Derelict landmark Kilkenny building to give new lease of life to local families

By COLIN BARTLEY

A FAMOUS but now derelict pub, in the heart of county Kilkenny could give a new lease of life to local families.

The Good Shepherd Centre in Kilkenny is looking to build 12 new apartments for homeless families and individuals, on and beside the site of The Red Barn pub in the centre of Ballyragget.

The Kilkenny based homeless charity has lodged plans with Kilkenny County Council looking to demolish a derelict two-storey beside the Red Barn on Ballyragget’s Patrick Street, its adjoining out-buildings and existing barn to the rear of that site.

This would make way for the construction of a block of apartments at the front of the building where the pub is located. A row of bungalows will also be built at the rear of the building. The Red Barn itself would be kept and redeveloped, with just some alterations to the facade to create a more user-friendly entrance.