Boost as Kilkenny's Watershed facility to receive €728,000 top-up funding allocation

The Watershed in Kilkenny is set to receive a significant top up grant allocation under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund.

The popular sports and leisure facility will receive a further €728,000, in addition to the €1.4 million allocation announced in January 2020.

Green Party TD for Carlow Kilkenny and Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan has this morning welcomed the announcement.

“I'm delighted to confirm this morning that the Watershed in Kilkenny has been allocated a further €728,000 on top of an original grant of €1.4 million under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund," said Minister of State Noonan.

“This is a very welcome boost for the Watershed, which is one of just 27 projects nationwide to benefit from this additional funding. With well over half a million visitors and users a year, including members, pay as you go customers, and the large number of clubs, schools and other groups using the pool, sports hall, pitches and track facilities, the Watershed has become an integral part of Kilkenny’s sport and leisure infrastructure.

"As a hugely popular local amenity and resource for the people of Kilkenny and the wider hinterland, I'm thrilled that the Watershed can now invest further in its on-campus sports facilities"

It's been a positive few weeks for the Watershed, which recently was named a SEAI finalist and won a NQS Outstanding award.

The Watershed has been significantly impacted by the energy crisis, with gas and electricity prices rising over 60% in the past two years. To tackle this issue, the centre implemented several sustainable energy projects, including the installation of solar PV panels and a biomass boiler, and conducted LED retrofits. These initiatives have helped reduce energy costs and the facility's carbon footprint.

The initiatives have led to significant cost savings, reduced reliance on expensive energy sources, and lower carbon emissions. The implemented energy projects have made a significant impact, especially during the energy crisis. The centre stands out for successfully completing such projects and showcasing the availability of grants for businesses.

NQS Outstanding award
The Watershed take part in an annual audit called the NQS (National Quality Standards) where it achieved the highest awards 'Outstanding' again this year. 

The National Quality Standard Awards (previously known as the White Flag Awards), have been in operation since 2001 and are the only industry specific award for the Leisure, Health and Fitness sector in Ireland. They are the most sought-after and respected accolades in the industry and awards across the three levels of Outstanding, Exceeded and Achieved.