Green light for social housing on old Brógmaker site on Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny

A compromise proposal with smaller scale housing units than originally envisioned has been agreed by local councillors for the future development of the old Brógmaker site on the Castlecomer Road.

Among the changes are a reduction in floor space and alterations from a three-bed to two-bed unit. A new building will be set back from the Castlecomer Road edge, allowing for footpaths and a green area. Extra parking spaces are also to be provided, with the total number of spaces set at 23 (originally, 16).

The plans got the green light in a 23-1 vote by local councillors at a meeting on Monday, which was attended by residents of the area. The sole dissenting vote was by Cllr Patrick McKee.

An amendment was proposed by Cllr Andrew McGuinness calling for a deferral of the item until the February meeting, but this only received support from five other members.

Having purchased the site in 2017 for €850,00, Kilkenny County Council put forward proposals to convert the pub and guesthouse building into ten apartments. The plans also set out to demolish any existing ancillary building and construct two new apartments in its place, and build two new houses and four new apartments in what is currently a carpark. Most of these units are one or two bedroom.

In total during the public consultation process, 19 submissions were received, mostly from local residents. They raised concerns over issues such as unit density, parking, construction management and ongoing management of the units.

On Monday, prior to the vote, director of services for housing Mary Mulholland reminded members that of the more than 2,000 people on the council’s housing waiting list, more than half are seeking accomodation in Kilkenny City. The vast majority of these have a preference for one or two-bed units.

She said efforts had been made to address concerns and work with residents, and she did not believe there could be further ‘meaningful’ amendments to the plan.

Ms Mulholland said that it was proposed to procure a management company to operate the apartments.
Proposing that the council proceed with the development, Cllr Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere said the members were being asked to make a decision in the public interest, as a housing authority. He said it could provide ‘real solutions for real people’ at a central location.

The lone dissenting voter, Cllr Patrick McKee acknowledged the need for housing and said he supported the development of the Brógmaker, but the carpark development was ‘entirely inappropriate’. He said a ‘middle ground’ could have been found, and the plans would negatively alter the existing fabric of the area. He also expressed concern with how the purchase of the site had been communicated to the elected members .

“It’s left a bad taste in my mouth the way it was dealt with, and it will have a significant impact on existing local residents,” he said.

TENDER
Ms Mulholland confirmed to the Kilkenny People that Detailed Design on the project will now commence, followed by a tender process for a contractor. It’s hoped works will begin on the site before the end of the year.