Goal 8: Protect and Utilise the Natural, Cultural and Built Environment

This goal is linked to Goals 3 and 5. It particularly references Economic Action Area 6: Specific action to promote increased economic activity in line with regional priorities.

Indicative Actions

• The goal will encourage a deeper understanding of the biodiversity of Co. Kilkenny. This will result in more enlightened physical development, and will support the creation of a strong culture of environmental sustainability across the county;
   
• The goal will support the sensitive redevelopment of the former Smithwicks Brewery Development Site (Abbey Creative Quarter) to create a modern intervention adjoining the medieval core. This has the potential to enhance the City’s cultural heritage, improve sustainability and to develop the knowledge economy;
   
• In order that a greater appreciation of the heritage of the county is developed, the goal will encourage the implementation of measures that expand upon key aspects of both cultural and educational tourism. These measures will seek to build upon the existing urban and rural infrastructure of the county;
   
• It is widely accepted that initiatives such as the annual Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition have been successful in raising the awareness within community groups of the value of the built and natural environment at local level.  The Pride of Place concept will build on this to reinforce the clean image of the county, and will bridge community action and an improvement in quality of life, with that of an economic benefit;
   
• The protection of the environment and local heritage will be encouraged as a driver of economic gain, rendering the locality as a better place in which to live and work;
   
• Using connections with Carlow-Kilkenny Energy Agency, and local communities (including local business communities) the goal will encourage innovative implementation of key aspects of the green economy. Building, again, upon existing local demonstrators, the action will positively encourage the adoption of appropriate alternative and smart energy solutions at both business and community levels; and
   
• Belview Port Development will be supported as a major employment zone. It will continue to form a major joint action between Kilkenny County Council and Waterford County Council LECPs.

Background Profile

Abbey Creative Quarter

The location of the Abbey Creative Quarter site adjoining the medieval heart of Kilkenny City provides not only an opportunity to regenerate the area economically and socially but also provides an opportunity to repair the fabric of the city, to reinstate traditional streets and slipways.

The Abbey Creative Quarter presents Kilkenny City with an opportunity to create a modern intervention adjoining its medieval core that will enhances its cultural heritage, improves its sustainability and allows it to compete in the knowledge economy of the twenty-first century.

Belview Port Development

The Belview site has excellent access to the Waterford City Gateway, a city with a population of 50,000 and there are three third level facilities within 50 minutes drive, producing 3,500 graduates per year.