New Civic Plaza opened in Tipp

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien officially marked the opening of the Kickham Barracks Plaza, a new civic space and public realm on the historical grounds of the Army Barracks, the former home of the Defence Forces in Clonmel.

This new civic space consists of a new main public plaza; a bandstand and stepped terrace; a canopy structure along the northern edge of the plaza; a new street; new footpaths and a car-parking facility which links the site entrance on Dillon St to the Central Plaza feature. There is significant landscaping & tree planting throughout the site along with the development of services and utilities for future development of the site.

The project was funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the First Call of the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) programme, the flagship element of Project Ireland 2040, established to support more compact and sustainable development through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s cities and towns.

This development marks an exciting phase in the regeneration of existing buildings and civic spaces of distinction and value within Clonmel. It is one of the first key elements of the 2030 Plan for the Re-generational Transformation of Clonmel Town. The implementation of the various plans and projects under Clonmel 2030 will assist in aligning the town centre with the 21st century needs of its citizens and visitors stimulating greater town centre footfall & spend, enabling new businesses to set up and growing existing commercial activity; introducing new immersive tourism activity and uses and binding all of these initiative through the unique art, history, heritage and culture of Clonmel.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said: “It’s great to be here to officially open this new civic plaza located on the grounds of the former Kickham Barracks, one of the first projects to be funded under the URDF programme. I commend Tipperary County Council for their efforts in producing this significant and fabulous new urban space for Clonmel and look forward to seeing the re-development of the remainder of the site over the next few years.”

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Roger Kennedy, commented: “We’re delighted to be joined by Minister O’Brien, to officially open the new Kickham Barracks Plaza in Clonmel, which provides a range of functions which are accessible, active and civic and will improve the quality of life and cultural offering in Clonmel.”

Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council, Joe MacGrath, stated,:“This civic space is the first hard landscaped public space of its kind for Clonmel, creating a safe, high quality and pedestrian-friendly environment while also improving connectivity to Clonmel Town Centre making it a more appealing, accessible, vibrant and welcoming place. It also offers unique opportunities for the town to host cultural and artistic events, community activities and markets.”