Kilkenny’s rich trove of architectural treasures contributes hugely to its character and appeal. Buildings throughout the county, dating from the early 18th Century and on, serve as visible connections to our past. Milling and other industries took place beside the Rivers Suir, Barrow and Nore, and many of these masonry buildings still stand with mill wheels and machinery attached. The land near the rivers was fertile, encouraging agriculture, with grand country houses and their estates, farmyards and stables built nearby. The banks of the Suir became a source of thatch for many cottages in the area. Kilkenny also has a varied ecclesiastical heritage, with Catholic, Church of Ireland, Methodist, and Presbyterian buildings scattered across the county. Much of Kilkenny rests on a bed of grey limestone, and this material is often used in the buildings of the county.
One of the purposes of the Development Plan is to identify and protect both the natural and built environment. Since 2000, Kilkenny has maintained a Record of Protected Structures or RPS. The RPS is vital for the protection of our built architectural heritage. As part of the new Development Plans, some structures identified as being worthy of protection will be proposed for addition to the existing RPS.
What is the Record of Protected Structures?
The Record of Protected Structures, or RPS, forms part of the City and County Development Plans. It is a list of structures of importance to our architectural heritage, with the exterior, the interior and surrounding structures within the curtilage of the structure, protected by law. Structures on the RPS are considered to be of special interest from an architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social, or technical point of view. Additions and deletions to this record are decided on by elected members of the council, our County Councillors.
The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), carried out between 2004 and 2005, identifies various structures of interest in the city and county. As part of the new Development Plan, many of these structures of regional and national interest will be proposed for addition to the RPS. To browse the NIAH database, go to http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/highlights.jsp?county=KK
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What does the process involve?
If a structure is proposed for addition as part of the Draft Development Plan, the owners or occupiers of the structure will be notified. They will also be given details of where and when particulars of the addition may be inspected. A copy of the proposed addition may be inspected for a period of ten weeks. Written submissions in regard to the proposal are accepted during this time and are taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to make the addition to the RPS. If a structure is recommended for inclusion by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, which includes any structures listed in the NIAH as having a regional, national, or international importance, this will be stated. Any written submissions will be forwarded to him for his consideration.
The County Councillors make the decision on whether or not to make the proposed addition. The decision will be made when the Development Plan is formally adopted, and any additions to the RPS will be listed in the appendix of the Plan. Owners and occupiers of structures considered for addition will receive notification of the decision as soon as possible.
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What happens when a structure is protected?
When a structure is protected it includes protection for all the parts of the structure, including the interior, the surrounding land and surrounding structures and their interiors within its curtilage. If any parts are not of merit, these can be clarified and be removed from special protection.
The owner or occupier of a protected structure is legally obliged to ensure no damage is caused to the structure. By carrying out regular maintenance, (repairing slates, repainting external timbers) this should not be a problem.
Why is it important?
The RPS is vital for ensuring that many of the buildings and structures that are rich in heritage can be appreciated and enjoyed by locals, visitors to our county, and future generations.
Kilkenny is rich in architectural and historical heritage and protecting older structures of merit can greatly enhance the character of an area, and the quality of spaces around them. Many of these structures are irreplaceable and would be greatly missed if they were lost. By protecting them we ensure that many of these structures, that have outlived the function for which they were built, can continue to survive.
For further information, you can contact the Council’s Conservation Officer at County Hall, John Street and at 056 – 7794010.
