New Ross District Manager Promises Exciting Developments Are On The Way

Plans are underway to make New Ross a better place to live in and visit according to the town's District Manager.

Tourists have been flocking to the town since the start of the summer thanks to the John Dwyer Trad Weekend and the Kennedy Summer School.

Culture is set to be the focus once again this month with the Piano Festival returning on the 23rd September.

District Manager Alan Fitzhenry says they are working hard to improve the economic and social parts of the town too:

"We've finished a lot of major rejuvenation projects, Brennan's Lane, the Shambles, the High Hill Norman Gardens, the Emigrant Park and so on.

"Obviously the South East Greenway and we want to see that finished but the big one that's coming up and just gone to tender is the Quay Street Rejuvenation Project.

"That's the street in the centre of town, just outside my office in the Tholsel, we're going to be pedestrianising that street, resurfacing it, installing new street furniture and making it a very welcoming and impressive, amazing space in the centre of New Ross town.

Meanwhile, history will be celebrated at this year's edition of the New Ross Piano Festival.

2026 marks the 20th version of the popular event which brings musicians from all around the world to the shores of the River Barrow.

The festival runs from the 23rd to the 27th of September and will be closed out this year by the RTE Concert Orchestra.

Mr Fitzhenry says they want to bring the festival right back to it's humble beginnings:

"It's a huge year and a great milestone and congratulations to all involved with that with a wonderful programme of events this year.

"They're even bringing back a woman named Judy Carmichael who was there 20 years ago, she'll be playing in the historic St Mary's Church so check that out."

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.