A public meeting is being held in Kilkenny tomorrow, Wednesday, on a proposed water sport activity centre in the city.
Kilkenny County Council are holding the meeting, open to the public, as an opportunity to provide updates on the progress of the development of the ‘Water Sports Activity Centre’ in Kilkenny City, and to meet and discuss the proposed development and any other related matters with the project team, including project architects Kenneth Hennessy Architects.
Those interested in attending should make their way to the River Court Hotel in Kilkenny for 7.30pm.
In 2021, €19m in funding had been announced by Fáilte Ireland to assist development of 22 centres around the country, including Kilkenny for the ‘Kilkenny Water Sports Hub’ at County Hall.
“The significant increase in people enjoying outdoor water-based activities such as kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and open-water swimming is expected to continue to grow year on year, and not just during the summer months. This means all-weather changing facilities, secure storage and bathrooms at beaches and inland water spots will be in huge demand.”
“Each centre will provide hot showers, changing and toilet facilities, secure storage, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points.They will be fully wheelchair accessible and built using sustainability best practices such as solar heating panels to meet ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building Standards’”.
“This investment scheme, developed in partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities, will support the local economy and the outdoor activity sector by significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience, providing new business opportunities in local communities and allowing for the extension of the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months.”
Speaking at the time of the launch, councillor Andrew McGuiness – then Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council – welcomed the development.
“This is great news for Kilkenny to be in a position to develop a Water Based Activity Hub along the River Nore here in the City. Developing an activity hub to increase access to the Nore that will be accessible to all is a great initiative for Kilkenny’s tourism and hospitality providers and our local outdoor enthusiasts alike. The on-going support of Failte Ireland is very welcome as we prepare to reopen business and avail of the local tourist trade for the summer of 2021. The Water-based activity Hub will add another string to Kilkenny’s bow in terms of attractions in the years to come.”
