Kilkenny County Council has taken a significant step in the regeneration of the Carnegie Library and surrounding public realm. The Council has signed a contract with MCORM, who will lead a multi-disciplinary team in the detailed design of the refurbishment and redevelopment of this significant heritage project, along with the delivery of the works on site.
The project, which was awarded €3.98 million under the THRIVE programme, will transform Carnegie Library into a local studies cultural hub to become “The Stories of Kilkenny – Welcome to Your Past, Present & Future”. The public realm area will be enhanced, incorporating biodiversity and nature-based measures to enrich the overall appearance. The project will ensure the building serves as a welcoming and inclusive space for all in line with the values and principles of New European Bauhaus.
The refurbishment of the Carnegie Library is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, said:
“The Carnegie Library is a jewel in the crown of the built heritage of Kilkenny city, with a long history as a facility for the public of Kilkenny in the area of arts and culture. Today marks a major step forward in this project which will protect the building and bring in new life and activity.”
Cllr John Coonan, former Mayor of Kilkenny, added:
“The regeneration of the Carnegie Library is something the people of Kilkenny have hoped for over many years. Its restoration will create a welcoming and vibrant space and I am delighted to see this transformative project now moving ahead.”
Cllr Andrew McGuinness, Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly, current Mayor of Kilkenny said:
“The redevelopment of Carnegie Library reflects a commitment to protecting our built heritage while supporting the sustainable regeneration of our town centres through THRIVE. The Southern Regional Assembly is supporting Kilkenny County Council in the delivery of a project that will benefit the people of Kilkenny for generations to come.”
For more information and updates see www.kilkennycoco.ie/Carnegie Library
About THRIVE
THRIVE: The Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme is a transformative grant programme for local authorities under Ireland’s ERDF Regional Programmes, targeting key towns, strategic growth centres, and cities. THRIVE empowers communities to reimagine town centres by revitalizing publicly-owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings through renovation, renewal, and adaptive reuse.
The scheme supports locally developed plans with an integrated approach to town regeneration, creating vibrant, attractive centres where people can live, work, and visit. By enhancing their role as business, service, social, cultural, and recreational hubs, THRIVE fosters sustainable and dynamic local communities.
The refurbishment of the Carnegie Library is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–27.
For further information, please contact Annette Fitzpatrick, Town Regeneration Officer, Kilkenny County Council, Ph 056 7794151/087 2631619