Carrick-On-Suir Strategic Vision 2030

Carrick-on-Suir Strategic Vision 2030

Carrick-on-Suir Tourism and Economic Development Committee October 2016

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

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)

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  Redevelopment of Heritage Centre. thrust. The more specific goals below indicate  Tourist Hostel at St Josephs. the roadmap we see as important to ensuring  Revision of Comeragh College as an that Carrick-on-Suir in 2030 is recognised as Adult Education Centre. being the best town of its size in Ireland. We  Recognised as a Retail Centre of recognise that there are many other parts to that Excellence. mosaic including social policy, district and  Reputation as an attractive dormitory county planning and government and non- town for commuters. government policies and projects that will also influence the town but the items listed below 10 years: Funding for projects in 10 year are those we believe can make the greatest horizon and following projects in progress or contribution. complete.  Marina building. 5 years: Broad vision for the town to be  Plans completed for Kickham Street widely known and accepted, funding and “Latin Quarter. governance for all projects within a 10 year horizon in place, community participation level 15 years: Funding for projects in 15 year increased, and following projects in train or horizon and following projects in progress or complete. complete.  Enterprise Centre with track record for  Gothic Medieval Quarter, incorporating business, wealth and job creation. the lanes off Main Street, Bridge Street,  Rolling fund for derelict property West Gate, River frontage and Carrick- renovation. Beg including Old Bridge, St.  Greenway walking and cycle paths, Molleran's Church and Reilig Nu including extension into the town. Muiche.  Ormond Castle Quarter including  New Bridge over the river Suir. redevelopment of the Wicklow Gardens site.  Public Realm including traffic and parking improvements.

2.4 Supporting Initiatives has to offer. The aim is to establish Tipperary as one of the top 3 destinations in Ireland’s The Town Hall in New Street was built in Ancient East. Failte Ireland has developed an approximately 1840 and is scheduled for umbrella brand offering visitors a compelling refurbishment. It has served as a dance hall, a motivation to visit the midlands and east of the band hall, and as the offices of Carrick-on-Suir country with a focus on the cultural and Town Council and the County Council’s area historical sites in this region. This brand will office. Since the merger of the Town Council ensure that the area is presented in a cohesive and the new Tipperary County Council, it has and unified manner. served as the headquarters of the Carrick-on- Suir Municipal District. Other tourism projects that Tipperary Tourism Company is actively engaged in at present The refurbishment will increase the available include: space in the building by approximately 60%. The Customer Service area will also be 1. The development of the Munster Vales available for exhibitions and for civic events. proposition, which is promoting the walking and outdoor activities across the The additional office space gives the County mountain ranges in Munster, from Council greater flexibility in how it uses the Ballyhoura, Co. Limerick to the Comeragh building, and ensures the long term viability of Mountains to the south of Carrick-on-Suir the building in Carrick-on-Suir. The cost of the in Co. Waterford. renovation and extension is estimated at €3.1 million. This development shows the 2. Further development of the Butler Trail, importance of the town of Carrick-on-Suir. along the river Suir including the towns of Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir and We need to capitalise on the Tipperary its extension to Kilkenny, Carlow and Strategic Tourism Marketing, Experience & County Tipperary. Discover the tales of Destination Development Plan 2016-2021. It the Butler family going back 800 years. has been prepared by Tipperary County Council and Tipperary Tourism Company. 3. The creation of the Canoe Trail / Blueway This marketing programme provides a co- on the River Suir and the development of ordinated platform for tourism development, Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir Greenway with the focus on establishing packages to along the old tow path on the river, which lengthen visitor stays and assist people tap into is expected to be completed in 2017. the natural beauty and heritage that Tipperary

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.

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.

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

6. Town Profile

Historically Carrick-on-Suir was a very to low cost economies. There are now several prosperous town, as the principle gateway of the companies providing valuable alternative south east. It provided the main mode of employment in the area. The most notable of transport on the river to Waterford, Tipperary, these are the pharmaceutical companies such as: Kilkenny, and beyond as there was no proper road or rail transport in the region. In the 1800’s  Merck Sharp & Dohme, Ballydine. the main industries were weaving, boat building,  Abbot Vascular, Boston Scientific, Suir brewing, distilling, boot-making, tanning and Pharma and Clonmel Healthcare in milling. The butter and bacon market provided a Clonmel. market for agricultural produce and the river  Bausch & Lomb, Sanofi Genzyme, Teva Suir facilitated the thriving import and export Pharmaceitical in Waterford. business. The river provided water for brewing and distilling, power for milling etc. Because  Glaxo Smith Kline, Eurofins Lancaster the river was the main means of transport there Laboratories in Dungarvan. was a thriving boat building industry. The Other manufacturing and service industries: introduction of the railway in the 19th century signalled the beginning of the end of the river  Corman Miloko (dairy). trade, business on the river declined and these  Glanbia (agricultural and food industries waned. ingredients) Carrick-on-Suir has a strong industrial tradition.  Bulmers (Irish cider). The main industries during the 20th century  William Grant (distillers). were:  Iverk Produce (vegetable wholesalers).  Plunder and Pollock (tannery) which later became Irish Leathers Ltd. It  Blarney Woollen Mills (design centre). produced leather for the local and  Mill River Business Park. international markets.  Quality Recycling.  The German owned Scheisser Company, manufactured underwear, provided Geographically the town is nestled between 3 significant employment for the female counties. The main town of Carrick-on-Suir is population. in Co. Tipperary on the north bank of the river, Carrickbeg which is on the south side is in Co.  Rexnord Corporation was a major Waterford and 3km to the east of the town is Co. supplier of power transmission and Kilkenny. conveying components to industries around the globe. The river Suir at Carrick-on-Suir is noted for its salmon and trout fishing.  Tipperary Crystal, produced luxury glassware at its plant in Ballynoran. The social fabric of the community is very  SRAM manufactured bicycle strong with a significant number of sports clubs components. and amenities, together with arts, heritage and cultural facilities. (see Appendix E). Globalisation saw the demise of these industries as traditional manufacturing has been relocated

Carrick-on-Suir has a vibrant business now an annual event attracting several community and voluntary sector. The main hundred participants. players being:  It took over the Franciscan Friary in  (COSBA) Carrick-on-Suir Business Carrickbeg in 2007 and established an IT Association. training centre and a space for artistic workshops.  (COSDA) Carrick-on-Suir Development Association.  Since 2009 it runs the Local Training Initiative (LTI) at St. Joseph’s College,  (COSTEDC) Carrick-on-Suir Tourism incorporating horticulture, IT, & Economic Development Committee. construction and related skills for 30 The Town Council was abolished in 2014 as a participants annually. result of local government re-alignment. COSTEDC promotes enterprise, economic and COSBA promotes the business community and tourism matters. The group was established in various town centre activities. Carrick-on-Suir 2004 to provide a forum for the Local Authority, has a vibrant town centre with real retail COSBA and COSDA, to share information and businesses and has avoided (despite challenges) to co-ordinate activities for tourism and the decimation caused by retail sector businesses economic development and related matters. It locating on the outskirts of the town. was designed to create a forum where collaborative discussions and planning could COSDA was founded in 1981. It manages and take place on a regular basis rather than through operates the Heritage Centre and Tourist Office, the press or through ad-hoc meetings driven by a the Friary Arts & IT Training Centre and high profile event or crisis. While members Tipperary Educational Training Board (TETB) often have very different positions on issues, the local training initiatives. Accomplishments committee enables rational discussion and include: constructive input into issues and decisions. COSTEDC set out to complement the work of  It organised employment workshops in COSBA, COSDA and Tipperary County 1980’s for individuals who did not Council represented by the Carrick-on-Suir complete their formal education. Municipal District and other organisations  It helped develop enterprise support promoting the long term development of the projects. Ormond Soft Furnishings is a tourism potential and enterprise creation. successful business from this initiative. Among the achievements of COSTEDC are:  The Heritage Centre was established, which involved restoration of the old Establishment of ‘Friends of Carrick-on-Suir’ Church of Ireland ruins and graveyard was set up in 2006 to tap into people who were with help from Carrick-on-Suir Urban born in Carrick-on-Suir or who have a family or District Council. other connection to the town to seek the intellectual and advisory support for initiatives.  It was instrumental in establishing the Prominent early members of ‘The Friends’ Marina to promote the use of the Suir include Economist Jim Power, Developer and initiated an annual gala with Irish Johnny Ronan, then Irish Times Editor Inland Waterways. Geraldine Kennedy and Michael Lynch of  It spearheaded the Carrick-on-Suir Autonomy Software among others who include Triathlon in the late 1990’s, which is

9 former CEOs of AIB, Thomas Mulcahy and Leo IWTN’s inaugural “Solving Our Own Laboratories, Patrick O’Sullivan. Problems” a two day workshop identifying Carrick-on-Suir’s issues and coming up with The Clancy Festival was an idea that was solutions. The workshop had experts in retail, strongly driven by founding COSTEDC member tourism, traffic and parking, using heritage Mr Terry Flynn and the then committee who intelligently and public realm design. The held the first one in 2008. It is a successful workshop was held in November 2014 and a event held annually over the June bank holiday comprehensive action plan has now been week-end, which is a unique celebration of the developed under the headings of Retail, Clancy Brothers role not only in terms of Tourism, Traffic & Parking, using Heritage traditional Irish song but also with a very strong Intelligently and The Public Realm. art trail and theatre components. Tourism: Economic Forums: COSTEDC was a strong advocate for many of The first forum entitled “No Bailout For Black the key initiatives put in place by South Tom”, reference to the most famous of the Tipperary Tourism Company (STTC) since its Butlers of Ormond, who created the Tudor formation in mid-2009. Following the Manor at Carrick-on-Suir to entertain Queen st amalgamation of the North & South Tipperary Elizabeth 1 . The Forum was held in May 2011 County Councils in 2014, a new Tipperary at Ormond Castle and had strong support locally Tourism Company was set up in January 2015, and from ‘The Friends of Carrick-on-Suir’. to promote, market and develop Tipperary as The second Economic Forum focused on “The Ireland’s premier inland destination to both the Town Centre 25 Years from Now” was held in domestic and overseas markets. Tipperary Co. May 2013. While this built on the 2011 Forum Co. and Tipperary Tourism Company have outcomes, it was clear from the discussions and developed the Tipperary Strategic Tourism debates at the Forum and subsequently that a Marketing Experience & Destination more strategic approach was needed. This led to Development Plan 2016-2021. the identification of strategic projects and the The Butler Trail which aims to make a need to create a long term structure to finance marketable and promotable product initially and support those elements that will be through the Butler heritage in Carrick-on-Suir, exchequer funded nationally or locally. Clonmel and Cahir was launched by Tourism Carrick-on-Suir joined the Heritage Council and Minister, Leo Varadkar in June of 2012 at our the Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN) in Ormond Castle and COSTEDC were prominent 2013 as part of a strategy to preserve and in the local committees set up to drive that promote the medieval heritage of the town. initiative and in supporting subsequent events Through the then Town Council and South including the recent erection of new signage in Tipperary County Council funding was obtained the town. in 2013 for a conservation study of the Two COSTEDC members have served on the remaining parts of the Town Wall and in 2014 Board of STTC and one has chaired it between work commenced on the first part of the 2011 and 2015. restoration and preservation of these walls. Recognising the importance of active leisure to COSTEDC, supported by COSBA and the tourism development, COSTEDC advocated and Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District were the supported a number of walking initiatives successful bidders for the right to hold the included in The Tipperary 10 walking product

10 promoted nationally and internationally by visitors. Some success has been achieved with a STTC. Over 160 people took part in our doubling of visitor numbers since 2008. In inaugural walk from Kilsheelan to Carrick-on- conjunction with our 2013 Economic Forum and Suir along the tow path and large numbers take the now Municipal District, COSTEDC has been part annually in the walk to Blarney Woollen advocating for the Ormond Quarter Initiative to Mills at Dove Hill as part of the Clancy Festival. improve traffic access to the Castle and to increase the number of visitors many fold over current Munster Vales is a new tourism destination levels. OPW are currently engaged in a major which will be developed as the key inland revamp of the Castle including visitor facilities destination in Irelands Ancient East. Munster which will be completed for the 2017 season. Vales extends from the Comeragh Mountains to Ballyhoura incorporating the Galtee and COSTEDC has promoted the castle through Knockmealdown mountain ranges. It is many activities including holding the 2011 supported by Failte Ireland, Waterford City & Economic Forum there, hosting the Carrick-on- County Council, Tipperary and Cork County Suir Gold Coin Hoard exhibition there, Councils, local development agencies and commemoration of 400th anniversary of Black tourism entities. We strongly support the Tom’s death and of course The Butler Trail. initiative to create the Greenway from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir along the tow path on the COSTEDC supported COSBA and the South river Suir. The anticipated completion date is Tipperary Development Company in an 2017, with our focus being on maximising the enterprise competition in 2013/4 which resulted business benefits to the town. in some 10 business ideas being developed by promoters with several now progressing through Ormond Castle is the underexploited gem of start-up stages. medieval town heritage and over many years both COSDA and COSTEDC led efforts to increase

7. Development Plan Policy

Policies in the 2013 Carrick-on-Suir Development Plan

Supporting by Development Plan Policy COSTEDC proposals

Policy CS 2: Addressing Social Inclusion The Council will actively use the tools available to it to ensure Comeragh College 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.

Policy TC 1: Enhancing the quality of the Town Centre It is a policy of the Council to strengthen the retail/commercial, Enterprise Centre residential and recreational functions of the town centre, Rolling Property Fund 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.

Policy CS 3: Arts and Culture The Council will seek the provision of arts, cultural and Enterprise Centre entertainment facilities, new works of art and performing space Medieval Centre/Laneways 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.

Policy TOUR 1: Tourism Development Greenway It is the policy of the Council to enhance the visitor experience to Medieval centre and Lanes the town and to co-operate with all stakeholders and appropriate Develop Castle and Environs agencies in promoting sustainable tourism and securing the development of tourist based attractions and products, Develop Marina and Building enterprises, facilities and related services in the town. 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 Greenway amenity and recreational open space and facilities, including Marina Building community facilities and centres, are available for all groups of the population at a convenient distance from their homes and places of work.

Policy INF 2: Reservation Corridor for New Road The Planning Authority will reserve the route of the Proposed New Approach Road New Road to the south of the Ormond Castle (see Figure 7) free from development.

Policy INF 3: New River Crossing The Planning Authority will reserve the route of the Proposed New Bridge New River Crossing free from development (see Figure 7).

Policy TC 3: Derelict Sites It is the policy of the Council to implement the provisions of the Rolling Property Fund 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.

Policy AH 1: Protected Structures It is the policy of the Council to conserve and protect buildings, Rolling Property Fund structures and sites contained in the Record of Protected Medieval Centre/Laneways Structures that are of special interest and to ensure any development is appropriate and sensitively undertaken. In Develop Castle & Environs assessing development proposals the Council will, where Refurbish Heritage Centre 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

Policy TC 2: Retail Strategy for Carrick-on-Suir It is the policy of the Council to encourage and facilitate the Secure Wicklow Gardens Site 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.

8 Appendices

A. Extract from the Ormond Castle Quarter Improvement Scheme 2014 1.0 THE ORMOND CASTLE QUARTER 1.2 Site Description This is the Ormond Castle Quarter Improvement The Ormond Castle Quarter is located 230 Scheme for Ormond Castle and the surrounding metres to the east of the town centre and is area, hereafter referred to as the ‘Scheme’. The considered to be an edge of centre location off Scheme aims to deliver public realm and the Main Street. The site is defined by the amenity improvements, and improved accessibly presence of the River Suir to the south, the N24 to Ormond Castle and to promote the Ormond to the North and the Town Centre to the west Castle Quarter as a unique attraction in Carrick- with the eastern boundary defined by St. on-Suir and South Tipperary. Brigid’s Hospital. The area is called the ‘Ormond Castle Quarter’ A number of uses are present in the site having regard to its location and size, the including residential neighbourhoods, car historical importance of the area and its tourist parking, tennis courts, parkland, a theatre and potential for the town. The site encompasses a the Castle. Ormond Castle, the only surviving significant portion of the town and the branding Tudor House of its kind in Ireland and the of the area will help promote and market the namesake of this project, is located strategically ‘Quarter’ as a tourist destination within the in the centre of the site with an upstanding context of the town and further afield, section of the Town Walls situated nearby facilitating links with the various heritage and within the Town Park. tourist initiatives ongoing in South Tipperary. The parkland associated with the Castle is The Scheme was realised through a combination bounded by a 2 metre high stone wall acting as of analysis, investigation and information the boundary of the park. There is a path on the sharing which led to the creation of specific external edge of the park next to this wall which design aims and objectives. The design process is used for walking and jogging, yet its amenity involved analysis of both pedestrian and value is undermined by the presence of invasive vehicular access to the site, the public realm on species, such as Japanese Knotweed and poor the site, the individual streets, and cultural, environmental and historical amenities that are management of land at the rivers’ edge. available within the site boundary. 1.3 ‘Pride of Place’ 1.1 The Ormond Castle Quarter Despite its variety of heritage features, and Improvement Scheme cultural and historical assets, Carrick-on-Suir is Currently there is disconnect between Ormond not known as a visitor destination. Ormond Castle and the town centre and it is essential that Castle has very low visitor numbers and does a link between these two elements is developed not hold its own in comparison with the Rock of to create a sense of unity between the Castle and Cashel and Cahir Castle. the Main Street generating vibrancy and vitality within the town. The numbers visiting the Rock of Cashel in The Scheme also focuses on the River Suir as an 2012 were 240,406, and Cahir Castle had 62,818 environmental and social amenity and the visitors yet Ormond Castle only attracted 9,240 multiple opportunities presented by the presence persons. In addition, there has been a decrease of the waterway. There is scope to improve the in the numbers visiting Ormond Castle from riverside amenity and to enrich the outdoor recreational offering of the town with the 2011 to 2012. Table 1 outlines an updated list of Ormond Castle at its core. the visitor numbers for the three main attractions in South Tipperary from 2011 to 2015.

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 Closed for Ormond Castle 9,539 9,240 9,922 9,116 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 an agreed framework for change, towards The vision set out above is informed by the which all stakeholders will work. assessment of the historical, cultural and .architectural elements set out in previous As has been identified previously there are a chapters. It is proposed to set out measures number of public realm, accessibility and and objectives for the improvement of the awareness issues which need to be resolved public realm and protection of the amenity through the implementation of this Scheme. and environment of the area. As funding The objectives to be achieved can be divided allows and over time, this vision will form into two distinct sections, Physical Works and Promotional Initiatives.

5.1.1 Objectives for Physical Works be undertaken in other locations in the town, The objectives concerned with the physical such as Sean Kelly Square, use a similar works include: format and design as that proposed for the Ormond Castle Quarter. 1. Improve pedestrian access to the Ormond Castle Quarter between the town centre and 5.1.2 Promotion/ Interpretative Objectives the Castle by enriching, managing and The promotional and interpretation improving the existing built fabric along initiatives include: Castle Street to attract visitors to and from the Castle grounds and the town centre. 1. Creating an awareness of the unique identity of the town and its associations with 2. Redevelop the Shebeen site (currently for the Castle through the creation and sale) and adjoining dilapidated building site promotion of the ‘Ormond Castle Quarter’ as and the presentation of this site to act as a a brand name. gateway into the Ormond Castle Quarter from the Town Centre. 2. Develop synergies with ‘The Butler Trail’. The vision of this Scheme directly supports 3. Improve the relationship between the the objectives of the Butler Trail, and the Parkland and the River Suir, facilitate Ormond Castle Quarter will directly benefit limited access to the banks of the River Suir, by promotion, advertising and signage with remaining riverside areas managed as a associated with the Butler Trail. nature reserve. 3. Develop synergies with other tourist 4. Enhanced landscaping of the Town Park initiatives in the town and area such as the with emphasis on the creation of views Heritage trail, the East Munster Way and the towards the Castle and the River. development of the River Suir Towpath - Greenway. 5. Improve the safety and attractiveness of existing footpaths in the park, especially the 4. Carrick-on-Suir has become a Member of footpath south of the Castle to the quay and the Irish Walled Town Network in 2014 and the footpath from the N24 into the Park (near is benefiting from its membership by St. Brigid’s Hospital). improving its national profile and seeking funding for conservation works. 6. Seek funding to conserve up-standing remains of the Town Walls and designate a 5. The achievement of the objectives of this pathway to the Town Walls to facilitate Scheme are to become priorities for the key visitors. stakeholders (see Section 1.4 above) in enterprise and development in the area and 7. Create a vehicular access from the N24 they will seek to secure funding and with parking for cars and coaches and agreement for the successful implementation improving pedestrian links from the N24 east of the Scheme of the site area into the Castel Park.

8. Ensure that any public realm improvements including signage that are to

B Extract from the Carrick-on-Suir Town Development Plan 2013 SEA & Monitoring Carrick-on-Suir is located 22km from Article 10 of the SEA Directive requires Clonmel and 27km from Waterford City, and Member States to monitor the significant has strategic rail access to Limerick and environmental effects of the implementation Waterford. The Plan area comprises 946 ha of plans and programmes. The monitoring and includes Carrick-on-Suir town and the strategy for the assessment of the surrounding rural area (see Land Use Zoning environmental effects of the implementation Map 1, Figure 1 from the NSS and Figure 3 of the Plan is set out in Section 7 of the Core Strategy Map). Carrick-on-Suir has environmental Report (Appendix 1 – SEA been targeted for growth at a regional level Statement and Environmental Report). having regard to its strategic location within Monitoring of the implementation of the the region, capacity for growth and potential Development Plan objectives and any to deliver on the core objectives of critical resulting environmental effects that may mass and balanced regional development. arise will be carried out in tandem Carrick-on-Suir is identified as a Secondary Service Centre in the County Settlement Strategic Location of Carrick-on-Suir Strategy included in the County Carrick-on-Suir is serviced by the N24 Development Plan 2009 – 2015 (CDP). The Waterford – Limerick National Primary identified role of the Secondary Service Route which runs through the centre of the Centres is to act as service centres for their town. The town is located on the Waterford hinterlands and to drive development within – Limerick Rail Line and the train station is their catchment areas. located to the north east of the town centre.

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

3 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY Infrastructure). This Section deals with One of the strategic objectives of this enhancing the quality of the Town Centre, COSTDP 2013 is the development of a the County Retail Strategy, Public Realm, strong and vibrant town centre that meets the Car Parking, Strategic Development Sites, retail and service needs of the hinterland in Derelict Sites, Shop Fronts and Advertising addition to offering a pleasant and attractive and Specific Town Centre Actions. environment for shopping, tourism, business, 3.1 Enhancing the quality of the Town recreation and living. The submissions made Centre at the Pre-Draft Stage in addition to Annual Health Check Monitoring undertaken comments received from the local on the Primary Retail Area of Carrick-on- community and the Elected Members Suir (see Figure 4 below) from 2009 – 2012 indicate that the main barrier to the inclusive recorded the following occupancy development of the town centre is the current levels and percentage of retail units which congestion and poor traffic movement on are of high value use (Table 2). Main Street (also addressed under Section 6

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.

6 INFASTRUCTURE bicycle and has potential as a cycling hub, Infrastructural weaknesses identified at the cycle improvements for the town are set out Pre-Draft plan making stage included traffic in the Walking and Cycling Strategy for flow/traffic congestion and directional signage South Tipperary 2013. whilst the development of cycling as a main • Vision for the Suir - Identify and protect attraction and the delivery of bus parking with the amenity, economic and tourism potential links to the Main Street and the Ormond of the River Suir and the tow path (Clonmel Castle were identified as opportunities. This to Carrick-on-Suir). Section refers to transportation, water and wastewater services, energy and 6.1.2 N24 & Traffic Congestion telecommunications, waste management and The delivery of the N24 Bypass is now likely flood risk. to be medium term and is dependent on the required funding being allocated. The route 6.1 Transport of the N24 realignment has also been revised Land Use and Transport Planning and is now outside of the Plan Boundary. The County Sustainable Transport Strategy Until such time as a Bypass has been was endorsed in May 2012 and the key constructed it remains the policy of the Draft objective of the Strategy is the promotion of Plan to protect the carrying capacity of the sustainable transport systems using a current N24 route. combination of all transport modes. The key Policy INF 1: Carrying Capacity of the transport objectives to be addressed through N24 the Development Plan process are identified The Planning Authority will ensure that the as follows; carrying capacity and the strategic transport • Protect the carrying capacity of the N24 – function of the N24 is protected and access Planning process to recognise and protect the to the national road network will be managed Strategic Importance of the N24. in accordance with the provisions of the • N24 By Pass - Protect the proposed route official policy outlined in the DoECLG free from development. Identify proposed Spatial Planning and National Roads local distributer routes as part of a long-term Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2012). vision for lands located on the town side of Planning Applications for significant the proposed By-Pass. development proposals on the N24 will be required to be supported by Traffic and • Protect existing rail infrastructure - Ensure Transport Assessment and a Road Safety that the station and adjoining lands are Audit. protected from inappropriate development. In order to address the traffic management • Identification of key generators of travel and congestion issues associated with the demand and plan for sustainability - town in the short term it is proposed that a Identification of the key generators of number of measures be investigated fully, in transport demand i.e. schools, employers, consultation with the NRA (in particular the residential areas, sports, health etc. to inform Design Section, Tramore House who were preparation of local land use and transport consulted with in September 2012 regarding planning. traffic modelling), the Elected Members and • Plan for cycling - As can be seen above Stakeholders where appropriate. Carrick-on-Suir is easily accessible by

It will be determined which of these • Erect signage for an alternative Clonmel measures will best function to reduce traffic Route from New Street to Castle Street and congestion and ease traffic flow. The down the North Quays. appropriate measures will be progressed as • Roundabout/Right hand turning lane at the and when funding becomes available. Some junction of the North Quays with the N24. of the measures to be investigated are also identified on the Core Strategy Map and the Policy INF 2: Reservation Corridor for New Road Public Realm and Transportation Map The Planning Authority will reserve the route (projects are also listed below); of the Proposed New Road to the south of the • Encourage other use of other modes of Ormond Castle (see Figure 7) free from transport to the private car. The 2011 Census development. As set out above in order to found that 1,709 people travel to work/ fully explore and address the traffic school/college by car with an average of 1.5 management and congestion issues associated people in each car i.e. 1,102 private vehicles. with the Carrick-on-Suir Town Centre, • Provision of a new road to the south of the especially in relation to traffic flow problems Ormond Castle linking the Pill Road to the associated with the Main Street, New Street, Town Centre. Dillon Bridge and Carrickbeg, the • Potential reversal of the one way system on identification of a new river crossing in the Old Bridge. Carrick-on-Suir is necessary. A new river • Identification of a new River Crossing. crossing and supporting road infrastructure, the location of which will be informed by a • Examine car parking on Main Street and investigate possibility of reconfiguration of comprehensive Transportation Plan, can car parking. provide an alternative route for traffic that must cross the River Suir, but whose business/ • Investigate and implement measures to destination is not in the Town Centre of remove extraneous traffic from Main Street. Carrick-on-Suir. This alternative route will • Improved Traffic Calming Measures at remove superfluous traffic from the Town Greenhill. Centre while allowing the reduction of • Improved Public Realm at Sean Kelly congestion for commuters/traffic wishing to Square. conduct their business within the Town Centre. • Improved enforcement by Traffic Wardens Policy INF 3: New River Crossing at most congested areas. The Planning Authority will reserve the route • Removal of three car parking spaces from of the Proposed New River Crossing free from outside of the Town Hall. development (see Figure 7). • Improved signage for the town centre car parks.

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

C Strategic Projects Summary

1. Enterprise Centre 7. Public Realm with Sean Kelly Square The objective is to occupy an existing Create a pedestrianised plaza at Sean building to facilitate 4/6 start-up. Kelly Square and other improvements including parking. 2. Property Rolling Fund The aim is to purchase and re-develop 8. Refurbish Heritage Centre derelict sites/buildings in the town centre. It is close on 30 years since the Heritage Sell them on, thereby creating a rolling Centre was restored. It needs to be fund to invest in the next upgraded to make it a state of the art development/project. visitor attraction. The vision would be for the main building to be a dark space, with 3. Greenway The Greenway is scheduled for a 3D movie facility (similar to facilities at completion in 2017. The focus here is to Cliffs of Moher) and interactive stands capitalise on this amenity by putting in with audio tapes and headphones at the place the infrastructure to encourage altar etc. visitors using the Greenway into the town 9. Develop Hostel centre. Develop St. Joseph’s, the former Domestic Science College into a hostel. 4. Medieval Centre/Laneways Create an awareness of our Medieval Carrick-on-Suir is very short on bed night Laneways with interpretative signage and accommodation. This would provide low refurbish the laneways. cost accommodation to tourists and visitors to the town. 5. Secure Wicklow Gardens Site Subject to planning permission and 10. Develop Comeragh College, Greenside flooding issues, secure the Wicklow Comeragh College has moved, to new premises at Tinvane. It is proposed to Gardens site and develop it as the second anchor retail site in the town. It is a develop the old school, which was the brown field site. The development could Vocational School in the past, into an have some residential component to it, but Adult Education Centre. it would be contingent on getting road 11. Develop Marina & Building access to the site via the vehicular access Provide showers and related facilities near route from the N24 proposed in the the marina. These facilities would also be Ormond Castle Quarter Improvement available to Greenway users. Scheme 2014. 12. Develop Kickham Street 6. Develop the Castle & Environs Develop an open area/venue for concerts See Appendix A – Extract from the Ormond Castle with cafés and facilities etc. Quarter Improvement Scheme 2014. To provide a new approach road from the 13. New Bridge Get the idea of a new bridge across the N24 below the railway bridge along the ‘Sally Field’ and reclaim ground at the river Suir at Carrick-on-Suir on the agenda back of the castle to provide access to the of the planners in Tipperary, Waterford, Kilkenny and the NRA. This is a long Wicklow Gardens site. See Appendix A. term project probably 25+ years. It should be considered as part of the eventual bye- pass of Carrick-on-Suir.

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

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.

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

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.