Plans to overhaul prime site for new housing units in Kilkenny City
The proposed housing scheme is intended to respond to demand for smaller homes in Kilkenny
Kilkenny County Council has outlined a proposals for 10 housing units at the Sr Anthony site that fronts onto Lord Edward Street in Kilkenny City.
Details on the scheme was presented to elected members at the most recent plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council.
The planned mix comprises four one-bedroom apartments, one one-bedroom bungalow, four two-bedroom bungalows and one three-bedroom house.
The scheme is intended to respond to demand for smaller homes in Kilkenny.
Council housing data for July 2026 records 339 applicants selecting Kilkenny as their first area of choice for one-bedroom accommodation, compared with 137 for two-bedroom homes, 61 for three-bedroom homes and 23 for four-bedroom properties.
The figures also include demand for 10 adapted one-bedroom homes and eight adapted two-bedroom homes.
The council’s indicative timetable provides for pre-planning by the end of July, followed by a four-week public display beginning in August.
The consultation stage is expected to include public notices, an information session and engagement with the Butts Town Team.
Submissions are scheduled for mid-September, with reports expected by the end of October and a presentation to councillors planned for November 16.
Butts Regeneration Latest
The meeting also heard that works have started on pilot houses as part of the Butts Regeneration project.
Works at 17 Pearse Street have started whilst works at 7 Connolly Street are expected to begin shortly.
Works include reconfiguring the layout, making the stairs compliant, energy retrofitting and garden upgrades.
The next phase of the regeneration project is being developed to include 13 vacant and occupied houses.
Response From Elected Members
Cllr David Fitzgerald stated that the elected members in Kilkenny City are ‘watching the Butts Regeneration plan with great interest’.
“We’re starting to see the plan bear fruit,” he said, and noted the fitting nature of redevelopment of the Sr Anthony site given that she ‘is remembered for great acts of kindness’.
Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin commended the level of engagement reported with the local community, whilst Mayor Andrew McGuinness asked if elected members could receive a report on that level of consultation.
“It’s an important community to look after,” the mayor said. “A lot of them feel that they haven’t been looked after over a number of years.”