Editorial: Politicians are right - clampdown is needed on Kilkenny's rogue shopfronts

It isn’t often that our local representatives from different parties can agree on things, but the views of people from different political persuasions ran along a similar theme when one issue pertaining to the city’s heritage comes into question.

Kilkenny is known for many things, but the jewel in the crown is the city’s history and heritage. Take a stroll through the medieval streets and people can feel the charm and history of the many buildings they pass. This is perhaps why some of our local councillors became heated when describing the rise in of new style signs adorning our shopfronts.

The county council was called on to enforce its policy on traditional shopfronts at Friday’s Municipal District meeting. Neon and corriboard signs have become more prominent on the streets, taking from the traditional look. In a city where tourism and tradition are big appeals, they can cause areas to stick out like sore thumbs.

That is not to say people cannot advertise their businesses in an eye-catching way - they can - but to do it in a manner which fits in with the existing, traditional fabric and other stores is surely the way to go.

Walk the walk
The city became home to a new amenity when the Lacken Boardwalk was officially opened this week.
The original boardwalk was a popular location for walkers - and courting couples, as the story goes - since its inception, so the new offering will only serve to increase the area’s popularity.

Better yet, the works ensure that the boardwalk will be more accessible to wheelchair users as well as people with reduced mobility, people with prams or buggies and dog walkers. Adding to this, the addition of seating areas will mean people can sit down and relax and watch the river flow by - a great way to relieve stress.

With the topic of minding our mental health more important than ever, not to mention the benefit of exercise, the boardwalk is a step in the right direction.