The Mayor of Kilkenny has welcomed a move by the St Patrick's Day organising committee to remove his name from a ticketed post-parade mayoral reception.
Councillor John Coonan said there was some confusion after details of the ticketed event emerged in recent days.
Councillor Coonan said the post parade mayoral reception at Butler House happens every year but this year a ticket for the event was advertised.
Ticketholders could attend the event, which is hosted by the mayor, for €20.
Councillor Coonan said there was a lot of misunderstanding about the event on social media.
"I want to be absolutely clear: I was not consulted about this, in no way agreed to this and I would never participate in any ticketed or paywalled meet-and-greets," he stated in post online today.
"Access to your Mayor, especially on our national holiday, should never be treated as a commercial commodity or put behind a paywall," he added.
Councillor Coonan has said he requested that festival organisers remove his name and the office of the mayor from any commercial packages immediately, adding that "this has been done".
He said that he will be attending the parade in Kilkenny in his official capacity and carrying out his normal duties.
The festival organisers were asked statement about the charges on Friday and said the St Patrick's Festival offers "a mix of spectacular free and ticketed events".
It said in line with other festivals at home and abroad an extra feature for 2026 is an optional covered grandstand viewing experience on Bateman Quay.
The statement said the ticketed option is designed to offer choice to those who would like a different St Patrick’s Day experience.
It said the parade itself remains free to attend from multiple viewing points throughout Kilkenny city, adding there is designated free seating areas for wheelchair users and people with additional needs.
It said a free livestream is also available for those who wish to celebrate Kilkenny’s St Patrick’s Day but cannot attend in person.
On the ticketing website this evening, tickets for the grandstand are on sale for €35, which it states includes a guaranteed seat and a prime viewing location at Bateman Quay.
It notes the grandstand is uncovered and ticket holders can take their seats from 12.15pm with the parade getting underway at 1.30pm.
Organisers say they expected the St Patrick’s Festival in Kilkenny to attract 100,000 visitors across the four days.
