Kilkenny has so many beautiful rural villages but unfortunately few tourists travel out of the city to visit these interesting, scenic areas. To counter-balance the many attractions of Kilkenny City with rural tourism activities, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (KLP) proposed the development of a major multipurpose outdoor activity centre.
After considerable consultations with the local authorities and community interests, the picturesque village of Graiguenamanagh was chosen as the location for this centre.
Stage One of the project has been completed. This phase involved the construction of an Astroturf pitch. This all-weather surface consists of a 70 by 40 metre, all weather playing facility, which is capable of accommodating a number of sports such as football, hurling, tennis and basketball.
The second phase involves the development of an external high ropes course. Planning permission has been granted.
Funding and lease agreements are in place and the project awaits tender bids from a suitably qualified contractor before further developments. The final stage will see the construction of a building; housing changing rooms, toilets, a classroom and kitchen. It will also include a cycle track, a space for the development of camping facilities, a synthetic training pitch and supporting facilities to include car parking and access roads.
KLP envisions that an activity hub such as this will drive tourism development in the area. It will also provide a base for small tourism businesses through a sustainable programme of outdoor recreation and environmental studies.
This interagency project is funded by KLP, Kilkenny County Council and local community funds. The land was provided by the local authority and the Carlow/Kilkenny Educational Training Board.
This project has been awarded €546,291 in total funding through the KLP LEADER Programme.
