Kilkenny chiefs fear impact of rate-change on Nowlan Park

Kilkenny GAA chiefs have slammed “draconian rates” that could spell the end of their pursuit of big games and the staging of concerts in Nowlan Park.

The county GAA grounds has the biggest seating capacity of any venue in Leinster outside of Croke Park, but this could now work against the board under the new rates assessment scheme.

Officials will launch an appeal against the original assessment of rates for the venue on the basis that the local economy — and not just GAA coffers — would suffer if Kilkenny cannot achieve maximise usage of the venue. The Kilkenny approach may be adopted nationwide, as counties question new rate charges.