Kilkenny is to undergo significant development over the next five years which will transform the city into a top tourist destination and a major hub for investment and enterprise.

Kilkenny Borough and County Councils, in conjunction with Failte Ireland, are implementing a major tourism plan to drive economic and cultural development which will ultimately help the city flourish and result in job creation.

The plan involves an investment of millions in the city's cultural heritage offering and infrastructure.

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Projects include:

• The development of a new €3m Smithwick's Visitor Experience by Diageo

• A new national museum in the historic St. Mary's Church

• The upgrading and improvement of High Street, widening of footpaths and improvement of the public realm

• The development of a new city centre garden

• The development of a new arts gallery at the Evans Home

• The completion of 60 km of cycleways at a cost of €1m.

According to Kilkenny Mayor Martin Brett, the development works will ensure a top class and engaging experience for visitors to Kilkenny. It will also create an awareness and appreciation by citizens of the heritage of the city, and present huge opportunities for local businesses.

"We want Kilkenny to be a creative city, a celebratory city and a compact city - a place that will be a joy to live and do business in, and to visit as a tourist," the Mayor added.

(CD/JP)