EditSection Two
EditThe Village of Bennettsbridge
Edit 2.1 Location
Located on the River Nore, the village of Bennettsbridge is situated almost mid-way between Kilkenny and Thomastown along the R700 and ca. 9km south of Kilkenny City. The village is located in the townland of Bennettsbridge, in the parish of Treadingstown, in the Barony of Gowran.
Its location within a river valley creates a picturesque setting for the village. This also results in the ground both east and west of the village rising upwards from the River, with the land directly adjacent to the river forming a flat flood plain. The main street of the village is located on raised ground to the immediate east of the river. Some buildings are also located in a dispersed fashion on the west bank of the river. The village is connected via a landmark bridge which forms a focal point within both the village and riverscapes and the surrounding agricultural landscape.
 Figure 2.1: Bennettsbridge in Context Maps |
Edit2.2 The Crafts Industry
County Kilkenny is renowned for its crafts industry and boasts a successful craft trail. The location of the Crafts Council of Ireland in Kilkenny City, and the foundation of Grennan Mill craft college in Thomastown has encouraged the continued growth of the crafts industry throughout the county. The trail features nine retail outlets throughout the county, four of which are located in Bennettsbridge. These included Chesneau Leather Goods, Keith Mosse Woodworking, Nicholas Mosse Pottery and ‘Moth to a Flame’ Handmade Candles.
Edit2.3 Population
The population of Bennettsbridge is outlined in the table below and shows the differences in population figures between 1996 and 2006. The village of Bennettsbridge takes in three different Electoral Divisions (or parts thereof) as shown in the table below.
Table 2.1: Population| Year | 1996 | 2002 | 2006 | Percent. change 1996-2002 | Percent. change 2002-2006 |
|---|
| Bennettsbridge ED | na | 624 | 561 | na | -10.1% |
|---|
| Danesfort ED | na | 65 | 81 | na | 24.6 |
|---|
| Outrath ED | na | 46 | 43 | na | -6.5% |
|---|
| Bennettsbridge Village (Total) | 601 | 735 | 685 | 22.3% | -6.8% |
|---|
The 2006 census recorded a population of 685 people in Bennettsbridge, a decrease of 6.81% from the previous census. In comparison, the population increase in the 1996-2002 period had been exceptionally high at 22.3%.
At county level, the population of Kilkenny has shown a steady increase as set out in the table below. The percentage increase for the county from 1996 to 2006 was 13.7%.
| Year | 1996 | 2002 | 2006 | % Change (1996-2006) |
|---|
| Kilkenny County | 75,336 | 80,399 | 87,558 | 13.7% |
|---|
The County Development Plan sets out population projections for the county and these suggest that the population of Kilkenny City and County will continue to grow over the next 12 years. The last census period from 2002 to 2006 highlights that general population trends for the country show a marked increase in population, particularly in areas under urban influence (i.e. adjacent a larger conurbation).
However, in relation to Bennettsbridge, the Census figures send out a somewhat mixed message. The growth during the 1996-2002 Census period is evidence of the attractiveness of Bennettsbridge as a location in close proximity to Kilkenny city. The subsequent decline in population in the 2002-2006 period is therefore unusual. Should these figures be an accurate reflection of population decrease in Bennettsbridge over recent years, this trend would not be desirable as population decline can potentially lead to a decrease of local services. This trend will be monitored during the lifetime of the Plan.
From a cursory analysis of recent building activity in the village (as discussed in Section 2.6) in relation to recent planning permissions for residential development, it would appear that a number of residential units were being built during the 2002-2006 period (and these now appear to be largely occupied). This would further suggest that the Census figures might not accurately reflect the actual population of the village
 Mosse Mill – Home to Mosse Pottery |
Edit2.4 Historical Development of the Village
It is recorded that the main passageway from Leinster to the south of Ireland passed through present day Bennettsbridge, fording the river upstream of the present bridge. This roadway became busier and a bridge was constructed to accommodate the use of this passage. The earliest mention of Bennettsbridge appears in 1285, when “Edward I made a grant of customs to be taken at the new bridge of Trenedinestone”. This early bridge is clearly delineated on the Down Survey map of 1654. The earlier bridge was washed away in the great flood of 1763 and replaced by the distinctive landmark bridge which exists today. This later bridge was built under the direction of the navigation board with public money. The industrial origins of the village are evident in the two landmark mills situated on either bank of the river, which have been in existence from at least the eighteenth century. These mills provided much of the employment base for the former inhabitants of the village with additional employment and produce being provided by the rich agricultural hinterland. The Census of Ireland c.1659 records 22 people in Bennettsbridge, 2 English and 20 Irish.
The first edition Ordnance Survey (O.S.) map of 1829, depicts the morphology of the village as extending south in a linear form along the main street and stretching eastwards along the Gowran road. Public buildings such as the early school and Roman Catholic church (which no longer exists) are located to the northeast of the village with two flour mills located on either bank of the river, with a weir downstream of the bridge. A canal is depicted to the west of the village.
 Ordnance Survey Map, first edition, c.1829 |
The subsequent 1897 O.S. map depicts little change in the layout of the village, with the flour mills now shown as ‘corn mills’, and the police station now converted into a private house named ‘Kilkenny House’.
By 1914 a new school had been constructed in the village and this building at present day functions as a private residence with the construction of a new school across the road in the 1990s. The original early church built c.1822 was demolished and replaced with the present modern structure in 1967. The original layout of the village is still visible with additional residential expansion taking place on the fringes on the village.
 Ordnance Survey Map, second edition, c.1897 |
Edit2.5 Urban Structure and Land Patterns
Bennettsbridge occupies a prominent position on the River Nore. Impressive views are created up and down the river as one crosses the bridge.
The historic footprint of the village centres on the bridge. From here the village extends southwards along Main Street, resulting in a linear street pattern. The junction at the north end of Main Street and the Gowran road forms a pivotal area within the village, linking the village back to Kilkenny city via the bridge to the west and onto Gowran to the east. The historical civic centre is located just east of the Gowran road junction, as the original school and church were located here. Although both the original school and church have been replaced with modern buildings this area still remains as the civic centre of the village, having a grouping of commercial building at this junction.
The western side of the village comprises of a small grouping of historic structures across the river at the Danesfort cross roads.
A review of the layout of the village highlights that the oldest buildings from which the village has evolved are the mills and the bridge, which dominate the riverscape. Most of the buildings arranged in a linear pattern along Main street date to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. They are mixed single-two-and-three-storey structures which front directly onto the street. The plots are long and narrow, with those located on the west side running down to the edge of the riverbank. Those on the east side, originally backed onto open countryside which has been built up with residential developments from the 1940’s onwards. The continuity of the building line along Main Street enhances the streetscape and reduces the amount of infill sites creating a strong building line and sense of enclosure. Residential infill which has taken place on the west side of the street, respects the vernacular design of the buildings and conforms to the existing building line.
Bennettsbridge occupies a prominent position on the River Nore. Impressive views are created up and down the river as one crosses the bridge.
The historic footprint of the village centres on the bridge. From here the village extends southwards along Main Street, resulting in a linear street pattern. The junction at the north end of Main Street and the Gowran road forms a pivotal area within the village, linking the village back to Kilkenny city via the bridge to the west and onto Gowran to the east. The historical civic centre is located just east of the Gowran road junction, as the original school and church were located here. Although both the original school and church have been replaced with modern buildings this area still remains as the civic centre of the village, having a grouping of commercial building at this junction.
The western side of the village comprises of a small grouping of historic structures across the river at the Danesfort cross roads.
A review of the layout of the village highlights that the oldest buildings from which the village has evolved are the mills and the bridge, which dominate the riverscape. Most of the buildings arranged in a linear pattern along Main street date to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. They are mixed single-two-and-three-storey structures which front directly onto the street. The plots are long and narrow, with those located on the west side running down to the edge of the riverbank. Those on the east side, originally backed onto open countryside which has been built up with residential developments from the 1940’s onwards. The continuity of the building line along Main Street enhances the streetscape and reduces the amount of infill sites creating a strong building line and sense of enclosure. Residential infill which has taken place on the west side of the street, respects the vernacular design of the buildings and conforms to the existing building line.
View southwards down Main Street
View northwards of Bridge, Weir and Kells Mill
In the last few decades there has been a shift in the growth to the east of the village with the construction of new residential areas along the Gowran road. This takes the shape of mature housing estates on the eastern side of the village, wrapping around the village core and extending southwards. The village is approached on all sides by ribbon development which fizzles out into open countryside. The surrounding landscape of Bennettsbridge is typically rural with agricultural fields dedicated to livestock grazing and/or tillage. The field systems are demarcated by a series of mature natural hedgerows typical of rural Co. Kilkenny.
Built on a floodplain, the flat area of the west banks as well as the open fields north and south of the village are liable to floods.
At present there are numerous vacant sites within the village centre. On Main Street alone there are two vacant residential units and a commercial unit which is now closed down. These premises detract from the overall architectural and visual appearance of the streetscape.
Section Five of this LAP outlines a number of specific policies and objectives in relation to the village centre/Main Street and opportunity sites.
Edit2.6 The Village Centre
The village centre is based around Main Street and the Gowran road, leading past the school and church. In effect the main body of the village stretches from the Garda Station on the southern end of the village, through the church and school at the other end. The village contains
- Garda Station
- Credit union
- Post office
- Chesneau Leather Goods
- Two Pubs
- Church
- Graveyard
- Primary School
- Grocery Shop
- Butcher’s Shop
- Restaurant
These units are clustered at either end of the village with the commercial centre of shops, nucleated on the junction of Main Street and Gowran Road. Financial services such as the post office and credit union are situated at the southern end of the village. The church and school are located opposite each other on the Gowran Road.
The church was constructed in 1967 to the immediate east of the original church and graveyard. The original church was demolished, but the graveyard remained on the site and in use and predates the current church. The corner site of the graveyard has resulted in it being wedged between two roads and the new church. The graveyard is nearly at full capacity and its location has proven problematic for extension.
There are currently 195 pupils, 112 boys and 83 girls in Bennettsbridge primary school. This is an increase of 9 from last year. A new two class room extension has been built onto the school allowing for the removal of one of the prefabs currently on site.
The main area for parking within the village is in front of the school. This area is a designated parking area and serves the general village, the school and church. Parking at this area is sufficient for the village but can become busy at peak school times during the week and on Sunday mornings. Parking provision for the rest of the village is currently mainly along the Main Street.
The remainder of the village further extends across the bridge, to a nucleation of industries, some of which are predominantly craft based, they include
- Nicholas Mosse Pottery
- Keith Mosse Woodturning
- Moth to a Flame candle making
- Glan Bia,
- Mixrite Ireland Ltd. and
- Home Furniture
Edit2.7 Village Character
Within the established village there are several features of interest which give Bennettsbridge its character and create a sense of place and identity. The bridge from which the village derives its name is a distinctive feature of both the village and riverscape alike. The landmarks of Kells Mill and Mosse Mill located down stream on either bank of the river contribute further as landmark features along the river bank. As a grain growing region within the country, mills were common features throughout the county of Kilkenny, many of whose remains are still visible through the landscape. The two mills at Bennettsbridge are still in a fine state of repair and functioning. These structures along with the bridge create a triangle which reflects the historical establishment of the village. They act as a link to its architectural, historical, technical and social past while simultaneously still functioning as an employment base for the village. They therefore create a sense of identity within the village.
Modest in scale and simple in design, the buildings along Main Street are arranged in a terraced fashion. Most buildings are rendered with some having simple render decorative detailing exhibited in window and door surrounds. This is used to enliven the façade of these modest buildings. The variety of materials used in the finishes of buildings such as stone sills, redbrick chimneystacks and slate roofs creates textural variety in the street’s appearance.
The buildings located along the Gowran Road are in contrast with the strong building line which is established along the Main Street. Buildings such as the church and school are modern in design and finish and are set back from the street, located within their own grounds.
The main open spaces within the village centre are located along the banks of the river adjacent to Mosse Mill and behind the butchers shop. These open areas are not landscaped and are under grass functioning as flood plains during the winter months. The area immediately adjoining the school is a common open area, used for additional recreation space by the school. Bennettsbridge GAA Club, located on the northern periphery of the village and the soccer club located to the east of the village act as the recreational open space for the village inhabitants. Additional open space is located within the residential developments throughout the village.
Edit2.8 Planning History
A planning history search revealed that Bennettsbridge is not currently under large development pressure. The majority of planning applications are for extensions to existing buildings or are in relation to the existing quarries. Two large applications date back to 2003 and 2004. A planning application was granted in 2004 for the construction of 36 houses on the eastern boundary of Bennettsbridge (Pl. Ref. 01/63). A second planning application was submitted for the construction of 36 houses on the adjoining site (Pl. Ref. 03/1587). This was granted permission by An Bord Pleanála subject to 9 conditions, inter alia reducing the overall units to 34 and making development subject to satisfactory wastewater treatment facilities being implemented (ABP Ref. PL 10.205689).
Edit2.9 Community Facilities/ Amenity/ Recreation
During public and stakeholder consultation the strengths and weaknesses in the available community facilities in Bennettsbridge were highlighted.
The strengths present within the village include
- the GAA club and its facilities located on the northern periphery of the village,
- the soccer pitch,
- the village hall,
- the open green space beside the school.
A weakness highlighted in the village was the lack of a doctor/ health facility. At present village inhabitants have to travel to either Kilkenny or Thomastown.
Although Bennettsbridge has the advantage of having established sports facilities at the GAA grounds, it was felt that the facilities of the Soccer Club were badly underdeveloped. The Soccer Club currently depends on the utilisation of additional facilities at the open area beside the school and the Woodlawn area.
The lack of children’s amenities, especially a play ground was also noted. The area beside the school provides a pleasant amenity but the need to protect this amenity for the future was highlighted.
The absence of a river walk was identified and the need to build on the existing crafts trail within the village.
A need for more shops or a small supermarket with sufficient parking was also raised.
A significant weakness identified by the public was the lack of a community hall. Although a village hall is present in the old school house, it was felt that this building was not sufficient to cope as a community facility for the population of the village.
Increased Garda facilities for the village, particularly in relation to opening hours of the station, were also highlighted as an issue.
Edit 2.10 Archaeology and Built Heritage
2.10.1 Archaeology
Archaeological monuments are protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004 and are identified by The National Monuments Service under the DoEHLG. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) was established under Section 12 of the National Monuments Act 1994 (Amendment). The RMP identifies archaeological sites throughout the country. Each site is recorded under an identification number and plotted on an Ordnance Survey map. An accompanying index lists all sites under corresponding identification number, townland and classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all archaeological monuments and can be added to or subtracted from. See the table below for the RMP for Bennettsbridge.
| RMP Number | Townland | Classification |
|---|
| KK024-031001 | Bennettsbridge | Church |
| KK024-031002 | Bennettsbridge | Graveyard |
| KK024-032 | Bennettsbridge | Enclosure |
| KK024-033 | Bennettsbridge | Building |
| KK024-03401 | Bennettsbridge | Enclosure site |
| KK024-03402 | Bennettsbridge | Enclosure site |
| KK024-010601 | Bennettsbridge | Bridge site possible |
 Map 4.2 RMP Map showing archaeological sites within the vicinity of Bennettsbridge |
2.10.2 Record of Protected Structures
Our architectural heritage is a unique and irreplaceable resource which is a vital link to our past. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, it is the statutory responsibility of each planning authority to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures (RPS). The Act also requires a Planning Authority to include objectives for the preservation of the character of areas of special architectural interest. ‘The Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2004’ (AHPG) sets out guidelines for the protection of the county’s architectural heritage.
There are a number of protected structures currently in Bennettsbridge as listed in the County’s Record of Protected Structures.
Further to this, the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), a division within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, carried out an interim survey in 2004 of all structures within the county, deemed to be of importance as set out under the categories of special interest. This included a survey of Bennettsbridge.
Listed in the table below are both structures that are on the RPS as well as those from the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
| Name of Structure | Type | RPS Number | NIAH Number |
|---|
| | Bridge | N/A | 12312001 |
| Bennettsbridge National School | Former School | N/A | 12312002 |
| | House | N/A | 12312009 |
| Larkin & Associates | House | N/A | 12312008 |
| Kells Wholemeal | Mill | D113 | 12312007 |
| Bennettsbridge Garda Siochana Station | Garda Station | C21 | 12312006 |
| | Bridge | C18 | 123120010 |
| | Bridge | N/A | 123120014 |
| Nicholas Mosse | Former Mill | C19 | 123120011 |
| | Paving | N/A | 123120015 |
| Kilkenny House | House | N/A | 123120013 |
| Bennettsbridge Lodge | House | N/A | 123120012 |
| | Railway Bridge | N/A | 12312005 |
Edit2.11 Natural Environment
Kilkenny County is an inland county located in the most fertile plain in Ireland. The River Nore flows in a north-south axis through the county, dissecting it. The topography of the county is generally consistent, being flat throughout the greater part of the county with upland areas to the north-east, north-west and south.
The landscape of County Kilkenny is a diverse and valuable resource. Bennettsbridge village is situated in the valley of the River Nore, surrounded by open countryside, c.9 kilometres southeast of Kilkenny city. It is situated in the river’s floodplain. The Nore valley is a low-lying area of the county, with an undulating terrain of grey-brown podsoils. The banks of the river at Bennettsbridge conform to general floodplain vegetation of grassland. The main geological composition of the region is dolomite limestone of Lower Carboniferous age. The working quarry north of Bennettsbridge has been included as a ‘Site of Geological Interest’ as an area of exposed dolomite under section 8.2.5, table 8.2 of the County Development Plan 2008-2014.
Bennettsbridge is located in the Lowlands Area of the Landscape Appraisal of the Kilkenny County Development Plan. The lands in this area are described as being ‘the most extensive lowland area in the county’ where the terrain is ‘generally smooth although undulating in certain areas, with vegetative/wooded slopes rising from the river valley’. The generally flat topography allows long distance visibility. This is further assisted by the large open fields being given over to grassland with a small amout of tillage on the fringes. These create a uniform appearance to the landscape.
The River Nore which flows through the centre of the village is a designated candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) under the EU Habitats directive.
A Nore river walkway project is currently being developed by BNS Rural Development in association with Kilkenny County Council. The walk is divided into stages which includes
- Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge
- Bennettsbridge to Thomastown
- Thomastown to Inistioge
This walk will follow the east bank of the river from Kilkenny towards Bennettsbridge, emerging into the village at the steps behind the butchers shop and continuing down the Main Street.
Edit2.12 Traffic and Transportation
2.12.1 Traffic Congestion
The main Kilkenny to Thomastown road, R700, passes through the centre of the village. This has resulted in heavy volumes of traffic on the Main Street and crossing the narrow bridge. The junction at the bridge and Gowran road has become a bottleneck. This problem is further accentuated by the location of three quarries, Hennessys, Lagans and Roadstone, within the vicinity of the village, resulting in large numbers of trucks utilising this route.
2.12.2 Public Transport and Parking
At present there is no train or bus service within the village resulting in large scale car dependency for transport. Parking along Main Street is problematic due to the narrow width of the main street and the current traffic volumes on this route
2.12.3 N9 Upgrade
The new N9 upgrade, Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme, which is a subsection of the overall N9 Waterford to Knocktopher scheme passes to the north of the village. The development consists of the construction of 24 km of high quality dual carriageway. There are three junctions in close proximity to Bennettsbridge;
- Danesfort Junction is located just south of the village. It is on the line of the existing N10. This junction will allow local access, and access to Kilkenny City. This will be the access point closest to motorists in Bennettsbridge.
- Dunbell junction will provide a link at the intersection of the Kilkenny Link Road and the proposed mainline, in Dunbell Big. No access is allowed at this junction
- Jordanstown junction located approximately 1km to the west of Paulstown. This will provide a Link Road to connect to the existing N10 and to the existing N9 south of Paulstown.
Shown below are sections of the new N9 route alignment near Bennettsbridge which are taken from the Environmental Impact Statement submitted as part of the project.
 Extract Maps from the Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the N9 Waterford to Knocktopher scheme |
 Extract Maps from the Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the N9 Waterford to Knocktopher scheme |