April: Business is booming - new Tirlán, Abbott buildings and plans for hotel

ABOVE: Caroline Devereux and Áine Fitzgerald with the Dulux Dogs at Callan Co-Op’s Fun Day PICTURE: HARRY REID

Recruitment was already underway for Abbot when an official sod-turning ceremony to mark the construction of the new Abbott Manufacturing Facility in Kilkenny took place.
More than 800 jobs will be created at the facility when complete.

Major plans were drawn up for a substantial redevelopment of Kilkenny City centre’s urban core.
A feasibility study proposed the pedestrianisation of key lanes around the city, including James’ Street, William Street, Poyntz Lane and Pennyfeather Lane.

Further consultations were set to take place before detailed plans were sent forward to planning.
There was good news for Castlecomer as Aldi Ireland has confirmed it will open a new €6.3m store in the town. The news came after a two-year wait for a decision from An Bord Pleanála.

There was an outpouring of tributes to international rally driver Craig Breen, from Slieverue, who died in a pre-event test stage ahead of the Rally of Croatia.

At his funeral service in the Church of the Sacred Heart in Ferrybank, his sister Kellie told mourners of her little brother’s achievements, but also of the man behind the helmet — the brother, son and friend.