Council unveils exciting plans for large new ‘Urban Park’ in heart of Kilkenny city
Kilkenny County Council has unveiled exciting plans for a new ‘Urban Park’ in the heart of our historic city.
The 21/2 acre Abbey Quarter Urban Park, which will surround the upstanding remains of St Francis Abbey, will provide an incredible amenity for the public. And the local authority insisted the new park will be in keeping with the rich history and archaeology of the site.
The council said in a statement: “It will belong to the people of Kilkenny and is designed to acknowledge and respect the history and archaeology of the site whilst providing for everyday use by all age groups. It will complement the Riverside Park and skateboard park currently under construction, due to open later this year.
Urban Park will comprise of a variety of grassed areas, trees including apple trees, paved surfaces, a water feature reflecting the location of St Francis Well, with plenty of formal and informal seating to create comfortable meeting points.
Planners stressed that well-known historical features, including St Francis Abbey and the City Walls incorporating Evan’s Turret and St Francis Well, will be “respected and highlighted” as part of the overall design.
The park will also feature an open space to accommodate outdoor events that in time will form the backdrop to many of Kilkenny’s Festivals.
The council said Urban Street will by aligned north-south through the Abbey Quarter site and link Bateman Quay in the south with St. Francis Bridge in the north.
They said the street will also be a “pedestrian and cyclist dominated shared space”, with limited vehicular access. It will also provide “multiple pedestrian linkages to the city” making the Park readily accessible, according to planners.
The Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, said: “I welcome the commencement of the public consultation phase of this project and encourage people to take this opportunity to have their say in shaping what will be a wonderful addition to the public realm in Kilkenny city for everyone to enjoy.”
Have your say: How to get involved in the consultation process:
Kilkenny County Council has made an application to An Bord Pleanála seeking approval for the proposed development works under Section 175 and 177AE of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended).
The On-line consultation accessible through the consultation website of the Council at https:/consult.kilkenny.ie where further news and additional information in relation to this Public Consultation is available.
The Planning Section of Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, between the hours of 00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), by appointment. Contact 056 7794010 or planning@kilkennycoco.ie to make an appointment.
Submissions or observations may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64, Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, D01 V902 and received by An Bord Pleanála not later than 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday 29th September, 2020.
PHOTO: Kilkenny County Council
