Development plan · Kilkenny County Council
Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021–2027
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Kilkenny County Council · 2021–2027 · 350 pages
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- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 163 Development Management Requirements based on assessment of special character • SACA 1: The design of any development in Architectural Conservation Areas, including any changes of use of existing buildings, should preserve and/or enhance the character and appearance of the Architectural Conservation Area as a whole. This includes ensuring the continuation of existing building lines within the centre of the village. • SACA 2: The Council will ensure that new development of back lands and green areas within the village respect the character of the ACA, by ensuring appropriate scale, composition and character, in size, scale and materials on new development. 9.3.4 Kilkenny Farm Villages Statement of Character The farm villages of South Kilkenny are a settlement type consisting of a unique clustering of houses, outbuildings and haggards, and often lacking public buildings like shops, church or post office. According to architects Patrick and Maura Shaffrey, in their 1985 publication Irish Countryside Buildings, the settlement patterns in the Irish countryside have been influenced by the tradition of farmers living on their farms, which has meant that in Ireland we tend not to have farming villages, which are common in other parts of Europe. However, there are exceptions, as in south Kilkenny, where there are clusters of farm buildings grouped together in an informal manner with the physical sense of a village. Only rarely do they include social or community facilities. Dwellings often string out along a narrow laneway, or street, and share a common entrance. Ownership boundaries are blurred and the land associated with the farm buildings may be some distance away and intermixed with other holdings. Shaffrey goes on to say that in the farm villages of south Kilkenny, in places like Licketstown, Glengrant and Corluddy, sometimes the sense of timelessness and history is quite unique. The buildings are huddled together on high ground above the River Suir. Defence considerations may have influenced the location of these groupings, and this estuary was a probable landing place during Viking and Norman times. These are among the oldest settlement patterns and are based on the ancient rundale system of farming, whereby strips of land with ill-defined boundaries were owned by different families, but often worked on a co-operative basis. This type of settlement is frequently located in relatively good farming land, so it is not a question of subsistence or part-time farming, but an old and distinctive settlement pattern29. In an article on the unique nature of these settlements which was published by historical geographer Jack Burtchaell in 198830, these villages display a settlement pattern that is broadly different to that of other village types throughout the country. Burtchaell describes the villages as having a ‘nucleated and agglomerated’ rural settlement pattern. It is likely that this settlement pattern is medieval in origin and that these villages have enjoyed continuous and settled occupation since early medieval times. This phenomenon is likely due to the continued political stability of this part of County Kilkenny particularly during the seventeenth century when the over lordship of the Ormonde Butlers, which 29 Patrick and Maura Shaffrey, Irish Countryside Buildings, Everyday Architecture in the Rural Landscape, The O’Brien Press, Dublin 1985, p. 30. 30 Jack Burtchaell, ‘The South Kilkenny Farm Villages’, Common Ground: Essays on the Historical Geography of Ireland, ed. William J Smyth and Kevin Whelan, pp. 110-23, Cork University Press.
- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 164 spanned almost 400 years from 1319 until the end of the 17th century, provided protection to this part of Kilkenny from the rapid change that was taking place in other parts of the country during this time. Burtchaell identifies a number of characteristics which he claims are typical of the farm villages of South Kilkenny. 1. Unlike the ‘clachan’ model, the South Kilkenny farm villages did not house just farmers, but instead displayed a socially varied and economically prosperous cross section of rural society. 2. They display a degree of social segregation between an ‘old’ village and a ‘new’ village again which distinguishes them from the ‘clachan’ model. 3. The ‘farm villages are not marginal in either location or function, they are local centrepieces of a rich agricultural heartland. It is the fundamental stability of the areas, accompanied by social diversity, commercial agriculture, medieval roots and geographic location that mark the distinctiveness of these farm villages from the so-called western-type clachan. These villages display a unique morphology having grown organically over time following the local topography. The houses are often clustered quite close together and arranged in an apparently random configuration, but one which allows each house to retain its own privacy from adjacent farmsteads and shelter from the elements. The villages are often characterised by a network of laneways, roadways and sometimes raised walkways. The high density of this type of housing and its associated network of roads and lanes is very distinctive and has given one of the villages (Listrolin) the name of ‘Little London’31. There are many archaeological monuments in this area also, indicating a long phase of activity. Jack Burtchaell identifies 57 villages in south Kilkenny which fit into this category. The following are mentioned by him in his study: Licketstown, Portnahully, Corluddy, Kilmacow, Ballytarsney, Listrolin, Moonveen, Glengrant, Portnascully, Carrigeen, Ballybrasil, Doornane, Pollrone, Clonmore, Killinaspick, Ullid, Aglish, Dunkitt, Rathcurby, Ballygorey, Dungooly, Arderra, Weatherstown, Kilmakevoge, Rathinure, Kilcraggan, Davidstown, Rochestown, Ballykillaboy, Curraghmartin, Ballyfasy, Grange, Bearstown, Ballincrea, Tinnaranny, Carranroe, Killahy, Baunskeha, Rahillakeen, Ballynamuck, Owning, and Boolyglass. These villages are of great historical and social significance and their distinctive physical pattern and visual character should be retained where possible32. While this settlement type is not unique to South Kilkenny, it is here that the villages have the strongest links with their medieval origins given the political and social stability of this part of the country during some of the turbulent 16th and 17th centuries. 31 John Cronin and Associates, Cultural Resource Management, A Cultural Heritage Assessment of Listrolin Village, April 2004. 32 Patrick and Maura Shaffrey, Irish Countryside Buildings, Everyday Architecture in the Rural Landscape, The O’Brien Press, Dublin 1985, p. 30.
- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 165 Farm Villages Development Management Requirements: • To seek the preservation of the unique morphology of the south Kilkenny Farm Villages, the unique clustering of buildings, outbuildings and haggards, their relationship to the public spaces between and the scale of the buildings which make up the villages. • To protect the special character of the spaces between the various elements of these villages; created by the relationship between buildings and their outhouses and between the outbuildings and the public roadways, paths and laneways through and around these settlements. • To seek the retention of the vernacular quality of the buildings and their associated outbuildings and boundary structures including walls, embankments and gates. • To seek the retention of surviving traditional materials used in the construction of the houses and outbuildings – thatch, natural slate, rubble stone walling, traditional wrought iron gates, rendered finishes; and to require the use of traditional building finishes such as lime plasters and mortars, timber windows and doors and natural slates in the repair and refurbishment of existing buildings and in proposed new developments. • New developments in or adjacent to these villages should not dominate their surroundings but should sit comfortably in their setting, respecting the local character, and should be of good quality contemporary design using a palate of good quality materials which complement the traditional setting. • Extensions to existing structures within these villages should respect their setting in terms of scale, materials and design, while energy upgrades of the interior will be assessed against any likely impact on the internal environment which exists as a result of these materials. The Council will work closely and constructively with a selected village identified in Jack Burtchaell’s study to explore mutual benefits for the community and the village of possible Architectural Conservation Area designation. 9.3.5 Street Furniture and Roadside Features Items of street furniture are an important part of our built and cultural heritage in both an urban and rural context. They are also important elements in establishing the character and interest of an area, whether designated an ACA or not. Such items could include the following; lamp standards, seats and benches, bollards, railings, street signs, freestanding or wall mounted post boxes, telephone kiosks, horse troughs, water pumps, drinking fountains, jostle stones, milestones, paving, kerbstones, cobbles and setts, pavement lights, coal hole covers, weighbridges, statues, plaques, gates and other monuments. Development Management Requirement: • To protect and sustainably manage historic items of street furniture and roadside features, as appropriate. 9.3.6 The Vernacular Built Heritage The vernacular built heritage consists of buildings and settlements historically created by local people from local materials and resources to meet local needs following local traditions. The response to the local environment gave rise to construction techniques which vary from region to region, often with
- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 166 great subtlety. This type of building is often undervalued because it does not represent ‘great architecture’ and because of associations with poverty and a perception that the buildings have become obsolete. The value of these buildings lies in the regional distinctiveness and identity that they confer on a place and their importance as an embodiment of the accumulated wisdom and cultural traditions of the people who built and lived in them. Vernacular styles of architecture and their importance in modern buildings in the countryside is discussed and illustrated in the publication County Kilkenny Rural Design Guide33. The Council will apply the conservation principles and guidelines in practice as set out in the ICOMOS Charter on the Built Vernacular Heritage (Mexico 1999) when considering proposals to adapt vernacular buildings to meet contemporary living standards and needs. The Council will promote the retention and re-use of the vernacular built heritage through increasing public awareness of its potential for re-use and its adaptability to change. Development Management Requirements: • To apply the conservation principles and guidelines in practice as set out in the ICOMOS Charter on the Built Vernacular Heritage (Mexico 1999) when considering proposals to adapt vernacular buildings to meet contemporary living standards and needs. • To promote the retention and re-use of the vernacular built heritage through increasing public awareness of its potential for re-use and its adaptability to change. See Re-use of Farm Buildings Laura Bowen and Nicki Matthews, Kildare County Council, 2007 and National Rural Network Case Study, Conservation of Old Farm Buildings. • To promote the refurbishment of vernacular built heritage in rural areas as per development managements standards set out under Section 7.8 Rural Settlement Strategy of this Plan. 9.3.7 Bridges There are many 18th and 19th century bridges still in use in the county today. Such structures are constructed from traditional materials of local stone, lime, and sand. They are testament to the durability of local materials and civil engineering at local level, while adding significantly to the architectural heritage of the County. 9.3.7.1 Kilkenny Group of Bridges The Inland Navigation Company was assigned to rebuild and repair a number of bridges on the River Nore and its tributaries following large floods in the 1760s. The engineer, George Smith was the principal of the INC at time, and had previously worked under George Semple on Essex Bridge in Dublin. Among the bridges that were rebuilt and repaired at this time are: Greensbridge and Johns Bridge (Johns Bridge was replaced in 1910) in Kilkenny City, Bennettsbridge, Thomastown Bridge, Castlecomer Bridge (over the River Dinan), Graiguenamanagh Bridge (over the River Barrow), and Inistioge bridge. These bridges, along with some later 18th century River Barrow bridges of Croomaboo 33 Kilkenny County Council, County Kilkenny Rural Design Guide
- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 167 Bridge in Athy, Co. Kildare, and Maganey Bridge in Laois, have been identified by Ted Ruddock as forming a distinct local typology, and were labelled the “Kilkenny Group” of bridges. The presence of classical detailing such as pedimented aedicules, niches with round headed and ogee shaped arches, Doric and Ionic columns and pilasters, entablatures, stringcourses, circular oculi all positioned in the spandrel area of these bridges is the basis for the grouping. These bridges are testament to the international connections and influences: Green’s Bridge built in 1766 by William Colles to designs prepared by George Smith is very similar to the Roman Bridge at Rimini described by Andrea Palladio in his Four Books on Architecture, while Ruddock who noted the similarity between Inistioge Bridge and designs for Mylne’s 18th century Blackfriars Bridge over the River Thames in London, commented that the repair work at Inistioge was “directly derived from Mylne’s Blackfriars Bridge design”. The Council recognises the “Kilkenny Group” of bridges as being of significant importance to be protected against inappropriate development which may impact on their character. Development Management Requirements: • To ensure that new development does not detract either directly or indirectly from the character or setting of these historical bridges. • To ensure that where pedestrian access is necessary to ensure public safety, independent structures avoiding contact with the historic bridges be the preferred option for new footbridges. • To ensure that development which may compromise or detract from the spandrel detailing of the Kilkenny Group of bridges be avoided. The spandrel detailing in these bridges is the basis of the groups’ typology, and therefore their most significant feature. • To ensure appropriate materials and methodologies are used for the repair works for Kilkenny’s historic bridges. 9.3.8 Embodied Energy A large portion of Kilkenny’s buildings were constructed using traditional materials and building techniques. While the use of cement became more common from the early 20th century onwards, dwellings prior to that consisted of stone, brick, lime mortar, with timber sash windows and a slate or thatched roof. These traditional materials allow the necessary permeability required for these traditionally constructed buildings, while also being the sources of stored carbon. The phrase “the greenest building, is the one that is already built” acknowledges the embodied energy and carbon within these buildings. Embodied energy is the energy required for the construction of a structure, from extraction of the raw materials, manufacturing processes, transport, machinery involved in the construction right through to completion of the building. The demolition of buildings for new development results in enormous loss of embodied energy, while simultaneously creating more waste in landfills and the need for new materials which produce vast amounts of carbon.
- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 168 Kilkenny County Council are committed to a sustainable development building approach, and will assess the potential for reuse and refurbishment of current building stock as an alternative to demolition of existing buildings. The Council recognises the embodied energy within our traditionally constructed building stock while assessing proposals for demolition or development and will ensure that refurbishment works to traditionally constructed buildings will not be detrimental to the occupants or to the fabric of the building. Development Management Requirements: • To have regard to the DCHG Advice Series on Energy when assessing energy upgrades of traditionally constructed buildings. • To assess the whole life energy costs, its lifespan and durability of new building stock, as part of proposals to demolish traditionally constructed structures in favour of new development. • To ensure refurbishment work on these buildings is undertaken in an appropriate manner using suitable materials. 9.3.9 Floodlighting The floodlighting of buildings and structures is often regarded as a means of highlighting the significance of a structure and reflects the substantial pride that communities have in heritage sites and structures. Notwithstanding this, floodlighting and other artificial lighting has the potential to negatively impact on both natural and built heritage. It contributes to energy use, carbon emissions and climate change. It can also contribute to light pollution, impinge on protected species such as bats, and affect the architectural and archaeological significance of a site. Draft guidance “Guidelines on the Floodlighting of Monuments” has been prepared by the National Monuments Service. Development Management Requirements: • To require an assessment, including mitigation measures, of the potential environmental, visual, and heritage impacts of proposals to floodlight buildings and structures. • To ensure the protection of the special character and setting of protected structures, ACAs and Recorded Monuments, and protected species when considering proposals for floodlighting. 9.4 Cultural Heritage Cultural heritage includes aspects of heritage such as traditions, practices, knowledge and skills which are an expression of our culture. It is what communities today recognise as part of their cultural heritage. Therefore, it is often called “living heritage”. It also encompasses features of cultural heritage interest such as mass rocks, mass paths, civic memorials and plaques, rag trees and vernacular gates which are locally significant and add to the distinctive character and sense of place of an area. In Kilkenny our cultural heritage includes oral history, placenames, fieldnames, folklore, local history and sport. The 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is an international multilateral instrument intended to safeguard and raise the profile of intangible cultural
- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 169 heritage. The National Inventory for Intangible Cultural Heritage34, co-ordinated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, aims to protect, promote and celebrate Irish living cultural heritage practices, customs, crafts and traditions. The Council will preserve, protect and where necessary enhance, significant cultural heritage objects such as mass rocks, holy wells, and other significant cultural expressions and features that form part of the cultural heritage of the County. The Council will support expressions of interest on aspects of Kilkenny’s cultural heritage to be included on the National Inventory for Intangible Cultural Heritage. 9.4.1 Placenames Placenames are an important and disappearing part of our cultural heritage. They provide a link to the past and reflect the natural, built and cultural heritage of a locality. Kilkenny County Council has undertaken surveys in partnership with local communities, to record and map traditional place and fieldnames through the Kilkenny Fieldname Recording Project and the River Nore Heritage Audit (See Section 8.4.1.1 River Nore). A Glossary of fieldnames in Irish has also been produced. The names of all new developments should reflect the local topography, history, culture, ecology or significant people and events, and also incorporate traditional and Irish language placenames from the locality. The Placenames Database of Ireland35 is a comprehensive management system for data, archival records and placenames research conducted by the State. 9.4.1.1 Commemorative Memorials The commemoration of significant historical events, anniversaries or people associated with, or who have made important social, cultural or economic contributions to, Kilkenny is an important way of celebrating and remembering our cultural heritage. The Council has developed a “Naming and Commemorative Memorial Policy” to provide guidance on the naming of new infrastructure and the installation of commemorative plaques, memorials or monuments in public places and buildings. It is overseen by the Naming and Commemorative Memorial Assessment Committee. Development Management Requirements: • To encourage the use of bi-lingual and Irish-Language place names and signs. • To ensure that the naming of all new public infrastructure within the ownership or control of Kilkenny County Council complies with the provisions of the Naming and Commemorative Memorial Policy. • To ensure that installation of commemorative plaques, memorials or monuments complies with the provisions of the Naming and Commemorative Memorial Policy. 34 https://nationalinventoryich.chg.gov.ie/ 35 https://www.logainm.ie/
- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 170 9.5 Arts and Cultural Development Kilkenny City and County has an extensive, illustrious and spirited tradition within the arts. The arts continue to be a significant ingredient largely contributing to the progression of the social, cultural, creative, economic and political future of Kilkenny. The Kilkenny County Council Cultural Strategy36 provides a framework for the delivery of the Arts, Heritage and Library Services of Kilkenny County Council from 2018 to 2022. It replaces the former Arts Plan. Cultural development is seen as an integral part of the overall development of the county. The culture of a county, city or town is one of the crucial aspects which distinguish it from other counties or cities and the capacity to regenerate communities and a claim to the world’s attention and investment is very much based on the county’s cultural offerings. Cultural development creates cultural heritage. Kilkenny County Council’s Arts Office works to develop, co-ordinate, motivate, inspire and empower artistic activity throughout the city and county. The office promotes the arts as a worthwhile activity for all, providing advice and support for groups and individuals, and works to strengthen Kilkenny’s position as a centre of excellence for the arts and ensure a successful and prosperous arts environment. The Council works to ensure that there is continued support in this sector, not simply for its intrinsic value, but as a driver of major economic and social development. The Arts office will continue to support artists at all stages, taking into account the range and needs of different disciplines and practices. The Office will support the active engagement of diverse audiences in rural and urban Kilkenny through social and collaborative practices. 9.5.1 Arts Organisations Kilkenny’s cultural and arts organisations span a diverse breadth of disciplines and activity including Barnstorm Theatre Company, Lighthouse Studios, the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Arts Festival, the National Craft Gallery, the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Savour Food Festival, Kilkenomics, Kilkenny Collective for Arts Talent (KCAT) inclusive Arts Centre, Young Irish Filmmakers, Devious Theatre Company, Subtitle Film Festival, Rhythm and Roots Music Festival, AKA Festival, Tradfest and Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and Cartoon Saloon. All of these fulfil important roles within the arts and cultural development of the county and have raised its profile nationally and internationally. The support of existing organisations and creative industries is crucial and successful business and cultural activity attracts further business and complementary industry to locate and relocate to specific regions. 9.5.2 Arts Infrastructure Kilkenny is served by a selection of general venue, performance and exhibition spaces, including the internationally-recognised Butler Gallery, now housed in the former Evan’s Home, the National Craft Gallery (Design and Crafts Council Ireland), the Watergate Theatre, Rothe House, St. Canice’s Cathedral, the Arts Office, pop up spaces and the libraries. 36 Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny County Council Cultural Strategy 2018-2022
- Chapter 9 Heritage, Culture and the Arts Kilkenny City and County Development Plan Volume 1 171 9.6 Library Service Kilkenny County Council Library Service operates through a branch network of eight libraries. It is supported by the administrative functions of library headquarters which also provides a local studies service. The mobile library provides a vital rural service and serves over 50 rural areas. A broad and varied range of digital services are also provided via the library’s website37. The Kilkenny County Council Cultural Strategy38 provides a framework for the delivery of the Arts, Heritage and Library Services of Kilkenny County Council from 2018 to 2022. It replaces the former Library Plan. It is Council policy to promote and develop the County Library Service in accordance with the national objectives laid down in the National Strategy – Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities39. This will focus on 3 strategic programmes that reflect the core functions of the library service: • Reading and Literacy • Information and Learning • Community and Culture It is recognised that the Library Service plays an important role in supporting the educational, digital, learning, cultural, community and informational needs of citizens. Kilkenny County Library’s mission statement is to provide a quality, accessible service which enhances the lives of the communities of Kilkenny, through the provision of a knowledge resource promoting imagination, lifelong learning and culture. The delivery of a new City Library at the Mayfair Ballroom in the Abbey Quarter has been approved by the Department and works are due to commence in 2021. This facility will enhance the range of services and activities that can and will take place in the City library space. The existing City (Carnegie) library, is strategically located and is a very significant building for Kilkenny City and therefore will remain in use for library services including the relocation of the library headquarters and Local Section. The relocation of the Local Studies will provide greater public access and attract greater usage and interest in this area. The Thomastown and Callan libraries have been earmarked for redevelopment. Suitable solutions will be examined during the period of this Plan. The Council will continue to support the development of library services and the implementation of the objectives and actions as set out in the County Kilkenny 37 https://www.kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/ 38 Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny County Council Cultural Strategy 2018-2022 39https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/56d1d4-our-public-libraries-2022-inspiring-connecting-and-empowering-commun/ Objectives 9M To provide a shared space facility for the creative sector within the Abbey Quarter. 9N To implement the Kilkenny County Council Cultural Strategy.
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