'Full Forward' puts the wheels in motion on a new era for Kilkenny

'Full Forward Kilkenny 2030', a project which took part in significant consultation and engagement with communities around Kilkenny, including businesses, citizens and interest groups was discussed at the Midieval Mile Museum on Thursday, October 26, as a panel of some of the county's best known figures discussed what the city and county has to offer and their visions for the locality moving forward.

The project aims to act as a guiding principle for what Kilkenny City and County will be like to live, work, and enjoy by the end of the decade.

Lar Power, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Mary Fitzgerald, Paralympian, Edward Hayden, Chef & Author and Michael Branagan, Businessman, joined MC Kieran Cuddihy for the panel discussion, while there were addresses by Michael Doyle, Chairman of Kilkenny County Council and Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government, Heritage & Nature.

Cllr Doyle outlined the 'seven pillars' of 'Full Forward' (Climate, Community, Jobs, Heritage, Inclusion, Health, and Creativity), adding, he hoped the project would 'create a sense of belonging where everyone can thrive' and the dream of Kilkenny becoming a 'ten minute city' would be fulfilled.

Minister Noonan also addressed those present in his first local gathering since the addition of 'Nature' to his ministerial title, beginning his speech by welcoming the new Chief Executive, Lar Power.

Deputy Noonan went on to acknowledge the huge challenge of climate change across the country facing various sectors, stating, Kilkenny has never shied away from a challenge.

The local TD complimented the local authority for the restoration and use of old buildings, commenting, it was no surprise to see climate change 'at the core' of Full Forward.

The Green Party representative went on to lend his support for further powers and responsibilities to be given to Kilkenny County Council and other local authorities, remarking: "Change happens from grassroots and communities."

Both speeches were followed by a panel discussion, with much anticipation amongst the local business community and population at large, as Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council, Lar Power, spoke at his first public engagement since assuming the role.

Mr Power opened the session by expressing his passion for making Kilkenny 'the best place it can be', adding the project needs the backing of everyone in Kilkenny society to succeed.

The Chief Executive, who previously held the same position in his home county of Leitrim, went on to tell the local gathering: "The bottom line is Kilkenny is known as a fabulous destination and it is a huge honour to come here and be of assistance. Kilkenny City is punching at a very high level."

In a wide ranging discussion, the panel outlined their views on various aspects of Kilkenny life, with the ongoing debate of traffic congestion in Kilkenny City raised a concern.

Businessman, Michael Brannigan, commented, there was room for improvement with the 'circulation' of traffic in Kilkenny City.

"We need to figure out a better solution to traffic congestion," he remarked.

"Getting in and out of the city is a real issue," adding, Kilkenny County Council need to look at the situation and further relief roads need to be built.

Lar Power addressed the point by saying: "It's all about balance and knowing where we're going as a city and county."

Mr Power also expressed his desire to build the city on a 'neighbourhood basis' with all services in the city within ten minutes of people's homes.

The morning session concluded with an apt message panelist, Mary Fitzgerald. The local Paralympian said there was room for improvement in making services for those with additional needs more accessible, reminding the audience that 12.5% of the globe have a disability and until 'we make real change we won’t see real change'.