Archive - Boom time for house hunters in Kilkenny (1973)

Kilkenny Co Council will shortly be planning its biggest housing drive for some time.

The amount allocated by the Department of Local Government for housing purposes for the coming year is expected to be double that of last year.

Artist Davy Holohan preparing for summer exhibition in Kilkenny

The amount of money for house purchase, reconstruction loans and supplementary grants has been increased to £500,000.

The increased allocations are reflected in the Co Council’s are reflected in the Co Council’s housing drive in the current year.

There are schemes of 22 houses in Goresbridge, six for Inistioge, an initial scheme of 10 for Kilmanagh, 20 for Gowran and 20 rural cottages - all on the current housing programme.

Since April 1, 36 houses have been completed and 244 Council houses are in progress. These are: Castlecomer, 20; Graignamanagh, 30; Newpark, 120; Mooncoin, 36; Callan, 6; Ballyragget, 20; Knocktopher 2 and 10 rural cottages.

It is also expected that with more favourable terms available, private building will also be accelerated.

There are still many areas in the county in need of housing and efforts are being made to acquire sites. This has been a big problem in a number of areas.

The Co Council will hear a progress report at the Co Council meeting on Monday. The Co Manager, Mr DF Donovan, is likely to reveal the exact amount allocated and plans for the future.

The amount allocated to Kilkenny Corporation has been increased from £18,00 to £20,000 but the problem in the city is one of getting sites.

A scheme in the Walkin Street-Old Callan Road area is almost completed and the tenants will be taking up residence in the course of the next few weeks.

LONDON BOAT TRIP
A special attraction for Kilkenny exiles in London on June 24 will be the boat trip on the River Thames organised by the Kilkenny Association.

The boat leaves Westminster Pier at 7pm and returns at 11pm for a buffet supper with music and bar. All in cost is £1.50.
140 mile hero

A 140 mile dash to Wexford and back, where he played an outstanding game for the Kilkenny senior hurlers, saw Mick Brennan play a major part in Railyard’s fine win over Arles in the final of the Castlecomer Mills senior football tournament in the Prince Grounds, Castlecomer.

Mick was a dominating figure as he cut through the Laois defence and scored 1-8.