High profile Kilkenny City building could be brought back into use very soon!

The iconic Shee Alms House on Rose Inn Street in Kilkenny City is now open to Expressions of Interest from interest parties.

Dating back to 1582, this heritage building has recently undergone extensive renovations, including new electrical and heating systems, insulation, toilets, alarm systems, and flooring. Situated in a prime city centre location, the site has served various purposes over the centuries, from a refuge and chapel to a hospital, shop, and tourist office.

Earlier this year, Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council, Tim Butler has confirmed that they intend to make Shee Alms House on Rose Inn Street in the city available to lease, welcoming expressions of interest from local bodies, with the site currently not in operation.

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The Kilkenny Corporation acquired the Alms House in 1978 and meticulously restored it to its original condition. The restoration efforts culminated in the reopening of the building as the city’s tourist office in 1981.

However, after periods of temporary leases, it is hoped the building, which will remain under council ownership, can now find a permanent tenant.

"We want something there that’s going to create footfall," Mr Butler told councillors at the last sitting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District.

"The proposal from the facilities (section) is that it goes to Expressions of Interest over the next weeks and months," he continued.

The comments followed a motion from Fine Gael’s David FitzGerald, who requested the local authority prepare a public consultation process in order to seek the views of the public and write a report on the future use of the house to include all potential options.

"It’s a public building, it’s a very important building," Mr FitzGerald stated.

"It’s not an office block or it should not be given over to one particular organisation simply to house them. I think it should remain a public building,” he argued, suggesting, the building could be used to house local archives."

Cllr FitzGerald emphasised the need for the public to be able to voice their opinions and also asked if the plaque unveiled at the location at the time of its reopening be restored.

In response Mr Butler acknowledged a meeting could be facilitated.

The proposal was seconded by Mayor, Cllr Andrew McGuinness and supported across the board.

Fianna Fáil’s Cllr John Coonan described the building as part of the 'fabric of our historic city', while Labour’s Sean Ó hArgain argued for the restoration of the exterior plaque, stating: "Wherever we have commemorative plaques we should ensure they are put back in place."

The closing date for submissions is Friday, June 20 at 5pm.

For further information or to view the space, please contact Lianne Kelly, Community Department, Kilkenny County Council at 056-7794345 or email Lianne.kelly@kilkennycoco.ie.

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