comments and observations

historic heritage

river landscape

river management and water quality

biodiversity

angling

sport, leisure and tourism

Suir Local: Cahir historic heritage

Cahir is rich in historic heritage. During a siege in 1599, ammunitions were brought by boat from then hauled by foot to Cahir. The Castle is fundamental to tourism and sense of place, though it does not get as many visitors as Cashel. is on an island and the crossing points were historically vital to the security of the Castle. There is a ha ha between St. Paul’s Church and Erasmus Smith schoolhouse. A plashing fence, made of willow, surrounded Inch Field during Medieval times. The Butler family gave the public right of way across their land and provided the community with fresh water by pumping water to a fountain in the centre of town. The Viaduct was constructed to allow for rail connections to Cahir; children used to walk across the viaduct. Two trains have fallen through to the river when the viaduct collapsed. There is a former Ice-house in Cahir. There is a distinctive artificial mound in the golf course, though the basis of this historic land form is unknown. There were a series of historic mills along the river. Walpole Mill was constructed by the Quakers, and used to produce cereals. Hats were made in Cahir. Inch Field was formerly an orchard and oysters were formerly grown near Abbey View House. An oseiry bed existed in Cahir for willow coppice. Flax was produced around Bleach Green. It was said that eels were exported from Clonmel to Europe as a delicacy. The word Cahir means ‘ford of the fishes’ Cathair Dún Iascaigh.

Suir Local: Cahir river landscape

The flood plains still exist which means that Cahir does not suffer from flood related issues, and the river still plays an active role in the life of the town. There are many points of access to the River in Cahir however the river path is blocked in a number of places. The river bank is choked and there needs to be increased access in some areas.

Ducks and geese have been introduced to the River and they alleviate some of the problems associated with a build up of silt.There is bank erosion which is causing concern and there are new saplings growing on the embankment opposite the castle which could cause damage to the stable rocks and prevent views.

There is a lake, formed by former quarry workings adjacent to the Suir. The bank was broken so the river flows into it. Terminal morraines are still visible on the terraces. There were medieval fish traps along the weirs.

Bamboo used for stabilizing river banks near Swiss Cottage is making a positive addition to the landscape. The river has never been navigable between Clonmel and Cahir and the general consensus is that River should not be navigated by large vessels but used for kayakes etc as it needs to be preserved.

Suir Local: Cahir river management and water quality

Pollution is a problem – this is indicated by the reduction in crayfish, otters and eel populations. There are conflicting ideas about the water quality of the River at Cahir which is having an impact upon swimming in the area. Legislation to reduce nitrates used by farmers has had a positive impact on the River Suir.

River bank management is an important issue as the former Butler Estate used to manage banks adjacent to the castle. There is a build up of silt and growth which may increase the chance of flooding.There is a clear lack of governance, a single authoritive body that looks after the river and is responsible for water quality, navigation and the banks. Office of Public Works and Inland Fisheries Ireland both have control over aspects but there does not appear to be an overall management plan.

Suir Local: Cahir biodiversity

Inch Field has a community biodiversity project which is extremely successful and incorporates local schools and businesses, as well as the county council which set up the ‘adopt a field’ project with the local business community.

There is also a bird sanctuary on Inch Field.

There is a clear concern that pollution is effecting the biodiversity of the river. The reduction in otters, crayfish and eel populations are indicators of this.

Suir Local: Cahir angling

The Suir at Cahir has been deemed a centre of excellence for Brown Trout, particularly near the Swiss Cottage. Brown trout are part of the salmon family but not as easy to catch as salmon.

Fishing is particularly popular by the weir; the weirs aerate water which is good for fishing. Off season fishing, particularly net fishing and poaching are prolific. It is considered that the fisheries are tackling individual poachers, or hook fishing and not addressing the larger scale poachers or pollution. There are 6 disabled fishing bays by the Swiss Cottage which need to be used more.

Suir Local: Cahir sport, leisure and tourism

Public events are organised in Cahir for the local community and tourists. There is an annual triathlon however this year there were issues surrounding the water quality. There is an annual boat race called the ‘crazy raft’ across the Suir and over the weir. Inch Field now hosts various public events including Horse Carriage Trials and ‘Knights on Horseback” and a Norman event.

Sandy Bottom is a good area for swimming.

The ducks and geese introduced near the Castle are good tourist attraction.

You can walk to the Galtee Mountains on the woodland road from the Suir in 15 minutes.

Suir Local: Cahir ideas and suggestions for Cahir

Suir Local: Cahir • Converting the former gravel pit into a waterpark would make a good community based initiative or social enterprise project.

• The site of the old Silo would be a good place for either a public park and green area or swimming area in the middle of town.

• There needs to be an increase in river walkways and better access to the river in town as there are too many restrictions. This would be important for the elderly.

• River walks need to be developed and the River at the Boys Scout site could be used for more amenities such as kayaking, canoeing etc.

• The community wants clarity on water quality and the EU’s position regarding bathing regulations.

• The fishing potential of Cahir could be developed further.

• The fish population in Cahir needs to be maintained and protected.

• It needs to maintain its fishing reputation for its historic eputationr for fishing and the benefits to the local economy.

• Something needs to be done to prevent off season fishing and net using and poaching needs to be stopped.

• The heritage and tourism potential of the Old Flour Mill needs to be considered.

• The Ice house could be restored.

• Slipway in the Inch Field needs urgent repair as it is currently dangerous for Cahir River Search and Rescue.

• All stakeholders in the river need to cooperate with one another to preserve the river as it is.

• The wildlife area between the Bakery and the Quaker house needs to be protected.

• The weir needs to be repaired.

• The erosion to the river banks need to be addressed.

• A river bank management plan is needed.

• There are issues between trout and salmon fishing that need to be looked at.

Suir Local: Cahir • The young saplings growing on Castle Street could undermine the bank and restrict view so these need to be addressed.

• There needs to be an over-view of the siltation and the overgrowth choking the banks and gathering rubbish.

• Clarification of the water quality is wanted.

• Pollution needs to be addressed as there are concerns about e-coli and the water quality needs to be improved for tourism.

• The pollution of the river needs to be addressed- this has been indicated by a loss of the crayfish, otter and eel populations and the problem with algae.

• There needs to be a survey to be carried out to ensure that no untreated sewerage can enter the River.

• An electric train and boat transit on Coronation walk to Swiss Cottage would be good for tourism and for reducing CO2 omissions. There are currently no toilets or water outlets on this walk which makes it prohibitive for some users. An electric train or boat would alleviate this problem and be good for the economy.

• The river could be used to provide renewable energy. The Old Flour mill site may be good for this.

Suir Local: Cahir Please note:

The preceding information is taken directly from the workshops and may include some inconsistencies or factual errors. The ideas, suggestions and possibilities are quoted directly from the comments made by Participants in the Lay of the Land workshops. They should not read as the opinion of South County Council or of the Interface Studio. Ideas are listed systematically and are not listed in order of importance, nor do they represent any technical or financial review. It is hoped that the information and ideas are useful in taking forward discussions of the many opportunties of the River Suir and its tributaries.

The Lay of the Land was made possible by the support and funding from County Council as part of the EU INTERREG IVC Waterways Forward Project funded under the European Regional Development Fund and by the time and generosity of local people. The Suir River Café was part funded by the Heritage Council under the County Heritage Plan programme.

We wish also to thank the OPW for allowing us to use Cahir Castle for the event

with many thanks,

Labhaoise McKenna (for South ) and Lucy Tauber and Pat Brown (for the Landscape Interface Studio)

July 2011

Suir Local: Cahir