Sod is turned on new park on outskirts of Kilkenny City

The first sod has been turned on a project to created a new public park on the outskirts of Kilkenny City, this afternoon (Friday).

Once a city landfill, the Dunmore Countryside Park is set to become a wonderful amenity for the county.

Speaking at the sod-turning, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick said it is an exciting day for Kilkenny.

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The Countryside Park will cover 17 acres the complex, located just 5km outside the city.  Phase 1 of the Park will include the Hurling Wall  and a ‘Dog Friendly Zone.'

"This is a very exciting day for Kilkenny and whilst we are commencing Phase 1 of the Park today the overall ambition is to develop a parkland that will create a regional destination for health and wellbeing, attracting fitness and outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, nature lovers and educational providers," Cllr Fitzpatrick said.

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"The delivery of this Park, in its completeness, will greatly add to the  ‘Outdoor Kilkenny’ brand and strengthen Kilkenny’s position as an outdoor tourism destination. It will also add value to the other outdoor recreational offerings, particularly in the north of the County, such as the Castlecomer Discovery Park and Jenkinstown Wood." 

The council chairman acknowledged the foresight of the Council  Management Team and the work of the staff in the Project and Parks Office, in progressing the project. He also acknowledged the support  the Dunmore Community Committee  have given to this project

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A landfill at Dunmore ceased operation in 2010 and remediation works to cap the waste cells  was completed a short time after.  Since then the site has been the location of a civic amenity recycling and waste disposal centre, serving up to 60,000 customers every year.

In 2015 the Kilkenny GAA Training Centre opened on another part of the site. Cllr Fitzpatrick said this has proven to be a fantastic addition to  the GAA, and  the Council were delighted to be involved with it.