Call made for motorway signs for two big Kilkenny heritage attractions
A councillor in South Kilkenny says visitors travelling the M9 are missing two nationally significant attractions because there is no motorway signage directing them to either Leac an Scail or the Famine Remembrance Garden
A renewed call has been made for motorway signage directing visitors to two of South Kilkenny's best-known heritage attractions after concerns were raised that thousands of motorists pass by them every year without knowing they exist.
At a recent meeting of the Piltown Municipal District, Cllr Fidelis Doherty asked Kilkenny County Council to examine the possibility of providing motorway signage for Leac an Scail and the Famine Remembrance Garden.
Leac an Scail, also known as the Kilmogue Portal Tomb, is one of Ireland's most impressive prehistoric monuments and is regarded as the tallest dolmen of its kind in the country.
The monument, located near Harristown outside Mullinavat, dates back more than 5,000 years and is recognised as a national monument.
The Famine Remembrance Garden at Newmarket is another significant heritage attraction, offering visitors a place of reflection dedicated to those who suffered during the Great Famine.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Doherty said improved signage from the M9 could encourage more visitors to leave the motorway and explore South Kilkenny's heritage, bringing additional tourism to the area.
However, the council said responsibility for signage on the motorway lies with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Officials explained that TII operates under strict national guidelines for tourist signage and that not every attraction qualifies for signs on the motorway network.