LATEST: Major update for Kilkenny hotel but four separate hotel sites still 'tied up'

Plans for a new hotel in Kilkenny’s Abbey Quarter have taken a significant step forward, while four other city hotel projects remain in limbo.

Development Director with Kilkenny Abbey Quarter Development Partnership, Tony Lauhoff, has confirmed that a preferred bidder has now been identified for the site at the Abbey Quarter.

Due to commercial sensitivities, the bidder’s identity remains confidential but they have been described as a leading hotel operator with a proven track record across Ireland and the UK.

The hotel development is expected to proceed through legal, planning, and construction phases over the coming years, with completion expected by 2028.

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The development sparked lively discussion among council members at the latest plenary meeting of the local authority, with Cllr Joe Malone querying whether Kilkenny’s market could support five new hotels.

Responding to Cllr Malone’s concerns, Mr Lauhoff emphasised that the preferred bidder is an experienced hotel operator who has conducted thorough market analysis.

Also continually cited during the meeting was a recent Fáilte Ireland accommodation audit, identifying a strong demand for additional hotel beds in Kilkenny.

Cllr Maria Dollard raised a question about prioritising hotels over housing, and Mr Lauhoff reassured elected members that the broader Abbey Quarter Masterplan incorporates residential development alongside commercial and community spaces.

This latest hotel update comes on foot of another prime Kilkenny City site coming to market with a price tag of €1.7 million.

Situated on the junction of Wolfe Tone Street and John's Green, the site has planning permission for a 114 bedroom hotel with bar and restaurant pavilion.

Also still on the market is another prime Kilkenny City site situated at the junction of Lower New Street and Walkin Street.

Known locally as the site of the former Smithwick’s Cash and Carry, it has permission for a 154 bedroom hotel, 37 short let apartments and 12 residential apartments.

In addition to these two sites, plans for two other large hotels in Kilkenny City are currently being held-up after being appealed by third parties to An Bord Pleanála.

The first of these planned hotels was originally granted planning permission by Kilkenny County Council along with 18 conditions.

Envisaged by the Dean Hotel Group, this significant building would occupy a prominent site next to MacDonagh Train Station and MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, on the Dublin Road.

The second planning application awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála is seeking to develop a hotel, leisure and conference complex on a large site adjacent to the N10 at Blanchfieldsland on the outskirts of Kilkenny City.

This development was also originally granted planning permission by Kilkenny County Council, along with 25 conditions, before being appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Both of these cases remain active and both are also now overdue a decision from the national planning authority.

Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, spoke of the ‘public commentary on hotels’ at the latest plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

“Kilkenny needs to facilitate itself to have beds for large scale events,” he said.

“Competition will lower costs of beds, it’s also positive news for local employment and tourism.”

Cllr Seán Ó hArgáin also referenced hotel sites ‘being tied up’ in Kilkenny, as well a ‘bed shortage in the city’.

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