'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.