Objections put brakes on new 123-bed hotel at historic Kilkenny city site

Plans to build a new 123-room bedroom hotel on the site of a former hospital in Kilkenny city have been put on hold after local residents raised objections.

Last month the developer Green Wolf Limited received planning permission from Kilkenny County Council to proceed with their plans to transform the site of the old City Infirmary into guest accommodation.

Now a group called the Wolfe Tone Street Residents have objected to the planning permission and lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála.

The group appeal is based on concerns over traffic and parking in the area and the impact the development will have on noise, light and privacy for residents in the area.

The new hotel, if approved, will be located on the corner of Wolfe Tone Street and John’s Green in the city in a building more recently used as a youth hostel.

The developer plans to build the large hotel, along with a bar and restaurant, on the 0.26 hectare site, surrounded by the railway viaduct to one side, John’s Green carpark to another and enclosed by Wolfe Tone Street.

The site includes the former City Infirmary building, a three-storey protected structure built in 1767. The developers plan to integrate this building into the proposed new hotel.

An Bord Pleanála will now review the council’s decision. A final verdict on the development is expected in November.