Capital spending in Kilkenny by council rose sharply in 2025

Capital spending by Kilkenny County Council surged by €36.5 million in 2025, rising from €89.8 million (2024) to €126.3 million, according to its audited annual financial statements that were recently presented to elected members.

The increase of more than 40% reflects substantial investment in housing and roads across the city and county, with housing projects accounting for €73.5 million and roads expenditure reaching €32.7 million.

The figures are contained in the council's Annual Financial Statement for the year ended December 31, 2025, which also reveals that the local authority finished the year with a modest revenue surplus of just over €22,000.

The council's capital account recorded a closing credit balance of €28.2 million, down from €34.4 million the previous year.

The financial review also notes that outstanding balances on completed capital projects amounted to €6.4 million.

The council said its ambitious six-year capital programme, covering 2024 to 2029, had been reviewed by elected members in 2025 to align projected expenditure with available funding.

The council's revenue account recorded a surplus of approximately €22,000 for 2025, bringing its accumulated general revenue reserve to around €182,000.

The accounts show that additional expenditure was incurred across several service areas during the year.

Housing expenditure increased by approximately €12.8 million, with additional rental income helping to fund the increase.

Roads expenditure also increased, partly because of additional grant allocations.

The financial review identifies further cost pressures, including a €1.7 million additional pension provision and approximately €1.5 million in additional payroll costs arising from national pay agreements.

Commercial rates income increased by €2.4 million to €24.3 million during 2025 however commercial rates arrears increased by €260,000, with the collection rate remaining unchanged at 90%.

Housing rent collection improved, rising from 95% in 2024 to 96% in 2025, whilst outstanding housing rent arrears fell by €114,000 to approximately €503,000.

Housing loan collection also improved, with the collection rate increasing marginally from 90% to 91%.

Looking at the council’s financial position, net assets increased by approximately €46.6 million during 2025, reaching almost €3 billion.

The accounts also show that non-mortgage borrowing decreased during the year, while total loans payable stood at approximately €46 million at year-end.

The financial review notes that the council maintained a relatively strong balance sheet, while highlighting the importance of managing future financial commitments.

In its concluding remarks, the council stated that the increase in operational delivery and capital investment required continued prudent financial management.

It also emphasised the importance of ensuring sufficient funding and cash management arrangements to support its ambitious capital programme.

The financial statements received an unmodified audit opinion from Local Government Auditor Gerard McMorrow on September 14, 2026.