Exciting developments at Woodstock Gardens in Inistioge

Kilkenny County Council has signed a new memorandum of agreement with Coillte regarding significant future plans for the Woodstock Estate in Inistioge.

The agreement allows the council to consider the entire south Kilkenny estate, incorporating both the council’s land holding of 50 acres and the surrounding Coillte forest of around 800 acres. It sets out the parameters for the assessment and development of a major tourism destination for the county.

At the January meeting of Kilkenny County Council, chief executive Colette Byrne confirmed the development to members. She said it had the potential to deliver considerable social and economic benefits to the wider community.

"We will now create a tender specification for the procurement of specialist services to develop a draft business plan for the Woodstock Estate which sets out all the opportunities and issues relating to the development and management of the site as a major tourism facility,” says the chief executive in her monthly report.

“The procurement process will be commenced immediately in consultation with Coillte.”

Ms Byrne also says there will be community consultation with ‘key stakeholders and interest groups’ during the assessment process. Mayor of Kilkenny Michael Doyle, who is from Inistioge, welcomed the chief executive’s commitment in relation to Woodstock.

Coillte will retain ownership of its lands and operations. The memorandum will expire after three years, or the signing of a new agreement.