Carrick-on-Suir Regeneration Plan

'A Journey from the Suir Blueway to the Ormond Castle Quarter'

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Carrick-on-Suir Town Centre First Plan- Online Survey

carrick survey

Carrick-on-Suir 'Town Centre First' Plan- New Community Survey


The Carrick-on-Suir 'Town Centre First' Team and Tipperary County Council wish to hear from you, the Carrick-on-Suir and hinterland community, with your thoughts and views about the strengths and opportunities for Carrick-on-Suir. We would welcome your suggestions for what this town needs to make it a vibrant place in which to work, live and visit.

HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT THE FUTURE OF YOUR TOWN

Click on the link to the survey at https://consultations.tipperarycoco.ie/form/carrick-on-suir-community-survey

The Carrick-on-Suir Town Centre First Team came together in April 2023, to ensure the development and delivery on the Town Centre First Plan following the launch of Town Centre First – A Policy Approach for Irish Towns by the government in February 2022. Further information on the policy is available at

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/473d3-town-centre-first-policy/

The team is made up of local representatives of economic and tourism development and business associations, community, youth, older persons organisations, sports, disability, and residents associations, theatre and arts groups, and social services groups along with the local authority representative.   It operates under the chairmanship of Mr. Tony Musiol and is supported by the Town Regeneration Officer, Ms. Áine McCarthy, who is part of a network of Town Regeneration Officers operating under the guidance of a new national Town Centre First Office.

The Team’s first port of call is to open up a conversation with the citizens of Carrick on Suir and its hinterland and its business sector, to hear their views and aspirations for their town, and how they would like it to develop into the future. It will be an opportunity for all generations to have their say and input into the PLAN and the key actions and outcomes arising from it.

The consultation period runs until the 29 September and the Team would love to hear from you.  The survey is anonymous; however, if you wish to be involved in further consultation you may leave your details at the end.  It should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Click on the link to the survey here.

Hard copy of the ‘Town Centre First’ Community Surveys available at;

The District Office, New Street, Carrick on Suir, E32YV00
Sean Healy Memorial Library, Fair Green, Carrick on Suir E32X860

When completed, paper versions of the questionnaire may be returned to the above or to receptacles at the following locations;

  • Tudor Artisan Hub, 42 Main Street, Carrick on Suir. E32 FW66                
  • Nano Nagle Community Resource Centre, Clancy House, William Street,Carrick on Suir.  E32 P928
  • An Post (SuperValu), Greystone Street, Carrick on Suir. E32 VR66                  
  • SPAR Abbey Road,Carrickbeg,Carrick on Suir.  E32 X282
  • Martina’s Daybreak, Lower Waterford Road Carrickbeg, Carrick-on-Suir. E32 RP48

Regeneration Plan

Carrick on Suir Municipal District, in partnership with the Carrick on Suir Tourism and Economic Development Committee and multiple stakeholders have prepared a whole-town transformative Regeneration Plan. Planning permission and detailed plans and drawings have been prepared with the support of funding received from the Department of Rural and Community Development under their Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The support and ambition of the community and stakeholders in the town have been key in bringing this vison forward.

The proposed Regeneration Plan is subject to a funding application to the Department and a decision is due in September 2022. The following attachments set out relevant details of the proposed Plan and funding application and the attached video summaries the proposed Regeneration vision.

  1. Supplementary Document to the funding application
  2. Schedule of Plans and Drawings for the Regeneration Area.
  3. Tourism Investment Assessment Report
  4. Stakeholder Survey Results
cosimage
Click above to view our Regeneration Plan Video

 

Click Here to view what makes a great town

 

Part 8- Planning Application

Pursuant to the requirements of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, Tipperary County Council hereby gives notice that it intends to carry out the following development:

Description: CARRICK ON SUIR REGENERATION PLAN

The proposed development includes for public realm refurbishment and enhancement in Carrick on Suir’s town centre comprising the upgrading of existing streets and lanes with new high-quality paving, kerbing, public lighting, improved street furniture and utility diversions/works (including undergrounding of overhead ESB cables). Footpath space will be widened, traffic calming will be developed through build-out, reduced road carriage widths and improved pedestrian crossings.

Existing car parks will be improved and new car parking spaces provided. The traffic management at the junction of Main Street and Dillon Bridge will change from a signal-controlled junction to a priority-controlled junction. Pedestrian movement will be prioritised by the design.

The development includes for public realm refurbishment and enhancement at Sean Healy Park comprising the development of a new vehicular parking area with entry and exit, footpaths and hard paved areas, widening of the Blueway and the development of associated landscaping and services/utilities to serve the proposed and future uses; the extension of the Suir Blueway along North Quays to provide cycleway and pedestrian linkages from Sean Healy Park to Ormond Castle and the town centre; the upgrading of Strand Walk with new paving and the development of a new access to Ormond Castle grounds and closing of the existing ramped access. Nature and extent of the proposed development is as follows:

Locations

Nature and Extent of Proposed Development
  • Carrick-on-Suir Town Centre;
  • Castle Lane;
  • Strand Walk;
  • North Quays;
  • Main Street;
  • Barrack Lane;
  • Entrance to (private) car park
    between 67 & 68 Main Street;
  • Chapel Street/New Lane;
  • Ball Alley Lane;
  • William Street;
  • Oven Lane;
  • Hotel Lane;
  • Strand Lane;
  • Bridge Street;
  • Cook Lane:
  • Entrance to Heritage Centre
    at Main Street;
  • Rowe’s Lane (a.k.a. Rose Lane);
  • Kiersey Place;
  • West Gate;
  • Greystone Street;
  • Well Road;
  • Sean Healy Park.
  • New streetscape layout for Main Street with new alignment design for footpaths and trafficked areas incorporating new paving, kerbing, hard and soft landscaping and street furniture.
  • Alteration of on-street parking for Main Street and other streets.
  • New surface finishes to laneways linking Main Street to car parks and the Quays and laneways off Main Street.
  • Demolition of a derelict building on Strand Lane to facilitate development of additional car parking spaces and an improved public realm.
  • Development of new surfacing and landscaping to Strand Lane/Oven Lane car park.
  • Development of a new vehicular carpark at Sean Healy Park adjoining the N24 accessed from the N24 and exiting onto Quay Rd.
  • Upgrade and widening of existing and development of new pathways and hard and soft paved areas in Sean Healy Park. Development of services and utilities to facilitate future development at Sean Healy Park.
  • Upgrade of surface finishes and alterations to the alignment of footpaths and trafficked areas along the North Quays from Sean Healy Park to Ormond Castle. New builds outs will be developed to calm traffic.
  • Upgrade of surface finishes and alterations to the alignment of footpaths and trafficked areas along Greystone Street and West Gate.
  • Development of sections of glass infill to North Quay Walls to open views to the river at the south of Oven Lane.
  • Upgrade of footpaths and trafficked area along Greystone Street and West Gate with new paving, kerbing, lighting etc.
  • Upgrade of footpath along Strand Walk with new paving and development of new access into Castle Park public open space. This involves development of new steps and a ramp and removal of a section of the existing wall bounding the Castle Park public open space.The existing ramp connecting Castle Park to Strand Walk to be removed and this access closed.
  • Development of associated drainage services and utilities.
  • Undergrounding of overhead electrical cables and upgrading of public lighting.
  • Development of EV parking spaces and associated infrastructure at Sean Healy Park and Strand Lane Car Park.
  • All associated site works.


The development has been the subject of an Appropriate Assessment screening in accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and Article 250(1) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended. The Appropriate Assessment screening concluded that the proposed development would not be likely to give rise to significant or indeterminate impacts on any Natura 2000 site.


Click here to see full Part 8 Planning Application Documentation
 

Solving Our Own Problems

At a workshop held in November 2016, hosted by the Heritage Council and Tipperary County Council, a wide range of measures were identified for addressing the physical, economic and social regeneration of Carrick-on-Suir, including:

  • Focus on Main Street to become a desirable destination
  • Widen footpaths on Main Street to provide for a more pleasant shopping environment
  • Create more desirable weekend experiences- with the Castle as a hub of activities
  • Identify the town’s assets - the River Suir, the Marina, Ormond Castle, the Greenway, Cycling, etc.
  • Sell the town as a destination spot for day trippers using programmes and initiatives such as the Butler trail, The East Munster way, the Suir Blueway, etc.
  • Improve traffic flow on the Main Street as part of public realm enhancement
  • Improve awareness of parking options and orientation in general
  • Improve definition of town centre and central area zones
  • Improve the environment for cyclists
  • Improve access to Ormond Castle
  • Reduce dereliction and improve accommodation in the town centre
  • Develop pedestrian friendly zones in key locations with special emphasis on the historic commercial spine of Main Street
  • Continue the Greenway route into the core of the town where there should be facilities provided at the terminal point

 

The County Council has now appointed Malachy Walsh and Partners (Engineers) and Nicholas de Jong Associates (Urban Design) to prepare the Carrick-on-Suir Regeneration Plan, which actively draws on the ‘Solving our Own Problems’ programme. The Plan will focus on the public realm and urban amenity areas of the town centre with specific emphasis on linkages to the Blueway and the Ormond Castle, and helping to promote Carrick-on-Suir as a tourism destination.


The Regeneration Plan will primarily deliver the following two elements:

  1. Design and enhancement of the Suir Blueway from Sean Healy Park to Ormond Castle
  2. Regeneration, public realm design and enhancement of the town

Your ideas are needed to inform and shape this exciting initiative for Carrick-on-Suir.

 

 

Project Scope

During 2021 it is proposed, with your help, to prepare a Tourism and Heritage Regeneration Plan for Carrick-on-Suir. The overall vision is to prepare plans for the enhancement of the town as a visitor destination based on its potential as a key attraction in Ireland’s Ancient East on the Suir Blueway.

Key actions include:
  • Develop an agreed Vision Statement
  • Reduce vehicle dominance and improve pedestrian/cycle movement and junction capacity
  • Develop Healy Park as a water sports arrival point and community amenity
  • Attractive and easy linkages for walkers and cyclists between Healy Park and the Town centre
  • Ensure Main Street is a pleasant and safe place to be
  • Develop nodes of activity at key public spaces
  • Attractive and easy linkages between Ormond Castle
  • Quarter and Main Street
  • Continuation of Suir Blueway from Healy Park to Ormond Castle Park
  • Identify Town Centre location for second Digital Hub
  • Enhanced biodiversity through best practice in pollinator-friendly spaces and sustainable urban drainage design
  • Enhanced orientation throughout the town by creating a pedestrian and cycle friendly environment
  • Consistent high quality materials
  • Align existing Suir Blueway marketing with Carrick-on-Suir marketing
  • Climate action- opportunities for green design features
  • Measures to avoid anti-social behaviour
  • Opportunities to enhance public realm at night

 

Click here to see larger map
Map Key
  1. Enhanced linkages between Ormond Castle and the central core.
  2. Sean Kelly Square Public Realm Enhancement.
  3. Possible second Digital Hub.
  4. Enhancement of the central core.
  5. Amenity improvement for Healy Park and linkages with Town centre.

What makes a great town?

Attractions
Attractions help to define a town’s identity and comprise the range and diversity of shopping and other activities which draw in customers and visitors.
 
Accessibility
Successful centres need to be easily accessible by the surrounding areas through road and public transport networks. Ease of access within a town between public transport stops, carparks, and key attractions is also essential.
 
Health & Wellbeing
A healthy town needs to be a pleasant place to spend time in. It should be attractive in terms of environmental quality and urban design, it should be safe and it should have a distinct identity or image.
 

Carrick-on-Suir has much to offer...
Attractions

Strong Vibrant Centre

  • Good selection of independent shops.
  • Cafes, restaurants and pubs
  • Safe environment
  • Pedestrian space
  • Accessible parking
  • Attractive waterfront

A Great Place to Visit

  • River Suir
  • Ormond Castle
  • Town Walls
  • Heritage Centre
  • The Butler Trail
  • Lingaun Valley
  • The Old Bridge

Festivals & Events

  • Clancy Brothers Festival
  • Brewery Lane and Strand Theatres
  • Maurice Davin Festival
  • Dick Meany Trophy
  • Farmers Market
  • Willie Loughman Forest Rally
 

A Great Place to Live & Work

  • Good selection of housing
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Strong Community
  • Good schools and healthcare facilities
  • Sports and recreation
  • Attractive environment

Riverside Amenities

  • Suir Blueway
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Angling
  • Walking/jogging/cycling
  • Bird watching
  • Public marina

Carrick-on-Suir has much to offer...
Accessibility

Mobility Options

  • National rail station with regular services to Waterford, Clonmel and Limerick Junction
  • Bus services to Waterford and Clonmel
  • Ring a Link to Grangemockler
  • Cycling and walking routes

Permeability

  • Walkable town centre
  • Convenient off street car parking
  • A network of laneways
  • Main street spine
  • Safe streets
  • Signage and interpretation

Suir Waterway

  • Towpath Walking & Cycling
  • Public Marina
  • The Suir navigation to Waterford

Carrick-on-Suir has much to offer...
Health & Wellbeing

Community Facilities

  • Good choice of schools
  • Independent shops
  • Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants
  • Places of worship
  • Good healthcare facilities
  • Carrick-on-Suir Community Resource Centre

Good Access to Natural Amenities

  • Suir Blueway
  • Slievenamon
  • Comeragh Mountains
  • Mahon Falls
  • Close proximity to the coast
  • Glen River

Community Groups

  • Strong community organisations
  • Strong parishes
  • Numerous sports teams & clubs

Sports and Recreation

  • Sean Kelly Sports Centre
  • Carrick Davins, Swans and St Molleran’s GAA clubs
  • Carrick United AFC
  • Triathlon Club
  • Panduit Carrick Wheelers
  • St. Nicholas Boxing Club
  • Castleview Lawn Tennis Club
  • Strolling by the Suir

Next Steps

Timeline 2022

December: On the 6th December 2021, the elected Members of Carrick on Suir Municipal District approved the Part 8 planning application and work commenced on finalising the business case for the Regeneration Plan.

With that in place, detailed drawings were finalised by the Multi-Disciplinary Consultants to support the Council’s application for Category 1 funding under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund [RRDF] administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The project in its entirety will cost €17.9m with €3.05m coming from the Council’s resources.

The application was submitted to the Department on the 28 April 2022 and we eagerly await a decision in anticipation of this ambitious once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Carrick on Suir.













 

Your Carrick-on-Suir

 

Let us know what you think

Please let us know what you think makes the town a great place to live, work and visit and what can be done to improve it now and for future generations.

The Survey has been closed.

If you have taken part in our Survey, thank you. The Survey is now is now closed. Any information provided will help in the preparation of the designs for the Carrick-on-Suir Regeneration Plan. All updates on the project will be published here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography: Pete Smith