<P> Minister of State Tom Kitt explained these provisions as follows: </P> <P> New provisions to recognise the term "city" to describe Kilkenny in line with long - established historical and municipal practice were brought in . Kilkenny was reconstituted as a borough corporation under the Municipal Corporations Act, 1840, as were Clonmel, Drogheda and Sligo . Section 2 of the 1840 Act specifically provided that Kilkenny is a borough which is still the current legal position in local government law . Traditionally, however, Kilkenny had been referred to as a city and this has its roots in local usage, deriving from a 17th century charter . It has not been a city in terms of local government law for at least 160 years . </P> <P> As I have indicated, the Bill as published specifically provides that local charters can continue for ceremonial or related purposes, thereby safeguarding local tradition and practice . There was, therefore, no difficulty in Kilkenny continuing with this long - established tradition . However, Kilkenny Corporation indicated that it was concerned that the existing provisions in the Bill would not maintain the status quo in addition to concerns with the other boroughs that the term "town" was some form of diminution of status . In view of these concerns the Minister (Noel Dempsey) indicated that he would include a provision in the Bill to specifically recognise the traditional usage of the term "city" to describe Kilkenny . For the first time ever in the Local Government Act the unique position of Kilkenny is being recognised in local government law . </P> <P> In 2002, Phil Hogan (a Fine Gael TD) asked for "full city status" for Kilkenny; in 2009 he said "Kilkenny has lost its City status courtesy of Fianna Fáil". </P>

What makes a town a city in ireland