Kilkenny People drive to shop

KILKENNY -- People around the city of Kilkenny are more likely to drive to shopping destinations in neighbouring Carlow, Clonmel and Waterford than they are to shop locally. It's all down to value for money and availability of parts. I have DIY things to do on weekends, when most hardware shops in the local area close by 1PM on Saturday. Twice in October, I drove to Dublin to get the things I needed. That also meant buying food, petrol and magazines outside of Kilkenny as well. Kilkenny city has lost its prominence as a major retail destination. "There is better value and more choice elsewhere," points out Deputy John McGuinness in a front page news item. McGuinness believes the Chamber of Commerce and Industry must facilitate developers in placing new sales outlets in Kilkenny. That's not happening now because developers are often rebuffed by government planners.

---

Sean Keane -- "Shoppers shun Kilkenny for cheaper rivals" in The Kilkenny People, 31 Oct 03
x_ref19