Irish Business Against Litter win for Kilkenny City in 2019. Kilkenny is No.1 ahead of Killarney and Swords. Congratulations to all our volunteers and also to Kilkenny Co Co who have worked through out the year to help to achieve this excellent result. Our win is for a record 4th time.
Category Archives: Competitions
Kilkenny wins B of I National Enterprise Town Award 2019
Congratulation to all on the hard work undertaken by the National Enterprise Town Award committee who in turn were supported by many organisations and volunteers from through out our City, this included the Kilkenny PPN (Kilkenny Public Participation Network) and Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.
This is a fantastic achievement for Kilkenny, there were over 70 Communities in the running, Kilkenny were victorious in winning the overall prize at the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards 2019 including a cash prize of €33,000.
This win is indicative of the hard work and dedication of many businesses and enterprises throughout the city but also our community spirit which is at the heart of everything we do. It is important that local enterprises and community groups are supported in their efforts to create jobs and a sustainable future for their communities.
Pictured representing Kilkenny at the 2019 Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards are Noel Sherry, Mary O’Hanlon, Maurice O’Connor (PPN Secretariat and Community Radio), Deirdre Dunne, Mayor Martin Brett, Marion Acreman, Colette Byrne, Fiona Deegan, Minister John Paul Phelan, John Hurley, Peter Chap Cleere, Cllr Deirdre Cullen, Deirdre Shine, Bank of Ireland, JJ Keyes, Head of Kilkenny, Bank of Ireland
Annual Awards 2019 – Results
A large crowd attended the 2019 annual awards ceremony which took place at the Springhill court hotel on the 29th of October 2019.
Ian McCullough Of Birdwatch Kilkenny presented a thought-provoking presentation in relation to biodiversity in our city and recommendations on how to improve planting to be insect and bee friendly.
Set out under our list of the award recipients in the various categories. Congratulations to all.
Keep Kilkenny Beautiful awards 2019 results
Best commercial floral display
Highly commended
Bollard’s, Kieran St.
Kytler’s Inn, Kieran St.
Rafter Dempsey’s, Friary St.
Langton’s, John Street.
Tynan’s Bridge house
Rothe House, Parliament St.
Winner
Hotel Kilkenny
Attractive composition of flowers complementing the well maintained hotel buildings and courtyards
Most improved commercial premises
Highly commended
Aran Bakery, Barrack St.
Crown Hair Salon, Ormonde st.
Mokum Interiors, Dean st.
Winner
The Hungry Moose, John St.,
Upgrading an existing corner building which had been vacant for a number of years with attractive decoration and colourful flowers on an important junction
Best shop front
Highly commended
Murphy Jewellers, High st.,
Maibe Carey, Parliament st.,
Newbridge Silverware, High st.
Winner
Brennan’s Bottling Store, Walkin St.,
Attractive traditional public house on corner site with appropriate signage and eye-catching decoration.
Best shop signage
Highly commended
Little Green Grocer, Parliament st.
Designer Emporium, Kieran st.
Winner
Food For Life, Kieran st.
Well decorated shop premises with attractive signage and complementary art work
Best Kilkenny hospitality
Highly commended
Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford rd.,
Mena House, Castlecomer rd.
Park Villa, Castlecomer rd.
Fanad House, Bennettsbridge rd.
Winner
Hibernian Hotel, Patrick St.
Fine city centre establishment in prominent location with external seating area on the newly revamped Patrick st welcomes visitors to Kilkenny
Best Commercial Centre
Highly commended
IMC Cinema, off Castlecomer rd.
Market Cross Shopping Centre
Winner
Kilkenny Retail & Business Park
The overall area is well presented and maintained with attractive perimeter tree planting and areas of sustainable planting
Awards for evening premises display
Commendation
Paris Texas, High st.
Billy Byrnes 39 John st. Upper
Winner
Bridie’s, 72 John st.
Entrepreneur awards
Kilkenny Boat Tours
Providing a new perspective with their river Nore tours of our City
Kilkenny Segway Tours
Providing city wide electric Segway tours of our City
Special Awards – Hidden gems 2019
St. Mary’s Daycare centre & residential units, Gaol Rd/ Haughney Green
For providing sustainable colour on the street edge.
Fushia House, Waterford rd.
For special effort in providing a colourful display and care of adjacent green spaces
Joanna McLoughlin, Magdalen Court
For special effort in providing a colourful display
38 Abbey sq.
For special effort in providing colourful displays
Mary Jo Gilligan, Tilbury Place
For special effort in reclaiming the street
Joe Carton & Niamh O’Donoghue, John’s Quay
For special effort in providing colourful planting in the city centre
McDonagh Junction shopping centre
For special effort in upgrading presentation
Mother of Fair Love school, James st.
The Tidy towns Judge remarked ”We admired three lovely new trees in the grounds of the Mother of Fair Love school near St Mary’s Cathedral.”
Kilkenny street of the year 2019
Patrick street
This street has really improved over the last number of years. The judges were impressed with the variety of shop types and businesses, the many excellently painted shop fronts and buildings, the range of flowers, planters and the overall impression was very positive. Congratulations to Patrick Street as winner of the 2019 Kilkenny street of the year
Special award 2019
Simon Walton
For his dedication and assistance as City Engineer to Tidy Towns & Kilkenny City over the last number of years
Heroes in our Community Award
Men’s Shed – Good Shepherd centre
“These award are given to those from our community who have shown leadership in their community. It is through their quiet work that many excellent projects are completed throughout Kilkenny city on an ongoing basis. During 2019 they also constructed 3 large owl boxes for KKB which have been erected at sites around Kilkenny city.
Fitzpatrick Perpetual Shield for Community Effort
Home Rule Club
We congratulate the Home Rule Club for their well presented premises on John’s quay on their 125 year anniversary.
The Brendan Lawless Memorial Award
Gardening Staff lead by Katherine Keoghan of Kilkenny Co Co
” This award is for the excellent sustainable gardening and colourful planting undertaken through out our city”
PRIVATE GARDENS 2019
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED
ST PATRICK’S PARISH Area A & B
Siobhan Griffith, Garden Villas
5 Nuncio rd.
Cathleen Ayers, Dean’s Court
Tony Murphy, Rose Hill court
Maureen Scully, St Patrick’s close
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED
ST JOHN’S PARISH Area A
Mary Nolan, Lacken Drive
Liam Kelly, Newpark Lower
Peggy O’Toole, Lacken Drive
Sean & Mairead Delaney, Glenview, Castlecomer road
Terence & Maire Morris, The Weir
Margaret Greene, Glendine Court
Aileen Beirne, Meadow Way
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED
ST JOHN’S PARISH Area B
Larry Murphy, New Orchard
Brendan Burke & Joie Bourke, The Orchard
John Brophy, New Orchard
Turlough O’Dwyer, Rathullard,
Margaret Egan, Pococke Upper
Lintown Gardens
Alison & Niall Brett, Rosedale Garringreen/Whitewood
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED
ST CANICE’S PARISH
Kilsallagh, College Gardens
Patricia Shortall, Riverside Drive
Mary Deevy, Riverside Drive
Breda Slattery, Meadow Hill
Fran Grincell, Talbots Inch
Judy Rhatigan, Riverside Drive
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED
ST MARY’S PARISH
Helen Kavanagh, Dean Kavanagh place
Lucy Talent Upper Walkin Street
Maureen Logan, Dean Kavanagh Place
PRIVATE GARDENS OVERALL 3RD PLACE
Rebecca & Priscilla Byrne, Fatima Place
PRIVATE GARDENS OVERALL 2ND PLACE
Jacinta Brett, Meadow Hill
PRIVATE GARDENS OVERALL WINNER 2019
Liam McCormack, Greenfields Court
Residential estate competition
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED
ST PATRICK’S PARISH (Area A)
Dukesmeadows
Larchfield court
Beech Park
Westfield
Cedarwood Close Loughboy park / Cedarwood Drive/ Cedarwood Avenue/ Cedarwood Crescent/
Marble Crest
ST PATRICK’S PARISH (Area B)
Ashleigh Court
Fiacre’s Place
Mayfield
Edenvale Close
The Paddocks
ST JOHN’S PARISH (Area A)
Richview
Ardilea
De la Salle place
Glendine Heights
ST JOHN’S PARISH (Area B)
The Orchard
Ashfield / Ashfield East
Rathullord
ST CANICE’S PARISH
Talbot’s Inch
Breagagh Court
Riverside drive, Meadow hill, Greenfields road, Loreto Avenue
Broguemakers hill
The Sycamores/Aylesbury
Ayrfield
ST MARY’S PARISH
Rose Hill Court
College Court & Old Callan road
Fr Murphy sq.
Rushbrook
BEST OVERALL RESIDENTIAL ESTATES 2019
Sponsor St Canice’s Kilkenny Credit Union
Joint runners up smaller residential estates 2019 :
Lacken Drive
New Orchard estate
Winner – Best overall smaller residential estate in Kilkenny 2019
Gallow’s Hill
“the judges were impressed with the care taken by this small community to look after their estate. The small green space is neatly looked after there are attractive ivy covered walls and attractive planting in a mature tree setting. Congratulations to Gallows Hill, on their efforts and the receipt of their overall smaller estate award in 2019“
Joint runners up larger estates 2019 :
Newpark Lower /Upper
Lintown Hall
Winner – Best overall larger residential estate in Kilkenny 2019
Rose Hill (off Kells road)
“The judges were amazed by the extent of work which has been completed over the last number of years to improve this estate. The judges were very impressed by the attractive green spaces, variety of trees, Cootes lane and the green spaces adjacent. The judges found the estate litter free. Congratulations to Rose Hill on their efforts and the receipt of their overall award in 2019“
Kilkenny City wins gold at Tidy towns Awards 2019
Congratulations to Glaslough Co Monaghan on their winning of the overall National Tidy Towns award 2019 with 346. Congratulations also to Terryglass Co Tipperary on their south east Regional Award on 344 points.
Kilkenny City received a total of 342 points, a rise at five points on our 2018 score. We were 2nd under category H large urban centre award.
In addition to receiving the County Award and a Gold medal, Kilkenny City is honoured to have also received a runner-up award under the sustainable development award category for the River Nore walk and also the All Ireland Pollinator Plan local authority pollinator award under the large town category for the south-east of Ireland.
Click here for a link to the Kilkenny city Tidy Towns report for 2019. This is one of the most comprehensive reports received many years for our city. We are currently starting to analyse the report which sets out many helpful comments, recommendations and guidance in relation to the future development of our City.
River Nore top of class in IBAL 2019 report
Good news received in relation to the river Nore. Kilkenny is top of Class with “Clean to European norms”. this is an excellent result for Kilkenny in the IBAL river review.
Citation:-
River Nore – Kilkenny: This was an excellent site in terms of overall presentation and litter. There was a virtual absence of litter throughout the area surveyed and this was particularly good considering the high numbers of people. Evidence of cleaning at time of survey. Kilkenny River Nore (Kilkenny) – Clean to European norms
KKB are very proud of the success of the work along the River undertaken this year.
This success reflects on the excellent work being undertaken in conjunction with the Kilkenny Sub Aqua Club, Kilkenny aqua canoe club, Dragon boats, Kilkenny county council and other groups
Pat Durkin of Birdwatch and Pat Boyd biodiversity officer KKB lead Heritage week Water Heritage day nature walk on Canal walk
Pat Durkin of Birdwatch and Pat Boyd biodiversity officer KKB lead Heritage week Water heritage day nature walk on Canal walk
River Nore from Peace park
Nore Dragon Paddlers on river Nore
River Nore at Canal Square
Kileknny City IBAL top spot No.1 2019
Kilkenny received the top spot in this 1st round for 2019.
A very big effort has been made throughout the first 6 months of 2019 to keep Kilkenny litter free and to improve our city’s presentation. There are regular KKB clean ups and improvement works which supplement the extensive work undertaken by Kilkenny Co Co , our many resident associations and local volunteers throughout Kilkenny.
We were thrilled that the bring bank at St Canices church car park was found by the adjudicator to be so much better following the renovation work undertaken by Kilkenny Co Co over the last few months. We have been monitoring this location on an ongoing basis as it is very heavily used and the recycle bins fill up quickly. KKB did a clean up in this area last Saturday and ongoing vigilance is required.
The Judges also found the Kells road R697, Dublin road R712 and also the N10 motorway link road in good condition, all of which are regularly checked by KKB to keep them in good condition.
Kilkenny county council must be congratulated for their work on Parliament street and the other street improvements underway currently.
During 2019 many premises in the City have redecorated their buildings. Keep Kilkenny Beautiful continue to encourage premises owners to maintain and decorate the premises.
For anyone who wishes to assist with volunteering they can contact us at mail@keepkilkennybeautiful.com see our website at keepkilkennybeautiful.com or call our secretary at 086-1687553
An Taisce Report – IBAL Anti-Litter League, Round 1, 2019
Kilkenny: 1st out of 40 Towns / Cities Surveyed. Cleaner than European Norms.
Kilkenny returns to a place it has been many times – the top of the IBAL table. The entire area was pristine but some top-ranking sites deserve special mention. The Pedestrian Bridge / River Bank was a lovely riverside environment which was wonderfully presented and maintained. Parliament Street was attractively laid out and scored very well with regard to litter. Market Cross (Pedestrianised shopping mall) was very fresh in terms of presentation and litter. The design of the ‘Bring Bank’ at St. Canice’s was such that there were few opportunities for ‘stuffing’ items between, beneath and behind the recycle units.
R712 Approach Road: Grade A. A well presented route, creating a positive first impression of Kilkenny. Road surface, signage and markings were in good order and it scored well with regard to litter.
Kilkenny Train Station – Exterior: Grade A. The exterior of the train station presented well with flower beds and built environment in good order. It got the top litter grade, but only just. Cigarette butts were noticeable in the flower beds – this needs to be addressed to prevent further build-up. The remainder of the area was very good.
Kilkenny Train Station – Interior: Grade A. All aspects of the interior of the station were in very good condition and fresh in appearance e.g. tiled flooring, seating, bins and signage. There was a complete absence of litter. The industrial ‘blue’ bin was very full / overflowing, potentially causing a litter situation.
Pedestrian Bridge / River Bank: Grade A. This riverside environment has been wonderfully presented and maintained. Grass banks, paving, bin, life-belt, etc. were in very good condition. There was a virtual absence of litter throughout the area surveyed.
Parliament Street: Grade A. As a main shopping street this was beautifully laid out with attractive paving and seating creating an opportunity for relaxing. The overall impression created along Parliament Street was a positive one with regard to presentation and litter. It is very well served by litter bins.
Vacant site – formerly Cheri Lee: Grade A. (on Parliament Street, opposite New Building Lane) This red brick mid-terrace building is no longer operating. It got the top litter grade, but only just, with a virtual absence of litter. It could easily slide to a littered status. The paint / woodwork were decaying.
‘Bring Centre’ at St. Canice’s: Grade A. The design / layout of this facility presents very well, leaving little opportunity for the ‘stuffing’ of items that so regularly happens elsewhere throughout the country. Overall, it was very much deserving of the top litter grade.
Market Cross, Shopping Mall: Grade A.The paving at this pedestrianised shopping area created an artistic effect and the area was enhanced by some large planter boxes. All aspects of the area surveyed were in very good order e.g. seating, bins, planted areas, signage etc.. It was excellent with regard to litter.
R697 Approach Road: Grade A. There was a complete absence of litter along this stretch of road.
M9 – N10 Link Road to Carlow: Grade A. The overall impression created along this route was a clean one with no visible litter issues.
Wonderful day at Listowel – 2018 National Award Presentation
Congratulations to all in Listowel for the wonderful day on the official presidential presentation of the 2018 national TidyTowns award.
Kilkenny City “cleaner than European norms” 2019
Keep Kilkenny Beautiful are very pleased with the Irish Business against Litter (Ibal) overall 2018 result which gives Kilkenny city a position of 9th in the country and the status of “Cleaner than European norms ”. Congratulations also to Fermoy for achieving the No.1 position for 2018.
Congratulations to all who have assisted in this excellent result. It reflects the tremendous work being undertaken on an ongoing basis by many voluntary groups, organisations, businesses and Kilkenny County Council throughout our city over the last year.
Kilkenny railway station
An Taisce Report – IBAL Anti-Litter League, Round 2, 2018
Kilkenny: Overall 2018 result: 9th out of 40 towns / cities surveyed. Cleaner than European Norms.
Another excellent result for Kilkenny with 80% of sites getting the top litter grade. Market Cross Shopping Centre was a particularly well presented and clean site – large planter boxes certainly enhance the overall environment. Kilkenny Train Station (Exterior and Interior) was excellent – clearly it is a very well attended site; the streetscape along High Street was excellent and the grounds of Kilkenny Castle were pristine. The Recycle Bank at St. Canice’s presented well on first impression but further inspection revealed a definite litter presence.
L2627 Approach from Clara: Grade A. The overall presentation of this road was a very good one. Pathway was in good order and newly trimmed grass verges skirted the roundabout leading to the town.
Kilkenny Train Station – Exterior: Grade A. This was an impeccable site. The whole environment was very well maintained with footpath, ramp, signage, flowering pots, bins etc. in very good condition.
Kilkenny Train Station – Interior: Grade A. The interior of Kilkenny Train Station was a very fresh environment. Seating, bins, notices boards, plant boxes, hanging baskets and visitor information were in good order.
Series of empty / derelict buildings on Watergate: Grade B. (Numbers 11, 13 & 15). The presentation of this series of buildings was poor with painting peeling and overall impression a negative one. This will only deteriorate further if not addressed.
Recycle Bank by St. Canice’s: Grade B. On first impression the presentation of this recycle facility was a good one with bins and signage relating to the usage of same in good condition. It was, however, let down by a variety of litter items to the rear of the recycle units, between the bushes and bins.
Market Cross Shopping Centre: Grade A. This semi-covered shopping centre was very fresh with plenty of substantial planter boxes throughout. Seating, paving, lamps etc. all presented very well and there was a complete absence of litter throughout.
High Street: Grade A. The High Street in Kilkenny has an excellent streetscape. All aspects of the area surveyed were in very good condition. The road surface has attractive paving, creating a very fresh impression. The paving stones on the footpath looked very well. The street was further enhanced by wooden seating.
Grounds of Kilkenny Castle: Grade A. The grounds of Kilkenny Castle were in excellent order and there was a complete absence of litter throughout.
Loughboy Approach Road: Grade A. This road presented well with road surface, cycle path, signage and markings in good order. There was no obvious litter.
M9 / M10 Connecting Road to Carlow: Grade A. An excellent route. The edging of the roads was clear cut, road surfaces were in very good condition and there didn’t appear to be any visible litter.
Kilkenny castle from Lacken viewing point with river Nore under.
Welcome to Cashel Tidy Towns
KKB were pleased to host a visit to Kilkenny by Cashel Tidy Towns during December. This included a tour of Kilkenny City centre and also a visit to the City Medieval Museum. The visit provided a opportunity for us all to compare and review our experiences of Tidy Towns in action.
Nore Dragon Paddlers Collecting Litter and international Awards!
Nore Dragon Paddlers overall European Environmental Award
On the 16th of October, the Nore Dragon Paddlers were awarded a “Hero’s in the Community Award” from Keep Kilkenny Beautiful for their continuous environmental contribution on the river Nore along with the Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club, KACC.
This involved regular litter picks on the river whilst out on the water . As a result of this great achievement, the president of the Irish Dragon Boat Association, Julie Doyle, nominated the Nore Dragon Paddlers for the Environmental Award at the European Dragon Boat Federation Forum (30th of November – 2nd of December ) in Seville, Spain. We are delighted to announce that not only did the Nore Dragon Paddlers make the final, but they actually won the award!
The award ceremony was held on Saturday 1st November in Seville and was attended by representatives of the dragon boat community from 16 Nations including Ireland.
Paddlers launch on to the river Nore
Congratulations to the Paddlers for their international success and working with our community to improve the environment in a sustainable way.
On the water!