The Strategy was underpinned by empirical evidence in the form of a 550-sample shopper survey, as well as detailed health-checks and community and trader consultation. We undertook a series of health-checks for Kilkenny and the district towns, which considered a wide range of factors, such as a detailed breakdown of the composition of each centre between different types of retail and service uses, as well as a range of vitality and viability indicators including a consideration of attraction, accessibility and amenity.

We also undertook a highly successful consultation event in October 2019 with traders and other key stakeholders in Kilkenny City. The meeting was attended by over 60 interested parties and involved a presentation of findings, followed by a question and answers session with the stakeholders. The meeting was extremely helpful in sense-checking our empirical findings and health-checks of each centre.

The final Retail Strategy entailed detailed recommendations in respect of Kilkenny City as well as the district towns. The recommendations included place-based interventions as well as a set of broader strategic recommendations. We also prepared a complete set of draft retail objectives and policies for inclusion within the Kilkenny County and City Development Plan 2021-2027.