Category Archives: Competitions

IBAL – Kilkenny City Joint 2nd in 2022

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A fantastic result for Kilkenny City in  2022.  This is    a reflection  on the tremendous work undertaken by  our volunteers, our community, our businesses  and  Kilkenny CoCo.  Congratulations also to Naas who took the  No. 1 position in 2022.

An Taisce Report – IBAL Anti-Litter League, Survey 2, 2022
Kilkenny: Joint 2nd out of 40 towns / cities surveyed. Cleaner than European Norms.
Kilkenny is no stranger to high placement in IBAL litter league and this time around it has scored particularly well with nine out of the ten sites surveyed getting the top litter grade. Examples included the approach roads, Kilkenny Train Station (Exterior and Interior), the Main Street / Parliament Street and Market Cross Shopping Centre – there was lovely paving at the latter. The only blemish was the Recycle Bank at St. Canice’s, which was moderately littered.
N10 Approach Road: Grade A. Road surface / markings / signage were in very good order and the overall impression was of a very well presented and maintained route with no litter issues of note.
Kilkenny Train Station – Exterior: Grade A. The overall impression here as a very positive one with paving to the front of the station creating a very fresh impression. There was minimal litter, just some loose food related items and cigarette butts in the shrubs of the bushes in the garden patch and at the base of the litter bins.
Kilkenny Train Station – Interior: Grade A. A sparkling interior with spotless floor tiles, seating, litter bins and visitor information notices in very good order.
River Bank: Grade A. A lovely riverside environment which was very well presented and maintained. The pedestrian bridge was spotless. There was a virtual absence of litter along the grassy banks and associated pathways.
Derelict building by Evans Lane: Grade A. Clearly a careful eye is kept on the tall building as there was no litter directly associated with it.
Recycle Bank, St. Canice’s: Grade B. The recycle units and signage associated with the use of same were freshly presented and in good order. It wasn’t just loose litter, but items had been very deliberately discarded by the units.
Market Cross Shopping Centre: Grade A. The paving of this outdoor shopping environment was particularly attractive and creates a great impression. It was a very freshly presented and clean environment.
Main Street / Parliament Street: Grade A. This was characterised by lovely paving, planter boxes, wooden seating, stainless steel bicycle parking and some attractively presented shop-fronts. There was a virtual absence of litter throughout.
696 Freshford Approach Road: Grade A. All aspects of the area surveyed were in good order – there was no visible litter throughout.
R712 Approach Road: Grade A. (by Leggetsrath Bus. Park) A wide stretch of road with lovely tree planting along both sides. It was excellent with regard to litter, creating a very positive first impression of Kilkenny – this very high standard was sustained for all the remaining sites surveyed

Kilkenny City wins Gold in the Tidy Towns 2022

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Congratulations to Trim on winning the overall award in 2022. KKB know the amount of work that is required to achieve this overall award and great credit is due to the hard-working Trim Tidy Towns committee for all their effort.

Kilkenny City  received a fantastic mark of 362 a rise of 11 points  on our  2021 result.Increases in points were  received in community (+1), streetscape (+3), green spaces(+2), nature and diversity(+3), sustainability (+1), residential streets and housing areas ( +1).

KKB thank all from our city including Kilkenny county council, local residents associations, local businesses, our many voluntary organisations and of course our many volunteers who work together throughout the year and who have helped to contribute to this excellent result.

Link to  adjudicators report for Kilkenny city  on a new page  Kilkenny report 2022

Under:- A view of  our new Nore river side walk and tea house

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Awards 2022

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A very successful Annual Awards took place at the  Rivercourt  Hotel on John street on  the 18th October 2022.  A large attendance celebrated the best of Kilkenny.   Pat Boyd our Chairperson  welcomed  all. Our  keynote  speaker was Malcolm Noonan TD Minister of State – Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Our theme was “Biodiversity at the heart of Climate Change”

Some of the large attendance.

The 2022 results were as follows:-

 

The Entrepreneur award : Kilkenny Cycle Tours

Hidden Gems award winners:-

Antoinette Quigley, Rioch St

Ms  Gulnahar Qureshi, St Kieran’s Crescent

Delia Lowery, Nore Therapies,  William St

James Lawlor,  Glendine Heights

Lynch Family, Kennyswell  Rd

 

Kilkenny Hero:-     Pat O’Donnell

Fitzpatrick Shield for  Community Effort:- St Johns Priory,  John st.

Private garden pollinator award:- Judy & Jimmy Rhatigan, Riverside Drive

Community pollinator award:- Melville Heights,  Bennettsbridge Road

Best Commercial Flower Display     

Winner:- Langton’s, John Street     Highly commended:- Biodecus, James  Green

Most improved commercial premises

Winner:- Paris Texas, Mary’s Lane

Highly commended:- Lenehan’s  Barrack St/Castlecomer Rd

 

 Best Shop front

Winner:- Haven, John O’Connell’s Pharmacy. Rose Inn Street

Highly commended:- Iris,  Parliament street

 

Best signage

Winner:- Brennan’s Bottling Hall, Walkin Street

Highly commended:-Tynan’s Bridge House bar, Bateman Quay

 

Best hospitality:-

Winner:- Newpark Hotel, Castlecomer road

Highly commended:-Fanad house,  Bennettsbridge Road

Private Garden awards      

 Highly Commended :- 

Heather & Pat Wood, Pearse St.

Liam McCormack, Greenfield Court

Mary & Noel Deevey,  Riverside Drive

Pat &  Michael Shortall, Riverside Drive

F Barry,  Walkin street

Maurice Brennan, Glendine Heights

Una Thornton, Larchfield

John Lacey. Riverview

Ena Duffy,  Fr Delahaunty Tce.

Joan O’Sullivan, Riverview

Dave Ryan, New Building Lane

Karen  Bradley Monaghan, Fr Murphy Square

Catherine Duff,   Glendine Heights

Joyce Nolan. Old Callan Rd.

Joe Maher, Edenvale Close

Noel Frawley,  Cashel Avenue

Canice & Maura Hickey,  Newpark Lower

John Butler,  Glendine Heights

Mary Prendergast,  Walkin street

 

Overall  Winner:-  Private Garden awards:- Tony Hayes, Glendine Heights

Runner Up :- Private Garden awards:- Brigid Breen, Dean Kavanagh Place

Residential Estates –  Highly Commended:- 

Millennium Court

Hebron Park

Dukesmeadows

Lakeside

Clarnwood

Sycamores /Aylesbury

De la Salle place,

Rosehill

Cashel Downs

 

Best larger & smaller  estates:-

 Winner:- Old Newpark   Winner:-  Glendine Heights.

Runner up:- Robertshill   Runner up:-  St  Kieran’s Crescent

 

Litter Pick Champion’s Award:-  Kilkenny Lions Club

 

Most Sustainable Business Award:- The Cutting Veg, Ormonde street

Outdoor Education Award:- The Acorn Project – Maire Ni Braoinan

Sustainable Travel Activism Award:- Sean O’hArgain

Award for  Excellence in Environmental Service

Kilkenny Co Co  Streetscape maintenance crew

Kilkenny Street of the Year  Award

Ormonde St

“During  2022 Ormonde Street  extensive  upgrade  undertaken by Kilkenny Co Co   has excelled.  The business premises on the street have also played their part   in presenting  an attractive  newly  upgraded city centre  Street.”

Kilkenny Cleaner than European Norms in IBAL 2022

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Great news for Kilkenny city  and all who are  working to keep Kilkenny beautiful.  Kilkenny has again achieved Cleaner than European Norms in IBAL 2022 round 1.    (Irish Business against Litter).  See our  adjudicators report under.

Congratulations to Naas who have achieved  No. 1 in the current Judging.

 

Kilkenny: 8th out of 40 towns / cities surveyed. Cleaner than European Norms.
Kilkenny is consistently high-ranking and this takes a lot of work on the part of many within the community. All approach roads got the top litter grade, creating a positive first
impression. This high standard was maintained for many of the remaining sites surveyed, including the Train Station (Exterior and Interior), the Riverside Walk and Parliament Street – the latter scored well, despite plenty of activity within.

N712 Paulstown Approach Road: Grade A. This route presented very well, creating a positive first impression of Kilkenny with cycle paths, roadway and adjoining grasslands clear of litter. Kilkenny Train Station – Exterior: Grade A. A very welcoming environment with colourful planting and a virtual absence of litter throughout. The area could be further improved if cigarette butts weren’t allowed to gather at the base of the planted areas.
Kilkenny Train Station – Interior: Grade A. All aspects of the interior of the station were in pristinecondition e.g., seating, signage, litter bins, visitor information notices etc. There was a virtual absence of litter throughout.

Riverside Walk: Grade A. A wonderful riverside environment which is very well presented and maintained. Planted areas were in good order and the overall impression created was a very positive one.
Derelict buildings at ‘The Ring’ beside Rothe House: Grade A. There was a notable
improvement in the overall presentation and litter situation at one of these buildings. A new coat of paint has made a big difference here. This time around, there was minimal litter to be seen.

Recycle Facility at St. Canice’s; Grade B. Casually discarded litter / items associated with recycling took away from an otherwise freshly presented ‘Bring Facility’. This could easily be top ranking with a little extra care and attention.
Friary Bridge, by City Walls: Grade B. The most obvious litter items were sweet papers and plastic bags with lower levels of fast-food wrappers and cigarette butts.

Parliament Street: Grade A. This busy shopping street has scored very well with regard to litter. it is well served by litter bins and the overall presentation was a very good one.

Bennetsbridge Approach Road: Grade A. There was a complete absence of litter along the stretch of road surveyed. Grass boundaries had been carefully mown. It was an excellent site,overall.

Durrow Approach Road: Grade A. As with the other approach roads into Kilkenny, this was verymuch deserving of the top litter grade. It was well presented and immaculate throughout.

 

Kilkenny City retains gold medal in 2021 National Tidy Towns competition

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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

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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!

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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.