Page 15 - Chief Executive Report - July 2022

PARKS & SPECIAL PROJECTS PARKS & SPECIAL PROJECTS

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) – 2022 Works MEASURE 2 PROJECTS
In 2022 funding was provided by the Dept. of Rural and Community Development for 11 separate
projects across the County under the four ORIS funding categories below: PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION PROGRESS TO DATE
• Measure 1 Grant available €20,000
• Measure 2: Grant available €200,000 Woodstock Estate - Upgrade of woodland and garden trails in Work has commenced on improving
• Measure 3: Grant available €500,000 Accessible Trails , Age Woodstock Estate to improve accessibility for access for all to the gardens. A new
• Project Development: Grant available €50,000 Friendly and Disabled Parking all. pathway has been constructed from the
Under the funding agreement a minimum of 10% match funding must be provided by the Local and Wheelchair Swing. carpark to the playground and significant
Authority. surface restoration works are nearing
completion on existing pathways.

The expenditure grant deadline for the Measure 1 and Project Development projects is the 31st Rehabilitation of the Ardra Trail rehabilitation to two established wood- A Memorandum of Understanding
December 2022, whilst the deadline for the Measure 2 & 3 projects is the 30th June 2023. Looped Walk & Arboretum land walking trails located in the Castlecomer and Licensing Agreement was put in
place between Coillte and Kilkenny Co.
Discovery Park.
Walk – Castlecomer Discov-
As we now enter the second half of 2022, a progress summary for each project is provided ery Park Council, so as to facilitate the council
hereunder: undertaking works on Coillte lands that
MEASURE 1 PROJECTS form part of the Castlecomer Discovery
Park.
PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION PROGRESS TO DATE Tory Hill Looped Walk Sections of the trail have deteriorated and are A Licence and M.O.U. agreement is in
Enhancement Work in need of significant rehabilitation. place with Coillte to facilitate works.
Community Loop Walk Net- The establishment of a countywide network of The signage design is nearing completion
work community walks. and it is expected that installation works MEASURE 3 PROJECTS
will commence over the next few months.
Kells – King’s River Rehabilitation of a 200m section of walking A structural assessment of King’s River PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION PROGRESS TO DATE

Walk Enhancement trail along the King’s River and repairs to the bridge was undertaken earlier in the year.
pedestrian bridge over the river which con- The subsequent Bridge Rehabilitation Kilkenny Countryside Park - Kilkenny Countryside Park –. The focus of this Advance works to rehabilitate the Mass
nects the walk to the Kells Augustine Priory. Tender was awarded and works were Cycle Swim Play Stay, from application is linked to recreational amenities Path from Dunmore Carpark and the
completed in June. (Significant additional the City to the Park. along the North Kilkenny Cycle Loop. widening of the access road to the
works were required to render the bridge proposed Bleach Road carpark were
fit for purpose and to extend the life span completed earlier this year.
of same). It is anticipated that the works tender
will beadvertised in Q3 with works
Silaire Wood – Walking Trail Extend the existing walking trail by 500m, The route layout is finalised and a commencing on site later this year.
Extension giving a total trail length of 1.5km. contractor is expected to be appointed
shortly with works commencing in PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
September.
The Bishops Meadows – Riv- Enhancements to the traditional open water Tendering process for seating PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION PROGRESS TO DATE
er Nore Swimming Area swimming area located on the Nore Valley completed and seating ordered. Suitable
Park in Kilkenny City. enhancement design options under
review with works to progress over Q3 Castlecomer Discovery Park Engage consultancy services to: Preparation of tender documents

2022. Masterplan plus Planning 1. Develop of a Masterplan for the to engage specialist consultants to
Woodstock Estate - Further development and continuation of The coverage of the opening of the & Design for Free Activity Castlecomer Discovery Complex, and commence over the summer months.
Promotion & Marketing the promotion and marketing campaign for new Woodstock Waterfall Loop gave Attractions 2. Advance planning and design process of
Woodstock Estate us a great boost in June, and posts agreed activity elements identified in the
highlighting the food & beverage offering Masterplan.
performing very well along with the
sharing our visitors images and videos.
Outdoor Kilkenny - Promotion Continuation/development of the promotion The Tourism Office continues to work
& Marketing and marketing campaign for ‘Outdoor Kilken- with our service provider and other
ny’ a new brand and website that promotes stakeholders to strengthen the Outdoor
all outdoor attractions that Kilkenny City and Kilkenny brand.
County
has to offer.
Tory Hill Looped Walk Sections of the trail have deteriorated and are A Licence and M.O.U. agreement is in
Enhancement Work in need of significant rehabilitation. place with Coillte to facilitate works.

Recently completed rehabilitation to the Kings River Bridge, Kells
14 15