Full-sized pitch forms part of plans for major development site in Kilkenny

The revised masterplan for the former Clover Meats site in Ferrybank was presented to members of the Piltown Municipal District earlier this month, with consultants and council officials outlining the updates made following two rounds of public consultation and extensive stakeholder engagement.

JJ Digby of Digby Brady opened the presentation by noting the ‘great appreciation for the history and heritage of the site’, adding that many in Ferrybank ‘grew up around the meat factory’.

READ NEXT: Foul smells in area of Kilkenny have 'a lot of people talking'

The revised plan was shaped significantly by public feedback.

Initial proposals were amended after it became clear that the “overriding local demand” was for an adult-sized multi-use playing pitch.

Mr Digby explained that this requirement fundamentally changed the layout and scope of the project.

The inclusion of the full-sized pitch, together with runoff space, spectator fencing, ball-stop nets, goals and parking, required the removal of several previously proposed features such as the biodiversity pond, play area, MUGA, quiet corner, outdoor performance structure and exercise equipment zone.

READ NEXT: 'Huge amount getting caught' by new speed camera in Kilkenny

However, several elements from the original design were retained, including the dog park, ball wall, padel court, community building, men’s and women’s shed, and a council storage yard.

Frank Stafford, Acting Senior Engineer with the Projects & Parks Office of Kilkenny County Council, thanked Mr Digby for the presentation but noted that the revised version “will definitely come with challenges.”

He said that issues such as traffic would need to be examined and stressed that securing investment will be the central obstacle.

“One of the key elements will be the funding,” he said. “It is a higher investment, and the lead-in time might be greater.
URDF funding is a possible pathway but there's no doubt this will have to be done on a phased basis. We will need to have planning in place before getting funding.”

READ NEXT: Kilkenny gardaí left with 'no choice' as slew of fines issued

Cllr Jenny Catt Slattery said she was ‘delighted ye came back and listened to people that evening’, noting that Ferrybank is ‘developing and getting better’ and that it would be fantastic to have that facility.

Cllr Fidelis Doherty welcomed the revised masterplan, recalling the “clear understanding from Clover Meats that it would be used for community.”

Cllr Ger Frisby praised the team for ‘taking onboard the points from the public consultation’. He also encouraged keeping the link to the site’s origins, suggesting maybe naming it Clover Park, saying such recognition would strengthen ‘the tie between council and community’.

READ NEXT: Scenic Kilkenny beauty spot is being hit by an 'epidemic of dumping'

Cllr Tomas Breathnach said the development would require “a very strong management structure,” asking if that would be part of the Part 8 process. Mr Stafford said it would come later.

Concern was also raised about the lack of changing facilities. Mr Stafford responded that “there will be a footprint in the Part 8 that could facilitate that.”

The next step will see the project documentation prepared for public display in Q1 of 2026.

Further feedback will then be gathered through the statutory public consultation process.

“Then it goes to full council,” Mr Stafford added. “If it’s approved at full council, funding streams will then be sought for delivery.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS