Carrick-on-Suir

Strategic Vision 2030

Carrick-on-Suir Tourism and Economic Development Committee

October 2016

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................ 1

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2

2. Vision and Mission .................................................................................................................................. 3

2.1 Vision .............................................................................................................................................. 3

2.2 Mission ............................................................................................................................................ 3

2.3 Where we want to be ..................................................................................................................... 3

2.4 Supporting Initiatives ...................................................................................................................... 4

3. Strategic Projects .................................................................................................................................... 5

4. Funding required and potential sources of funding ............................................................................... 6

5. Governance Structure ............................................................................................................................. 7

5.1 COSTEDC Strategic Projects – Suggested Corporate Structure ...................................................... 7

6. Town Profile ............................................................................................................................................ 8

7. Development Plan Policy ...................................................................................................................... 12

8 Appendices ........................................................................................................................................... 14

A. Extract from the Ormond Castle Quarter Improvement Scheme 2014 .............................................. 14

B Extract from the Carrick-on-Suir Town Development Plan 2013 ..................................................... 18

C Strategic Projects Summary .............................................................................................................. 22

D Carrick-on-Suir Town Statistics ......................................................................................................... 23

D.1 Geographic Infrastructure ........................................................................................................ 23

D.2 Educational Attainment ............................................................................................................ 24

D.2.1 Schools and Colleges in the Carrick-on-Suir area ................................................................. 24

D.3 Employment Structure 2011 ..................................................................................................... 25

E Amenities in Carrick-on-Suir ................................................................................................................. 26

E.1 Sports Clubs .................................................................................................................................. 26

E.2 Culture, Arts and Heritage ............................................................................................................ 26

E.3 Retail and Social ............................................................................................................................ 27

F Brief Summary of career and qualifications of members of COSTEDC................................................. 28

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1. Introduction

Carrick-on-Suir is located in the south east of County Tipperary with a population of

approximately 6000 people. It is in a spectacular setting. The town nestles in the lush valley

between Slievenamon to the north-west and the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains to the south.

Carrick-on-Suir (Carraig Na Siúire = the rock of the Suir) grew at the tide head of the Suir. It was

commanded by the 14th

/15th

century Ormond Castle and the fine 15th

century stone bridge, “The

Old Bridge” which was of strategic importance for 400 years approximately, originally built c

1447. The Ormond Castle commands the river to the east and is an architectural treasure unique

in Ireland.

Carrick-on-Suir combines a passion and respect for its proud heritage with the amenities and

facilities of a modern Irish town. It is within easy reach of all the larger centres of population in

Ireland. Carrick-on-Suir is a 20 minute drive from the M9 Dublin-Waterford motorway and is

approximately 20 minutes car journey from Clonmel, 30 minutes from Waterford, 45 minutes

from Kilkenny an hour and a half (90 minutes) from Cork and 2 hours from Dublin.

The town has a wealth of untapped tourism and heritage resources which are ripe for development

including:

Ormond Castle and Ireland’s only Tudor Manor House

The River Suir with its Marina and amenities

The Heritage Centre

The Historic Lanes

Part of the original Town Walls

14th

Century Old Bridge

St. Molleran’s Church and graveyard

(Heritage Centre)

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2. Vision and Mission

2.1 Vision

Carrick-on-Suir is a thriving town with a diverse economy building on its heritage

and confident of its future.

2.2 Mission

Our mission is to make Carrick-on-Suir an attractive town to visit, to live in and for

work and shopping; a place where new and existing entrepreneurs are encouraged

and supported; where tourism is significantly increased and where training and

employment opportunities are actively generated.

2.3 Where we want to be

Our Vision and Mission provide the broad

thrust. The more specific goals below indicate

the roadmap we see as important to ensuring

that Carrick-on-Suir in 2030 is recognised as

being the best town of its size in Ireland. We

recognise that there are many other parts to that

mosaic including social policy, district and

county planning and government and non-

government policies and projects that will also

influence the town but the items listed below

are those we believe can make the greatest

contribution.

5 years: Broad vision for the town to be

widely known and accepted, funding and

governance for all projects within a 10 year

horizon in place, community participation level

increased, and following projects in train or

complete.

Enterprise Centre with track record for

business, wealth and job creation.

Rolling fund for derelict property

renovation.

Greenway walking and cycle paths,

including extension into the town.

Ormond Castle Quarter including

redevelopment of the Wicklow Gardens

site.

Public Realm including traffic and

parking improvements.

Redevelopment of Heritage Centre.

Tourist Hostel at St Josephs.

Revision of Comeragh College as an

Adult Education Centre.

Recognised as a Retail Centre of

Excellence.

Reputation as an attractive dormitory

town for commuters.

10 years: Funding for projects in 10 year

horizon and following projects in progress or

complete.

Marina building.

Plans completed for Kickham Street

“Latin Quarter.

15 years: Funding for projects in 15 year

horizon and following projects in progress or

complete.

Gothic Medieval Quarter, incorporating

the lanes off Main Street, Bridge Street,

West Gate, River frontage and Carrick-

Beg including Old Bridge, St.

Molleran's Church and Reilig Nu

Muiche.

New Bridge over the river Suir.

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2.4 Supporting Initiatives

The Town Hall in New Street was built in

approximately 1840 and is scheduled for

refurbishment. It has served as a dance hall, a

band hall, and as the offices of Carrick-on-Suir

Town Council and the County Council’s area

office. Since the merger of the Town Council

and the new Tipperary County Council, it has

served as the headquarters of the Carrick-on-

Suir Municipal District.

The refurbishment will increase the available

space in the building by approximately 60%.

The Customer Service area will also be

available for exhibitions and for civic events.

The additional office space gives the County

Council greater flexibility in how it uses the

building, and ensures the long term viability of

the building in Carrick-on-Suir. The cost of the

renovation and extension is estimated at €3.1

million. This development shows the

importance of the town of Carrick-on-Suir.

We need to capitalise on the Tipperary

Strategic Tourism Marketing, Experience &

Destination Development Plan 2016-2021. It

has been prepared by Tipperary County

Council and Tipperary Tourism Company.

This marketing programme provides a co-

ordinated platform for tourism development,

with the focus on establishing packages to

lengthen visitor stays and assist people tap into

the natural beauty and heritage that Tipperary

has to offer. The aim is to establish Tipperary

as one of the top 3 destinations in Ireland’s

Ancient East. Failte Ireland has developed an

umbrella brand offering visitors a compelling

motivation to visit the midlands and east of the

country with a focus on the cultural and

historical sites in this region. This brand will

ensure that the area is presented in a cohesive

and unified manner.

Other tourism projects that Tipperary Tourism

Company is actively engaged in at present

include:

1. The development of the Munster Vales

proposition, which is promoting the

walking and outdoor activities across the

mountain ranges in Munster, from

Ballyhoura, Co. Limerick to the Comeragh

Mountains to the south of Carrick-on-Suir

in Co. Waterford.

2. Further development of the Butler Trail,

along the river Suir including the towns of

Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir and

its extension to Kilkenny, Carlow and

County Tipperary. Discover the tales of

the Butler family going back 800 years.

3. The creation of the Canoe Trail / Blueway

on the River Suir and the development of

Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir Greenway

along the old tow path on the river, which

is expected to be completed in 2017.

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3. Strategic Projects

Vision “Carrick-on-Suir is a thriving town with a diverse economy, building on its heritage and

confident of its future.”

Mission “Our mission is to make Carrick-on-Suir an attractive town to visit, to live in and for work

and shopping; a place where new and existing entrepreneurs are encouraged and supported; where

tourism is significantly increased and where training and employment opportunities are actively

generated.”

The projects outlined below are aimed at making Carrick-on-Suir the best small town in Ireland in

which to do business and to live. The projects revolve around Carrick-on-Suir’s rich cultural and

commercial heritage and are delineated in line with the towns preserved infrastructure and opportunity

sites/areas.

Arising from an Economic Forum held in 2013 a series of Strategic Projects were identified that will

have a major positive impact on the town when successfully implemented over the next 15 years. The

identification of these projects resulted in the need to create a comprehensive funding and governance

plan for successful implementation.

Short, medium and long term projects overview

Strategic

Short Term 1 - 5 Years

Medium Term 5-10 Years

Long Term > 10 Years

Project Strategic 5 Years 10 Years 15 Years

1 Enterprise Centre * *

2 Property Rolling Fund * *

3 Greenway *

4 Gothic Quarter - Medieval Centre/ Laneways * *

5 Develop Wicklow Gardens Site * *

6 Develop Castle and Environs including

approach road from N24

* * *

7 Public Realm with Sean Kelly Square *

8 Refurbish Heritage Centre *

9 Develop Hostel at St. Joseph’s *

10 Develop Comeragh College as an Adult

Education Centre

* * *

11 Develop Marina & Building *

12 Develop Kickham Street, “Latin Quarter” *

13 New Bridge * *

See Summary of Strategic Project in Appendix C.

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4. Funding required and potential sources of funding

The funding required to execute these projects will come from a number of sources.

There is a requirement to fund a secretariat over the first five years of the plan to drive the

promotion of Carrick-on-Suir as a retail centre and to ensure that the planning and execution of

the strategic projects can be done in a professional manner.

The secretariat costs would include

1. Manager

2. Secretarial

3. Administration costs

Next are the project costs.

These fall into four categories

1. Projects funded by philanthropy and local fund raising

2. Projects that will be fully funded by the County Council and/or the Irish Government

3. Projects funded through Government or European Union funds

4. Projects of interest to commercial fund providers

This secretariat will take over from the duties currently being fulfilled by COSTEDC.

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5. Governance Structure

A key requirement for an initiative like this is to have robust governance in place. Due to the varied

nature of the projects we believe it would be appropriate to segregate the different types of projects to

coincide with the types of funding required i.e. commercial, philanthropic etc. It is envisaged that a

number of special purpose companies will be needed and potentially a split between the corporate

commercial and a separate for non-commercial or pastoral projects. There will be a separate corporate

entity for each major project or appropriate group.

5.1 COSTEDC Strategic Projects – Suggested Corporate Structure

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6. Town Profile

Historically Carrick-on-Suir was a very

prosperous town, as the principle gateway of the

south east. It provided the main mode of

transport on the river to Waterford, Tipperary,

Kilkenny, and beyond as there was no proper

road or rail transport in the region. In the 1800’s

the main industries were weaving, boat building,

brewing, distilling, boot-making, tanning and

milling. The butter and bacon market provided a

market for agricultural produce and the river

Suir facilitated the thriving import and export

business. The river provided water for brewing

and distilling, power for milling etc. Because

the river was the main means of transport there

was a thriving boat building industry. The

introduction of the railway in the 19th

century

signalled the beginning of the end of the river

trade, business on the river declined and these

industries waned.

Carrick-on-Suir has a strong industrial tradition.

The main industries during the 20th

century

were:

Plunder and Pollock (tannery) which

later became Irish Leathers Ltd. It

produced leather for the local and

international markets.

The German owned Scheisser Company,

manufactured underwear, provided

significant employment for the female

population.

Rexnord Corporation was a major

supplier of power transmission and

conveying components to industries

around the globe.

Tipperary Crystal, produced luxury

glassware at its plant in Ballynoran.

SRAM manufactured bicycle

components.

Globalisation saw the demise of these industries

as traditional manufacturing has been relocated

to low cost economies. There are now several

companies providing valuable alternative

employment in the area. The most notable of

these are the pharmaceutical companies such as:

Merck Sharp & Dohme, Ballydine.

Abbot Vascular, Boston Scientific, Suir

Pharma and Clonmel Healthcare in

Clonmel.

Bausch & Lomb, Sanofi Genzyme, Teva

Pharmaceitical in Waterford.

Glaxo Smith Kline, Eurofins Lancaster

Laboratories in Dungarvan.

Other manufacturing and service industries:

Corman Miloko (dairy).

Glanbia (agricultural and food

ingredients)

Bulmers (Irish cider).

William Grant (distillers).

Iverk Produce (vegetable wholesalers).

Blarney Woollen Mills (design centre).

Mill River Business Park.

Quality Recycling.

Geographically the town is nestled between 3

counties. The main town of Carrick-on-Suir is

in Co. Tipperary on the north bank of the river,

Carrickbeg which is on the south side is in Co.

Waterford and 3km to the east of the town is Co.

Kilkenny.

The river Suir at Carrick-on-Suir is noted for its

salmon and trout fishing.

The social fabric of the community is very

strong with a significant number of sports clubs

and amenities, together with arts, heritage and

cultural facilities. (see Appendix E).

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Carrick-on-Suir has a vibrant business

community and voluntary sector. The main

players being:

(COSBA) Carrick-on-Suir Business

Association.

(COSDA) Carrick-on-Suir Development

Association.

(COSTEDC) Carrick-on-Suir Tourism

& Economic Development Committee.

The Town Council was abolished in 2014 as a

result of local government re-alignment.

COSBA promotes the business community and

various town centre activities. Carrick-on-Suir

has a vibrant town centre with real retail

businesses and has avoided (despite challenges)

the decimation caused by retail sector businesses

locating on the outskirts of the town.

COSDA was founded in 1981. It manages and

operates the Heritage Centre and Tourist Office,

the Friary Arts & IT Training Centre and

Tipperary Educational Training Board (TETB)

local training initiatives. Accomplishments

include:

It organised employment workshops in

1980’s for individuals who did not

complete their formal education.

It helped develop enterprise support

projects. Ormond Soft Furnishings is a

successful business from this initiative.

The Heritage Centre was established,

which involved restoration of the old

Church of Ireland ruins and graveyard

with help from Carrick-on-Suir Urban

District Council.

It was instrumental in establishing the

Marina to promote the use of the Suir

and initiated an annual gala with Irish

Inland Waterways.

It spearheaded the Carrick-on-Suir

Triathlon in the late 1990’s, which is

now an annual event attracting several

hundred participants.

It took over the Franciscan Friary in

Carrickbeg in 2007 and established an IT

training centre and a space for artistic

workshops.

Since 2009 it runs the Local Training

Initiative (LTI) at St. Joseph’s College,

incorporating horticulture, IT,

construction and related skills for 30

participants annually.

COSTEDC promotes enterprise, economic and

tourism matters. The group was established in

2004 to provide a forum for the Local Authority,

COSBA and COSDA, to share information and

to co-ordinate activities for tourism and

economic development and related matters. It

was designed to create a forum where

collaborative discussions and planning could

take place on a regular basis rather than through

the press or through ad-hoc meetings driven by a

high profile event or crisis. While members

often have very different positions on issues, the

committee enables rational discussion and

constructive input into issues and decisions.

COSTEDC set out to complement the work of

COSBA, COSDA and Tipperary County

Council represented by the Carrick-on-Suir

Municipal District and other organisations

promoting the long term development of the

tourism potential and enterprise creation.

Among the achievements of COSTEDC are:

Establishment of ‘Friends of Carrick-on-Suir’

was set up in 2006 to tap into people who were

born in Carrick-on-Suir or who have a family or

other connection to the town to seek the

intellectual and advisory support for initiatives.

Prominent early members of ‘The Friends’

include Economist Jim Power, Developer

Johnny Ronan, then Irish Times Editor

Geraldine Kennedy and Michael Lynch of

Autonomy Software among others who include

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former CEOs of AIB, Thomas Mulcahy and Leo

Laboratories, Patrick O’Sullivan.

The Clancy Festival was an idea that was

strongly driven by founding COSTEDC member

Mr Terry Flynn and the then committee who

held the first one in 2008. It is a successful

event held annually over the June bank holiday

week-end, which is a unique celebration of the

Clancy Brothers role not only in terms of

traditional Irish song but also with a very strong

art trail and theatre components.

Economic Forums:

The first forum entitled “No Bailout For Black

Tom”, reference to the most famous of the

Butlers of Ormond, who created the Tudor

Manor at Carrick-on-Suir to entertain Queen

Elizabeth 1st. The Forum was held in May 2011

at Ormond Castle and had strong support locally

and from ‘The Friends of Carrick-on-Suir’.

The second Economic Forum focused on “The

Town Centre 25 Years from Now” was held in

May 2013. While this built on the 2011 Forum

outcomes, it was clear from the discussions and

debates at the Forum and subsequently that a

more strategic approach was needed. This led to

the identification of strategic projects and the

need to create a long term structure to finance

and support those elements that will be

exchequer funded nationally or locally.

Carrick-on-Suir joined the Heritage Council and

the Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN) in

2013 as part of a strategy to preserve and

promote the medieval heritage of the town.

Through the then Town Council and South

Tipperary County Council funding was obtained

in 2013 for a conservation study of the

remaining parts of the Town Wall and in 2014

work commenced on the first part of the

restoration and preservation of these walls.

COSTEDC, supported by COSBA and the

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District were the

successful bidders for the right to hold the

IWTN’s inaugural “Solving Our Own

Problems” a two day workshop identifying

Carrick-on-Suir’s issues and coming up with

solutions. The workshop had experts in retail,

tourism, traffic and parking, using heritage

intelligently and public realm design. The

workshop was held in November 2014 and a

comprehensive action plan has now been

developed under the headings of Retail,

Tourism, Traffic & Parking, using Heritage

Intelligently and The Public Realm.

Tourism:

COSTEDC was a strong advocate for many of

the key initiatives put in place by South

Tipperary Tourism Company (STTC) since its

formation in mid-2009. Following the

amalgamation of the North & South Tipperary

County Councils in 2014, a new Tipperary

Tourism Company was set up in January 2015,

to promote, market and develop Tipperary as

Ireland’s premier inland destination to both the

domestic and overseas markets. Tipperary Co.

Co. and Tipperary Tourism Company have

developed the Tipperary Strategic Tourism

Marketing Experience & Destination

Development Plan 2016-2021.

The Butler Trail which aims to make a

marketable and promotable product initially

through the Butler heritage in Carrick-on-Suir,

Clonmel and Cahir was launched by Tourism

Minister, Leo Varadkar in June of 2012 at our

Ormond Castle and COSTEDC were prominent

in the local committees set up to drive that

initiative and in supporting subsequent events

including the recent erection of new signage in

the town.

Two COSTEDC members have served on the

Board of STTC and one has chaired it between

2011 and 2015.

Recognising the importance of active leisure to

tourism development, COSTEDC advocated and

supported a number of walking initiatives

included in The Tipperary 10 walking product

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promoted nationally and internationally by

STTC. Over 160 people took part in our

inaugural walk from Kilsheelan to Carrick-on-

Suir along the tow path and large numbers take

part annually in the walk to Blarney Woollen

Mills at Dove Hill as part of the Clancy Festival.

Munster Vales is a new tourism destination

which will be developed as the key inland

destination in Irelands Ancient East. Munster

Vales extends from the Comeragh Mountains to

Ballyhoura incorporating the Galtee and

Knockmealdown mountain ranges. It is

supported by Failte Ireland, Waterford City &

County Council, Tipperary and Cork County

Councils, local development agencies and

tourism entities. We strongly support the

initiative to create the Greenway from Clonmel

to Carrick-on-Suir along the tow path on the

river Suir. The anticipated completion date is

2017, with our focus being on maximising the

business benefits to the town.

Ormond Castle is the underexploited gem of

medieval town heritage and over many years both

COSDA and COSTEDC led efforts to increase

visitors. Some success has been achieved with a

doubling of visitor numbers since 2008. In

conjunction with our 2013 Economic Forum and

the now Municipal District, COSTEDC has been

advocating for the Ormond Quarter Initiative to

improve traffic access to the Castle and to increase

the number of visitors many fold over current

levels. OPW are currently engaged in a major

revamp of the Castle including visitor facilities

which will be completed for the 2017 season.

COSTEDC has promoted the castle through

many activities including holding the 2011

Economic Forum there, hosting the Carrick-on-

Suir Gold Coin Hoard exhibition there,

commemoration of 400th

anniversary of Black

Tom’s death and of course The Butler Trail.

COSTEDC supported COSBA and the South

Tipperary Development Company in an

enterprise competition in 2013/4 which resulted

in some 10 business ideas being developed by

promoters with several now progressing through

start-up stages.

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7. Development Plan Policy

Policies in the 2013 Carrick-on-Suir Development Plan

Development Plan Policy Supporting by

COSTEDC proposals

Policy CS 2: Addressing Social Inclusion

The Council will actively use the tools available to it to ensure

that all new development addresses issues of social inclusion.

The Council will also work with other key stakeholders to

address issues of equality of access for all to services, facilities

and decision making processes. In particular it will actively

implement the findings of the Accessibility Audit.

Comeragh College

Policy TC 1: Enhancing the quality of the Town Centre

It is a policy of the Council to strengthen the retail/commercial,

residential and recreational functions of the town centre,

retaining and encouraging high value uses only at ground floor

level within the Primary Retail Area, to seek improvements to

the visual quality of the town centre as part of any new

development and to facilitate appropriate and desirable

development of the town centre.

Enterprise Centre

Rolling Property Fund

Policy CS 3: Arts and Culture

The Council will seek the provision of arts, cultural and

entertainment facilities, new works of art and performing space

in association with new development proposals, where

appropriate and will seek to support the arts within overall public

local services provision for the enhancement of Carrick-on-Suir

as a place in which to live, work and invest.

Enterprise Centre

Medieval Centre/Laneways

Policy TOUR 1: Tourism Development

It is the policy of the Council to enhance the visitor experience to

the town and to co-operate with all stakeholders and appropriate

agencies in promoting sustainable tourism and securing the

development of tourist based attractions and products,

enterprises, facilities and related services in the town.

Greenway

Medieval centre and Lanes

Develop Castle and Environs

Develop Marina and Building

Refurbish Heritage Centre

Develop Hostel

Develop Kickham Street

Policy CS 5: Community Amenity

It is the policy of the Council to ensure that adequate and safe

amenity and recreational open space and facilities, including

community facilities and centres, are available for all groups of

the population at a convenient distance from their homes and

places of work.

Greenway

Marina Building

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Policy INF 2: Reservation Corridor for New Road

The Planning Authority will reserve the route of the Proposed

New Road to the south of the Ormond Castle (see Figure 7) free

from development.

New Approach Road

Policy INF 3: New River Crossing

The Planning Authority will reserve the route of the Proposed

New River Crossing free from development (see Figure 7).

New Bridge

Policy TC 3: Derelict Sites

It is the policy of the Council to implement the provisions of the

Derelict Sites Act, 1990, the Sanitary Services Act 1964 and the

Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) to prevent or

remove injury to amenity arising from underutilisation and

dereliction.

Rolling Property Fund

Policy AH 1: Protected Structures

It is the policy of the Council to conserve and protect buildings,

structures and sites contained in the Record of Protected

Structures that are of special interest and to ensure any

development is appropriate and sensitively undertaken. In

assessing development proposals the Council will, where

applicable, have regard to the Architectural Heritage Protection

Guidelines for Planning Authorities and any relevant

Conservation and Management Plans. The Council, will

proactively work with developers/applicants to facilitate the

appropriate reuse/redevelopment of Protected Structures. The

Planning Authority will resist; (a) Demolition of protected

structures, in whole or part, (b) Removal or modification of

features of architectural importance, (c) Development that would

adversely affect the setting of a protected structure

Rolling Property Fund

Medieval Centre/Laneways

Develop Castle & Environs

Refurbish Heritage Centre

Policy TC 2: Retail Strategy for Carrick-on-Suir

It is the policy of the Council to encourage and facilitate the

consolidation and enhancement of the retail function of the town

centre and its role as a secondary service centre in the County

Retail Hierarchy. In this regard the Council will implement

where appropriate the objectives of the South Tipperary County

Retail Strategy and any review thereof, and the South Tipperary

Retail Action Programme when assessing applications for new

retail development in the town.

Secure Wicklow Gardens Site

14

8 Appendices

A. Extract from the Ormond Castle Quarter Improvement Scheme 2014

1.0 THE ORMOND CASTLE QUARTER

This is the Ormond Castle Quarter Improvement

Scheme for Ormond Castle and the surrounding

area, hereafter referred to as the ‘Scheme’. The

Scheme aims to deliver public realm and

amenity improvements, and improved accessibly

to Ormond Castle and to promote the Ormond

Castle Quarter as a unique attraction in Carrick-

on-Suir and South Tipperary.

The area is called the ‘Ormond Castle Quarter’

having regard to its location and size, the

historical importance of the area and its tourist

potential for the town. The site encompasses a

significant portion of the town and the branding

of the area will help promote and market the

‘Quarter’ as a tourist destination within the

context of the town and further afield,

facilitating links with the various heritage and

tourist initiatives ongoing in South Tipperary.

The Scheme was realised through a combination

of analysis, investigation and information

sharing which led to the creation of specific

design aims and objectives. The design process

involved analysis of both pedestrian and

vehicular access to the site, the public realm on

the site, the individual streets, and cultural,

environmental and historical amenities that are

available within the site boundary.

1.1 The Ormond Castle Quarter

Improvement Scheme

Currently there is disconnect between Ormond

Castle and the town centre and it is essential that

a link between these two elements is developed

to create a sense of unity between the Castle and

the Main Street generating vibrancy and vitality

within the town.

The Scheme also focuses on the River Suir as an

environmental and social amenity and the

multiple opportunities presented by the presence

of the waterway. There is scope to improve the

riverside amenity and to enrich the outdoor

recreational offering of the town with the

Ormond Castle at its core.

1.2 Site Description

The Ormond Castle Quarter is located 230

metres to the east of the town centre and is

considered to be an edge of centre location off

the Main Street. The site is defined by the

presence of the River Suir to the south, the N24

to the North and the Town Centre to the west

with the eastern boundary defined by St.

Brigid’s Hospital.

A number of uses are present in the site

including residential neighbourhoods, car

parking, tennis courts, parkland, a theatre and

the Castle. Ormond Castle, the only surviving

Tudor House of its kind in Ireland and the

namesake of this project, is located strategically

in the centre of the site with an upstanding

section of the Town Walls situated nearby

within the Town Park.

The parkland associated with the Castle is

bounded by a 2 metre high stone wall acting as

the boundary of the park. There is a path on the

external edge of the park next to this wall which

is used for walking and jogging, yet its amenity

value is undermined by the presence of invasive

species, such as Japanese Knotweed and poor

management of land at the rivers’ edge.

1.3 ‘Pride of Place’

Despite its variety of heritage features, and

cultural and historical assets, Carrick-on-Suir is

not known as a visitor destination. Ormond

Castle has very low visitor numbers and does

not hold its own in comparison with the Rock of

Cashel and Cahir Castle.

The numbers visiting the Rock of Cashel in

2012 were 240,406, and Cahir Castle had 62,818

visitors yet Ormond Castle only attracted 9,240

persons. In addition, there has been a decrease

in the numbers visiting Ormond Castle from

2011 to 2012. Table 1 outlines an updated list of

the visitor numbers for the three main attractions

in South Tipperary from 2011 to 2015.

15

16

Table 1 – Tourism Visitor Numbers

(Source: Failte Ireland)

Attraction 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Rock of Cashel 233,038 240,406 255,338 272,503 300,749

Cahir Castle 59,822 62,818 67,713 66,737 68,532

Ormond Castle 9,539 9,240 9,922 9,116 Closed for

refurbishment

5.0 ORMOND CASTLE QUARTER VISION

The vision of this Scheme is to promote awareness of and local pride in the ‘Ormond Castle Quarter’, to

develop and package Carrick-on-Suir as a thriving tourist centre and to develop the area for local people

to live in, use and enjoy. The Scheme is focused on developing connections between Ormond Castle and

the Town Centre, on improving the public realm of the streets contained within the Quarter and on

enhancing and promoting the cultural and historical assets present on the site.

5.1 Bringing the Vision to life

The vision set out above is informed by the

assessment of the historical, cultural and

.architectural elements set out in previous

chapters. It is proposed to set out measures

and objectives for the improvement of the

public realm and protection of the amenity

and environment of the area. As funding

allows and over time, this vision will form

an agreed framework for change, towards

which all stakeholders will work.

As has been identified previously there are a

number of public realm, accessibility and

awareness issues which need to be resolved

through the implementation of this Scheme.

The objectives to be achieved can be divided

into two distinct sections, Physical Works

and Promotional Initiatives.

17

5.1.1 Objectives for Physical Works

The objectives concerned with the physical

works include:

1. Improve pedestrian access to the Ormond

Castle Quarter between the town centre and

the Castle by enriching, managing and

improving the existing built fabric along

Castle Street to attract visitors to and from

the Castle grounds and the town centre.

2. Redevelop the Shebeen site (currently for

sale) and adjoining dilapidated building site

and the presentation of this site to act as a

gateway into the Ormond Castle Quarter

from the Town Centre.

3. Improve the relationship between the

Parkland and the River Suir, facilitate

limited access to the banks of the River Suir,

with remaining riverside areas managed as a

nature reserve.

4. Enhanced landscaping of the Town Park

with emphasis on the creation of views

towards the Castle and the River.

5. Improve the safety and attractiveness of

existing footpaths in the park, especially the

footpath south of the Castle to the quay and

the footpath from the N24 into the Park (near

St. Brigid’s Hospital).

6. Seek funding to conserve up-standing

remains of the Town Walls and designate a

pathway to the Town Walls to facilitate

visitors.

7. Create a vehicular access from the N24

with parking for cars and coaches and

improving pedestrian links from the N24 east

of the site area into the Castel Park.

8. Ensure that any public realm

improvements including signage that are to

be undertaken in other locations in the town,

such as Sean Kelly Square, use a similar

format and design as that proposed for the

Ormond Castle Quarter.

5.1.2 Promotion/ Interpretative Objectives

The promotional and interpretation

initiatives include:

1. Creating an awareness of the unique

identity of the town and its associations with

the Castle through the creation and

promotion of the ‘Ormond Castle Quarter’ as

a brand name.

2. Develop synergies with ‘The Butler Trail’.

The vision of this Scheme directly supports

the objectives of the Butler Trail, and the

Ormond Castle Quarter will directly benefit

by promotion, advertising and signage

associated with the Butler Trail.

3. Develop synergies with other tourist

initiatives in the town and area such as the

Heritage trail, the East Munster Way and the

development of the River Suir Towpath -

Greenway.

4. Carrick-on-Suir has become a Member of

the Irish Walled Town Network in 2014 and

is benefiting from its membership by

improving its national profile and seeking

funding for conservation works.

5. The achievement of the objectives of this

Scheme are to become priorities for the key

stakeholders (see Section 1.4 above) in

enterprise and development in the area and

they will seek to secure funding and

agreement for the successful implementation

of the Scheme

18

B Extract from the Carrick-on-Suir Town Development Plan 2013

SEA & Monitoring

Article 10 of the SEA Directive requires

Member States to monitor the significant

environmental effects of the implementation

of plans and programmes. The monitoring

strategy for the assessment of the

environmental effects of the implementation

of the Plan is set out in Section 7 of the

environmental Report (Appendix 1 – SEA

Statement and Environmental Report).

Monitoring of the implementation of the

Development Plan objectives and any

resulting environmental effects that may

arise will be carried out in tandem

Strategic Location of Carrick-on-Suir

Carrick-on-Suir is serviced by the N24

Waterford – Limerick National Primary

Route which runs through the centre of the

town. The town is located on the Waterford

– Limerick Rail Line and the train station is

located to the north east of the town centre.

Carrick-on-Suir is located 22km from

Clonmel and 27km from Waterford City, and

has strategic rail access to Limerick and

Waterford. The Plan area comprises 946 ha

and includes Carrick-on-Suir town and the

surrounding rural area (see Land Use Zoning

Map 1, Figure 1 from the NSS and Figure 3

Core Strategy Map). Carrick-on-Suir has

been targeted for growth at a regional level

having regard to its strategic location within

the region, capacity for growth and potential

to deliver on the core objectives of critical

mass and balanced regional development.

Carrick-on-Suir is identified as a Secondary

Service Centre in the County Settlement

Strategy included in the County

Development Plan 2009 – 2015 (CDP). The

identified role of the Secondary Service

Centres is to act as service centres for their

hinterlands and to drive development within

their catchment areas.

Figure 1: Carrick-on-Suir in the context of the National Spatial Strategy

19

3 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY

One of the strategic objectives of this

COSTDP 2013 is the development of a

strong and vibrant town centre that meets the

retail and service needs of the hinterland in

addition to offering a pleasant and attractive

environment for shopping, tourism, business,

recreation and living. The submissions made

at the Pre-Draft Stage in addition to

comments received from the local

community and the Elected Members

indicate that the main barrier to the

development of the town centre is the current

congestion and poor traffic movement on

Main Street (also addressed under Section 6

Infrastructure). This Section deals with

enhancing the quality of the Town Centre,

the County Retail Strategy, Public Realm,

Car Parking, Strategic Development Sites,

Derelict Sites, Shop Fronts and Advertising

and Specific Town Centre Actions.

3.1 Enhancing the quality of the Town

Centre

Annual Health Check Monitoring undertaken

on the Primary Retail Area of Carrick-on-

Suir (see Figure 4 below) from 2009 – 2012

inclusive recorded the following occupancy

levels and percentage of retail units which

are of high value use (Table 2).

Figure 4: Primary Retail Area

Table 2: Use Type within Primary Retail Area

Year % High Use Type 2 % Units Occupied3

2009 68% 79.8%

2010 62% 81.1%

2011 61% 77%

2012 64.5% 75%

2 High Value Uses are Retail, Pubs and Restaurants and this figure includes units that are vacant at present.

3 Ground Floor Units of any type that appears to be in use upon inspection.

20

6 INFASTRUCTURE

Infrastructural weaknesses identified at the

Pre-Draft plan making stage included traffic

flow/traffic congestion and directional signage

whilst the development of cycling as a main

attraction and the delivery of bus parking with

links to the Main Street and the Ormond

Castle were identified as opportunities. This

Section refers to transportation, water and

wastewater services, energy and

telecommunications, waste management and

flood risk.

6.1 Transport

Land Use and Transport Planning

The County Sustainable Transport Strategy

was endorsed in May 2012 and the key

objective of the Strategy is the promotion of

sustainable transport systems using a

combination of all transport modes. The key

transport objectives to be addressed through

the Development Plan process are identified

as follows;

• Protect the carrying capacity of the N24 –

Planning process to recognise and protect the

Strategic Importance of the N24.

• N24 By Pass - Protect the proposed route

free from development. Identify proposed

local distributer routes as part of a long-term

vision for lands located on the town side of

the proposed By-Pass.

• Protect existing rail infrastructure - Ensure

that the station and adjoining lands are

protected from inappropriate development.

• Identification of key generators of travel

demand and plan for sustainability -

Identification of the key generators of

transport demand i.e. schools, employers,

residential areas, sports, health etc. to inform

preparation of local land use and transport

planning.

• Plan for cycling - As can be seen above

Carrick-on-Suir is easily accessible by

bicycle and has potential as a cycling hub,

cycle improvements for the town are set out

in the Walking and Cycling Strategy for

South Tipperary 2013.

• Vision for the Suir - Identify and protect

the amenity, economic and tourism potential

of the River Suir and the tow path (Clonmel

to Carrick-on-Suir).

6.1.2 N24 & Traffic Congestion

The delivery of the N24 Bypass is now likely

to be medium term and is dependent on the

required funding being allocated. The route

of the N24 realignment has also been revised

and is now outside of the Plan Boundary.

Until such time as a Bypass has been

constructed it remains the policy of the Draft

Plan to protect the carrying capacity of the

current N24 route.

Policy INF 1: Carrying Capacity of the

N24

The Planning Authority will ensure that the

carrying capacity and the strategic transport

function of the N24 is protected and access

to the national road network will be managed

in accordance with the provisions of the

official policy outlined in the DoECLG

Spatial Planning and National Roads

Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012).

Planning Applications for significant

development proposals on the N24 will be

required to be supported by Traffic and

Transport Assessment and a Road Safety

Audit.

In order to address the traffic management

and congestion issues associated with the

town in the short term it is proposed that a

number of measures be investigated fully, in

consultation with the NRA (in particular the

Design Section, Tramore House who were

consulted with in September 2012 regarding

traffic modelling), the Elected Members and

Stakeholders where appropriate.

21

It will be determined which of these

measures will best function to reduce traffic

congestion and ease traffic flow. The

appropriate measures will be progressed as

and when funding becomes available. Some

of the measures to be investigated are also

identified on the Core Strategy Map and the

Public Realm and Transportation Map

(projects are also listed below);

• Encourage other use of other modes of

transport to the private car. The 2011 Census

found that 1,709 people travel to work/

school/college by car with an average of 1.5

people in each car i.e. 1,102 private vehicles.

• Provision of a new road to the south of the

Ormond Castle linking the Pill Road to the

Town Centre.

• Potential reversal of the one way system on

the Old Bridge.

• Identification of a new River Crossing.

• Examine car parking on Main Street and

investigate possibility of reconfiguration of

car parking.

• Investigate and implement measures to

remove extraneous traffic from Main Street.

• Improved Traffic Calming Measures at

Greenhill.

• Improved Public Realm at Sean Kelly

Square.

• Improved enforcement by Traffic Wardens

at most congested areas.

• Removal of three car parking spaces from

outside of the Town Hall.

• Improved signage for the town centre car

parks.

• Erect signage for an alternative Clonmel

Route from New Street to Castle Street and

down the North Quays.

• Roundabout/Right hand turning lane at the

junction of the North Quays with the N24.

Policy INF 2: Reservation Corridor for

New Road

The Planning Authority will reserve the route

of the Proposed New Road to the south of the

Ormond Castle (see Figure 7) free from

development. As set out above in order to

fully explore and address the traffic

management and congestion issues associated

with the Carrick-on-Suir Town Centre,

especially in relation to traffic flow problems

associated with the Main Street, New Street,

Dillon Bridge and Carrickbeg, the

identification of a new river crossing in

Carrick-on-Suir is necessary. A new river

crossing and supporting road infrastructure, the

location of which will be informed by a

comprehensive Transportation Plan, can

provide an alternative route for traffic that

must cross the River Suir, but whose business/

destination is not in the Town Centre of

Carrick-on-Suir. This alternative route will

remove superfluous traffic from the Town

Centre while allowing the reduction of

congestion for commuters/traffic wishing to

conduct their business within the Town Centre.

Policy INF 3: New River Crossing

The Planning Authority will reserve the route

of the Proposed New River Crossing free from

development (see Figure 7).

Figure 7: Reservation Corridor for New Road to South of Ormond Castle

22

C Strategic Projects Summary

1. Enterprise Centre

The objective is to occupy an existing

building to facilitate 4/6 start-up.

2. Property Rolling Fund

The aim is to purchase and re-develop

derelict sites/buildings in the town centre.

Sell them on, thereby creating a rolling

fund to invest in the next

development/project.

3. Greenway

The Greenway is scheduled for

completion in 2017. The focus here is to

capitalise on this amenity by putting in

place the infrastructure to encourage

visitors using the Greenway into the town

centre.

4. Medieval Centre/Laneways

Create an awareness of our Medieval

Laneways with interpretative signage and

refurbish the laneways.

5. Secure Wicklow Gardens Site

Subject to planning permission and

flooding issues, secure the Wicklow

Gardens site and develop it as the second

anchor retail site in the town. It is a

brown field site. The development could

have some residential component to it, but

it would be contingent on getting road

access to the site via the vehicular access

route from the N24 proposed in the

Ormond Castle Quarter Improvement

Scheme 2014.

6. Develop the Castle & Environs

See Appendix A – Extract from the Ormond Castle

Quarter Improvement Scheme 2014.

To provide a new approach road from the

N24 below the railway bridge along the

‘Sally Field’ and reclaim ground at the

back of the castle to provide access to the

Wicklow Gardens site. See Appendix A.

7. Public Realm with Sean Kelly Square

Create a pedestrianised plaza at Sean

Kelly Square and other improvements

including parking.

8. Refurbish Heritage Centre

It is close on 30 years since the Heritage

Centre was restored. It needs to be

upgraded to make it a state of the art

visitor attraction. The vision would be for

the main building to be a dark space, with

a 3D movie facility (similar to facilities at

Cliffs of Moher) and interactive stands

with audio tapes and headphones at the

altar etc.

9. Develop Hostel

Develop St. Joseph’s, the former

Domestic Science College into a hostel.

Carrick-on-Suir is very short on bed night

accommodation. This would provide low

cost accommodation to tourists and

visitors to the town.

10. Develop Comeragh College, Greenside

Comeragh College has moved, to new

premises at Tinvane. It is proposed to

develop the old school, which was the

Vocational School in the past, into an

Adult Education Centre.

11. Develop Marina & Building

Provide showers and related facilities near

the marina. These facilities would also be

available to Greenway users.

12. Develop Kickham Street

Develop an open area/venue for concerts

with cafés and facilities etc.

13. New Bridge

Get the idea of a new bridge across the

river Suir at Carrick-on-Suir on the agenda

of the planners in Tipperary, Waterford,

Kilkenny and the NRA. This is a long

term project probably 25+ years. It should

be considered as part of the eventual bye-

pass of Carrick-on-Suir.

23

D Carrick-on-Suir Town Statistics

D.1 Geographic Infrastructure

Destination Cities Airports Ports Motorways

Waterford 27.2 km 36.6 km 32.7 km

Cork 119 km 123 km

Limerick 102 km 128 km

Dublin 157 km 169 km

Rosslare Harbour 97.5 km

M8 38.5 km

M9 22.2 km

24

D.2 Educational Attainment

Level Attained Carrick-on-Suir South Tipperary State

Primary & no formal education 20% 16% 15%

Lower Secondary 25% 20% 17%

Upper Secondary 21% 22% 20%

Technical or Vocational 8% 9% 9%

Advanced Certificate/Apprenticeship 6% 6% 6%

Higher Certificate 3% 4% 4%

Degree/Diploma/Professional Qualification 7% 12% 16%

Postgraduate Diploma Degree 2% 4% 7%

Doctorate 0% 0.32% 1%

Not stated 8% 5% 5%

Source: Carrick-on-Suir Town Development Plan 2013

D.2.1 Schools and Colleges in the Carrick-on-Suir area

Primary/National Schools

Presentation Convent Primary School, with a mixed stream of boys and girls to first class.

St Mary’s CBS, known as The Green School - boys from second to sixth class.

Gael Scoil.

Newtown Upper N. S.

Ballyneale N. S.

Crehana N. S.

Clonea N. S.

Rathgormack N. S.

Portlaw N. S.

Piltown N. S.

Owning N. S.

Templeorum N. S.

Secondary/Post Primary Schools

Scoil Mhuire, Greenhill, Carrick-on-Suir – Girls school – 400 pupils.

CBS, Mount St. Nicholas, Carrick-on-Suir – Boys school – 200 pupils.

Comeragh College, Tinvane, Carrick-on-Suir – Co-educational school – 300 pupils.

25

Third Level Colleges

Kildalton Agricultural College, Kildalton, Co. Kilkenny – catering for agricultural and

horticultural students.

Waterford - Waterford Institute of Technology – WIT - (10K students).

Cork. University College Cork - UCC - (20K students).

Cork - Cork Institute of Technology – CIT - (15K students).

Limerick - Institute of Technology, Limerick – LIT - (7K students), with campuses in

Clonmel and Thurles.

Limerick - University of Limerick – UL - (11.5K students).

Carlow – Institute of Technology Carlow (4k students) with campus in Wexford.

D.3 Employment Structure 2011

Employment Carrick-on-Suir South Tipperary Ireland

Number at Work 1,784 33,310 1,807,360

Industry Category Carrick-on-Suir South Tipperary State

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing 3.02 % 11.93% 5.06%

Building & Construction 4.65% 5.18% 4.83%

Manufacturing Industries 21.5% 16.33% 11.60%

Commerce & Trade 23.5% 21.02% 25.24%

Transport &Communications 4.98% 4.35% 8.10%

Public Administration 4.20% 5.35% 6.29%

Professional Services 18.38% 21.51% 23.53%

Other 19.67% 14.00% 15.30%

Source: Carrick-on-Suir Town Development Plan 2013

26

E Amenities in Carrick-on-Suir

E.1 Sports Clubs

The GAA was founded in Hayes’ Hotel, Thurles, on 1st November, 1884 and one of its founding

members was a Carrick-on-Suir native Maurice Davin. A superb athlete who, when he had

defeated the British hammer and shot champion in England was told by Queen Victoria “You

must be the best man in Ireland” to which he responded “I don’t know about that but I am

definitely the best man in England”. A fine replica statue was erected in his honour in June 2013

can be seen at the Davin Park GAA grounds on the N24.

3 GAA Clubs

o Carrick Swan Club at The Green, Carrick-on-Suir (founded 1929).

o Carrick Davin Club on the Clonmel Road (founded 1922).

o St. Molleran’s Club on the Coolnamuck Road which is a County Waterford Club

(founded 1943).

Castleview Lawn Tennis Club in the Castle Park (founded 1897).

Carrick-on-Suir Rugby Club (RFC) at Tybroughney (founded 1923).

Soccer Club – Carrick United AFC at Coolnamuck (founded 1968).

St. Nicholas’ Boxing Club (founded 1898).

Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club (founded 1939).

Par 3 Golf Course & Driving Range at Tinhalla.

Carrick-on-Suir Motor Club (founded 1958).

Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club (founded 1954).

Carrick-on-Suir Road Runners Club (AC) (founded 2006).

Triathlon Club (formed 1998).

Carrick-on-Suir Camera Club (formed 2008).

Hill walking and outdoor activities

o Comeragh Mountains and Slievenamon within 10 miles.

Water sports on the river Suir

o Fishing, canoeing/kayaking and swimming.

Equestrian.

o Horse racing – Clonmel, Tramore, Thurles and Limerick Junction.

o Show jumping / equestrian schools.

Dog racing in Clonmel and Thurles.

E.2 Culture, Arts and Heritage

Ormond Castle – The Elizabethan Manor House built by ‘Black Tom’ Butler, 10th

Earl of

Ormond c 1560 (National Monument Guide available).

Old Bridge – Originally built c. 1447 by Edmund Mac Richard Butler. For centuries it

was the first bridge above the estuary, making it strategically important as a link between

south Leinster and east Munster.

27

Clareen Well - At Well Road, west of the town centre. It was the source of water supply

to the people of Carrick-on-Suir for centuries. It is now restored as a historic link to the

past.

Heritage Centre – Is off the Main Street and immediately east of the West Gate. The

original medieval burial ground and church site for Carrick Mor (big Carrick). The former

church is now restored as a Heritage Centre.

St Nicholas’ Church – Parish Church of Carrick Mor with a fine pipe organ built by

Telford of Dublin in 1890’s. The present building (1880) replaced a church of 1806, on

the site of a thatched church or churches of penal times located here since the

Reformation.

West Gate – Just inside Sean Kelly Square at what was the entrance to the medieval

walled town. The tower incorporates the 18th

century Town Clock.

Brewery Lane Theatre & Arts Centre - The premises was formerly a malt house owed by

Smithwicks brewery, thus the name. The Drama Group was formed in 1955 and

purchased the building in the early 1970’s. They restored it and developed it into the

intimate 75 person theatre it is today. They produce 2 plays each year. Other events

include – Writing Club, Poetry Nights, Film Club, Tearoom Sessions and the Writer’s

weekend.

The Strand Theatre - Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society (founded in 1943), which has

staged 107 productions (1944–2016).

E.3 Retail and Social

Super Valu, LIDL and ALDI grocery stores

Dove Hill Irish Design Centre at Ballynoran, stores include:

o Blarney Woollen Mills (designer Irish clothing and accessories)

o Meadows & Byrne (luxury homeware, fashion, gifts and books)

o Tipperary Crystal

o Lilly Mai’s Café

o The Tipperary Gardener (garden centre)

Euro Giant and Mr. Price discount stores.

Selection of retail shops covering drapery, giftware, electrical/household, hair and beauty

salons, estate agents etc.

Licensed premises, pubs and off-licences – large selection, with a number of pubs serving

lunch and evening food.

Cafés serving food open during working hours.

Restaurants – combination of pub food and hotel food.

28

F Brief Summary of career and qualifications of members of COSTEDC

Tony Musiol

Education:

o 1966: Leaving Certificate.

o 1970: BSc UCD.

o 1979: Dip Chem Eng UCD.

Employment History:

o 2000-2008: Vice President Merck & Co, VP for Asia Pacific Manufacturing, VP for

European Chemical Manufacturing and Contract Manufacturing for Europe, Middle

East and Africa and Plant Manager Ballydine; VP (Strategic Initiatives) with focus

on people and culture change.

o 1996-2000: Plant Manager of Merck Flint River, GA US plant.

o 1974-1996: various roles at MSD (Merck & Co) Ballydine Plant from start-up to

Head of Manufacturing including Planning and Computer Services.

o 1970-1974: ER Squibb- Quality, Manufacturing and Engineering roles.

2009 to present: Chairman of COSTEDC.

2009-2015: Board member South Tipperary Tourism Company and Chairman from

December, 2010-2015.

2009-2014: Chairman South Tipperary County Council Audit Committee.

2014/15: Chair for new Tipperary County Council Audit Committee.

1981-1995 and 2009 to present: Member Carrick-on-Suir Development and Chairman

1989-1993.

2012-2014: President of Carrick-on-Suir Rugby Football Club.

Other: married with 5 adult children.

Patsy Fitzgerald

Employment History:

o 2011-2012 Town Mayor.

o 2004-2014: Town Councillor.

o 1976-2007: Bank of Ireland employee: Staff, Customer & Branch Support Officer.

o 1975/76: Unemployed (due to world oil crisis).

o 1965-75: Motor Mechanic.

Voluntary Capacity Employment:

o 1991-2007: Manager, Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre and Tourist Information

Office.

o 1991-2007: Manager, COSDA [FÁS] Department of Social Protection Community

Employment Participants.

o 2002-2005: Chairman South Tipperary Community & Voluntary Forum.

29

o 2002-2008: Board Member South Tipperary Arts Centre and Chairman 2003-2006.

o 2007 to present: Full-time management of on-going COSDA projects as above and

oversees implementation of new assignments.

o 2007 to present: Manager, COSDA Carrick-on-Suir Friary Community Art Gallery &

IT Training Centre.

o 2009 to present: COSDA Waterford/Wexford Educational Training Board Local

Training Initiative co-ordinator.

Carrick-on-Suir Tourism & Economic Development Group Secretary.

Member Carrick-on-Suir Development Association (COSDA), 1990 to present, currently a

Board member, the Secretary and COSDA Administrator.

Other: married with 3 adult children.

Martin Nolan

Education:

o Batchelor of Arts Public Administration.

o Batchelor of Laws.

o Higher Dipolma Information Technology.

o Graduate Diploma Information Technology for Management.

o Certificate in Audit Studies.

Employment History:

o 2014 to present: District Administrator, Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District.

o 2009-2014: Administrative Officer, Clonmel Borough Council.

o 2009: Town Clerk, Tipperary Town Council.

o 2002-2009: Internal Auditor, South Tipperary County Council.

o 1997-2002: I.T. Officer, South Tipperary County Council.

Maurice Power

Education:

o Leaving Certificate 1972.

o Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Employment History:

o 1983 to present: Self Employed Chartered Certified Accountant in Public Practice.

o 1980-1983: Financial Controller - Harvey Group.

o 1977-1980: Audit Senior – Coopers & Lybrand Waterford.

o 1972-1977: Articled Clerk with JD Moore & Co, Chartered Certified Accountants,

Tramore, Co Waterford.

COSTEDC: Committee Member.

COSBA: Honorary Treasurer.

Other: Married with four adult children.

30

Niall Walsh

Education:

o 1953-1961: Ballyneale National School.

o 1961-1966: Castleknock College Dublin.

o 1971-1974: UCD.

Employment History:

o 1981 to present: Self Employed Solicitor.

o 1980-1981: Quirke & Co Solicitor.

o 1974-1980: Law Society, Dublin.

o 1973-1974: Higgins & Co, Cork.

1996 to present: Chairman of COSDA.

2004 to present: Member of COSTEDC.

2013 to present: Member of Suir Valley Environment Group.

Other: Married with one adult child.

Anthony Fitzgerald

Employment History:

o 2009 to present: Business Development Officer for Tipperary County Council.

o 2008-2009: Business Development Manager with Atlas Box and Crating,

Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork. Massachusetts based company in packaging/fulfilment

sector to electronics industry.

o 2000 – 2008: Packaging Services Manager with C&C Group.

o 1990 to 2000: Packaging Engineer with Bulmers/C&C Group, Clonmel.

2011-2015: Support role to COSTEDC:

o 2013/14: Organised Enterprise Competition in South Tipperary area.

o 2014, February: Carrick-on-Suir showcase featured on Nationwide programme.

2011-2014: Evaluation committee of South Tipperary Development Company.

Liaison person within Tipperary County Council and business community, cross sectoral

and size.

Other: Married with 4 children.