8.4.1 The River Nore, Suir and Barrow

Dúnta22 Nol, 2020, 9:00am - 12 Már, 2021, 5:00pm
​​​​​​8.4.1 The Rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow

The Rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow (known as the “Three Sisters”) are the principal rivers flowing through County Kilkenny, and they form part of the Natura 2000 network (see Section 9.2.1.1 European Sites (Natura 2000)).  These rivers, together with their tributaries offer significant opportunities for recreational opportunities both water and landside, including an interconnecting network of routes for walking and cycling which also provide access for water-sports such as swimming, angling, boating and kayaking.  Routes along the river have the potential to connect to other trails and routes, such as the Nore Valley Way, as discussed above.

The Council will promote the natural amenity potential of the Rivers Nore, Suir and Barrow in order to facilitate the development of amenity, recreational, biodiversity and tourism benefits for the city and county generally, and will work with adjoining local authorities, agencies and communities to improve access and facilities along the rivers in appropriate locations subject to the availability of resources. 

 

​​​​​​​8.4.1.1 River Nore

The setting of Kilkenny city in the Nore River Valley provides an opportunity for establishing open spaces and networks of open spaces of strategic value and importance within the city.  During the formulation of the Kilkenny Heritage Plan, the River Nore was identified as one of the county’s most important heritage resources.  The river encompasses built, natural and cultural heritage; is strongly identified with, and has had a very significant influence on, the life and development of the county.  The River Nore Heritage Audit[1] has been undertaken as an action of the Heritage Plan.  The study provides a comprehensive mapped dataset of the built, natural and cultural heritage of the study area, and the resulting report (which is in the final stages of completion) and database is a very significant resource for community, heritage and tidy towns groups; it has the potential to inform planning and management of the area; and is a baseline against which change can be assessed[2].  

 

​​​​​​​8.4.1.2 River Barrow

The River Barrow flows along the eastern boundary of the county from north of Goresbridge to just north of Belview Port where it joins the River Suir to flow into Waterford Estuary.  The River Barrow towpath is a significant amenity resource which runs along the riverbank on the County Carlow side of the river.  Part of the towpath, through Counties Kildare and Carlow, is currently being developed as a Blueway.  The Council will support proposals to enhance the tourism and recreation potential of the area subject to environmental, economic and heritage considerations.

Trail Kilkenny are currently examining the feasibility of a walk connecting St. Mullins to New Ross, which would link the Barrow Blueway to the South East Greenway.  The achievement of such a connection will be pursued in conjunction with the relevant agencies, including Carlow and Wexford County Councils. 

 

​​​​​​​8.4.1.3 River Suir

The Suir River Valley also offers significant opportunities for the development of tourism and recreation in the south of the county. 

 

[1] Kilkenny Heritage Forum, River Nore Heritage Audit, 2009

[2] http://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Services/Heritage/).

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