Kilkenny's Tholsel tourist attraction waiting for green light

Works on a planned multi-million euro tourist attraction at the Tholsel in Kilkenny City have yet to commence and are awaiting Ministerial consent.

According to a spokesperson for Kilkenny County Council, Ministerial consent is required and the local authority is in the process of securing this consent in advance of the works.

Council staff who were based in the historic building moved out in May to offices in a different location in the city. Paintings and other historical items are also being moved to other locations in the short term.

“The Charters and other historical items are currently in an air-controlled safe and will be temporarily stored there for the duration of the works before they are returned to the Tholsel,” added the spokesperson.

The plans include developing the Tholsel as a leading tourist attraction. Works are expected to take 18 months and the restored Tholsel will retains its civic function once it is reopened.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage was asked for an update in relation to the issuing of consent and the status of the application in relation to the planned works. A spokesperson replied that the Department does not comment on individual planning applications.