Butts residents call for supports to improve home conditions - Kilkenny Live

Residents living in the Butts area of Kilkenny City are calling for home improvements to be included in any plans to improve living conditions in the area.

The calls follow comments by Fine Gael councillor, David Fitzgerald who suggested ‘demolishing’ The Butts and building replacement housing in the area.

Speaking at April's meeting of Kilkenny County Council, Mr Fitzgerald said: "I think The Butts in particular needs more than just a sticking plaster or a kind of a refresh of the houses," adding he had 'floated' the idea to some of the residents of demolishing The Butts and building entirely new replacement homes and claimed he received a positive response

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In February, funding of €850,000 was made available for a comprehensive regeneration plan for the Butts allowing Kilkenny County Council to carry out a detailed assessment of the area and to engage fully with residents to determine what measures could best benefit the community.

Speaking to the Kilkenny People, locals in the area believe home improvements are needed in the area as part of any future works. Residents are also calling for increased communication from the council on the next steps for the regeneration project.

"There's a lot of people angry, I’m paying a big rent and I could send you pictures of mildew on the walls," one Pearse Street resident said.

Another person in the area commented in favour of Fitzgerald’s suggestion.

"Realistically, that's what needs to happen, or massive renovations need to be done. I don't know how it would work but the houses in the Butts are in a very bad state and something drastically has to be done with them," they remarked.

The Butts resident also revealed their ongoing struggle with dampness and mould in the house with walls and ceilings having to be cleaned regularly.

"There's often times I've sat down and contemplated a transfer because of the state of the house." they concluded.

Updating the Kilkenny People on progress to date, Town Regeneration Officer with the local authority, Annette Fitzpatrick, said: "The first public meeting was held on February 29, in St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall with approximately 40 people attending. Further engagement with the residents is ongoing through a series of meetings with smaller representative groups from the area.

"The Council intend to have a site office in The Butts which will be an information point for people regarding progress on the development of the regeneration plan. 

"We are currently seeking prices before going ahead. We will also be appointing a Community Liaison Officer specific to this project," she added.