2003 Annual Report.pdf - South Tipperary County Development Board

South Tipperary County Development Board, 

County Hall, Clonmel, Co Tipperary 

Tel: 052 34597 Fax: 052 80422 

Email: dce@southtippcoco.ie 

www.southtippcdb.ie

South Tipperary 

COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD 

Annual Report 2003 

Table of Contents 

Chairman’s Statement 1 

Chairman’s Report on Service Collaboration 2 

County Economic Programme Update 4 

County Social Programme Update 8 

County Cultural Programme Update 14 

County Local Agenda 21 Programme Update 15 

Board Members and Structures 17


South Tipperary 

Roman Catholic Parishes Map 

Note: The ‘Catholic Parish’ is the most 

common area boundary at which community 

groups and organisations operate. 

1 Emly 

2 Lattin & Cullen 

3 Solohead And Oola 

4 Cappawhite 

5 Kilcommon & Hollyford 

6 Annacarty & Donohill 

7 Clonoulty & Rossmore 

8 Knockavilla & Donaskeigh 

9 Golden & Kilfeacle 

10 Tipperary 

11 Galbally & Lisvernane 

12 Bansha & Kilmoyler 

13 New Inn & Knockgraffon 

14 Cahir 

15 Ballylooby & Duhill 

16 Clogheen & Burncourt 

17 Ballyporeen 

18 Ardfinnan, Grange & Ballybacon 

19 Newcastle 

20 Mullinahone 

21 Kilsheelan & Kilcash 

22 Grangemockler & Ballyneill 

23 Carrick & Faugheen 

24 Powerstown & Lisronagh 

25 Ballingarry 

26 Gortnahoe & Glengoole 

27 Killenaule & Moyglass 

28 Drangan & Cloneen 

29 Fethard & Killusty 

30 Clerihan 

31 Cashel & Rosegreen 

32 Boherlahan & Dualla 

33 Doon 

34 St. Marys 

35 St. Peter & Paul’s 

36 Carrickbeg 

38 Moycarkey & Twomileborris 

39 Pallasgreen & Templebraden 

all others 

Parish Map developed by Kathleen Ward and Eddie Meegan 

South Tipperary County Development Board


Foreword: 

Chairman’s Statement on highlights for 2003 

The South Tipperary County Strategy has 74 

actions, four of which are complete, a 

further 60 begun and 10 actions yet to 

commence. 

During 2003, a further seven actions were 

added to the County Strategy, reflecting new 

priorities and also confidence in the value of 

a co-ordinated approach to addressing 

challenges and opportunities. 

There are approximately 60 co-ordinating 

groups (task groups, working groups, 

planning groups) driving elements of the 

County Strategy. The highlights of 2003 

were implementable RAPID Plans, in 

Clonmel and Tipperary Town and a drilling 

down of commitment and buy-in of 

organisations/agencies to using CDB 

structures to address critical issues. The 

quality of the work in 2003 was helped by 

the setting of economic and social inclusion 

priorities. The challenge in 2004 is to 

manage the increasing demand for 

inter-agency working so that while all who 

need to be are engaged in the planning and 

monitoring, the resources to implement 

actions can be devolved to, ideally, a single 

agency. The emphasis will be on driving 

priorities and adapting structures to deliver 

improved public and community services 

where there is already agreement (on plans, 

strategies, service provision, etc). 

A particular challenge will be to 

demonstrate real value for money from the 

CDB process. During 2003 a national 

review of the Social Inclusion Measures 

(SIM) Working Groups acknowledged that 

SIM Working Groups had raised awareness 

of social inclusion issues among 

stakeholders, but pointed out that the SIM 

Working Groups had only a minimal impact 

on delivery of local services and have also 

not changed the way government 

departments do business. 

Local development groups and local 

authorities are now requested to show 

consistency in their annual operational 

plans/programmes within the South Tipperary 

County Strategy. I am delighted that the state 

agency sector has voluntarily agreed to also 

have their annual plans and strategies 

proofed against the South Tipperary County 

Strategy. 

The national review of SIM Working Groups 

recommended re-energising the process at 

national level by streamlining the NDP 

social inclusion measures and at local level, 

to focus on outcomes for up to three target 

groups annually in order to deliver better 

co-ordination and integration of services in 

this area. The recommendation concerning 

the local level reflects well on the South 

Tipperary SIM Working Group which 

targeted traveller accommodation, those at 

risk from early school leaving and a crime 

prevention partnership as its three priority 

areas in 2003. While the SIM review is 

particularly critical of the national level, 

there has been some national movement that 

is visible in South Tipperary such as the 

establishment of a regional office by the 

Department of Education and Science. As 

Chair of the County Development Board, I 

urge the National Task Force to address the 

pitfalls outlined in the evaluation report 

concerning not having joined-up social 

inclusion policy and insufficient urgency in 

addressing systemic bottlenecks at a central 

level. 

The County Development Board and its 

member bodies are committed to South 

Tipperary’s well-being. On a personal note 

I wish to thank the members and former 

members of the Board, including former 

Chair Cllr. Michael Fitzgerald, who 

I succeeded in July 2003, for their huge 

contribution to South Tipperary. 

Chair Cllr. Sean McCarthy 

South Tipperary County Development Board 

1


Chair’s Report on Service Collaboration 

At the core of the County Development Board’s vision is the need to improve public and 

community services by service co-ordination and integration. 

Four consecutive phases of collaboration can be identified: 

Phase 1 Networking Meet, Talk and Tell (each other what they are doing) 

Phase 2 Co-ordination Meet, talk and tell (each other what they are doing) and 

consider others before they plan/act i.e be aware of 

mutual complementarity. This phase needs agencies to 

share in decisions concerning changes 

Phase 3 Co-operation Meet, talk and tell and consider others and jointly plan and 

see potential for partnership approach 

Phase 4 Collaboration Meet, talk and tell, consider others, jointly plan and see 

potential for partnership approach and develop partnership 

projects with shared vision, risks, responsibilities and 

structures 

Any of the four phases may be appropriate depending on the action. The 64 actions in the 

County Strategy, which have already commenced or been completed, are classified in the 

table below. 

Programme Commenced Networking Co-ordination Co-operation Collaboration 

actions 

Economic 23 of 27 6 2 7 8 

Social 16 of 19 3 2 4 7 

Cultural 10 of 12 2 1 5 2 

Local Agenda 21 15 of 16 2 5 2 6 

Total Actions 64 of 74 13 10 18 23 

Cllr. Brendan Griffin, Chair of the Local Agenda 21 Programme Management Group 

Like many other local political representatives, I have become a convert to 

the CDB process over the past four years. Initially sceptical, I now perceive 

the CDB to be complementary to, rather than infringing on, the work of the 

County Council. The CDB operating as a network is able to bring a holistic 

focus to the development of the County. This is due to the wide level of 

expertise and skill of Board members and the various bodies they represent. 

The distilled wisdom of their contributions and the background wealth of 

research they bring to the table are available in annual reports and meeting 

reports to all member organisations of the Board. 

Cllr. Brendan Griffin 

2 South Tipperary County Development Board


Seamus Moore, Chair of the Social Inclusion Measures Working Group 

I rate the performance of the CDB Social Inclusion structures as being 

excellent with regard to networking and co-ordination. A major contribution 

of the process to date has been the evolvement of South Tipperary Forum as 

the County community and voluntary pillar. While the community and 

voluntary sector have reservations about the process, the CDB process is 

deemed to be empowering. A continuous challenge remains for the 

community sector to drill down and get more involvement, or at least 

greater endorsement, for the advocacy work of the South Tipperary Forum. 

While there are some good examples of co-operation and collaboration 

actions, CDB Board members need to delegate the authority to their CDB 

sub-group members to enable them to state, depending on the issue being 

addressed, that their agency/group can make a contribution, that they can 

make a commitment and that they are prepared to engage in the 

implementation. The sub-groups must easily get to the ‘collaboration stage’, 

if that is the appropriate level with regard to service delivery. At Board level, 

one weakness is that there has been too much changeover of local political 

representatives. 

Seamus Moore 

Cllr. Barry O’Brien, Chair of the Cultural Programme Management Group 

I rate the performance to date of the CDB process in the cultural field as 

beneficial, particularly in raising awareness and networking. One particular 

drawback of social partnership is that it cannot work well if it does not have 

access to specific budgets. 

Ned O’Connor, Chair of the Economic Programme Management Group 

The highlights in the economic development area included the joint local 

authorities consensus on a County Economic Spatial Strategy, the direct 

delivery of one of the seven key result areas, hotel development, and CDB 

consensus on economic priorities. 2003 has been a productive year and the 

focus in 2004 will be on maintaining the momentum and delivering the 

business park strategy. 

Cllr. Barry O’Brien 

Ned O’Connor 


3


Economic 

County Economic Programme Update 

Members of the 

Carrick-on-Suir Task Group 

Cllr. Denis Bourke, 

Edmond Connolly, 

Terry Flynn, 

Eileen Horgan, 

Niamh Kuhne, 

Cllr. Patsy Murphy, 

Ger Walsh, 

Cllr. Liam Walsh, 

Niall Walsh 

Members of the Tipperary 

Town Decentralisation 

Committee:- 

Cllr. Billy Bourke, 

Cllr. Gerry Cronin, 

Cllr. Michael Glasheen, 

Paul Grisewood, 

Cllr. Anna Tuohy-Halligan, 

Cllr. Christy Kinahan, 

Ken Kingston, 

Paul O’Callaghan, 

Brian Rafferty, 

Mark Ryan, 

Tim Ryan, 

Cllr. Patsy Tynan 

Members of the Cahir 

Strategy Group 

Clare Curley, 

Liam Duffy, 

Michael Graham, 

Noel Maher, 

Pat Meagher, 

Patrick O’Donovan, 

Liam Roche, 

Ann Ryan, 

Helen Shanahan, 

Tim Shanahan, 

Joe Walsh 

Report on the Priority Actions in 2003 

The Economic Programme Management Group advanced the following four priorities within 

the County Economic Strategy for 2003. 

1. Advancement of the Ballingarrane development 

The local area plan for the Ballingarrane estate has been adopted. Two public stakeholders, 

IDA Ireland and Tipperary Institute, have targeted Ballingarrane in their development 

strategies over the coming years. Separately, arising from a tendering process, a proposal for 

a 120 bed hotel is being advanced on the Ballingarrane site. 

2. Decentralisation for Carrick-on-Suir and Tipperary Town 

The attraction of decentralised Government Departments was one of the key objectives of the 

South Tipperary Local Authorities Joint Action Plan. 

While the Carrick-on-Suir proposal has been unsuccessful to date, the Tipperary Town 

Decentralisation Committee was successful in attracting the announcement of 200 jobs 

(Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform). 

The Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Task Group had a significant role in supporting:- 

● The development of a Marina in the town 

● The preparation of a Tourism Plan for the town 

● Identified the need for a Business Park 

● Supporting the RAPID programme 

3. Realistic Economic Strategies in the key towns of Cashel and Cahir 

The preparation of the Cashel Strategy was delayed to coincide with the preparation of a 

Town Centre plan commencing early in 2004. A visioning exercise on Cashel after the 

opening of the by-pass was undertaken. 

The Cahir Strategy Group has developed a draft strategy document around four key areas: 

● To increase the number of jobs in Cahir - arts and crafts jobs, tourism jobs, distribution service 

jobs, industrial jobs, public service jobs, community service jobs 

● To develop Cahir as a model town in relation to Environmental/Heritage enhancement that 

makes the most of Cahir’s natural and built assets (Environmental/Heritage) 

● To promote and develop Cahir as the craft/art/heritage/cultural centre for South Tipperary 

(Tourism) 

● To promote Cahir as a good place to live, work and visit (Social) 



Economic 

4. Attract hotel development 

A CD Rom was prepared, in collaboration with the IT and Planning Sections of South 

Tipperary County Council, of potentially suitable sites for hotel development. The CD Rom 

was circulated to hotel management companies and other investors. A series of meetings was 

arranged with hotel management companies and significant interest taken in at least two of 

the sites identified. Seven separate proposals in relation to hotel development/hotel expansion 

were being advanced by December 2003. 

Report of the CDB Working Group on Tipperary Town 

(Economic Action 1.4.8) 

In April 2003 the CDB set up a Working Group to co-ordinate the response to a projected 

145 redundancies in PALL and to make and oversee the implementation of recommendations 

to enhance economic development in West Tipperary. 

The status of the 118 redundant workers and managers, who agreed to be interviewed and 

assisted by FÁS, at the end of 2003 was as follows: 

Already placed in alternative employment 72 

On FÁS training programmes 13 

Have indicated that they are not available at present for work 10 

Signing on the live register (and job seeking) 23 

Other key developments since the Working Group was established: 

● FÁS, Enterprise Ireland, County Enterprise Board and Tipperary Institute have delivered a 

range of services (clinics, “start your own business” courses, computer courses) which will 

continue in 2004. 

● IDA Ireland continues to work with PALL management to grow the industrial products size 

of the business 

● Construction of the 1,300 square metre IDA approved advance factory has commenced 

● Tipperary Town Decentralisation Committee’s campaign has been successful with a 

projected 200 Department of Justice jobs earmarked for Tipperary Town 

● A sub-group of the Working Group has prepared a timeline of potential projects to be 

advanced in the West Tipperary/East Limerick area. The key project is to maximise the 

economic potential of Limerick Junction on a Trans-European Rail Network. Promoters and 

investors have been identified for post graduate education projects. A third key project 

relates to securing tax designation to drive investment in RAPID area. 

● This sub-group, known as the Think Tank Group has agreed to take on the lead role in 

identifying and attracting investors to the West Tipperary area. 

● The CDB Working Group will review developments from both the public agency and locally 

driven actions prior to each CDB meeting in 2004. 

Members of the Hotel Sub 

Group 2003 

Toss Hayes, 


Ruth Maher, 

Mary O’Halloran, 

Peter O’Sullivan, 

Tom Pollard, 

John Quinn, 

Pat Slattery 

Members of the CDB 

Working Group on 

Tipperary Town 

Sinead Carr, 

Marian Carroll, 

Oliver Clancy, 

Brian Conroy, 

Clare Curley, 

Pat Daly, 

Michael Dee, 

Toss Hayes, 


Martin Murphy, 

John Quinn, 

Anne-Marie Tierney 

Members of the 

Think Tank Group 

Sinead Carr, 

Paul Grisewood, 

John Hayes, 

Toss Hayes, 

John Quinn, 

Brian Rafferty 

Christy Ryan 


5


Economic 

CDB Economic Watch (April 2003) 

The County Development Board also undertook a review of the factors both helping and 

hindering the achievement of economic development in the County. The main areas covered in 

the review were: 

● Providing property solutions: Mobile investment can be attracted where the property 

solution is right, Blarney Woollen Mills’ purchase of the Tipperary Crystal site near 

Carrick-on-Suir. Affordable workspace is a major asset for new businesses. A priority for 

2004 is to develop more business parks throughout the County. 

● Clustering of healthcare industries is a major asset to the County. Potential also exists for a 

cluster of telesales enterprises. There are 2,100 foreign direct investment jobs in South 

Tipperary, 75% in the health and pharmaceutical industries which have proved to be more 

resistant to the recession. Also, 75% are located in Clonmel which has proved to be a 

magnet in terms of attracting industry in the South East. 

● The role of Clonmel as a growth centre is very important but good transportation and 

communication links with the other towns would encourage wider growth throughout the 

County. With regard to improvements in infrastructure in the County priorities should include 

access to airports and the main cities from all main towns in the County. Low cost housing is 

a further incentive. 

● The image of the County needs to be positive. The establishment of third level facilities in 

Tipperary Institute is a welcome step forward. 

● The planning regime is also a key factor in relation to mobile investment. There is a 

progressive attitude to development in the County. Pre-planning meetings where issues can 

be scoped, bring a greater degree of clarity to the planning process. 

● Village development: The importance of building up urban centres and villages is critical, 

especially in sustaining local services on an ongoing basis, but employment and housing 

opportunities are crucial to this end. 

● The decline of traditional areas of employment, such as agriculture, continues. Up to 1,000 

people currently employed in farming in the County will need off-farm income within the 

next five years. Conversely, the equine industry in the County has been growing and now 

employs 2,600 people. 

● There needs to be a focus on the small and medium enterprises. Small scale activity will 

remain important in the County. Another important aspect is self-help. Tipperary has a strong 

tradition in this regard, especially in the community and voluntary sector. 

● Insurance costs are a major inhibitor to growth and retention of small businesses. 

● There is a gap in the support services for industries employing more than 10 people but who 

are not exporting, such as bakeries. 

● Some entrepreneurs start their businesses too early and do not access the information 

needed. There is a need for one-stop-shop information. There are comprehensive training 

supports available, but no dedicated entrepreneur training centre in the County. 

● Childcare is a critical factor and remains a priority for the Board. 

● Regional issues are also important. The South East region, while it has a good tourism image 

in the sunny south east, does not have a strong industry image. Three things will certainly 

help – good solutions in terms of waste management, broadband and road access. 



Economic 

Notification of amendments/additions to the County Economic 

Strategy in 2003 (Lead Stakeholders) 

● Measure 1.2 New Action 1.2.5 Prepare and implement a Regional Employment 

Development Strategy. (Lead Stakeholder: South East Regional Authority). 

● Measure 1.4 Action 1.4.2 Town Economic Strategies (South Tipperary Co Council has agreed 

to be the lead stakeholder). 

● Measure 1.4 New Action 1.4.8 Make proposals and advise the County Development Board 

in response to the economic situation in Tipperary Town (Lead Stakeholder: CDB Task Group). 

● Measure 1.4 New Action 1.4.9 Support the planning and implementation of projects in the 

Slieve Ardagh area. (Lead Stakeholder: Slieve Ardagh Rural Development). 

● Measure 1.5 New Action 1.5.6 Establish a Regional Third Level Education Forum to inform 

future provision of Third Level Education in the region. (Lead Stakeholder: South East 

Regional Authority). 

New Economic Strategies and Plans in 2003 

County Development Plan (South Tipperary County Council) County Retail Strategy 

(South Tipperary County Council) 

Members of the Economic 

Programme Management 

Group 

Isabel Cambie, 

Michael Carew, 

Clare Cashman, 

John Condon, 

Brian Conroy, 

Tommy Cooke, 


Michael Dee, 

Michael Devane, 

John Doyle, 

Toss Hayes, 


Seamus Kennedy, 

Bernard Lennon, 

Donal Mullane, 

Edmond O’Connor, 

Caroline O’Reilly, 

Alan Robinson 


7


Social 

County Social Programme Update 

Report on Priority Actions in 2003 

The Social Inclusion Measures Working Group focused on three issues (the Traveller 

Community, Early School Leaving and Crime/Security) during 2003, using the format of an 

issues watch and a service review which looked at 

● Current services provision/future plans/strategies 

● Location and appropriate level of service 

● Issues for service providers 

● Key gaps 

● Improvement of delivery of services by interagency actions 

● Policy matters 

1. Early School Leaving (Action 2.2.1) 

The issue of preventing early school leaving was reviewed at the April 2003 SIM meeting. 

Two New School Completion Programmes are being delivered in Clonmel and Tipperary 

Town. A vibrant education network has been operational in Carrick-on-Suir and provides a 

model of the kind of forum needed also at County level. 

Early School Leaving Forum 

It was agreed to delay the establishment of a County Education Forum until the Department of 

Education and Science regional offices became operational in October 2003. The Department 

of Education and Science Board member, Ronan Mulhall, will chair the new Forum, which 

will initially focus on preventing early school leaving. Clonmel Community Partnership will 

provide the secretariat. 

2. Traveller Community (Action 2.3.5) 

Services to the Traveller Community were reviewed at the February 2003 SIM meeting. There 

was consensus that accommodation was the main issue to be targeted in a co-ordinated 

action. South Tipperary County Council agreed to be the lead partner and to adapt structures 

to include other service providers. The expanded group has met three times and is preparing 

a new inter-agency plan. 

A Directory of Services for Travellers has been completed. The three year Traveller Health 

Programme in Clonmel is nearing completion. The other highlight in 2003 was the re-funding 

of the Tipperary Travellers Community Development Project, headquartered in the 

Knockanrawley Resource Centre in Tipperary Town. 

Members of the Travellers Group 

Liam Burke, Dr. Marie Ryan-Carew, Ann-Marie Clifford, Veronica Crowe, 

David Coleman, Alan Curtis, William Doyle, Superintendent Mary Fitzgerald, 

Michael Fitzgerald, Julie Fleming, Margaret Griffin, Pat Kelly, Joanne Landers, 

Cllr. Denis Landy, Catherine Leamy, Paula McCall, Carmel Mc Kenna, 

Sean Mc Sweeney, Seamus Maher, John Moloney, Liam O’Brien, Ruairi O’Caislean, Johnny 

O’Connell, Ellen O’Reilly, Kate O’Reilly, Frank O’Riordan, Joanne Parry, Matt Purcell, 

Marion Smiles, May Stokes, Sr. Mary Walsh, Ger Walsh. 



Social 

3. Security and Safety Partnership (Action 2.3.7) 

The July 2003 SIM meeting reviewed crime, safety, security and anti-social behaviour issues. 

This meeting coincided with a National Crime Prevention Review. It was agreed to establish a 

shadow crime prevention partnership. The first meeting of the Security and Safety Partnership 

has taken place and John Murphy of the Probation Service is chairing meetings. Submissions 

had already been made to Government seeking a County Crime Prevention Partnership, and 

also to the Garda Policing Plan. The partnership will also promote good environmental design 

as a crime prevention measure. Local crime prevention task groups established under the 

RAPID Programme in Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel and Tipperary Town are also represented on 

the County Security and Safety Partnership. 

Security and Safety Partnership Members:- 

Mary Barron, Sinead Tynan, Johnny Casey, Tess Collins, Martin Fennessy, 

Supt. Mary Fitzgerald, Michael Fitzgerald, Ann Galvin, Margo Hayes, Denis Holland, 

Kathleen Prendergast, Geraldine Malone, John Moloney, Geraldine Mullane, John Murphy, 

Jean Nelson, Eoin O’Neill, Mark Ryan, Philip Ryan, Cllr. Sylvia Cooney-Sheehan 

Notification of amendments/additions to the County Social 

Strategy (Lead Stakeholders) 

● Amendment to Action 2.2.1 - Establish a County Education Forum to address the prevention 

of early school leaving (Lead Stakeholder: Department of Education and Science). 

● Measure 2.3 New Action 2.3.5 Co-ordinated County Traveller Action focusing initially on 

delivering the targets of the accommodation programme (Lead Stakeholder: South Tipperary 

County Council). 

● Measure 2.3 New Action: 2.3.6 Preparation and implementation of regional and local 

strategies to reduce dependence on drugs (Lead Stakeholders: South Tipperary Drugs 

Committee/Regional Drugs Task Force). 

● Measure 2.3 New Action 2.3.7 Prepare and oversee the implementation of action plans in 

response to local reviews of crime, security and anti-social behaviour issues 

(Lead Stakeholder: Probation Service). 

New Social Strategies and Plans in 2003 

Carrick-on-Suir RAPID Second Interim Plan (RAPID Area Implementation Team) 

Clonmel RAPID Plan (RAPID Area Implementation Team) 

Social Inclusion Profile of South Tipperary (The Network of Community Development Projects 

and Family Resource Centres) (Under Action 2.2.6) 

Submission to the National Crime Council’s Consultation Paper on tackling the underlying 

causes of crime (South Tipperary CDB) 

Submission to the Policing Plan (South Tipperary CDB) 

Tipperary Town RAPID Interim Plan (RAPID Area Implementation Team) 


9


Social 

CDB Social Inclusion Watch (September 2003) 

Seamus Moore, Chair, Social Inclusion Measures Working Group presented a social inclusion 

review. The key points in the presentation were: 

● There have been increases in the size of critical target groups in the past year. 

Unemployment has risen by 6.3%, while those on rent supplements have increased 

by 5.3%. 

● Progress has been made in a number of areas included in the County Social Strategy such as 

in the provision of childcare facilities, in traveller accommodation and in community 

participation in the designated RAPID areas. 

● Three issues had been prioritised in 2003 (traveller accommodation, early school leaving 

and anti-social behaviour) and inter-agency working groups are advancing agreed actions. 

For 2004, there will be a focus on unemployment and disability. 

● With tighter resources and increasing demands on the public purse if unemployment 

continues to rise, the work of the Social Inclusion Measures Working Group and the various 

action committees that report to it will remain central to the County Development Board’s 

work. There is increasing confidence at Working Group level that co-ordination approaches 

between public and community service providers will deliver real value in time. 

● Some progress had also been made in relation to data sets presented in 2002. More detailed 

information was available on elderly at risk and on housing lists. But more remains to be 

done particularly in relation to statistics on homelessness. Those groups potentially at risk of 

social exclusion include: 

Target 2002 2003 Significant features 

Groups (data) (data) 

Unemployed 3686 (June) 3917 (June) 6.3% increase as against a regional 

increase of 11% 

Lone Parents 1165 1306 More childcare facilities in place 

Travellers 101 (families) 100 (families) Drop in families living at the side of the 

road from 15 to 11 

Asylum seekers 83 (Jan) 52 (Jan) Numbers in south east relatively low. 

and refugees 

Migrant worker numbers rising 

Elderly at risk 1504 826 A more detailed risk assessment was 

carried out since September 2002 

Disabled 1421 1353 65 disabled person grants approved in 

2003, 418 on the waiting list for approval 

Children in care 146 103 

Other Welfare 2667 2559 Numbers in the key rent supplement 

allowances category actually increased from 950 

to 1001 

Smallholder 949 866 



Social 

Key points in the discussion arising from the presentation included: 

● Addressing social exclusion needs to remain a priority area for the County Development 

Board. Families on low income are faced with very hard choices in providing for their family 

needs at a time of price inflation. The scale of the low-income/poverty problem in South 

Tipperary is large. The longer term solution is education, education and education. But in 

the short term there is a considerable onus on the Social Inclusion Measure Working Group 

and its associated committees to deliver real value. The actions agreed in the County Social 

Strategy must be implemented. 

● There has been progress in implementation. The scale and importance of issues being 

addressed by the Social Inclusion Measures Working Group has increased as members trust 

the process more. The process will take time but all members of the Working Group feel that 

it is going in the right direction. There is one advantage in limited resources in that it focuses 

people to be strategic. A lot of implementation in the County Social Strategy can be done 

without additional money as members utilize the advantage of working together. 

● The increase in life expectancy will raise the numbers of elderly considerably in future years. 

The numbers of elderly requiring care will also increase. It was recommended that the Social 

Inclusion Measures Working Group also review Elderly Care Service provision during 2004. 

● The cutbacks in Community Employment Schemes and in the Social Economy programme 

are disappointing. There is considerable evidence that those who came off the live register to 

enter schemes, stayed off the live register. The schemes had also wider social impacts. The 

Social Inclusion Measures Working Group might also review the fall-out of downsizing the 

schemes and advise if initiatives can be sustained without the state supports. 

● There is a need for the Economic Programme Management Group to advise on opportunities 

for employment in South Tipperary when the Working Group addresses the unemployment 

issue in 2004. Matching unemployed with opportunities is one of the actions in the County 

Economic strategy. 

● It is critical to determine a method of measuring homelessness if the County is to secure the 

resources needed to address homelessness. 

One key Social Inclusion and Community Development 

theme in 2003 - RAPID 

The three RAPID (Revitalising Area by Planning & Investment Development) areas were the 

main focus of Social Inclusion work of SIM in South Tipperary in 2003. There was progress 

on: Action Plans, Projects, Community Development, Inter-agency & Community Trust. There 

were changes in joint understanding, growing commitment, more inter-agency community 

engagement, increased confidence of some community groups, openness to inter-agency 

actions at the Area Implementation Teams. 

Blocks/Issues recognised include: support for capacity of groups in RAPID areas need to be 

continued re: development /management of projects, cutbacks in finance for agencies, cuts in 

FÁS schemes and the need to create a new model of community engagement. 

Members of the Social 

Inclusion Measures 

Working Group 


Jo Conroy, 

Alan Curtis, 

Mick Cummins, 

Donal Danaher, 

John Devane, 

Billy Doyle, 

Cllr Jim Drohan, 

Supt. Mary Fitzgerald, 

Margaret Griffin, 

Michael Hanly, 

Claire Hartley, 

Pat Holland, 

Cllr. Denis Landy, 

Catherine Leamy, 

Cllr Denis Leahy, 

Ciaran Lynch, 

Fionuala Mc Geever, 

Sean McSweeeney, 

Seamus Moore, 

Ronan Mulhall, 

Paula Mulrooney, 

Donal Mullane, 

Geraldine Mullane, 

Darragh Murphy, 

Cllr Martin O’Brien, 

Bridget O’Keeffe, 

Eoin O’Neill, 

Ellen O’Reilly, 

John Quinn, 

Ruth Smith, 

Jimmy Taaffe. 


11


Social 

Clonmel RAPID - Broad Outline of Achievements in 2003 

Ann Roles 

Eileen Anderson 

● A rolling Strategic Plan developed and endorsed in November 2003 (Five themes and over 

120 actions), involving 37 Local Groups and Agencies). 

● Eleven RAPID endorsed projects secured a total of f161,800 and the local Community 

Support Budget of over f20,000 went on local development. 

● A.I.T. members attended a seminar ‘Making RAPID Work’ - closer integration on the delivery 

of public and community services” organised by the South-East RAPID areas cluster. 

Resulting Task-Group actions led to closer working relations between service providers e.g. 

Borough Council/Development Groups/Communities on Environmental Project (Skips); 

Borough Council/Clonmel Community Partnership on Community Development (provision 

of a Community House); Gardai/Borough Council on Crime prevention (Environmental 

Design Report): Borough Council/Gardai/SEHB/Community Safety (long-standing issue 

re: boundary wall): V.E.C./Clonmel Community Partnership/FÁS with 

Community Training. 

● Residents participation and involvement in the RAPID process was encouraged and various 

methods were employed such as Questionnaires, Site Visits, Field Trips and Workshops to 

engage the communities. The four Community Representatives were supported by local 

development support workers from Clonmel Community Partnership, SEHB and TACCTIC. 

The development of South East RAPID Community Representatives Network, of which 

Clonmel hosted the inaugural meeting, provided a networking opportunity and support. 

A Training Needs Analysis resulted in Community Group development training courses for 

local volunteers such as Committee Skills Training, First Aid and Computers. An innovative 

‘community consultation’ -Plan for Real was organised by RAPID, with assistance from the 

local community groups, which resulted in strong ownership and involvement of the local 

community in the RAPID process. 

Members of Clonmel Area Implementation Team 

Eileen Anderson, William Doyle, Cllr. Niall Dennehy, Bob Keating, Pat Kelly, 

Ruairi O’Caisleain, Frank O’Riordan, Kathleen Prendergast, Ann Roles, Ann Ryan, 

Donal Ryan, Paula Sheehan. 

Paula Sheehan 



Social 

Tipperary Town RAPID - Broad Outline of Achievements in 2003 

● RAPID Strategic Plan developed and endorsed in November 2003 (60 actions on 5 themes), 

involving active ‘buy-in’ from Community Workshops (over 80 local people) and 5 Task- 

Groups (21 local groups and agencies in Tipperary Town). 

● Four RAPID endorsed Projects secured a total of f205,000 and the local Community 

Support Budget of over f20,000 went on localised projects. 

● Task-Group actions led to closer working relations between service providers i.e Town 

Council & FÁS on Environmental Projects; Education Stakeholders Network of 25 local 

actors (schools, community projects, adult education); Youth Providers Network to agree a 

strategic plan for local youth services; Enhancement Campaign Partnership leading to 

re-entry of Tipperary into National Tidy Towns competition; Crime Focus Group engage 

partners in Safety ‘Design-out’ project. 

● Local residents involvement in the RAPID Community Workshop process also complimented 

by development of RAPID Community Activists Network; Tipperary RAPID Community 

activists establish a network with Youghal and Mallow RAPID activists network; Monthly 

RAPID Community Workshop with topics of interest to local residents; Community 

Groupwork Skills course for local volunteers. Strong ownership and involvement of local 

community in the RAPID Process; Ongoing commitment of RAPID Community 

Representatives (one representative counted over 230 hours of voluntary commitment 

in 2003). 

● Linked with TIRD/Chamber of Commerce and the Decentralisation Committee on the 

development of a template for attracting investment: 

● RAPID Action 2.2 – To research and compile a comprehensive database of Tipperary’s 

‘diaspora’ and create a source of connection, assistance and support to the development of 

Tipperary Town. (TIRD/Chamber of Commerce as Lead Agency); 

● RAPID Action 2.3 – To design an information template of service provision in Tipperary that 

can be used as an information source in the event of a significant new investment by 

designing and disseminating a ‘one-stop-shop’ package of information that will provide a 

detailed listing of all local services (print-copy and website development). (County 

Council, TIRD/CC, CEB as Lead Agencies). 

Tipperary RAPID Community Reps 

- Peadar O'Donnell Jean Nelson 

Members of Tipperary Town Area Implementation Team 

Isabel Cambie, David Coleman, Sgt. Michael Collins, Edmond Connolly, Veronica Crowe, 

Jim Gibson, Pat Holland, Pat Kelly, Liam O’Brien, Peadar O’Donnell, Jean Nelson, 

Mark Ryan, Cllr. Patsy Tynan 


13


Cultural 

County Cultural Programme Update 

Members of the Cultural 

Programme Management 

Group 

Isabel Cambie, 

Marie Casey, 

Triona Croke, 

John Bradshaw, 

Ronnie Fitzgerald, 

Sarah Gillespie, 

Brendan Maher, 

Martin Maher, 

Fionuala McGeever, 

Carmel McKenna, 

Brendan McSherry, 

Brendan Morrissey, 

Liam Murphy, 

Úna Ní Murchú, 

Cllr. Barry O’Brien, 

Liam O’Brien, 

Ruairi O’Caislean, 

Mary Alice O’Connor, 

Fr. Gerry O’Connor, 

John O’Mahoney, 

Gerald O’Reilly, 

Ann Ryan 

Theresia Guschlbauer, 

Chair of Cultural Providers Group 

Ann Ryan - County Arts Facilitator 

New Cultural Strategies and Plans in 2003 

South Tipperary Heritage Plan 2004-2008 (South Tipperary County Council) 

(www.southtippcoco.ie) 

South Tipperary Sports Partnership Submission (Tipperary SR Vocational 

Education Committee) 

CDB Cultural Watch (November 2003) 

Cllr. Barry O’Brien, Chair, Cultural Programme Management Group presented a progress 

report on cultural co-ordination in the County. The key points in the presentation were: 

● There has been progress in relation to the four key strategies. The Arts and Craft Strategies 

are being implemented. The Heritage Plan for the County has been drafted and is about to 

go on public display. Tipperary SR Vocational Education Committee co-ordinated a County 

bid for a local sports partnership and is committed to establishing a ‘shadow’ sports 

partnership in 2004. The cultural providers are co-ordinating events to facilitate the cultural 

inclusion of migrant workers and asylum seekers. The cultural providers are also 

collaborating with regard to outreach services to ensure better coverage in the County. 

Countywide networks have been established in specific fields, such as Historical Societies. 

● The main issue of concern relates to the sustainability of existing facilities and activities. In 

relation to activities, the cultural sector is dependent on public sector support, particularly 

FÁS schemes. Budgets are under threat. With regard to facilities, there is considerable 

support for new-build capital investment. There is a need to agree on a reasonable level of 

facilities and to co-ordinate with funders so that the agreement can be implemented. In an 

ideal world, there would be a transfer of supports to existing facilities. 

● A secondary issue relates to the implementation of the Arts Strategy without a dedicated Arts 

Officer. The South Tipperary Arts Centre may need a more formal mandate and additional 

resources to carry out this mandate. 

Key points in the discussion arising from the presentation included: 

● The cultural sector makes a significant contribution to the local economy. The heritage sector 

attracts 400,000 visitors to the County. The Fleadh Festival alone generated f24 million. The 

Fleadh also confirmed Cllr. O’Brien’s key point that there were sufficient facilities already in 

Clonmel to host such an important event. 

● The key challenge for members of the County Development Board is to create a context in 

which funding can be channelled to the cultural sector in a different way. This will be 

difficult, given that existing schemes are based on legislation or on measures decided at 

national level. 

● The current approach to arts strategy implementation is based on the proven experience of 

allocating limited resources to the South Tipperary Arts Centre, which has been able to lever 

three-fold additional resources in both voluntary effort and other finance to deliver on the 

arts strategy. While South Tipperary County Council would like to have a dedicated Arts 

Officer, its resources are constrained by a previous County Council decision based on the 

County’s key cultural asset, its heritage, to deliver a quality museum service in the County. 

Unless resources are made available from other stakeholders at the CDB table, the current 

approach in the Arts area, which has been successful, will be maintained. 

● Culture makes a huge contribution to quality of life. The inclusion of minority cultures is 

welcomed by the Board. 

● New activities such as the Farmer’s Markets and Craft Fairs are welcomed. The following 

areas may create a basis for a County Cultural Festival - cider making or equine pursuits. 

There is also a need for directories of facilities and activities. The ‘My Parish’ initiative might 

address this shortcoming. It was also noted that training in relation to festival co-ordination 

is available through AOIFE. It is important to ensure that festivals deliver cultural objectives 

other than creating a context for the drinking culture. 

● Co-operation with North Tipperary varies. The Historical Societies are co-operating. There is 

also good co-operation in the tourism sector. However, it proved impossible to co-operate in 

relation to a local sports partnership. The Board recommended that cultural interests 

continually seek co-operation with North Tipperary. 

14 

South Tipperary County Development Board


Local Agenda 21 

County Local Agenda 21 Programme Update 

Priority for 2003 - Community Framework Working Group 

One of the issues discussed at County Development Board level was the ability of the typical 

local voluntary community group to engage effectively with the various agencies in 

implementing projects and programmes which they would be stakeholders in. 

The quality of this engagement depends a lot on the competence, confidence and knowledge 

of the groups’ members; the human resource capacity of the groups; the level of planning and 

how integrated and multi-sectoral plans are; how relevant the planned actions are to the 

needs of their areas; how representative the groups are of the population they are working for 

and how they run their administrations. 

The feedback from the ground over a number of years, along with the collective wisdom and 

experience of the County Development Board members, would suggest that: 

● The lack of volunteerism is a major issue with groups 

● Ownership, of what a group is about, by all the stakeholders at a local level, needs 

continued examination. Exclusion, and the marginalisation of different sectors of society or 

individuals who can make a contribution, can reduce the group’s effectiveness and mandate. 

● Most groups plan on a yearly basis at best and then would have a project-by-project strategy. 

Most of these plans would have been drawn up without having taken any cognisance of a 

range of local issues which might impact on the planned actions and of what county / 

national policies and plans are. 

● Administration and record keeping need to be improved upon. Good administration is an 

essential part of an efficiently run group and how the group runs its business. Members’ time 

is precious and it should be used carefully. Good, but brief and concise, records are highly 

desirable, as are well-run meetings and properly written minutes. The delegation of the 

various responsibilities needs to be constantly reviewed and a well-kept simple accounting 

system, at least, is a must. 

In response to the above issues, the Community Framework Working Group has begun to 

implement an Action Plan in relation to the development of the Community Sector: 

● Development of County co-ordinated community sector training programme - booklet 

regarding community development training for 2004 currently in draft format - funding 

identified from Tipperary LEADER and VEC to publish the booklet - group are meeting in 

early 2004 to further develop four year training programme and to identify resources to 

implement training. 

● Strategic Policy Committee representatives - Representation skills training developed and 

implemented in 2003. 

● Community Forum Application made to Tipperary LEADER to fund programme of Seminars, 

Training, further development of information to members. 

● Pilot work with four local community voluntary groups to enhance their situations in four 

key areas, namely: 

● Increasing volunteer numbers - along with increasing input efficiency 

John Devane, Chair, Community 

Framework Working Group 

● Group structure representation, inclusion, rotation 

● Planning - more strategic and multi sectoral 

● Administration records, meetings, etc 

● Four groups have now been selected and each will be requested to sign a protocol to assist 

in confirming their commitment to the concept 

● The committee is in the process of putting together a panel of facilitators through a public 

advertisement, which it will draw from to assist in the implementation of the initiative on the 

ground. The selected facilitator/s will be given the appropriate training. 


15


Local Agenda 21 

Members of the Local 

Agenda 21 Programme 

Management Group 

Sara Burke, 

Mick Cummins, 

Alan Curtis, 

John Devane, 

Billy Doyle, 

Cllr. Jim Drohan, 

Denis Fahy, 

Cllr. Brendan Griffin, 

Supt Mary Fitzgerald, 

Michael Hanly, 

Walter Heneghan, 

Paul Keating, 

Laura Lenehan, 

Brendan Maher, 

Cllr. Mattie McGrath, 

Cllr. Susan Meagher, 

Darragh Murphy, 

Mary Plunkett, 

Ann Ryan 

Executive of the South 

Tipperary Forum: 

Chair: Patsy Fitzgerald 

Secretary: 

Bernard Lennon 

Treasurer: 

Marian O’Dwyer 

Vice Chair: 

Fr Pat Condon 

Community 

Development 

Co-ordinator: 

Philip Ryan 

Committee: 

Sara Bourke, 

John Bradshaw, 

Joe Brennan, Jim Casey, 

Donal Danagher 

Breda Hennessy, 

Carmel McKenna, 

Jean Nelson, 

Kathleen Noonan, 

Bridget O’Keeffe and 

Andy Ryan. 

● It is estimated that the total initiative over the three year period 2004/2006 will cost 

f30,000 approximately. Funding is to be sought mainly from the Barrow Nore Suir and 

Tipperary LEADER Groups. 

● Training of the facilitators will commence in early 2004 and it is expected that the initiative 

will start engaging with the four groups by mid May 2004. 

Launch of “My Parish” 

“My Parish”, a new online service, is aimed at anyone who wants to find out what’s 

happening in their area and will allow locals and visitors alike to see, and hopefully 

participate in, the variety and richness of life in the parishes of South Tipperary. 

This service is available on the websites www.southtippcoco.ie and www.southtippcdb.ie 

and contains details of the activities and facilities of groups such as Tidy Towns Groups, GAA 

clubs, Community Councils etc. My Parish is a South Tipperary County Development Board 

project in association with South Tipperary County Council, South Tipperary Community & 

Voluntary Forum, South Tipperary Community Games Employment Scheme, FÁS and the 

RAPID Area Implementation Teams. 

As the site is currently under construction, any information on activities in parishes is 

welcomed. So if you’d like to register your details on the My Parish website, contact Kathleen 

on 062-64735 or email myparish@southtippcoco.ie 

New Local Agenda 21 Strategies and Plans in 2003 

‘A Framework for promoting volunteering in South Tipperary’ (CDB Community Framework 

Working Group) 

‘Integrated Area Planning in South Tipperary’. (CDB Community Framework Working Group) 

2004-2009 Development Contributions Scheme (South Tipperary County Council) 

Playground Policy (South Tipperary County Council) 

South Tipperary Community & Voluntary Forum 

The Wilderness Youth & Community Centre, Wilderness Grove, Clonmel. 

Tel: 052-80699 Fax: 052-80697 Email: southtippplatform@eircom.net 

South Tipperary Community & Voluntary Forum was established in 1998 and has over 100 

member groups coming from a variety of backgrounds and involved in a variety of activities, 

ranging from Care of the Elderly, groups dealing with the Disadvantaged Sector, the Disabled, 

Youth Clubs, Community Development, Enterprise, Tidy Towns, Tourism, Sports Groups, Arts 

and Crafts. The Forum elects a steering group annually and has a part time 

co-ordinator/information officer - Philip Ryan. 

Key functions of the Forum include:- 

● Supporting representatives on Strategic Policy Committees and Working Groups - ensuring 

they get the views of member groups from the whole County & that there is feedback to 

communities from these representatives 

● Promoting networking and sharing of information/best practice among member groups 

The South Tipperary Forum continues the representation role on behalf of the community and 

voluntary sector, which has now expanded beyond the County Development Boards and its 

working groups and Strategic Policy Committees of the Local Authority to include Local 

Development Companies, South Tipperary Rural Transport Working Group, FÁS, Social 

Economy County Committee, County Childcare Committee, Heritage Forum, Regional Drugs 

Task Force. 

Representatives (to external bodies) report directly to the Executive Committee and summaries 

of their reports are circulated via newsletters and newly implemented feed-back sheets, etc. 



South Tipperary County Development Board Members 

(January 1, 2004) 

Chair: Cllr. Sean McCarthy 

Local Government Sector 

South Tipperary County Council: Cllr. Tom Ambrose, Cllr. Jack Crowe, Cllr. 

Brendan Griffin, Cllr. Christy Kinihan, Cllr. Pat O’Meara; Edmond O’Connor. 

Urban Council Nominee: Cllr. Billy Bourke 

Local Development Sector 

Barrow Nore Suir Rural Development Ltd: Tommy Cooke 

Clonmel Community Partnership: Deirdre Cowan 

Co. Childcare Committee: Alan Curtis 

Tipperary LEADER Group Ltd: John Devane 

Tipperary (SR) County Enterprise Board: Toss Hayes, Maureen McNamara 

Waterford LEADER Partnership: Pierce O’Loughlin 

State Agency Sector 

Department of Education & Science: Ronan Mulhall 

Department of Social and Family Affairs: Mick Cummins 

Enterprise Ireland: Michael Dee 

FÁS: Oliver Clancy 

Garda Síochána: Supt. Mary Fitzgerald 

IDA Ireland: Brian Conroy 

South Eastern Health Board: Seamus Moore 

South East Regional Tourism Association: Mary O’Halloran 

TEAGASC: Donal Mullane 

Tipperary Institute: Ciaran Lynch 

Tipperary (SR) Vocational Education Committee: Fionuala McGeever 

Social Partners Sector 

Business Pillar: Ricky Fitzgerald 

Farming Pillar: Michael Hanly 

South Tipperary Forum: Marian O’Dwyer, Bridget O’Keeffe 

Trade Union Pillar: Pat Neill 


17

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