2.1.1       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%.  Kilkenny City (environs and borough area combined) recorded a population of 24,423 in 2011 which is an increase 2,244 (10.1%) over the population recorded in 2006.

1         Introduction

The City of Kilkenny has a rich and varied history.  It is known as the medieval capital of Ireland. Founded over one thousand years ago, its influences are Norman, Medieval, Renaissance, Victorian and modern. It is unique among Irish regional towns; managing to maintain a vibrancy and balance between the needs of development and the protection of the basic fabric of its historic layout which has remained unchanged for centuries.