We are appealing to everyone in the Loughboy community to support our campaign to save our green space. 

Please join the 'Save Loughboy Park' Facebook Group for further discussion.

Background

Kilkenny County Council intend to build a number of houses on the green area in Loughboy Park. This development project will mean the loss of a significant portion of the amenity currently available to the community. This, in addition to the recent expansion of the paths, represents a significant loss of green space. 

Local residents are working to create awareness of Kilkenny County Council's plans, and are working to share all available information as widely as possible, in order to assist the community in staying informed. 

While we acknowledge that there is currently a housing crisis in Ireland, and more locally here in Kilkenny, we also feel that the solution to this crisis is not in building on a green area that is widely used and widely enjoyed by the community. There are other, more suitable, locations for such a proposal and thus, it is possible for Kilkenny County Council to fulfil their commitments to delivering housing, while also preserving green areas, such as that at Loughboy Park.

Kilkenny County Council Plans

Kilkenny County Council have shared their plans and they are now available to view, both through this website and through the 'Save Loughboy Park' Facebook group. 

It is expected that the Variation Proposal will be advertised in the Kilkenny People on December 4th. It will also be advertised on the Kilkenny County Council Consult website (Consultation Portal). 

Once advertised the public may then raise comments and queries in relation to the proposal. 

Please see the proposal in the below images. As per before, a PDF copy of these images can be provided via e-mail. Please request same via the submission form at the 'Contact Us' link at the top of the page. 

Variation Proposal

The Variation Proposal has been advertised in the Kilkenny People, week ending December 6th. It must also be posted on the Kilkenny County Council Consultation Portal (https://consult.kilkenny.ie/browse). The Variation was posted live on the Kilkenny County Coucil Consultation web portal on December 5th and can be viewed at the link above. 

Please see below for the Kilkenny People advertisement. 

Loss of Amenity

The green space at Loughboy is used and enjoyed by a huge number of people in our community. It is a vital social, visual and environmental amenity for local residents. From dog-walkers, to children making their way to/from school, to people out for a walk to improve their mental and physical wellbeing, to children out playing hurling or football, or simply sitting around in groups enjoying their surrounds. The loss of any portion of the green will  represent diminished enjoyment, and by extension, will have a negative impact on the wellbeing of those people who use it. 

Alternative Locations/Solutions

There are currently 14 acres of available space in the Abbey Quarter in Kilkenny City.  This location has been proposed previously as a location suitable for providing for the housing needs of many in our community, but these proposals have not been acted upon. 

In addition to this, there are many vacant properties in Kilkenny. Many of these are located in mature areas, within thriving communities.

Impact to Adjoining Properties

Kilkenny County Council contacted the residents of 6 houses in Cedarwood Park to notify them of the plan to construct houses immediately to the rear of their properties. Some of these residents are elderly and have been living in their homes since they were built more than 40 years ago. There is much upset and anger among these residents. It was reasonable for them to expect that a protected green space should remain protected, and they should be unburdened with a stressful situation such as this.

Environmental Impact

Kilkenny County Council have not shared any information as to whether a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been completed. However, all residents are aware of recent efforts to re-wild and re-plant trees in different parts of the green. This includes an initiative by one of the local Secondary Schools whereby some students planted trees in the area that will be immediately affected by this plan. The hedgerow to the rear of the houses on Cedarwood Park is also home to many birds and hedgehogs. 

The proposal by Kilkenny County Council runs contrary to sustainable development principles which the council is committed to upholding.

What can we do?

Our public representatives were elected by us to represent us and our interests. This plan cannot proceed without them voting it through. Local residents are encouraged to contact county councillors to voice our disapproval of the plan, and our desire for them to oppose it on our behalf. 

The list of county councillors for the Kilkenny Municipal District are listed below, along with contact details. (Full details can be access here)