Boost for Piltown with €1.34 million rural regeneration development grant
A massive investment that will boost the regeneration of Piltown, in south Kilkenny, has been announced by Minister Heather Humpreys
Funding of €1.34 million has been awarded to redevelop the historic old creamery in Piltown.
This project will redevelop the old stone creamery building into a social enterprise and community space along with adjacent public realm works to revitalise the town centre.
“We are all familiar with historic old buildings in our local towns which lay vacant for far too long. In many cases, these are old courthouses or churches of real historical significance and heritage value. These are iconic buildings in our town centres and I don’t want to see them lying idle, falling into disrepair or becoming dilapidated eyesores,” Minister Humphreys said, announcing the grant for Piltown and 22 other rural regeneration projects across the country.
She said the funding will help redevelop these buildings and give them new purpose as community and cultural facilities, libraries, co-working hubs, enterprise and tourism hubs.
According to the department this project will build upon a cluster of existing regeneration projects in Piltown by providing:
- The development of the old stone building, part of the original creamery, adjacent to the forthcoming remote working hub (funded under Town and Village renewal), with works to deliver a social enterprise space and services and a community sheltered space;
- The development of disability and EV car parking and two cycling bays;
- The purchase of a council yard for a future Phase 2 development - Urban design and landscaping on the main street, including the development of the central junction and the installation of lighting and street furniture;
- Planting of an avenue of trees on the main street.
The projects, integrated with the recently approved new Remote Working Hub and the recently completed Pil River park and playground, will bring a holistic response, building on identified developments while directly addressing pressing issues and future challenges in the town.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick welcomed the funding.
“This is a fantastic announcement for Piltown. The combined and individual aspects of these works will have a number of complimentary positive economic impacts and these developments are a real opportunity to further develop a focal point in Piltown by creating a vibrant hub of community, business, public and recreational amenities,” he said.