Councillor calls for beer tent to be moved at Kilkenny food festival

A local councillor has asked that the brewers and distillers pavilion at next year’s Savour Kilkenny Festival be reduced in size or moved away from its central location on the Parade.

“It’s come to my attention that the tent serving alcohol was very large and very big,” said Cllr Breda Gardner at Friday's Kilkenny City Municipal District meeting.

The independent councillor said some parents might have issues bringing their children out for the day given the location of the tent.

“Could it be put to one side next year?” she asked.

“It’s a food festival, and not necessarily a beer festival. Maybe the tent could not be as big next year, and not necessarily be put ‘centre-stage’.”

Responding, Cllr Patrick McKee said he did not necessarily agree with the remarks.

“Savour Kilkenny was a fantastic festival, and I’m not aware of there being any ‘overdoing it’ at the festival,” he said.

“I think it was managed extremely well.”

He said that as councillors, it was not their job to regulate people's drinking - although, 'of course people should drink responsibly'.

The matter was raised as councillors lauded the success of the festival, and the huge numbers of people who attended over the October Bank Holiday Weekend.