Ideas for improving Kilkenny

Einhard

I think we're fairly lucky with out local authorities in Kilkenny, especially in comparison to other similar sized towns in the country. However, there are always things that could be improved, new ideas tried etc,

Just wondering then, on that note, what exactly other people would like to change in Kilkenny, or what ideas they'd implement if they had the power.

Obviously try to keep it somewhat realistic, so no gold plated manhole covers, or Manhattan style CBD suggestions allowed!

For my part, I think too little is being done to tap Kilkenny's potential as a cultural and historical site. Rothe House is a wonderful building, but it is currently under-utilised. No offence to those involved, but the museum that i houses isn't exactly top drawer. I'd like therefore to remove the museum aspect from Rothe House, and have it entirely as a working 16th century home. All the rooms would be re-created as they were 400 years ago. Instead of having artefacts in cases, suitable historical items could be used on the walls, as decoration etc. I think this would be an amazing resource for Kilkenny, and a wonderful draw for locals and tourists alike. There could be guides in period costume etc, and perhaps the kitchens could be restored to serve period food on special occasions.

Both to compensate for the loss of the RH museum, and because a city of Kilkenny's size and historical importance needs one, I'd establish a custom designed museum, dedicated to the history of the city and county. Ideally the museum would be in a new, modern building, with an architectural flourish ala Bilbao. However, even if it were created in an existing building, it would still be a great addition to the city. It could be styled on the Waterford Treasures Museum, except bigger and better obviously.

I'd do much the same with Butler Gallery. Few people even know how important a resource the gallery is to Kilkenny, and because it's space is so limited, it keeps most of its works in storage, which is a great shame. I know that there were plans afoot to turn Evans' Home on John St into a new gallery, and I'd like to see that process accelerated.

Last but not least, I'd do something about the building stock in the city. Much of it is centuries old, and one can see the old brickwork from allies and sidestreets. Yet, from the main streets, this old fabric is coated in plaster, so that the buildings are little different from newer builds in other towns. I;d like to see the plaster stripped away where possible, and the original details exposed.

So those are my ideas. Keep em coming!:)

Captain Havoc

Einhard wrote: »

Last but not least, I'd do something about the building stock in the city. Much of it is centuries old, and one can see the old brickwork from allies and sidestreets. Yet, from the main streets, this old fabric is coated in plaster, so that the buildings are little different from newer builds in other towns. I;d like to see the plaster stripped away where possible, and the original details exposed.

I love that idea.

PhilipMarlowe

Said it before so to save myself the 5,000 words:









Nuke dunnes & market yard car park & ugly bits of the brewery, build theatre and stuff on river bank instead. I'm sorry, I only think on a grand scale

Seriously, nuke the telephone exchange... It and the citizens information building beside it should be put to a much more productive, tourist-centric use, considering their prime location. New exchange in the loughboy industrial estate or something and a big fibre-optic cable to the parade... slap a junction box in the basement of the funky building that gets to replace the 70's? brick and we'll be grand, still have t'internet.

1984baby

"For my part, I think too little is being done to tap Kilkenny's potential as a cultural and historical site". I would totally agree with this. There has never been enough advertising out there for Kilkenny. If you look at TV or newspapers, Dublin, Galway and Kerry are widely advertised. Bus tours often just pull in for a few hours and move on to another town. Also, the tourist office is closed on Sundays and never stays open late!! Do they think tourists only arrive during office hours.

Rantan

agreed - Kilkenny has fantastic potential and is severely under used in many aspects. I think its incredible that the nore which is the heart of the city is almost ignored as a resource - the Trail kilkenny riverside walk is a fantastic addition but I fear one that is not used to its full potential but fair play to all relevant authorities for providing it.

re Rothe House - I agree but good luck to you proposing that to the com - it - ee of the Kilkenny Arcaeological Society who manage the building!! Dont forget that Rothe House is operated for the most part by volunteers(many are retired peolple) who do so out of civic duty - it is not a government run building or organisation so receive little in the way of funding, the day to day operation and management is by the KAS and a couple of paid staff. The society is underrepresented by younger people - I would considering joining as I have had similar ideas to the above and that would be one place that needs new and fresh blood...

road_high

Infrastructure on the west side of the city badly needed to be developed, starting with a new link from the N77 Castlecomer road to the Freshford road across the Nore for a start, and then extended all the way across to the Callan road. Will not be done now for years and years but badly needed if the west side is to develop. Also shops and servcices badly needed this side as well.
There's just so much could be done with Kilkenny, could go on all day.

holyhead

I agree that a link road from the Castlecomer Road to the Freshford Road would be handy. A Kilkenny life museum is essential one that incorporates the history of the city and the love of hurling in the county. I'd love a gate/sculpture like on the paved parade with two cats on either side holding hurleys that met in the centre. BTW well done to the lads today on making their 6th AIF in a row and their 11th final in 13 years. Remarkable.
KK is a lovely city and I'm proud to from there. Having lived away from home has helped me have a greater appreciation of what we have in KK. It's not perfect but where is.

up for anything

Getting rid of the human thrash off the streets at night and in the early morning would go a long way to improving the town. In other countries you could sit and watch the style and the goings on on the main streets or going out areas.

Last night I had to collect my daughter from babysitting at 1am. I went down John Street and up to Patrick Street. John Street and Rose Inn Street were full of the lowest common denominator. It didn't look like there was anybody out over the age of 18 or at least anybody self-respecting. It was like a tidal wave of people on both sides crossing the bridge and onto Rose Inn Street which was already full of smokers from the pubs outside on the pavement.

Some charmers were breaking bottles/glasses onto the road and the binge drinkers were falling out in front of cars. FFS! Is that what a good night out is these days? I couldn't see any tourists or Arts Week types out. I don't blame them. I felt really ashamed of the town and the youth and I'd be reasonably tolerant of people having a good time.

As for the girl leaning against the bridge opposite Matt the Millers with the lad with his hand up her skirt - not that there was much of it to go up- GET A FUCKING ROOM.

The night before when I collected her at 12am there were at least 8 gardaí in pairs out between the Parade traffic lights and Langtons. Last night there wasn't one. I wouldn't blame them. They'd have to have been on Limerick money to walk up there.

petulko

I had to call guards when i went for walk down to canal, and there was <snip> and his company injecting drugs on the broad day light. Then you go pick your car from Johns green- behind fire station, and there they are again- drinking. I see them there nearly every day. Then you have young travelers kids on the cariges and horses goind down thru city centre and ring roads and no1 is able to stop that! You park your car outside sherwoods for 5min to collect something from argos, and you get 40€ fine straight away, but horse ****ting outside post office or tower hall gets no fine!
There are dealers outside pumphouse and anakonda selling drugs, and nothing is beeing done to them? Did they pay income tax to coco?? Then you have polish escort in mac donagh apartments, and black escort in side streets beside superquinn. No1 seems to mind that either. Then you have romanian gypsies begging on every corner of the high street, collecting money and then going to argos and buy a gold chains- friend works there and told me that. There are many youngs with done up cars racing across ring roads. I wouldnt blame them- there is nowhere to go around kilkenny to go with your car and meet up and have fun. Nearest place is tullow in carlow. And if nackers can use ring roads with they horses, and holding up traffic, boyracers can do the same. At least they wont cause any traffic jams. And dont let me start with shops! We have the worst shopping centre in ireland. mc donnagh is new and should be better then old newbridge, tallagh or dun drum. Id rather drive to carlow- at least there is tesco and free PARKING! Want to buy good pair of runners- you have to go to jf in carlow or Halfies in waterford. Want to buy new Marantz, Pioneer or denon receiver you have to go to dublin or cork. I went to sherwoods, they have 2003 model pioneer amp, with no remote, and they are asking 1000€ for it, even this was 1300 when launched??? Want to buy CHEAPER designer clothes you have to go to kildare village, or you can wait for sales in pauls, and still wouldnt get good deal. No tesco, no mark and spencers, only2 dunnes and 2 lidls.
Kilkenny is only good for stag nites and parties- we have nothing spectacular to offer but dirty streets full of scum and dirty-overpriced pubs. At least we have castle with nice park and plannig officers that wont give you planning permition, even dough you complied with everything they want, because if you get the plannig permition they would have no income anymore.

catbear

Tell us what you really think Petulko!

Cabaal

petulko, what are you trying to say?

petulko

All im saying, if we want to have our kilkenny beautifull, nice place to live in and atract more tourist, we should first get things i pointed out sorted first. And people always come back to place which feels safe, looks clean and have plenty to offer.

niallhy

"ugly bits of the brewery,"
Nearly all of the brewery is in use apart from the part closest to greens bridge,so why would you want to nuke nearly the only industry left in the town??

Rantan

petulko wrote: »

All im saying, if we want to have our kilkenny beautifull, nice place to live in and atract more tourist, we should first get things i pointed out sorted first. And people always come back to place which feels safe, looks clean and have plenty to offer.

sorry , but KK generally does feel safe, looks great and does have plenty to offer, OK there are limited choices if you want to buy certain things but thats the nature of small places. there is not one town or city anyewhere in the world that doesn;t have some element of the nasties you mentioned, most places are worse, the great cities of the world(PAris, Barcelona, London etc etc) are full of street crime, KK is like towtown compared to these places

Captain Havoc

Rantan wrote: »

there is not one town or city anyewhere in the world that doesn;t have some element of the nasties you mentioned, most places are worse, the great cities of the world(PAris, Barcelona, London etc etc) are full of street crime, KK is like towtown compared to these places

I lived in Paris for a year and can confirm it is a kip but I liked it there.

petulko

It mite feel safe if you live in Ardilea or places alike, but go out on john street any weekend nite and you'll see how safe it is. Or try to rent a house in one of the unfamous housing estates and we'll see how would you njoy your sleep with partying drunks next door, or travelers going around your house looking at what could be worth it to take. And obout the shopping, we all know kilkenny is rulled by monopoly, they are all families and relations, and they dont like competition much. Thats why we have such a poor high street shop selection. Of course bigger city naturally means more crime, but as you said kilkenny is only small town, thats why i think it could be way better place, if there was enough will power and law inforcment personel visible anywhere in kilkenny, day and nite,not just on for eg. waterford road on sat nite doing speed checks. It would be grat idea if kk coco, had its ofn Kilkenny city police, which would work in coorporation with guards, and they prime role would be safety of citizens, crime prevention, vandalizm prevention, and they would respond to 2am partying complains etc. Every town in europe has his own city police force, witch is employed by local council.

Einhard

You sure you're not confusing Kilkenny with Beruit there petulko?

petulko

Do they have Polish escort and Travelers that cudn't be touched by law in Beirut as well? :rolleyes:

Cabaal

petulko wrote: »

All im saying, if we want to have our kilkenny beautifull, nice place to live in and atract more tourist,

Kilkenny attracts a massive amount of tourists, anytime you visit Kilkenny at any time of the year there is tourists in the City.

Compare that to the likes of Waterford when even at the height of the summer you "might" see one or two, sure they get bus tours to the crystal but that's feck all benefit to the other local shops etc

One final thing if your going to reply, can you please use paragraphs and spacing, makes it easier to read your posts

Captain Havoc

@petulko, another go at the travelling community and you're banned.

Asphyxia

Get a Tesco... Simple!

ethical

Put Brian Cody in charge ,he would soon whip the city into shape!

Cabaal

Asphyxia wrote: »

Get a Tesco... Simple!

It can be the new tourist attraction :pac:

I love the way people see Tesco's as the be all and end all of everything in Kilkenny and in Waterford they see M&S as the solution to everything (since they already have 5 billion tesco stores already ).

Captain Havoc

I think Kilkenny is great.

Plug

As far as places go it has fairly low crime levels. Shops and pubs aren't too bad either.

catbear

In the greater scheme Kilkenny is pretty harmless. There are more annoyances than actual dangers.
The real threats to society are financial illiteracy and nepotism.

Rantan

petulko wrote: »

Do they have Polish escort and Travelers that cudn't be touched by law in Beirut as well? :rolleyes:

if KK is such a s&&t hole why do you continue to live here? Would you not just move somewhere nicer and safer?

road_high

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I think Kilkenny is great.

It is, it's a lovely place to live in fairness. And it has good road connections now as well (mostly, the N77 and western environs roads badly need upgrading but we can't have everything). It's a very safe place, very little undesirable elements compared to tother towns and cities and is quite "middle class" without being snobby.

Ickle Magoo

A marks and spencers/tesco/anything that isn't bloody dunnes that hasn't been shoe-horned into the parking/shopping nightmare that is the town centre - and decent parking around the park. Fantastic resource and yet they slap bus parking on one side of the road, meters the other and to hell with those who like a daily run in one of the few child-friendly activities in the city.

Other than that - it's a really lovely part of the world. :cool:

fabbydabby

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I think Kilkenny is great.

I think YOU'RE great.

Captain Havoc

fabbydabby wrote: »

I think YOU'RE great.

I'm going to pretend you didn't say that with your tongue in your cheek :cool:

Fabby thinks I'm great, I am the man.

Threadhead

Does anyone else find it terribly depressing that when someone starts up one of these threads that Tesco invariably gets dragged into it?

The entire country is a rip off and Tesco isn't going to do a whole lot to change that. Tesco lovers, that's just my opinion.

I think Kilkenny is great. But:

1. God damn, we need a third level institute. And how. In fact, it alone would solve a lot of problems.

2. By Irish standards, our scum level is off the charts. The amount of junkies and scumbags around town needs to be clamped down on. During the Arts Festival when the town looked lovely and people were enjoying the hell out of it, it was really disheartening to see Stumpy McGee wheeling around, shouting at people and generally being a nuisance. They have no respect for the city centre and the guards should make a special effort to get them out of it. They're doing a bang up job of moving beggars along of late, they should extend it to junkies and scum.

3. A proper museum would definitely be needed. And along those lines, a strong representation of our proud hurling tradition.

4. Revitalise Parliament Street, socially. It used to be a real hub of activity. I don't know what can be done (and bringing back street drinking isn't going to solve it) but there's a few dead pubs, shops and the Watergate isn't at its peak at the moment. It's a lovely part of town and could really do with a kick.

5. Kilkenny needs a decent 80 - 100 seater theatre/comedy/cinema venue/club. We're well catered for on the music front but it would be nice to see somewhere else that could function for different events and as a smaller scale after hours club perhaps (Langtons/Set/Morrisons isn't the best spread of choice). An arts centre (Waterford, Carlow and Portlaoise have quality ones) would really help this, or even if the brewery were to sell their completely useless car park on Parliament Street to the Watergate for a decent price and allow the much desired extension to take place.

Other than those quibbles, Kilkenny is a top auld spot in my opinion.

Rantan

agree with you on the Tesco front - cannot understand the fascination myself - was in a local coffee shop last week and an english woman with her kids asked "where is the Tesco(not is there one??) anyway..I butted in and told her its in Carlow - instead of saying "..oh Carlow...what else is there in KK.." she asked how to get to it in Carlow...long way to go for tecso..
anyway on the venue front..i tihnk KK is well supplied, the Set is a great venue and gets well used, I dont think another arts/theatre venue would survive here, theres not enough population, the Hole in the Wall is becoming a good little venue, long may it last...

fabbydabby

3. A proper museum would definitely be needed. And along those lines, a strong representation of our proud hurling tradition.

There's already a hurling museum about 15 miles out the back arse of nowhere past Tullaroan

catbear

fabbydabby wrote: »

There's already a hurling museum about 15 miles out the back arse of nowhere past Tullaroan

I was just about to post that.

I believe Threadhead you first proposal would be most positive development and would have great influence on the your ideas. My personal bugbear is the own-goal of two way traffic on highstreet.

For what it's worth, I think demographics are affecting the pub scene now. More coffee culture now which is actually my speed. One pint after 10 O'clock and I'm falling asleep.

petulko

Captain Havoc wrote: »

@petulko, another go at the travelling community and you're banned.

Why? You must be one of them so!!!!

petulko

To mr <snip> aka captain havoc lol, this a free country and i can say whatever i want! And if you want to ban anyone, you should ban yourself first and get of the daiting sites and computer, find yourself girlfriend and get a life.

Dozen Wicked Words

petulko wrote: »

Why? You must be one of them so!!!!

Sully

petulko wrote: »

To mr <snip> aka captain havoc lol, this a free country and i can say whatever i want! And if you want to ban anyone, you should ban yourself first and get of the daiting sites and computer, find yourself girlfriend and get a life.

Says the fella hiding behind a username on Boards.ie dishing out abuse! <br />


Look familiar?

Captain Havoc

petulko wrote: »

To mr <snip> aka captain havoc lol, this a free country and i can say whatever i want! And if you want to ban anyone, you should ban yourself first and get of the daiting sites and computer, find yourself girlfriend and get a life.

Well it isn't a free website, you are the weakest link - goodbye.

catbear

Good riddance! Freedom isn't free, we're all responsible for it.

fabbydabby

Getting rid of him improved Kilkenny, so this thread is already a success.

Merry everyone!

Rantan

.....shame he's gone...he had so much to offer.......!!

PaulKK

catbear wrote: »

I was just about to post that.
I believe Threadhead you first proposal would be most positive development and would have great influence on the your ideas. My personal bugbear is the own-goal of two way traffic on highstreet.

I really didn't see the advantage of one way traffic on high street. It just forced more traffic onto Bateman quay, which is brutal at the junction with Rose Inn St at the best of times.

I also don't get the whole Tesco thing.. who cares, its a supermarket and we are already have plenty of those!

I agree with the whole 3rd level thing, students really give a city a lift during the winter months economically, you can see the difference in a Saturday night during college terms and the Summer months, its much busier during the Summer. Also it would be great for attracting industry and new businesses to hire graduates and cater for student needs.

Everyone knows when business locate somewhere, they look at the pool of skilled workers they can choose from and access to an airport, and with the motorway Dublin is not too far for people coming in on transatlantic and other international flights.

I heard a rumour that originally the college in Carlow was originally offered to Kilkenny but the council refused it? Can anyone confirm if thats true?


I don't quite see as much of this "scum" thing that others mention either. Sure there's you're handful of run of the mill scangerey types, but it doesn't seem too prevelant. Not anything like I see in Carlow anyway! Maybe I'm around at the wrong times

TrustedApple

PaulKK wrote: »

I really didn't see the advantage of one way traffic on high street. It just forced more traffic onto Bateman quay, which is brutal at the junction with Rose Inn St at the best of times.

I also don't get the whole Tesco thing.. who cares, its a supermarket and we are already have plenty of those!

I agree with the whole 3rd level thing, students really give a city a lift during the winter months economically, you can see the difference in a Saturday night during college terms and the Summer months, its much busier during the Summer. Also it would be great for attracting industry and new businesses to hire graduates and cater for student needs.

Everyone knows when business locate somewhere, they look at the pool of skilled workers they can choose from and access to an airport, and with the motorway Dublin is not too far for people coming in on transatlantic and other international flights.

I heard a rumour that originally the college in Carlow was originally offered to Kilkenny but the council refused it? Can anyone confirm if thats true?


I don't quite see as much of this "scum" thing that others mention either. Sure there's you're handful of run of the mill scangerey types, but it doesn't seem too prevelant. Not anything like I see in Carlow anyway! Maybe I'm around at the wrong times

I find kilkenny very bad for scum i work in john st and there is lot you will think twice about passing them

Late at night if we dont close the door you will get drinking scum in i have been nearly hit by a good few of them trying to trow them out my bass has dealed with the same

I think the one way in the one way on the high st was great you can cross the road for a change

Also the one way on john worked really will but some of the traders just gave out and out about it

One thing the need to fix is the crossing in front of biddys I have been nearly knocked down there so many times because you do not know its a crossing will they not paint in the zebra in and get stonger lights so that you can see the crossing

There is never going to be a 3rd LV in kilkenny because your 30 mins from waterford and carlow so what will be the point on wasting more money on it or it will end up like TIPP IT just give the money to WIT

Captain Havoc

141_Oscar_Mike wrote: »

Id like to see the Greens Bridge area done up a bit. Looks dull and ugly imo.

I'd love to see parking tickets given on those yellow lines, one day I will crash into some numpty who's parked that wee bit too close to the corner.

PaulKK

samapple789 wrote: »

Late at night if we dont close the door you will get drinking scum in i have been nearly hit by a good few of them trying to trow them out my bass has dealed with the same

You can't compare people who are scuttered at night with normal behaviour.
Whats to say they are locals anyway, could be people away for weekends etc.

samapple789 wrote: »

I think the one way in the one way on the high st was great you can cross the road for a change

I never have any trouble crossing High Street, there are plenty of pedestrian crossings and the traffic is generally slow moving anyway so its easy to stroll across. I really can't grasp what the big deal about the two way traffic is.

samapple789 wrote: »

Also the one way on john worked really will but some of the traders just gave out and out about it

I disagree, it was a pain in the backside having John Street one way, its plenty wide enough for two way traffic.

samapple789 wrote: »

One thing the need to fix is the crossing in front of biddys I have been nearly knocked down there so many times because you do not know its a crossing will they not paint in the zebra in and get stonger lights so that you can see the crossing

I'll agree with you there, always take an extra bit of care driving near there because its hard to spot that one.

samapple789 wrote: »

There is never going to be a 3rd LV in kilkenny because your 30 mins from waterford and carlow so what will be the point on wasting more money on it or it will end up like TIPP IT just give the money to WIT

So you are 30 mins from Waterford and Carlow, great!!

What about the cities that have multiple 3rd level institutions? Cork, Limerick, Galway, Dublin?

Just because there are facilities 30 mins away does not mean one would not prosper in Kilkenny, bringing with the the social and economical advantages that come with it. If it was properly thought out and managed, and offered decent courses, people will travel to study in a place with a good reputation and good facilities.

catbear

PaulKK, I notice when you say you have no problem with high street that you're basing it on your own ability to navigate it. Just take time to observe people trying to pass each other on the narrow parts. It may not affect your mobility now but later in life it may do. The path at the bottom of James street is the worst and I cringe when I see mothers with buggys trying to pass each other while confined by cars. It's simply not good enough. Most people have more room in their hall ways.

Improved consumer mobility would be a general boon for business but retailers haven't stated if business improved after the two-way was reestablished.

PaulKK

catbear wrote: »

PaulKK, I notice when you say you have no problem with high street that you're basing it on your own ability to navigate it. Just take time to observe people trying to pass each other on the narrow parts. It may not affect your mobility now but later in life it may do. The path at the bottom of James street is the worst and I cringe when I see mothers with buggys trying to pass each other while confined by cars. It's simply not good enough. Most people have more room in their hall ways.

Improved consumer mobility would be a general boon for business but retailers haven't stated if business improved after the two-way was reestablished.

I understand where you are coming from, I too have seen the "buggy struggle" around the metropole but in fairness that is the only very narrow section of the path on high street. When the traffic was one way you still shouldn't of been walking on the road so it doesn't make any difference - you still need to use the footpath.

In fairness most areas around town aren't very buggy friendly in general, beggars lane, the butterslip, even the back entrance to Dunnes.

I would be very very surprised if the one or two way traffic had any bearing on high street business to be honest, if they were that convinced that it would improve business they should of pedestrianised it altogether.

Captain Havoc

If you make it one way you can widen the path, it wasn't done last time as it was only a trial.

pegasus1

What about getting rid of cars on high st. altogether except for delivery times, with just commercial traffic allowed then.
But I suppose that would need the bridge at the brewry and ring road completed all the way round anyhow agree with putting back the oneway system including roseinn and john st. and widening the paths on all..