New ideas to shape the future of shopping in Kilkenny

By COLIN BARTLEY

Kilkenny County Council is asking business owners and retailers to come up with innovative new ideas that will shape the retail strategy of the city and county, in an effort to make it a more attractive shopping destination.

The council’s call is in response to a survey filled out by 550 consumers which analysied shopping and retail in Kilkenny, the results pf which have been presented to local stakeholders.

Over 60 representatives of local businesses, as well as members of the Chamber of Commerce and the Local Enterprise Office, were on hand to hear the results of the recent public survey, presented by Rob Pearson and Zena Foale-Banks of Nexus Planning Consultants.

The survey threw up some of the same old issues, such as parking being a prohibitive factor in people choosing Kilkenny as a destination for a shopping trip.

After hearing the results, those present were asked to make their submissions around which direction they would like to see retailing in Kilkenny going.

A submissions period is now open seeking ideas from retailers and businesses to contribute to the preparation of the Kilkenny Draft Retail Strategy, which will form part of the upcoming City and County Development Plan 2020.

Members of the business community were also called upon to get involved in the proposed Kilkenny City Task Force, which would be made up of the local business community, elected members of the local authority, staff from Kilkenny County Council and members of local community groups. The task force will address issues facing the city.

Submissions to the Draft Retail Strategy can be made to ourplan@kilkennycoco.ie until 5pm on Wednesday, November 5.