Kilkenny City Plans New Café Kiosk and Urban Improvements

Plans for a new café kiosk in Kilkenny city centre have been unveiled by the Kilkenny County Council. This initiative, known as the St Mary’s Laneway and Outdoor Amenity Space Enhancement Scheme, aims to revitalize the area near the historic Tholsel building while improving public amenities.

The proposed project includes the establishment of a serviced café kiosk and the automation of the pedestrian gate adjacent to the Tholsel. Alongside these features, the plan encompasses the renewal of pavements, drainage systems, boundary treatments, street furniture, public lighting, and feature lighting designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.

Enhancements to Outdoor Spaces

In addition to the café kiosk, soft and hard landscaping works are planned to improve the outdoor amenity space surrounding the Medieval Mile Museum. This will involve upgrading existing hardstanding and gravelled areas, historic and modern paving, and burial grounds, which contain numerous significant headstones and intricately carved tombs.

The enhancements are expected to create a more inviting environment for both residents and visitors, fostering greater community engagement in this historic part of the city.

Public Consultation Scheduled

A public information event is scheduled to take place on January 9, 2024, at the Kilkenny River Court Hotel located on The Bridge, John Street, Kilkenny City. This drop-in session will run from 16:00 to 19:00 and aims to inform the public about the proposed developments and gather feedback from the community.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend, as community input is vital for the success of urban enhancement projects like this one. By engaging with local residents, the council hopes to ensure that the improvements meet the needs and desires of the community.

As Kilkenny continues to develop its urban spaces, such initiatives not only aim to preserve the city’s rich history but also enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants and visitors alike.