Public housing planned for Sweeney’s Orchard site in Kilkenny

The Sweeney’s Orchard site in Kilkenny city will be reserved for public housing, Acting Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council Sean McKeown has confirmed.

The site is located 100m due east of Vicar Street, 100m south-west of Green’s Bridge and 100m south of Green Street, while the confluence of the Nore and Bregagh rivers lies 100m to the north-east.

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Under the original Abbey Quarter Masterplan, the site was earmarked for public housing however doubt was cast on this objective in recent years as the site has since been suggested for other uses.

McKeown told councillors that the Sweeney’s Orchard site remains fully-owned by the council and will be utilised as originally intended.

No timeframe was provided however on when housing could be delivered on the site.

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City councillor Maria Dollard welcomed the news, stating that ‘housing is the biggest issue facing our society and public housing on public land is critical in the addressing of this issue’.

“Delivery of sustainable housing right here in the centre of Kilkenny is exactly what we need right now,” she added.