Cllr David Fitzgerald calls for city centre sports facility - Kilkenny Live

Local Fine Gael councillor David Fitzgerald has called for a city-centre sports facility to be considered for Kilkenny.

Speaking at March’s meeting of the Municipal District of Kilkenny City, Mr Fitzgerald outlined his desire to see a sporting facility included in the future plan for the Abbey Quarter Development.

A number of additional uses of the site have been considered by Kilkenny County Council over the past number of months, with a facility for additional rehearsing space for the Watergate Theatre and other local production companies expected to be given the green light.

Cllr Fitzgerald remains steadfast in his desire to see a 'urban hub of sports' included on the site as well, and hopes the Abbey Quarter can create opportunities for all in the community and commercial sectors.

"This is not about the arts versus sport," Mr Fitzgerald commented.

Fianna Fáil councillor, Andrew McGuiness claimed he would love to see a 'U-18 non-alcholic venue for multi-sports' but reminded councillors, 'it's all down to funding' and welcomed the addition of rehearsing space for local performers.

Fellow Fianna Fáil representative, John Coonan touted the idea of a 'co-location' which could facilitate a number of local minority sporting bodies and suggested utilising local handball alleys.

Meanwhile, Independent councillor Eugene McGuinness stated the location could lend itself well as an area for local bands and musicians to perform and practice. 

Green Party councillor Maria Dollard also welcomed additional space being granted for local performers to rehearse at the city centre location.

"Finding spaces for amateur groups is very difficult," she said, adding that it shouldn't be an 'either or' debate between the arts and sport and claimed the location and the opportunities it potentially raises for the city could be ideal for the 'night-time economy' pilot locally.

In October 2022, Kilkenny was one of nine towns/cities across the country named as part of a pilot initiative to support the development of a vibrant and diverse 'night-time economy.'