3.8 Physical Development Trends

Dúnta22 Nol, 2020, 9:00am - 12 Már, 2021, 5:00pm

3.8 Physical Development Trends

The expansion of the urban centres has continued within the County.  It is notable that Kilkenny City is performing well, with its population still expanding at a rate slightly above the national average.  Ferrybank, now falling within the Waterford Metropolitan Area, has grown significantly and has consolidated itself as the second largest urban area within the county. 

Physical infrastructure has been delivered and improved during the 2014 – 2020 plan period, including:

  • The Central Access Scheme and St. Francis Bridge over the River Nore in Kilkenny City has been delivered,
  • Commencement of works on the Abbey Quarter in Kilkenny, including redevelopment of the Brewhouse and the new linear park along the River Nore,
  • St Mary’s hall renovated to become the Medieval Mile Museum
  • The redevelopment of Evans Home to accommodate the Butler Gallery
  • The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge for the New Ross Bypass, was officially opened in 2020.
  • Public Realm improvements along the Medieval Mile have been completed.
  • Moat field walk completed in Callan
  • In Thomastown work has commenced on a primary care unit on a site at Lady’s Well Street adjacent to the town centre.
  • In Castlecomer the Former Creamery House refurbishment was completed and the former Avalon Inn adjacent to the Discovery Park was redeveloped as a hotel.  An objective of the Local Area Plan for a pedestrian bridge linking the town to the Discovery Park was advanced with planning permission being granted for its construction.
  • In Graiguenamanagh the former creamery site was redeveloped with the opening of an Aldi Discount store with associated laneway improvements from the site to the Town Centre.
  • Work is also progressing on the development of a flood relief scheme for the town,
  • Redevelopment of former creamery in Piltown as an enterprise centre.
  • Significant investment by Irish Water in water and waste water for the towns and villages such as:
    • Waste water –Castlecomer, Urlingford, Stoneyford Freshford, Johnstown, and Goresbridge
    • Water supply- Kilferagh, Furzehouse, Outrath, Wallslough and Inistioge

Substantial investment has been taking place at Belview as a result of the infrastructural improvements, including the construction and extension of a new milk processing plant by Glanbia.  As a result of that investment, a new natural gas supply has also been delivered.  Further investment is planned at Belview for the construction of cheese production facility recently granted permission.

In Kilkenny City a substantial investment in tourism development has been approved through the development of the Medieval Mile project which has seen investment in the public realm between Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral, the restoration of St Mary’s Hall (now the Medieval Mile Museum), the completion and opening of the new Butler Gallery at the former Evan’s Home and the further development of the linear walk along the River Nore in the Abbey Quarter.

The development of the new neighbourhood at the Breagagh Valley on the western side of the City has commenced with the construction of a new access road and associated services to facilitate the opening of lands. Two new secondary schools have been committed to the area through the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board and these are currently at design stage. There is also a commitment for the provision of a new primary school for the Breagagh Valley.  This area will see development of these facilities and housing through this Plan period to 2027 and beyond.

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