'Our priorities now have to be more industry and commerce'

KILKENNY’S designation as a development hub town will boost its appeal as a heritage, tourist and services city and region.

The city’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while welcoming the move, said it will also be highlighting the need to decentralise a government department or semi-state to the area.

Chamber CEO Alison McGrath said the group had lobbied hard for such a designation and was thrilled with the news. Over the next 20 years, the chamber wants to see more industries coming to the region, along with greater commercial development.

The completion of the ring road is also a top priority, as is improving the road and rail network out of the city and county to other busy hubs. At present, its just not possible to get a train to Dublin at a reasonable hour, and return home the same day.

“Our priorities now have to be bringing more industry and commerce to the city and county, as well as more balanced regional development. We are just two hours from Dublin, yet the quality of life here is second to none. Houses are also affordable with three bedroom semi’s selling for €170,000 and terraced homes at about €140,000,” the CEO said.

The new designation should help sustain a lot of developments which are already in the pipeline in Kilkenny. The new integrated area plan for the top of John Street will boost the area’s appeal, as will a major development planned at the railway station.

Both projects will feature a mix of commercial, retail and residential improvements.

A recent rezoning along the ring road will also be an ideal location for large bulk goods retailers.

“The priority now is to ensure we complement rather than conflict with the existing retailers in the city. And while today’s announcement is a huge boost, we will not be giving up on our decentralisation campaign.”

Local Fianna Fáil TD said Kilkenny’s new status will also boost Carlow. It has its own industrial base and will benefit. “Kilkenny as a hub will draw a significant amount of business over the next few years. It will be at the centre of economic development. Carlow will also gain from the economic success of Kilkenny,” he said.