Could a historic Kilkenny site be about to get a facelift?

A presentation on the up-to-date progress and potential measures required for the restoration and refurbishment of the Kenny’s Well site took place at Friday’s sitting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District.

Amongst the recommendations outlined in the presentation was the construction of a new cast-iron railing and built-in lighting on the entrance to the site, a pedestrian wooden bridge in place of stepping stones and upgrade works to the steps at the entrance.

Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Andrew McGuinness described Kenny’s Well as the ‘gem in Kilkenny’s crown’ with the prospect of a pedestrian bridge a ‘fantastic idea’ according to the mayor.

In April, funding of €30,000 for conservation works to the historic Kilkenny City site was announced under the 2024 Community Monuments Fund by local TD and Minister for Heritage, Local Government and Electoral Reform, Malcom Noonan and Kenny’s Well was one of 12 Kilkenny County Council submissions given the green light by the department.

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Deputy Noonan, who was a member of the Kenny’s Well Mass Committee for a number of years, said that the heritage of the well and its connection to the Dominican Friary made it an ideal candidate for the Community Monuments Fund.

Friday’s presentation was widely welcomed by councillors but it was acknowledged further funding would need to be sourced to implement the plan in its entirety.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Malone claimed the site needed some ‘TLC’ and funding, while party colleague John Coonan insisted they need to make the plan a reality.

“It’s been on the agenda for a long, long time,” Cllr Coonan said, adding, “it’s a most special site in Kilkenny City.”

Independent councillor and General Election candidate, Eugene McGuinness welcomed the presentation but queried how long it will take before it becomes reality.

Both Cllr McGuinness and Labour’s Sean Ó hArgain also stressed the importance of the site being accessible to those with additional needs.

Cllr Ó hArgain, another man who has put his name on the ballot paper for the General Election went on to describe the plan as ‘solid’ with Green Party councillor, Maria Dollard concurring, suggesting ‘the public may perceive there is a quick and easy solution.’

Meanwhile, Fine Gael councillor and fellow General Election candidate, David Fitzgerald warned that the ongoing traffic concerns in the area must be taken into consideration before implementing the plans.

However, despite the positive reaction from local councillors, Kenny’s Well resident John Hackett has yet to be fully convinced after numerous ‘broken promises’ made down through the years.

Mr Hackett who resides next door to the site, praised minor maintenance works such as grass cutting and tree trimming which have taken place in recent times but believes substantial funding will be required to restore Kenny’s Well to its former glory as anti-social behaviour, over-growing trees and the dilapidation of walls remain a huge concern.