Sense of belonging and safety - Kilkenny survey reveals local feelings

Graignamanagh offers a great quality of life and has growth potential, but public transport options, the availability of housing and access to services are the town’s biggest weaknesses, a new survey of the town has revealed.

The in-depth survey of Graignamanagh will be presented to the local community at a series of public consultation sessions. It includes the results of local questionnaires, surveys of parking and footfall, as well as looking at the future opportunities for the town.

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The Collaborative Town Centre Health Check (CTCHC) Report was presented to local councillors at the September meeting of Callan Thomastown Municipal District.

The CTCHC programme was established by the Heritage Council and is part of the Town Centre First plan. This report will inform the Town Centre First Plan and is a resource that can be called on for strategies relating to heritage and culture, public realm development, tourism regeneration, town centre living and strategic planning.

Studies undertaken in the town, earlier this year, included a land use and vacancy study, a footfall survey, a public questionnaire, a questionnaire for business owners, a youth survey, a study of car parking locations and their use, and an urban design appraisal.

A strong sense of belonging and feeling safe among locals emerged from the questionnaires.

Other areas that got a thumbs up from residents are the amenities for play and recreation and the natural space around Graignamanagh, with the high quality spaces at Silare Wood and along the Barrow highlighted.

Moving around the town was found to work well but needed some attention.
Those residents did, however, highlight that a weakness of the local economy was the lack of opportunities for career development.

For four weeks in February and March the survey was circulated and there were 288 respondents.

Overall, the results show Graignamanagh is doing well in many areas but some areas need attention.
When it comes to moving around the town, the main concern raised was the bridge, especially pedestrian safety crossing it.

A new, off-street car park was also a suggestion of many, to remove on-street parking.
Public transport links were rated low, with locals calling for links to nearby towns, train stations and to Dublin.

Respondents addressing the lack of local housing encouraged the use of vacant buildings and the vacant units above businesses.
Dereliction was noted and it was suggested these buildings be used for housing or community services. The upkeep and painting of some buildings was complimented by locals.

Feeling safe was the highest rated topic of the ‘place standard assessment.’ However, it was suggested improvements could include a more active garda presence in the town, additional lighting and footpath maintenance.
Additional services that could be added to the town, as suggested by the survey answers, are year-round cafe and restaurant facilities, childcare facilities.

Many positives emerged from the survey — that people are proud of the Abbey, the river, the cleanliness of the town and its history and heritage.

Suggestions for ‘under used’ buildings, including a number of named former businesses, were that they could be used for tourist accommodation, a museum, business space or community spaces.

All of the businesses that responded to the survey have been in the town for 10 years or more. Main strengths of Graignamanagh as a place to do business include the many family-run businesses and the potential for growth in the town. However, weaknesses included the lack of an available workforce and access to services.

Asked what their expectations were for trading in the town over the next twi years, however, only 20% of businesses said it is ‘likely to improve’.

It was suggested that a weekly farmers market or traditional workshops would do well in the town.

While businesses hope to see an increased ease of getting around the town and better parking, they also hope to maintain the slow pace of life in Graignamanagh and the friendly atmosphere in the town.

According to the 2022 Census, the youth population of the town, under 19, was 22%. Young people were encouraged to take the survey with interesting results.

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Asked to describe the town in one word, the most common replies were: Friendly, beautiful, small and perfect.
What they like most about the town is their friends and the river, but they dislike the campervans and the vacant buildings.
Many of the young respondents are involved in recreational activities, but there was a call for a ladies football team, tennis, rugby, gaelic football and gymnastics groups for the town.

A SCOT (strengths, constraints, opportunities, threats) analysis of the town was completed based on the survey results.
Members of the community are invited to public consultation meetings on the report. They will take place on Wednesday, September 24, in the Scout Hall. The first session will be between 3pm and 5pm, the second between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.