the area.  St. John’s Catholic Church is a major landmark on the Dublin Road, built 1900-1910 to designs by William Hague, it is an imposing Gothic Revival structure.  The graveyard further along this road is of great archaeological significance containing markers spanning several centuries and being associated with a 14^th century leper hospital and a 17^th century catholic church.  The remains of the tower house on Maudlin Street known as Magdalen Castle (post 1500) is associated with the leper hospital which had a long connection with St. John’s Priory (lepers were traditionally associated with St. Mary Magdalen - corrupted to Maudlin). 

Statement of Character

The area is predominantly 19^th century commercial in character along John Street and residential along Maudlin Street, John’s Quay and the Dublin Road.  The landmark structures of the area are either well set back off the road or hidden in backland areas with significant medieval structures remaining in St. John’s Priory and Magdalen Castle.  An early 19^th century Board of First Fruits church with the fine medieval ruins of St. John’s Priory as a backdrop contributes to the character of John St., while the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries are well represented in the Evans Almshouse structure to the rear of St. John’s Priory, and in the classical former Kilkenny College, now County Hall.  The massive Gothic Revival Catholic church on the Dublin Road and the bijoux Carnegie Library on John’s Quay are important contributions of the early twentieth century.

 

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character.

·         JSACA 1 To maintain high standard of presentation of ground and upper floors by controlling the size, number and composition of advertisements on buildings to prevent and reduce visual clutter in the ACA.  Plastic or neon signage will not be considered in the ACA.

·         JSACA 2Assessment of proposals for the presentation of commercial premises will require retention of genuine early/original shopfronts/pubfronts, the provision of high quality contemporary design when new shopfronts/commercial fronts are proposed.

·         JSACA 3 Where windows on upper floors of commercial premises have been replaced with uPVC or aluminium in the past there will be a requirement that these be replaced by appropriate timber windows where planning permission of any sort is being sought for the structure.

·         JSACA 4 To protect historic plot sizes along John St. Upper and Lower and to avoid amalgamation of sites for new buildings.

·         JSACA 5 To protect and retain the historic integrity of the city walls, in accordance with the Kilkenny City Walls Conservation Plan (Heritage Council, 2005).

·         JSACA 6 To ensure any new developments to the south of Maudlin St. are sensitive in scale to the surrounding buildings and that any future re-development of the former petrol station and adjoining sites on the Dublin Road is sensitive in scale to the surrounding buildings.

·         JSACA 7 To promote the conservation of the front garden areas and railings to the houses of St. John’s Place on the Dublin Road and to ensure that proposals for accommodating residential parking which impact on these will not be permitted.

·         JSACA 8 To consider the balance of uses on John St. when dealing with change of use applications.

 

7.4.7.5       Patrick Street ACA

Description and historical background

St Patrick’s graveyard, immediately to the south of the medieval town, marks the site of the earliest Christian foundation in Kilkenny, even pre-dating the Church of Canice at the opposite end of the town.  In the neighbourhood of St. Patrick’s Church and stretching along Patrick St. was the borough of Donaghmore, first referred to in c.1245.  It had its own marketplace and market cross, probably located at the junction of New Street and Patrick Street and references to St. Patrick’s outer gate suggest that the settlement was enclosed.  Nothing survives of the medieval St. Patrick’s Church but the fine series of thirteenth and fourteenth-century tombslabs preserved in the graveyard suggests it was richly patronised.  See Figure 7.10 for the boundaries of this ACA. 

Patrick St. is now essentially a street of eighteenth and nineteenth-century two and three-storey houses, a mix of residential and commercial leading from the Parade to the Waterford Road through the former St. Patrick’s Gate.  The curve of the street provides a pleasant sweep into the city when entering from the south. 

Sections of the medieval city wall (Hightown Circuit) survive along Ormonde Road, most notably Talbot’s Tower on which conservation works have recently been carried out.   Coláiste Pobail Osraí, or Ormonde College, a Jacobean Revival model school built 1853 makes a significant contribution to this streetscape as does the former Presbyterian Church, built to designs by Charles Anderson and dating to the 1840s.

Religious and educational institutions dominate the western part of this area including St. Kieran’s College, an impressive large scale college in a picturesque Tudor Revival style built c.1840 and rated of National importance by the NIAH; St. Camillus’s Convent (1885-90) and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in the Gothic Revival style dating to the last decade of the nineteenth century form a dramatic landmark on a prominent corner site.   All these sites are accessed from the College Road, a wide tree-lined avenue.

Statement of Character

Patrick Street is a mixed residential and commercial street with many good quality classical buildings.  It leads from The Parade Junction to the Waterford Road, through the former St. Patrick’s Gate.

Religious and educational institutions dominate the western section of this area.  The grounds of St. Kieran’s College, the John of God Convent and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church are each impressive buildings in their own rights.  Each of these is accessed from the College Road, which is a wide tree-lined avenue.  The area also includes sections of the medieval Kilkenny City Walls (Hightown Circuit).

 

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character.

·         PSACA 1 To protect the setting of the area’s many landmark buildings including the great nineteenth-century ecclesiastical and educational buildings such as St. Patrick’s Church, St. Kieran’s College, Ormonde College, the former Presbyterian Church.

·         PSACA 2 To enhance the character of Ormonde Road and College Road as an approach to the city centre.

·         PSACA 3 To protect and retain the historic integrity of the city walls in accordance with the Kilkenny City Walls Conservation Plan (Heritage Council, 2005), particularly the impressive survivor of the medieval Hightown Circuit - Talbot’s Tower.

·         PSACA 4 To ensure any future developments along Jacob St. adhere to a formal building line and are predominantly residential in nature.

·         PSACA 5 To protect the visual relationship between Butler House, Kilkenny Design Centre and Kilkenny Castle.

·         PSACA 6 To avoid backland development which would negatively impact on the character of this area.

 

7.4.7.6       Michael Street/Wolfe Tone Street ACA

Description and historical background

Located to the north of the John Street ACA and bounded by the River Nore on the east side and by Wolfetone Street on the west side, this area is predominantly residential in nature having been developed in the late 19^th century, see Figure 7.11.

Michael Street is a residential street running from John Street to Greensbridge Street.  The houses are two-storey rendered 1880’s terraced houses overlooking the river Nore and the linear park.  The gardens to the rear are long and narrow extending to meet the gardens to the rear of Wolfetone Street.  This is a large backland area of private green space contributing to the biodiversity of the centre of Kilkenny city.  Scoil Eoin Naofa, the only substantial public building in the area, built in the 1930, contributes to the visual appeal of both Michael Street and John’s Quay.

St. Maul’s cemetery with cutstone markers dating from the late 18^th century is located along Greensbridge Street, its random rubble limestone boundary wall contributing to the character of this street.

The houses on Wolfetone Street are predominantly dormer style terraced houses also with long back gardens stretching to meet those to the rear of Michael Street.  The 1930’s saw-tooth roofed former shoe factory, now home to Padmore and Barnes located on the opposite side of the street and outside the boundary of the ACA, contributes significantly to the setting of the ACA and to its character.

John’s Green, which has recently been the subject of upgrading works, is a significant public open space, the limestone arches of the railway line (1865) contributing significantly to its character.  The Kilkenny County Infirmary (recently in use as a hostel and now vacant) is an important mid eighteenth-century structure on the corner of John’s Green and Wolfetone Street representing one of the earliest surviving purpose built public health institutions in the area.  Adjacent to this site on the far side of the railway tracks is the Ormonde House, 19^th century almshouses in the Tudor Revival style.

John’s Terrace on John’s Quay is an attractive terrace of two-storey houses dating to the late 19^th century with iron railings to the small front gardens – the houses are adjacent to the Carnegie Library and front directly onto the river. 

Green’s Bridge is a significant architectural landmark in the area, a five-arch rubble limestone bridge over the river built in 1766 by William Colles to designs prepared by George Smith after the Roman Bridge at Rimini described by Andrea Palladio in his Four Books on Architecture.  It is one of a number of bridges built following the Great Flood of 1763, including Castlecomer Bridge, Thomastown Bridge, Graiguenamanagh Bridge, and Inistioge Bridge.  The bridge has finely carved limestone dressings exhibiting high quality stone masonry.  These bridges are given a rating of National importance by the NIAH survey.

 

Statement of Character

The area is predominantly residential in character with a large area of private green space to the rear of houses on Michael Street and Wolfetone Street.  The River Nore plays a key role in the setting of the houses on Michael Street and Green’s Bridge is an important landmark dating to the 18^th century.  The terrace of red brick houses on John’s Quay with its front gardens and railings contributes strongly to the character of the area and John’s Green is a significant public open space bounded by the atmospheric railway arches and the boundary walls of the 18^th century Infirmary building.  The setting of the ACA is enhanced by the survival of the 1930’s saw-toothed former shoe factory on Wolfetone Street.

 

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character.

·         MSACA 1 To promote the conservation of the front garden areas to the houses in John’s Terrace on John’s Quay and to ensure that proposals for accommodating residential parking which impact on these will not be permitted.

·         MSACA 2 To ensure a high standard of architectural design to any development to the rear of Michael Street and Wolfe Tone Street, and ensure it is sensitive in scale and materials to the existing area.

·         MSACA 3 To promote the restoration and appropriate re-use of derelict or vacant buildings, particularly the 18^th century Infirmary building on John’s Green.

·         MSACA 4 Any proposals for new development in the former mart site should take account of the setting of the ACA and the importance of the 1930s former shoe factory to the setting of the ACA.

·         MSACA 5 Where provision is being made for making a pedestrian link through to the mart site this should be sensitive to the character of the ACA and its setting.

·         MSACA 6 Any proposals for new development along the river should be of a contemporary design and address its waterfront location.

·         MSACA 7 To provide for the conservation of Green’s Bridge, a protected structure of National importance.

 

7.4.7.7       St. Mary’s ACA

Description and historical background (see Figure 7.12)

The area is located to the west of the walled town sharing a boundary on its east side with the City Centre ACA.  It is dominated by St. Mary’s Cathedral, which was located just outside the former St. James’s Gate.  The other important landmark is The Black Abbey, the Dominican Friary, located in the north eastern corner of the area in a low-lying area adjacent to the River Breagagh established c. 1225 by William Marshal the younger.  The area also includes the many residential streets surrounding St. Mary’s Cathedral including St. James’s Green, Kickham Street, Blackmill Street, Dominic Street, Stephen Street, and extending westward out to Kenny’s Well Road. 

St. Mary’s, built 1843-57 to designs by William Deane Butler in the Early English Gothic style, is an impressive large-scale cathedral of National significance.  Built on a corner site on raised ground, it is the largest and most prominent building within the city.  The setting of the cathedral is enhanced by St. James’s Green to the west which is surrounded by 19^th and 20^th century terraced housing and by St. Mary’s Presbytery to the east, designed in the Tudor Revival style by William Hague and built in 1861.

The complex form and massing of the Black Abbey as it stands today attests to a period of evolution spanning eight centuries.  The present composition results from a comprehensive redevelopment programme completed under the direction of James Joseph McCarthy in the mid nineteenth century.  The Abbey is an important element in the archaeological heritage of Kilkenny.  Adjacent to it and contributing to its setting is the Dominican Priory building dating to the 1890s.

The neo-Georgian Garda Station on Dominic Street designed by the OPW and built in the 1940’s contributes to the character of the area.

 

Statement of Character

This area is defined by its many residential streets of 19^th and 20^th century housing, with St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey providing focal points of major architectural and archaeological interest within the area.  James’s Green is an important public green space enhancing the setting of the Cathedral and the modest terraces of houses which surround it.  The area is bounded by the River Breagagh to the north providing a further open green space along the river and surrounding the location of Kenny’s Well.  The eastern boundary of the site follows the line of the Hightown Circuit of the City Wall, while the red brick neo-Georgian Garda Station (1940-45) on Dominic Street is representative of the 20^th century’s contribution to this suburb of the old city.

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character

·         SMACA 1 To protect and enhance the setting of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey.

·         SMACA 2 To protect the residential character, setting and appearance of the dwellings on Parnell Street, James’s Green, Kickham Street, Dominic Street, Stephens Street, Rothe Terrace and the Kennyswell Road. The cumulative effect of removal of front garden walls and railings damages the character and appearance of these suburban streets and roads. Consequently proposals for off street parking need to be balanced against loss of amenity. The removal of front garden walls and railings will not generally be permitted where they have a negative impact on the character of streetscapes. See the development plan guidelines in Chapter 11 for the criteria which must be met when proposals for off street parking are made within an ACA.

·         SMACA 3 To protect Kenny’s Well and its setting and adjacent open space along the Breagagh River.

·         SMACA 4 To protect and retain the historic integrity of the city walls in accordance with the Kilkenny City Walls Conservation Plan (Heritage Council, 2005).

·         SMACA 5 To protect the visual amenity of the Breagagh River and ensure any future developments adjacent to it address its riverside location.

 

7.4.7.8       Lacken ACA

Description and historical background

The Lacken ACA is located to the east of the John Street ACA and is bounded to the south and west by the River Nore, to the east by the Ring Road and to the north by the Dublin Road, see Figure 7.13.  It is of importance as the setting for a dramatic entrance into the historic city from the east as the road runs along a height and the ground falls away steeply to the banks of the river.  There are impressive views over the River Nore and Kilkenny Castle as one approaches along the Dublin Road.  Hidden from view are the ruins of the Lacken Corn Mills, dating to the late 18^th century, adjacent to the river.  The tower of the Elizabethan Revival St. Canice’s Hospital is visible from the Dublin Road and this extensive complex of buildings set in established grounds which run down to the river, makes a significant contribution to the character of the area.  On the north side of the Dublin Road are some early terraces of houses and substantial houses within their own grounds with mature trees which also contribute to the character of the area.

 

Statement of Character

The character of the area is defined by the impressive views down to the River Nore and across to Kilkenny Castle as one approaches along the Dublin Road from the east.   Important structures which contribute to the character of the area are the St. Canice’s Hospital complex and The Lacken Corn Mills.  On the northern boundary of the area along the Dublin Road are some early terraces of houses and substantial houses within their own grounds with mature trees which contribute to the character of the area.

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character

·         LACA 1 To protect the setting of the River Nore and the views across to Kilkenny Castle as one approaches along the Dublin Road from the east.

·         LACA 2 To protect the industrial archaeological heritage of the Lacken Corn Mills and its setting on the banks of the River Nore.

·         LACA 3 To protect the 19^th century complex of buildings associated with St. Canice’s Hospital which are of National importance.

·         LACA 4 To protect the setting of substantial houses in their own grounds which contain mature trees.

 

7.4.7.9       Talbotsinch ACA

Description and historical background & Statement of Character (See Figure 7.14)

Talbotsinch is a unique example of residential planning. The model village was built in 1904 for Ellen Odette Desart, fourth countess of Desart to designs prepared in a characteristic Arts and Crafts style by William Alphonsus Scott (1871-1921).  The area has remained almost exclusively residential in character and has retained its special qualities of design and craftsmanship.  The open green space in the centre surrounded by simple iron railings contributes significantly to the area’s character.

ACA Development Management Standards based on assessment of special character.

·         TACA 1 To protect the character of Talbotsinch village as a model village.

·         TACA 2 Any proposals to convert front gardens for use as off street parking will not be permitted.

·         TACA 3 To protect the open green space of Talbotsinch green as an important contributor to the setting of the houses and to the historic planning of the village.

·         TACA 4 To ensure that any proposals for the development of the corner site in the south eastern corner of the ACA take account and are respectful of the setting of the village and its character.

 

7.4.7.10  The Vernacular Built Heritage

The vernacular built heritage consists of buildings and settlements created by the people from local materials and resources to meet local needs following local traditions.  The response to the local environment gave rise to construction techniques which vary from region to region, often with great subtlety.  This type of building is often undervalued because it does not represent ‘great architecture’ and because of associations with poverty and a perception that the buildings have become obsolete.  The value of these buildings lies in the regional distinctiveness and identity that they confer on a place and their importance as an embodiment of the accumulated wisdom and cultural traditions of the people who built and lived in them. 

The Council will apply the conservation principles and guidelines in practice as set out in the ICOMOS Charter on the Built Vernacular Heritage (Mexico 1999) when considering proposals to adapt vernacular buildings to meet contemporary living standards and needs.

The Council will promote the retention and re-use of the vernacular built heritage through increasing public awareness of its potential for re-use and its adaptability to change.

7.5       Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage includes aspects of heritage such as traditions, practices, knowledge and skills which are an expression of our culture.  In Kilkenny our cultural heritage includes oral history, placenames, folklore, local history and sport. It also encompasses features of cultural heritage interest such as mass rocks, mass paths, rag trees and vernacular gates which are locally significant and add to the distinctive character and sense of place of an area.   The Council will preserve, protect and where necessary enhance significant heritage objects and/or other significant cultural features that form part of the cultural heritage of the County.

 

7.5.1       Placenames

Placenames are an important and disappearing part of our cultural heritage.  They provide a link to the past and reflect the natural, built and cultural heritage of a locality.  There are few written records of traditional placenames and fieldnames as they were usually passed down by word-of-mouth.  Kilkenny County Council has undertaken surveys, in partnership with local communities, to record and map traditional place and fieldnames through the Townlands project and the River Nore Heritage Audit.

 

 See http://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Services/Heritage/Townlands_Project.html and http://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Services/Heritage/Heritage_Audit_of_the_River_Nore_.html

 

It is important that placenames of all new developments reflect the local topography, history, culture, ecology or significant people and events and incorporate traditional and Irish language place names from the locality.  Resources to aid in the naming of new developments include Foras na Gaeilge’s booklet entitled “Name your place – Logainmneacha Cuid dar nOidhreacht” see www.logainm.ie and the Placenames Commission www.coimisineir.ie.

Development Management Standards

•             To ensure that the names of all new developments shall reflect local historical, heritage or cultural associations. 

•             To encourage the use of bi-lingual and Irish-Language place names and signs.