Category Archives: Competitions

Kilkenny City retains gold medal in 2021 National Tidy Towns competition

Posted on by

Congratulations  to Ennis as national winner in 2021 with 355 points. We as a tidy towns  committee understand  the extent of effort and commitment that was required by the hardworking Ennis committee to achieve this award.   Congratulations also to Kilsheelan in the highly contested Southeast award who achieved 353 points.

Kilkenny were joint 4th overall in the national Tidytowns competition with a  score of  351 points.    Great credit to all our current and past volunteers for getting us up to this level , retaining our gold medal status and moving up a further 9 pts.

For our full report  click here for report

the Adjudicators concluding remarks noted

Kilkenny is a beautiful historic city, and you are commended for the wonderful work you have done over the years in keeping it looking its best. We look forward to receiving your application in 2022

The second round adjudication noted   ( visit date 04/09/2021)

We enjoyed The Parade Outdoor Market on the day of adjudication. It was great to see the local food markets and exhibitions on such a busy day. This area surrounding the castle was litter free and is well presented. We admired the planters on the street and hanging baskets on the lamp posts. This area also has plenty of outdoor seating
which is so functional particularly on market day. Skate Park is a significant recreational amenity in the city for all to enjoy.

We noted the provision of additional outdoor seating areas in the Market Yard and Parliament Street in addition to the bins. We are pleased to see the wildflower area at Kilkenny Castle and we noted the Windgap Hill Amenity Area with outdoor seating on the Dublin road entering the city.

The wild flowers on the KK Ring road are eye catching and colourful. We could see the work that has gone into reducing grass cutting and verge management which will benefit the pollinators. There are many shop fronts in the city centre maintained to a high standard.

We admired The World’s End and E. Connell on John Street. The Kilford Arms Hotel and Bridie’s General Store are also eye catching and presented well. We commend you on keeping the city centre litter free.

We noted the absence of litter in smaller areas also such as St. Mary’s Lane. The street signage in the city centre is of a high standard and we were impressed with the area outside of the The Left Bank. The large Roman numeral clock on the building next to ‘The Field’ is impressive in addition to the hanging planters outside The Field and AIB
on High Street.

We were pleased with the standard of the approach roads. Bennetsbridge roundabout on the Dublin road is welcoming and we liked the planters and its overall appearance.

 

 

Kilkenny City continues to be clean to European norms

Posted on by

Kilkenny continues to be  clean to European norms having been placed 6th  in the current IBAL survey published in October 2021. Since the receipt of the results KKB volunteers have been out in sunny weather  undertaking additional work in areas mentioned as requiring attention  in the report. Congratulations to all for keeping Kilkenny Beautiful.

 

An Taisce Report – IBAL Anti-Litter League, Round 1, 2021

 

Kilkenny: 6th out of 40 towns / cities surveyed. Cleaner than European Norms.

Kilkenny retains its perennial status as Cleaner than European Norms. As we have come to expect, there were no heavily littered sites. Kilkenny Train Station (Exterior and Interior) wasn’t just good with regard to litter but was very well presented and maintained – it is clearly a place of great pride, based on the various plaques / awards hanging on the wall. Other top-ranking sites of note included the River Bank, Parliament Street and Market Cross Shopping Centre. The latter was particularly well presented and maintained with the opportunity for ‘separating’ waste, attractive seating, planting and some welcoming features along the pedestrian entrance.

R712 Paulstown Approach Road: Grade A. This heavily trafficked route presented very well and there were no visible litter issues. It created a positive first impression of the town and this high standard was maintained for many of the remaining sites surveyed.

Site of ‘Tubs & Tiles’ on corner of R712: Grade B. There is no doubt that the overall presentation of this environment has improved compared to a few years ago. The wooden planter boxes around the edge looked well. The area over the low wall, which was heavily weeded within, harboured some food related items. The blue overflowing litter bin is liable to produce more litter if not addressed.

Kilkenny Train Station – Exterior: Grade A. An exceptionally well presented and maintained train station environment with all aspects in very good order. There was a complete absence of litter throughout the area surveyed.

Kilkenny Train Station – Interior: Grade A. The interior of the station was gleaming and there is clearly great pride in the station based on the various plaques / awards hanging on the wall. Seating, bins, signage were in excellent condition.

Derelict building, beside Rothe House: Grade B. This white building, with three steps and a white railing presents very poorly. While there was minimal litter in the immediate vicinity, it needs attention, especially as some parts were likely to fall down.

Bring Centre (St. Canice’s car Park): Grade B. One of the bin units was in a bad condition, the base of it was broken, the contents of which were falling out. Broken glass on the ground and other miscellaneous litter items in the immediate vicinity of the facility also brought down the litter grade.

Market Cross Shopping Centre: Grade A. The pedestrian passage-way has been colourfully adorned with an array of umbrellas above, almost sculpture like. Paving was fresh, shop fronts were in very good condition, seating and planting were in good order. Patrons have the opportunity to ‘separate’ their waste with a substantial cigarette butt collection unit to the side. The overall impression was a very positive one in terms of presentation and litter.

Parliament Street: Grade A. There was a virtual absence of litter along this busy shopping street. A well presented and cared for town centre environment.

River Bank: Grade A. This lovely waterside environment was an exceptionally well presented and maintained environment. Railings, grass, flowering arrangements were in very good condition – the whole area was spotless throughout.

Waterford Approach Road: Grade A. All appeared in good order along this route. Road surface, markings and signage were in very good condition.

Kilkenny City tops IBAL for a record 5th time!

Posted on by

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful are very pleased with  announcement that for a record fifth time we’ve achieved No.1 in Ireland in the Ibal litter survey (Irish business against litter).

Praising Kilkenny in its report, An Taisce commented: “There is surely a lesson in this result for other towns – while the majority of towns have deteriorated during Covid, Kilkenny has been maintained in pristine condition.”  The High Street, River Nore Walk  and grounds of Kilkenny Castle were all “excellent with regard to not just litter, but overall presentation”. 

Congratulations to Kilkenny county council staff, local businesses,  community groups, resident associations and all our Keep Kilkenny Beautiful volunteers who have continued to work  under difficult conditions to keep Kilkenny beautiful.

Kilkenny:  1st out of 37 towns / cities surveyed.  Cleaner than European Norms. 

 

There is surely a lesson in this result for other towns – while the majority of towns have deteriorated during Covid, Kilkenny has been maintained in pristine condition.  All approach routes were top ranking and created a positive first impression of the town – this high standard was sustained for almost all of the remaining sites and there were no seriously littered sites.  With so many top-rankingsites, special mention.  High Street, Upper and Lower John Street, River Nore River Walk (behind Kilkenny Castle) and the grounds of Kilkenny Castle Park – all were excellent with regard to not just litter, but overall presentation and maintenance. 

R712 Dublin Road Approach:  Grade A.  Cycle / pedestrian paths were in good order and the overall impression created along this road was a very good one, creating a positive first impression of Kilkenny – this very high standard was maintained for almost all of the remaining sites surveyed.

Upper and Lower John Street:  Grade A.  A long stretch of shopping street which scored very well with regard to litter.  Newly laid road surface created a very fresh impression.  Clearly a close eye is kept on the derelict / closed down premises as there was no litter directly associated with them.  Some shop fronts were attractively presented, really adding to the streetscape e.g., Billy Byrnes, Langton’s and an ‘olde’ style food deli.

Kilkenny Castle Park:  Grade A.An expansive area – such a wonderful resource – beautifully managed with a complete absence of litter throughout. All aspects of the area surveyed were in very good condition e.g., playground, seating, signage.

River Nore:  Grade A.Area surveyed was from John Bridge, along the pedestrian route to the rear of Kilkenny Castle.  The attractively laid out area at the beginning of this walk was very fresh in appearance with sculpture, items of historical interest, seating, bins etc. – all in excellent order.  There was a complete absence of litter on this long stretch of riverwalk – a credit to the users.

High Street:  Grade A.A lovely streetscape, excellent with regard to litter and all aspects of the area surveyed in very good conditione.g., paving, seating, planting, visitor information notices, street bins etc.  The individual shop fronts were very well presented with very few closed down / vacant outlets, compared to other towns / cities throughout the country.

Market Yard Car Park:  Grade B+.An extensive street level car park, mostly good with regard to litter, but some items were impossible to ignore e.g., face masks, plastic gloves and some loose food related litter e.g., cans, plastic bottles.

Bring Centre at St. Canice’s:  Grade A.A small facility, all aspects in very good condition and no litter associated with it.  Signage was clear, legible and in good order.

Kilkenny Ring Road:  Grade A.  (From garage at Dean Street to Castlecomer New Road)  The built environment was in excellent order and the grass area was in good condition – there was no visible litter along this expansive stretch of road.

Ormonde Retail Park:  Grade B+.Plastic wrapping was the most obvious item with some food related litter (e.g., plastic bottles and coffee cups) in the low-lying shrubbery.  Not much effort is required for this to be a top-ranking site.

Carlow – Kilkenny Link Road:  Grade A.An excellent route in both directions, in terms of both presentation and litter.

 

 

 

Kilkenny City No.1 in National IBAL 2020 litter survey

Posted on by

KKB are very proud of the success of the work of our volunteers undertaken this year in difficult circumstances. We also recognise  athe excellent work being done in conjunction with Kilkenny County Council,  resident associations, local businesses  and voluntary groups over the last number of months.

The  result of this hard work can be seen through out our city.

Saturday morning team out Keeping Kilkenny Beautiful

 

 

 

Castle Park is a great space to recreate in

Kilkenny: 1st out of 40 towns / cities surveyed. Cleaner than European Norms.

Again Kilkenny comes up shining! It wasn’t just the following sites which consistently scored so well, but even the series of interconnecting laneways between the streets and medieval area were excellent – this is often not the case in other towns / cities throughout the country. Among many top-ranking sites, a few deserve a special mention e.g. Kilkenny Castle Park and Rose Garden (a wonderful resource which was clear of litter throughout), Abbey Square Car Park (not just a functional car park, but attractively presented with planting around the perimeter) and High Street – an exceptionally clean and well presented shopping environment.

Medieval Mile Museum: Grade A. The grounds of this museum were devoid of all litter. Bins, seating areas, signage etc. were in excellent condition. Grounds were suitably maintained for such an historic site.

Kilkenny Castle Park and Rose Garden: Grade A. The extensive grounds of Kilkenny Castle were in excellent order – not just very good with regard to litter but very well maintained – a credit to the users and those responsible for the maintenance. Lovely signage e.g. Ecology of an Oak Tree, Kilkenny Park Run Trail, sculptures, seating, bins etc. all create a very positive impression. Temporary outdoor café area and water feature in the Rose Garden were also clear of litter.

N77 Approach from Athy: Grade A. A clean and tidy approach to Kilkenny, creating a positive first impression of the town – this very high standard was maintained for virtually all the remaining sites surveyed.

R693 Approach from Thurles: Grade A. There were no visible litter along this route and colourful planting close to the ‘Welcome to Kilkenny’ signage was a nice feature.

Bring Centre at St. Canice’s Car Park: Grade B+. The clothing and bottle / can bin unit were clean and fresh and large, clear signage was in good order. Bottle caps, broken glass and loose litter items were around the base and to the side and rear of the bin units.

Abbey Square Car Park: Grade A. A lovely town centre car park with road surface / markings in very good order and colourful surrounding planting. Signage relating to the car park was in excellent order – it was excellent with regard to litter.

High Street: Grade A. A long stretch of shopping street which was consistently clear of litter throughout. It wasn’t just the lack of litter which created such a good impression but the overall presentation of the street e.g. paving, abundant and colourful hanging baskets, bins in excellent condition, wooden seating, bollards etc. A top-ranking site throughout.

Banks of River Nore: Grade A. (from St. John’s Bridge to pedestrianised bridge). A lovely riverside environment with seating, paving, grassy picnic area etc, very well presented and maintained. There were no visible litter issues in the water or along the banks of the river. The pedestrianised bridge was lined with colourful planting.

Upper and Lower John Street: Grade A. There was a virtual absence of litter along the stretch of both Upper and Lower John Street. ‘Keep Kilkenny Litter Free’ signage on the paving was very discreet.

M9-N10 Carlow – Kilkenny Link Road: Grade A. There were no litter issues along this route, in either direction.

Dublin road approach to our city

River Nore and Kilkenny Castle from the Dublin road viewing point

Maintenance work is ongoing in the many community orchards throughout our city

Black abbey square with autumn colour

James green park in the City centre

last of the summer colour raises spirits

clean up and invasive specie removal on the river Breagadh, a beautiful vantage point from under the bridge

The Pear harvest s in full swing

Study of our oak tree leaves with ring gallls

 

Kilkenny No.1 in IBAL 2019 competition

Posted on by

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.

Kilkenny wins B of I National Enterprise Town Award 2019

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.