Kilkenny City tops IBAL for a record 5th time!

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

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 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

Resident associations undertaking summer estate cleanups

There are over 80 resident areas and  resident associations in  Kilkenny  City  working to keep their areas clean and creating  attractive areas to live.  KKB support  associations through out the year with advise and equipment as required.

Congratulations to Talbot’s Court residents were out in force this week to keep their area  in top condition.

If help or advice is required why not call or email KKB!

 

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.

Big Hello in Kilkenny on the river Nore walks

Community in action, the big Hello  with KKB highlighting the wonderful riverside walks in Kilkenny, a great day was had at Riverside /entrance to the riverside Nore walk.  The event was sweetened by great cakes from Cakeface cafe, and washed down with tea, coffee and chat.  KKB reuseable cups were also showcased.  All the  faithful dogs being walked  were not forgotten about  with treats also  being enjoyed.   The message   is to protect the environment,  Keep Kilkenny Beautiful and collect after your dog.

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 “