Press Release - Funding Awarded to regenerate Carnegie Library
PRESS RELEASE
€3.98 Million Government & EU co-funding Awarded to regenerate Carnegie Library, Kilkenny
19th of September 2025
Kilkenny County Council welcomes the announcement of €3.98 Million in funding for the sustainable adaptive reuse of Carnegie Library, Kilkenny through THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.
Carnegie Library on John’s Quay, Kilkenny is set to be transformed into a vibrant cultural hub at the heart of the city and will become “The Stories of Kilkenny – Welcome to Your Past, Present & Future”. The regeneration will see a refurbishment of the building to improve energy efficiency and accessibility and a redesigned space to the side and rear of the building providing a public meeting space within a sustainable garden.
The regenerated building will provide open access to local studies, research, and family history resources, alongside exhibitions and heritage programmes designed to celebrate Kilkenny’s rich history. It will actively reach into the community, engaging schools, adult learners, cultural organisations, migrants, and marginalised groups through a dynamic programme of outreach, workshops and activities.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Mary Hilda Cavanagh welcomed the funding announcement saying -
“A jewel in the crown of the built heritage of Kilkenny city, the Carnegie Library’s future is secured with this funding”.
Mayor of Kilkenny, John Coonan said “Future generations will benefit from this wonderful building, the resources it offers and the access to historical materials and records”.
The project was prioritised through an active engagement process with the community and stakeholders in the creation of the John’s Quay/John Street Urban Design Strategy, also funded under THRIVE. It has already been granted planning permission, following approval by Kilkenny County Council earlier this year.
Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, said:
“Heritage buildings are part of the identity of our towns, holding memories and stories that matter to local people. This significant investment in the Southern Region and the Eastern and Midland Region puts communities firmly at the heart of town centre regeneration. It gives local people a say in how heritage buildings are repurposed, ensuring they meet the needs of modern life while celebrating their historic value.”
THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 21-27. The scheme has been co-designed by the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address European, national and regional policy objectives.
Kilkenny County Council also acknowledges the support of the Southern Regional Assembly in administering the THRIVE programme.
For more information, contact Annette Fitzpatrick, Town Regeneration Officer, Kilkenny County Council (056 -7794151)
