LATEST: Decision on plans to convert retail unit in central area of Kilkenny

Permission has been granted, subject to five conditions, to convert a former betting office at Irishtown/Dean Street (R95 XK40) into a café complete with a coffee and cake area, kitchen, seating zones, toilets, and a new shopfront design featuring subtle modern touches and an external awning.

The total approved development spans 72.4 square metres, and aims to breathe new life into the building while maintaining its architectural integrity.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny extras wanted for historical television epic filming in Leinster

“The proposed works aim to preserve and enhance the original shopfront, retaining its architectural features and character while introducing subtle modern interventions necessary to facilitate the new café use,” the planning cover letter states.

The planned new café seeks to contribute to the ongoing regeneration of the Irishtown area, a location already seeing the positive impact of similar ventures such as Cake Face and Fran Grincell Properties.

READ ALSO: Gardaí warn Kilkenny people about 'nasty, threatening and scary' scam

“The proposal aims to reinstate and revitalise the existing shopfront along Dean Street, reusing the original elements wherever possible in order to preserve the character and integrity of the streetscape,” the planning cover letter continued.

One submission was received in relation to the application, and Kilkenny County Council granted planning permission, subject to five conditions, on June 23, 2025.

There remains a possibility that this decision could be appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, the national planning body.

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE