A proposal to develop 6 new homes at Smithsland South, Kilkenny, to the rear of the Presentation Secondary School, has been placed on hold by Kilkenny County Council until the taking in charge of the existing Parcnagowan Estate is completed.

The Elected Members of Kilkenny County Council were asked by the Executive not to approve the current proposal to allow the taking in charge process to reach its conclusion.

Mary Mulholland, Director of Services, with responsibility for Housing explained to Elected Members that the proposed development would be re-commenced once the taking in charge process was fully completed. This would mean that the housing proposal at Smithsland South would again be placed on public display with full public consultation and a new planning process before Elected Members would be asked to consider the proposal again in the Council Chamber.

The proposal at Smithsland South seeks to utilise a brown field site, in local authority ownership, for the delivery of a small infill development of much needed social housing in Kilkenny City. This proposal will be re-commenced as soon as possible with a new planning process as required.