THE MARKET HOUSE

Market Houses
They are a notable feature of many Irish towns with varying styles of architecture, size and ornamentation. They are usually located at the centre of the town or village at which at one stage a market of animals and produce was held. An upper floor was often used as a courthouse or ballroom while the cellar or basement was often used as a local jail.
Today most of the Market Houses in Ireland have been put to use as cultural venues, business premises, town halls or have been left derelict pending development as is the case in Piltown. Many are listed as protected structures while very few very have been demolished in recent times due to a new found architectural, historical and social appreciation

It is a handsome market house erected at the expense of the Earl of Bessborough in 1848 and appropriated to the use of the Roman Catholic day-school, the Protestant Sunday-school and all public meetings. Having been well maintained, the elementary form has survived intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the restrained interior
Kilkenny County Council have completed the tender process for the development of a Remote Working Hub in part of the existing Garda Station. Work has commenced and when completed will house a range of facilities including designated desks and a range of offices.
A grant to fund 90% of the cost has been awarded to Kilkenny County Council under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund 2021/2022 and the balance to be funded by Piltown Community Enterprise
The old Garda Station will be completely renovated. Once complete it will revert to The Market House and become a modern Remote Working Hub.
The renovations have already begun and when completed in 2024 will further enhance the village centre. This development will make a pleasing visual statement in the Piltown village street scene and an important feature in the further planned development.

The new Market House Hub is a joint project promoted by Kilkenny County Council and Piltown Community Enterprise. It marks another milestone in the co-operation between Kilkenny County Council and PCE who this this year celebrate 38 years of service to the community
