'This is a unique opportunity' - Kilkenny councillors react to Butts regeneration funding

Councillors at February's sitting of the Kilkenny City Municipal District welcomed funding of €850,000 which will allow Kilkenny County Council to carry out a detailed assessment of the locality and to engage fully with residents to determine what measures could best benefit the community now living there. 

"This is a unique opportunity to do a detailed analysis of the views of people, the needs and opportunities in the area and to prepare plans to deliver real change for the Butts," Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Joe Malone said.

Town Regeneration Officer, Annette Fitzpatrick told elected members at last Tuesday’s meeting that leaflets will be dropped into households on Friday and a community meeting will be held by the end of this month or the beginning of March.

The Kilkenny People understands that the project is expected to be driven by the local residents with a committee and residents liaison officer to be established.

According to Ms Fitzpatrick, a 'significant survey' of people’s housing needs for the next 20 years will take place and will cover 'all social areas in the Butts'.

Meanwhile, speaking at last Tuesday's city council meeting, Cllr John Coonan asked that the same presentation be shown to the Butts community to reduce fears and show good will and to start the project on a 'positive' note, while Cllr Eugene McGuinness, suggested the process could be used as a 'template' for other locations in Kilkenny.

Stephen Murphy, Director of Services at the Fr McGrath Centre, also welcomed the funding: "It’s long overdue, the community have been asking for this for 30/40 years," he said.

"We’re looking forward to creating a partnership with the council that will help us improve the quality of life for families in the area," Mr Murphy added.