Planning

An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland, has presented a compelling historical and archaeological report to Minister for Heritage, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, asking him to confirm a National Monument at Vicar St, Kilkenny, and to issue a formal declaration under national monuments legislation.

In continuation of the professional dialogue that took place in Kilkenny last week, An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland, and Kilkenny County Council agreed today agreed the following points at a meeting:

Following a recent site visit, An Taisce is pleased to announce that an imminent meeting will take place with Mr. Joe Crockett, Kilkenny County Manager, to discuss the conservation plans for the Vicar Street houses in Kilkenny city. Renaissance / late medieval features of these houses were previously slated for demolition to make way for the Kilkenny Central Access Scheme (CAS).

An Taisce wishes to acknowledge the facilitation of the recent site visit and the opportunity to conduct an independent assessment of the standing remains.

ENDS

Limerick is Ireland's sustainable travel demonstration city. But Limerick County Council needs to do more to meet its commitments under the €9.3m programme funded by the Department of Transport.

That's according to An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland, which is highlighting a series of planning decisions in which Limerick County Council has failed to secure the pledges it made under Smarter Travel (see below).

An Taisce has successfully appealed a 'drive thru' at Brew's Hill, Navan, Co Meath. The subject site was immediately adjacent to the entrance to St. Joseph's Mercy Primary School. An Taisce's primary concern was the exposure of students to foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar.

An Taisce, The National Trust for Ireland and Regeneron, have identified and embraced solutions regarding sustainable workplace travel. As a result, barring any further objections, Regeneron will soon begin the major portion of the company’s proposed €220m investment in Raheen Business Park, Co Limerick. The Regeneron facility will employ 300 people and An Taisce has worked with the company on a strategy to boost sustainable transport and minimise car dependency among staff when the facility comes fully on-stream in 2016.