The cessation of brewing on the 5.8 hectare St Francis Abbey site - and its public acquisition in 2013 to form the “Abbey Creative Quarter” - presents one of the most significant urban development opportunities to have occurred in Ireland.

This needs to be integrated with a real vision for Kilkenny and its hinterland to maintain and enhance its intrinsic qualities, strengthen the historic core and set international leadership in the future of historic European cities.

Kilkenny is already part of the citizen-led international ”Transition Towns” movement which promotes resilience locally, social and economic networks along with reduction in the use of fossil fuels and other resources. These considerations need to be integral to the treatment of the site.

An Taisce commented on a number of key points in regard to this development:

Significance of Site

Delineation of Perimeter

Treatment of the St Francis Abbey Chancel and Tower

Proposed New Street Layout

Relation to Line of Medieval City Wall

Integration with Kilkenny Medieval Mile Project

Public Spaces

Relation to River and Riverside Linear Park

Buildings Facing the River Nore

Phasing

Site Ownership and Management

Transport and Access

Download the submission here.