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.
Tag Archives: Award
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
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.
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!
John Street:- Street of the year award 2018
John street wins Street of the Year award.
The judges were impressed with the variety of shop types and businesses, the many excellently painted shopfronts and buildings, the range of flowers, planters and the overall impression was very positive.
Congratulations to John Street as winner of the 2018 Kilkenny street of the year
KKB attend 2018 National awards event in the Helix
From left to right; At the Helix for the Super Valu Tidy Towns Awards 1918 were Mayor Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, Stuart Day (KKB), Elanine Bradshaw (KKB), Maura Geary (KKB) and Simon Walton (Senior City Engineer).
Huge congratulations to all on Kilkenny City’s performance in the 2018 Tidy Towns Competition.
In a competition made up of 833 contestants Kilkenny City amassed a total of 337 points, the third highest mark awarded in the competition and only two points behind Listowel, the overall winner. In achieving its mark Kilkenny City is one of only 49 contestants to be awarded a Gold Medal and has won the title of Tidiest Urban Centre in the South East of Ireland. In amassing it’s impressive tally of marks Kilkenny City was also awarded the Waters and Communities South East Regional Award for the extent to which invasive species have been eradicated along the Rivers Nore and Bregagh in addition to Nature and Bio-Diversity Plans that have been developed for both Rivers .
Chairman of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Peter Bluett stated that ‘ the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Committee are absolutely thrilled with the award of 337 points which represents an increase of 7 marks for Kilkenny City compared to last year’s marks total. It is recognition for the trojan work of our Committee, for the unending support we get from Kilkenny County Council, from local businesses, voluntary organisations, residents associations and individuals. For a town of our size to be only two points away from the highest mark means that Kilkenny City is up there with the best when it comes to Tidy Towns, a competition that is the essence in what community is all about.’
Speaking at the awards ceremony Mayor Peter Chap Cleere said that ‘it’s fantastic to be here today to see Kilkenny City perform so excellently again in Tidy Towns. The presentation and upkeep of our City is a key driver of the local economy and also a means by which we, as Kilkenny people, express the pride we have in our local surroundings. In congratulating Kilkenny City and KKB I would also like to express a huge vote of congratulations to Inistioge and Tullahought villages both of whom were awarded Silver Medals. In addition to their Silver Medal Tullahought had added awards to Paddy and Mary Egan who were highly commended as Tidy Towns Community heroes and the village also won a Pollinator Award. Also congratulations to Windgap Tidy Towns Group who were awarded the Endeavour Award for County Kilkenny. There were 18 applications from County Kilkenny to the Tidy Towns in 2018 and, irrespective of awards, I want to wholeheartedly commend those people who give of their time to make our County and their towns and villages a better place in which to live. They are the people who get out there and make positive things happen. Well done to you all and Thank You.’
Kilkenny named 2018 Foodie Destination
Kilkenny comes out on top ! Congratulation to all who worked to achieve this important award. We are national Foodie Destination 2018 winner. This confirms what we already know and enjoy here in Kilkenny. The choice, quality and range of food venues through out our City is fantastic. why not come and enjoy?
The Parade, Kilkenny
Keep Kilkenny Beautiful awards 2017
There was a large attendance at the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful awards 2017 took place on the 7th November.
Keep Kilkenny Beautiful awards 2017 results
Best commercial floral display
Highly commended
O’Lanagain, Rose Inn St.
Rafter Dempsey’s, Friary St.
Rothe House Parliament St.
Winner
Bollard’s public house, Kieran St.
Flowering baskets and attractive seating area
Most improved commercial premises
Highly commended
Mullen’s Butchers, Friary St.
Cake face, Irishtown
Glanbia House, Ring road, Kilkenny
Winner
Kilkenny Inn Hotel, Vicar St.
Nice new outside seating area complemented with colourful planting
Best shop front
Highly commended
D&R Antiques, Rose Inn St.
Langton’s Hotel, John St.
Winner
The Dylan, John St.
Red painted traditional shop front with hanging baskets
Best shop signage
Highly commended
Glendine Inn, Castlecomer Rd.
Kilkenny Crafts, Rose Inn St.
Winner
The Butterslip shop, Rose Inn St. / Kieran St.
Attractive painted shop front and window display.
Best Kilkenny Hospitality
Fanad House, Bennettsbridge Rd.,
Hibernian Hotel, Patrick St.,
Winner
Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford Rd.,
Attractive outside seating area with attractive floral displays
Best Commercial centre
Highly commended
Newpark shopping centre
Market Cross shopping centre
McDonald’s, Hebron Rd.,
McDonagh Junction shopping centre.
Winner
Aldi Waterford rd.,
Imaginative planting following their recent upgrade, the national tidy towns adjudicator also noted “we were most impressed by the planting scheme at and adjacent to Aldi, the judge also said that this is the best supermarket planting we personally have seen”
Commendation For evening shop displays,
Presenting attractive shop front display in the evening.
Gift Horse, Rose Inn St.
Goods, High St.
Heroes in our Community Award
Frank Blanch
Regular Clean ups in the Loughboy area
Cathleen Seaver
Regular Clean ups in the Waterford rd. area.
The Brendan Lawless Memorial Award
Medieval Mile Museum, Mary’s Lane,
” This award is for the attractive restoration of St Mary’s church as the Medieval Mile Museum. The national tidy towns judge stated in the 2017 adjudication report “You have a fantastic built environment which you take care of very well. Your Medieval Mile is looking splendid…. We loved the work carried out to St. Mary’s in true conservation manner and housing all those wonderful artefacts, heretofore hidden in storage, and putting them on display for the public to see is excellent. “
Hidden gems award
Andrea O’Farrell, Tilbury place,
The judges were impressed with this little gem. Making great use of a very small front yard area and bringing life to the laneway. There are fruit plants, flowers, seating area, clothes line, seat, place for bins and toys.
Rinuccini’s, The Parade
For creative vegetable garden behind the railings to front of building.
Tourist hostel, Parliament street
The vertical wall of colour produced on this narrow frontage impressed the judges, the planting is updated during the year and gives a colourful welcome to passers-by and visitors to the Hostel
Hall of Fame Award
Elaine Bradshaw
This hall of Fame award is awarded in recognition of the contribution of a citizen who has selflessly given of her time and effort for the betterment of Kilkenny City and the Tidy Towns movement over many years. Always involved, meeting, greeting, coaxing and cajoling, seeking to get the best for Kilkenny City, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful are honoured to present this year’s award to Elaine Bradshaw.
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED
ST CANICE’S PARISH
Ber Brennan, Parkview Freshford Rd.
Breda Slattery, Meadow Hill
Pat Shortall, Riverside Drive
Martin Cleere, Connolly St.
Nuala Crotty, Dun Angus, Castlecomer Road
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST JOHN’S PARISH
Nuala Byrne, Rosemount, Newpark Drive
Canice and Maura Hickey, Newpark
Mary Nolan, Lacken Drive
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST MARY’S PARISH
Pauleen Phelan, Dean Kavanagh Place
Maureen Logan, Dean Kavanagh Place
Teresa and Noel Devlin, Circular road
PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST PATRICK’S PARISH
Ann Mullhall, Noremount
Edward Bourke, Cypress Avenue
Caroline & Noel Carroll, Hazel Grove
Mary and John Cahill, Westfield
Joan Murray, Fr. Hayden road
CITY- BEST OVERALL PRIVATE GARDEN 2016
Runners up
Mary Deevy, Riverside Drive
Joan O’Sullivan, Riverview
BEST OVERALL PRIVATE GARDEN 2017
Winner
Toni Hayes, Glendine Heights
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST PATRICK’S PARISH
Dukesmeadows
Edenvale Close
Marble Crest
Gallows Hill
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST CANICE’S PARISH
Broguemaker’s Hill
Sycamores/Aylesbury
Talbots Inch
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST JOHN’S PARISH
Lacken Drive
Newpark Lawn
Richview
RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST MARY’S PARISH
Rose Hill Court
Old Callan road
BEST OVERALL RESIDENTIAL ESTATES 2017
2017 Smaller estate
Beech Park
“the judges were impressed with the care taken by this small community to look after their estate. The small green space at the rear is neatly looked after with colourful flowers at the base of the trees. The 2017 national tidy towns adjudication report also noted the estate and in particular mentioned the rose planting at the entrance ”… The lovely rose bed at the entrance to the Tennis club was admired” .. Congratulations to Beech Park, on their efforts and the receipt of their overall award in 2017 “
2017 Larger estate
Lakeside
“the judges were amazed by the extent of work which has been completed over the last number of years to improve this large estate. The judges were very impressed by the lake and all of the wildlife, the fruit trees, wild flower planting, colourful flower area and also the composting area. The judges found the estate litter free. Congratulations to Lakeside on their efforts and the receipt of their overall award in 2017 “
Campagne does Kilkenny proud!
Congratulations to Campagne, our Kilkenny City Michelin star restaurant has received a top 10 rating in the annual TripAdvisor’s list of Ireland’s top fine dining restaurants. Another good reason to visit our city.