Press Releases10 Nov 04

Minister confirms Kilkenny palace for Heritage Council

MINISTER CONFIRMS KILKENNY PALACE FOR HERITAGE COUNCIL

Wednesday 10th November 2004

The Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche, announced today that the Heritage Council has completed the purchase of the Bishops Palace in Kilkenny from the Representative Church Body and that the property will become the new headquarters for The Heritage Council.

Welcoming the agreement the Minister stated

"Securing the long term future of this most significant of heritage properties is a major boost not only to Kilkenny but to our national heritage as a whole. The setting of the Palace and its juxt position to the Cathedral close is unique in an Irish context. I can think of no better custodian for such a property than An Chomhairle Oidreachta (the Heritage Council) which comes under my aegis".

In addition to the use of the property as its national headquarters the Hertiage Council, as new owners, will provide for a degree of community access to the site. Very importantly from an ecclesiastical heritage point of view this will include access for ongoing dioscesan use and for the Bishop in terms of access from the new See House, through the grounds of the Palace to the Cathedral.

Mr Denis Reardon, Chief Officer of the Representative Church Body of the Church of Ireland said: "The Church of Ireland is very pleased that one of its most historic buildings can continue be used in a manner that respects its history and tradition. As a Church we believe it is important that Church buildings, such as the Palace, should continue to serve a purpose within the community and yet remain accessible to the diocese or parish within which they are situated. We look forward to having a close and warm relationship with our new neighbours, the Heritage Council."