Protected structures in Kilkenny are to be converted into social housing

A number of significant properties and sites in Callan town centre are at an early stage of development.

Two properties on Bridge Street are currently at pre-planning stage — Power’s and Lynch’s. Both now classed as protected structures, Kilkenny County Council hopes to regenerate both. Each building will have two, one-bed apartments over a commercial unit at street level.

The council plans to use the commercial units as artist residencies.

The planning application is hoped to be advertised this week.

Two significant sites are at ‘sketch stage,’ the earliest step in the process.

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The Old Co-Op, on Green Street, would be both a regeneration of the protected structure on Green Street and new-build project that could see up to 20 residential units on the now-derelict site.

This is planned to be a mix of houses and apartments, with three-bed and two-bed units.

Six apartments in the current building (one-bed and two-bed) and 14 new-builds to the rear.

Pedestrian access to the adjacent SuperValu car park and development underway there will be a condition of any planning permission, to allow a pathway from the supermarket down to Mill Street.

Kilkenny County Council intends to purchase this development, Clós an tSiopa, when completed, expected in early 2026.

Also at ‘sketch stage’ is a site at Mill Lane in Callan, where the council hopes to construct 10-12 social housing units.
There is a mill race on the site, so buildings will be located around the perimeter of the site.