Nenagh survey calls for new community hub, improved streets and revival of historic spaces
Community voices in Nenagh want to make the town centre a more welcoming place for all
Community voices in Nenagh have spoken clearly and the message is one of creativity, inclusion, and a desire to make the town centre a more welcoming place for all.
The recently published Nenagh Town Centre First Plan, distributed at the July meeting of Nenagh Municipal District councillors, includes the results of a major public consultation carried out earlier this year. Residents were asked what they value most about the town and where they believe improvements should be made. Nearly 1,000 people responded to the survey, which was hosted both online and in hard copy by Tipperary County Council.
Among the strongest suggestions was a proposal to convert the old Rialto Cinema into a new community hub. The idea received repeated backing in the survey results, with many locals seeing the site as a way to serve groups that currently lack space.
“Turn the old Rialto into a community space for Nenagh groups – food bank, youth clubs, men’s/women’s sheds,” one respondent wrote.
Another stated: “The former Sheahan’s hardware shop should become a community hub, not a business hub – with a public yard.”
“For the size of the town and its population I think Rialto would be very useful for youths... and also for meeting rooms/arts and small concerts,” one contributor noted. “The art centre is quite small.”
A recurring theme was the need for affordable, reliable space for voluntary organisations.
“There is a women group in Nenagh, and like many others have no space to call their own — everything is too expensive to rent but there are buildings like the Rialto that could be used..."
“The old cinema could also be turned into a theatre that could transform the cultural offerings in Nenagh,” another added. “The site has the ability and capacity to be a successful arts centre.”
Suggestions weren’t limited to indoor spaces. “The hub can be used for youth clubs, boxing, martial arts, women groups like Women Shed etc.,” one person wrote. Another said: “Make the old Sheahan building into a community centre... so they don’t have to worry about having to close due to rent increases/rates increases/lack of places to meet.”
Support for festivals and public events also featured heavily in the responses.
“The town needs more festivals – great to see the St. Patrick’s Day parade coming back.”
“Bring back events like Munster Fleadh Cheoil, Castlefest, and Taste of Nenagh.”
“Good quality markets, street performers, and musicians bring life to the town.”
Respondents also highlighted Nenagh’s heritage as one of its biggest strengths.
“Need to maximise potential of heritage buildings and the historic & cultural quarter.”
“The council should progress key cultural projects and secure funding.”
“There is a need to further build and enhance the cultural and heritage aspects of Nenagh.”
The issue of dereliction and empty shopfronts in the town centre also drew strong responses.
“So many assets of the town could be exploited more – too many empty units.”
“Derelict and empty shops/bars should be given assistance in reopening.”
“Utilise vacant stores to allow local businesses and artists to hold pop-up shops.”
When it came to accessibility, many respondents had practical suggestions for improving the everyday experience of walking, cycling, or using a wheelchair in town.
“Definitely make the town more walkable by improving infrastructure, having more public seating, an extra pedestrian crossing near the car park entrance on Kenyon Street, have an extra pedestrian crossing near Andy Burke corner/top of St Joseph Park.”
“Traffic management for the safety of both the pedestrian and driver needs to be addressed as it is not promoting an age friendly town.”
“The Town needs to be more pedestrian and cyclist friendly — there should be no parking on narrow lanes and roads, e.g. Mitchell St, especially.”
“Something needs to be done about Sarsfield St — it’s mostly residential properties, the traffic is very heavy n fast n the pathways are very narrow.”
Public transport and the future of the train station also generated consistent feedback.
“Bus stop should be moved to the train station and create a Transport Hub with coffee shop/restaurant and space for youth activities at the railway station.”
“Move bus stops to train station and not have buses stopping at a junction with 3 pedestrian crossings.”
“Firstly the train station needs to [be] opened and updated, as well as made disability friendly, a coffee shop could slot in there nicely, and buses need to arrive and leave from there.”
“Let’s get that train station into action so we can leave our cars at home. Would be so attractive if it was possible to commute to Dublin/Limerick with Public transport.”
Other responses touched on retail, with concerns about takeaway shops and the retail mix.
“There should be a limit [on] the number of takeaway premises permitted in Town Centre. We need to promote healthy eating and tackle littering.”
“Nenagh is a market town — how about a street market maybe once a month on a Saturday/Sunday on Pearse St to draw people in.”
On sport and recreation, several pointed to the need for a shared all-weather pitch.
“Nenagh needs a community pitch – an astro 11-a-side pitch for all clubs.”
“There needs to be a safe free indoor area for young people to spend their free time such as a Recreation Centre. This would decrease the antisocial behaviour which has risen since COVID.”
“There is a serious lack of places for youth to go particularly if they don’t have an interest in sport.”
Other suggestions included more public spaces with seating and planting, a shuttle bus connecting estates to the town centre, and more housing within the centre itself.
There were also calls to support owners of heritage buildings to bring vacant spaces above shops back into use.
While the ideas varied, one consistent thread ran through nearly every response: people care deeply about their town, and they want to be part of shaping its future.
The Town Centre First Plan is now in the hands of the Nenagh Town Team and Tipperary County Council, who will work together to deliver the actions outlined, many of which began with ideas put forward by the people of Nenagh themselves.