Calls for action at Kenny's Well in Kilkenny

Local publican and Kenny’s Well resident, Tommy Hackett, has expressed deep concern over the future of the beloved well, highlighting a rise in anti-social behaviour and a lack of upkeep as serious issues.

Mr Hackett said that kids in the area 'no longer play alongside the Breagagh as it’s now a playground for anti-social behaviour', adding, the well was at 'full belt' in previous years and there’s a hunger amongst locals to restore power to residents in the area.

Previous committees have included Mr Hackett’s father and late grandfather, while the family home is directly beside the site.

Councillors at October's meeting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District pledged their support to finding funding to restore Kenny’s Well, however, a licence must be obtained from the National Monuments Service and from Fisheries Ireland before works can commence.

The restoration of a wall that fell into the River Breagagh, poor lighting and trip hazards are amongst the concerns Mr Hackett has, fearing the number of official bodies required to carry out such works means there’s 'too many loopholes to get things done'.

An update on the situation is expected at the next sitting of Kilkenny Municipal District on Friday, November 10.