During a recent visit to Kilkenny, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy T.D. viewed the Kilkenny Western Environs Phase 1 Infrastructure Scheme.

This project consists of the upgrade of the Circular Road and Kilmanagh Road with the provision of services, bridges and distributor roads to facilitate the development of up to 3,000 homes, two post primary schools, one primary school, a park and other neighbourhood developments in the "Breagagh Valley" area in the coming years. Plans are under preparation with planning applications expected in the coming months in respect of residential development. Also, in the last week Kilkenny Carlow ETB has appointed a design team to progress the post primary schools through design, planning and construction. These will represent the commencement of the delivery of the Breagagh Valley Neighbourhood.

This major infrastructure project and associated land purchase has an estimated overall cost of €13 million and will deliver new homes for Kilkenny City, including affordable homes. The project is part funded under the Government's Rebuilding Ireland Programme as a Housing Activation Scheme. The appointed contractor SIAC commenced works on site in March 2019 and the project is due for completion in late 2020.

Queries in relation to this Press Release can be directed to Director of Services, Ms. Mary Mulholland, Phone 086 0629446, Email mary.mulholland@kilkennycoco.ie .