3   Core Strategy

Strategic Aim: To implement the provisions of the Regional Planning Guidelines and to target the growth of Kilkenny City, Ferrybank/Belview, the District Towns,  the other settlements in the hierarchy and rural areas to advance sustainable development. 

2   Demographic and Socio-Economic Trends

2.1   Population

Census 2011 records the population of County Kilkenny as 95,419 which is an increase of 7,861 over the population recorded in 2006[1].  This is a 9% population increase for the county over the period and compares well with the State which averaged an increase of 8%.