A big crowd turned out to mark the official opening of the new Kilkenny Countryside Park at Dunmore on Friday the 15th December.
Kilkenny’s newest amenity offering was opened by Minister Malcom Noonan of the Department for Nature, Heritage and Local Reform in the presence of the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Michael Doyle.
This project sees the development of a new countryside park on the site of the closed municipal landfill at Dunmore which occupies an area of circa. 24 acres and is located just 5km north of Kilkenny city centre. The new park offers visitors three themed trails, the Mass Path Trail which starts at Dunmore village along with an Accessibility Trail and Biodiversity Trail. The new Park also provides a myriad of other attractions including two ball walls, a bespoke viewing area, play and exercise equipment and novel relaxing spaces that include hammocks, and loungers along with Kilkenny’ s first dedicated dog-friendly enclosure.
Speaking at the event, Minister Malcom Noonan, acknowledged the importance of outdoor recreation amenity spaces for peoples physical health and mental wellbeing. He noted his particular delight about the ethos of the new Park in terms of the preservation, enhancement and awareness of the importance of biodiversity to society.
Also speaking at the opening, Cllr. Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, noted “the transformation of this site is nothing short of remarkable, adding the construction of this Park marks a new chapter in its history, turning what was once a negative on the landscape into a sanctuary that aims to restore and protect our natural environment and heritage. He added it will elevate the appeal of our City and County, contributing to the ‘Outdoor Kilkenny’ brand and solidifying Kilkenny’s status as a premier outdoor tourism destination”.
The new Park, which was approved planning back in 2021, sees an investment of c.€1.2 million into Kilkenny’s newest large scale amenity offering. The funding to deliver this project was secured from the Department for Rural and Community Development, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Community Recognition Funds, along with Sports Capital funding and the Council’s own funds.
Also, speaking at the event, the Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr. Joe Malone, stated “This exciting day marks another step in our ongoing efforts to position Kilkenny as a regional hub for outdoor recreation. Our commitment to maintaining Kilkenny as an attractive place to live and visit, characterised by high standards, is represented in this Countryside Park—a testament to what can be achieved when there is the ambition, the will, drive and dedication to deliver for the people of Kilkenny.”
Mr. Frank Stafford, A / Senior Engineer, Kilkenny County Council, thanked the local Dunmore community and Kilkenny GAA County Board for their support for this project since its conception. He also paid tribute to the Council’s Management Team for having the foresight to see the potential of the site. He thanked the Elected Members for always being very supportive of this project and indeed all projects that deliver an amenity space that promotes health and wellbeing for the people of Kilkenny.
