Over one million euro allocated to Kilkenny town and village projects

Communities across the county are set to benefit from the additional funding

Published 3rd Jan 2026, 10:00 BST Johnstown is one of the Kilkenny towns to receive funding Communities across the county are set to benefit from the additional funding Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.

A total of €1.1m has been awarded to three projects across Kilkenny under the Town and Village Renewal scheme.

The funded projects include €300,000 for the refurbishment of 18 Upper Bridge Street in Callan, €500,000 for the renovation of two vacant buildings into a community café and shop in Glenmore and €300,000 for public realm improvement in the centre of Johnstown which will include a public space for activities in the square.

The funding forms part of a wider national package announced by Minister Dara Calleary, which provides €26m for more than 100 community projects nationwide under the scheme.

Welcoming the announcement, Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere said schemes such as this have a hugely beneficial impact on rural towns and villages across the country by supporting the development of community spaces and amenities.

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“As our lives become ever busier, it is important that we have accessible public recreational spaces within our communities and this project delivers exactly that”, he said.

“We need areas where parents can take children for a walk and spend quality time together as well as places where people can meet friends and enjoy the outdoors”.

“What has become clear in recent years is how much people value spending time together outdoors with friends and loved ones. We must ensure we have spaces like this, which is why today’s funding is so important for the community”, he added.

Concluding, Deputy Cleere said the investment marks the beginning of further opportunities for the town.

“This is just the beginning. There are many potential areas that could be transformed into vibrant community spaces if funding continues to be allocated,” he outlined.

“I will continue to engage with my Fianna Fáil colleagues in Government to champion the many great initiatives across Carlow and Kilkenny. Projects like these are at the heart of our communities and that is why they matter”.

Related topics: Johnstown Callan Glenmore Kilkenny Peter ’Chap’ Cleere Dara Calleary Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.