Fields at foot of Rock of Cashel to be transformed into new town park
Phase one of construction is due to begin by the latter end of the summer, which will see a contractor fully on site, and works are expected to take several months.
The Cashel Town Park will feature gravel walkway, a scenic boardwalk, reinforced grass paths, natural play elements, sensitive landscaping, seating and signage, a low level maze and an amphitheatre.
At the sod turning were elected members of Tipperary-Cahir-Cashel municipal district, Bru Ború, Cashel Heritage and Development Trust, local gardaí, the OPW, chief executive of Tipperary County Council Sinéad Carr, directors of services Brian Beck and Dave Carroll, district officials, project manager and engineer Frank Cussen, while Muintir Na Tire was represented by National President, Jackie Meally.
Cashel resident Cllr Burgess told the Irish Independent that the new park is a transformative project for the heritage town and one that has been on his agenda for the past few years ever since he was elected to the council.
'I was delighted back in 2020 in proposing the Part 8 process planning permission to drive this project forward. Last year, we secured €495,000 in additional funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to support this important work.
'We are going to deliver a low-level maze for recreation for kids to play in. We are going to have some organic play material, a new boardwalk improving accessibility in the site.
'But today, in marking the turning of the sod, acknowledges the journey we've been on as a local authority in securing the lands, in driving the new enhancement of the Bishop's Walk, the Bóthar na Marbh, and the Town Wall Walkway at the back of the courthouse.
'All three elements have been delivered already. This main starting point is going to be enjoyed by not just locals, but also visitors. Being under the shadow of the Rock, where hundreds of thousands of visitors are attending every year – the town has always missed that bridge, that connectivity between the Rock and the town centre.'
Cllr Burgess said the enhanced town park will act as that bridge. 'It's going to be really transformative for outdoor space in the town. This is a really exciting journey that we're on and I'm delighted as cathaoirleach to be officially turning the sod today.'
Cllr Burgess thanked all the council officials who worked on the project over the years, procuring the design, securing planning permission and authorisations from many agencies such as the National Monument Service, the OPW, and the Department of Heritage.
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'It's quite a sensitive site,' said Cllr Burgess. 'I think that brings a unique aspect to our Town Park that no other town park has. This is going to be something exceptional and it's going to have that outdoor amenity that the town has missed for many years.'
The new boardwalk will take some time to install, said Cllr Burgess. 'That accessibility element of the Town Park is really important.'
There were many in Cashel who felt the Town Park would never get started, but it is, and when people see the end result, people will appreciate the outdoor space to bring their children, walk their dogs, and enjoy picnics, said Cllr Burgess.
The entire project will deliver a new entrance to the Rock of Cashel site on the Camus Road side, at the existing gate. There will be new walkways, and a new amphitheatre which will be of huge benefit to the community.
'I can see the brass band practising there,' said Cllr Burgess. 'I can see Cashel Arts Festival utilising the space in the future, maybe some Irish dancing. It's going to be space for shows and that space for really notable experiences.'
Phase one should be completed before Christmas, and, depending on funding, it's hoped that this time next, work will have moved on to phase two. Both phases will be opened separately.
The three elements of Bóthar na Marbh, the Bishop's Walk, and the Town Wall Walkway are the three components of the project, with phase one leading from the top gate leading into the Bishop's Walk, down towards the Palace.
'That's going to be delivered in the coming months. That will be open to the public, and that side of the development is really geared towards families. It will be a really welcome addition to the town.
'The design concept respects the sensitivities of the site. It respects the heritage of our town and also provides that unique offering to visitors and locals so I'm really looking forward to it,' added Cllr Burgess.
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