The public have their say as Callan readies itself for new park - Kilkenny Live

An exciting future beckons for The Motte Field and Abbey Meadow in Callan as its set to be transformed into a brand new community park following its acquisition by Kilkenny County Council.

Known as the ‘Callan Outdoor Amenity Masterplan,’ a large gatthering attended a public consultation at the Callan Parish Hall last week which outlined plans for the proposed development.

The meeting was organised by Catherine Byrne Murphy of Kilkenny County Council with consultants from Digby Brady Landscape Architects also present.

READ NEXT: Kilkenny family delight as local student celebrates first class honours degree 

According to a source at the meeting, a number of ideas were raised and discussed over the lengthy session.

Clearing the overgrowth and vegetation from the riverbanks as well as cleaning the surrounding stone walls of the Abbey Meadows of ivy and cleaning the Mill Race and pruning the trees surrounding it were amongst the ideas touted at the meeting.

Meanwhile, the dredging/cleaning of the silt from the riverbed was spoken of, but, the attendees were informed this work has nothing to do with the future use of the two Public Parks.

Local Fine Gael representative, Cllr Joe Lyons explained that the project to clean the river bed is ongoing, and only that morning the Inland Fisheries, National Parks & Wildlife Service and Kilkenny County Council are continuing the process to prepare for the works to commence in July of this summer.

Other suggestions put forward from the public included the installation of outdoor exercise equipment, rejuvenate the pitch and putt club, public lighting and the delivery of a coffee shop/artists residence at Power’s house at the entrance to the Motte Fields.

Speaking to Kilkenny Live, Cllr Joe Lyons, who is also a prominent business person in the area, welcomed the public dialogue and the project at large.

"The two green spaces on the banks of the Kings River are central to the Town, and so important to the future development of Callan, as Kilkenny’s biggest town in the county," he said.

FOR MORE CALLAN NEWS, CLICK HERE