December in Kilkenny - Investment, legendary musicians and a TV focus on ‘Christmas in Kilkenny’

December started with good news on the economic front for the county.

News of two major summer concert along with a multi-million euro capital injection, was music to the ears of Kilkenny business.

The Motown Mamas at Erin’s Own Lip Sync PICTURE: PAT MOORE

Plans were unveiled for a 100-bedroom hotel in the Abbey Quarter.

A blueprint to move Kilkenny library to a new location was also presented to councillors.

There were also several jobs announcements - an investment of €1.84 million in a ‘centre of excellence’ in the city is expected to provide 250 jobs, while 50 jobs are expected to be created in the next 12 months thanks to a €2 million investment by ifac in a client-shared services centre at the Danville Business Park.

Aiken Promotions confirmed that Kilkenny will be welcoming musical legends Bob Dylan and Neil Young next summer. The gig will take place on Sunday, July 14, at Nowlan Park.

The National Enterprise Towns Awards were held in Lyrath Estate. Kilkenny city was named as a regional winner.

Castlecomer celebrated a Festival of Light.

Getting ready to skate at the opening of Kilkenny on Ice PICTURE: PAT MOORE

History was made when Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium held the first ever morning meeting in Ireland. It will be trialled for six months.

A Fáilte Ireland report highlighted a severe lack of accommodation for tourists in Kilkenny.

The Heritage Council‏ has announced the appointment of Virginia Teehan as its new Chief Executive from February 1, 2019. Ms Teehan joins the national body based in Kilkenny with a wealth of experience, having acted as Director of Cultural Projects at University College Cork.

Plans to develop a temporary carpark at the Brewery site in the heart of Kilkenny City have been shelved because of a legal challenge.

In July Kilkenny County Council granted itself planning permission to develop a temporary carpark and coach park for seven coaches and 132 cars to be operated for a period of five years. However judicial review proceedings could cause a lengthy delay to the project.

Kilkenny people were urged to donate their spare bicycles to the Rotary Club’s ‘Bikes for Africa’ appeal. Drop your unwanted bikes to the collection point at Dunmore Recycling and Waste Disposal Centre.

Christmas in Kilkenny was beamed around Ireland this year with two major television events. We enjoyed a snowy Inistioge on television in the Dunnes Stores advert and celebrity chef Neven Maguire filmed, and broadcast on RTE, his two-part ’Neven’s Kilkenny Christmas’ featuring Kilkenny Castle, Cake Face, the Hole in the Wall tavern, St Canice’s Cathedral as well as many local food producers .

Waiting for Santa at the Festival of Light in Castlecomer PICTURE: PAT MOORE