Abbey Quarter Urban Street & Park Construction Contract Signed

Kilkenny County Council has officially signed the construction contract for the Abbey Quarter Urban Street & Park project. The signing ceremony took place on 11th March 2025 at County Hall, Kilkenny.

The main contract has been awarded to David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd., while Fountainworks Ltd. will handle a specialist water feature. The project is funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) through the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, and Kilkenny County Council.

Covering approximately 1.44 hectares of the former Smithwicks Brewery site, the development includes two main components: an urban park and an urban street. The park will highlight historical landmarks such as St. Francis Abbey and the City Walls, creating a social space for the community. The street will enhance connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, linking Bateman Quay to St Canice’s Place.

The project is set to be completed in phases, with an expected completion date in the latter half of 2026.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, praised the project, stating, “The Abbey Quarter in Kilkenny celebrates where medieval meets modern and today’s €12.3 million will help breathe new life into Kilkenny city.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael McCarthy highlighted the significance of the project, saying, “Today’s contract signing marks a major milestone in the delivery of the vision of the Abbey Quarter into a place for people to live, work and play.”