'Total strangers able to walk outside our back yards,' Tipp residents' anger over pathway

Residents of Limerick Junction were shocked and taken totally aback last week when they learned of a proposal by Tipperary County Council to open up a public walkway at the rear boundaries of their homes.

The development will consist of the construction of a walking path from The Sologheadbeg Memorial to Limerick Junction and the N24 at Tipperary Racecourse, over a distance of 2,715m.

One resident said that this has come totally out of the blue.

The proposed development will be carried out in the townland of Acraboy, Monard, Co Tipperary, the townland of Knockaneduff, Donohill, Co. Tipperary and the townland of Ballykisteen, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary.

The proposed development includes ancillary infrastructure comprising of a 1.2m high timber stock-proof fence

where the path adjoins agricultural lands and where the path runs adjacent to water courses, a 2.4m high welded mesh security fence - where the path runs along the boundary of Sologhead GAA and Tipperary Racecourse, four fully accessible kissing gates on the walking path at land owner crossing points, field gates to provide land owner access across the pathway, and two pedestrian access gates to provide access to Tipperary Racecourse at the N24.

Residents of Limerick Junction have reacted with shock to the planning application and have cited several issues of concern to residents.

"Now we are to have total strangers able to walk just outside our back yards," said a resident who added "What if this is used as a crime run, right behind our homes?"

The Limerick Junction end of the walkway is planned to adjoin the rear of 29 homes in the village.

This has caused great concern amongst residents, who have cited fear of crime, as a result of public access to the rear of their homes. Residents want the walkway to exit the Racecourse at the railway station so that walkers can continue their walk on the recently renovated public footpath in front of their homes.

"We are all for recreation and walking, but it shouldn't be at the expense of our safety and security," said another resident.

"You go out the back of your home and you like to think it is a private, secure space. We are surprised at Tipperary Racecourse and Horse Racing Ireland.

"We engaged positively with their plans for an all-weather track, which will mean more traffic, floodlights and other issues. We supported them in their plans. However, they never mentioned that they were conceding to the Council a path along the backs of our houses that would put us at risk.

"That came as a complete surprise and it has damaged the good faith between us and the racecourse. For generations, since 1916, we and the racecourse have been good neighbours, but this wasn't a neighbourly move by the racecourse, done in a manner that we have only just found out about," said a spokesperson.

Another lady resident said that she is very concerned for her very young granddaughter, who usually plays out the back of her home when she visits.

"Could she be playing away and be spoken to by a total stranger, said the resident, who added that she is sick with worry and won't be able to let her play outdoors if this goes ahead.

Currently, residents have a long-established 10 foot high fence of corrugated steel that protects their privacy and security.

Under the "Part 8" planning process, people have until Friday next, July 12th to make submissions to the Council about the plans. Residents have expressed concern that their fears will be dismissed by Council officials.

A spokesperson said that ultimately, it is the elected councillors who will vote on whether the walkway goes behind the 29 homes.

Residents are proposing to lobby councillors and to invite them to a public meeting, so they can state whether they endorse the residents' concerns, or not.

A meeting of residents is planned, with Councillors being invited to attend a subsequent meeting to hear about residents' fears.

Councillor John Crosse, Cathaoirleach of the Tipperary Cahir Cashel Municipal District, visited Limerick Junction this weekend and spoke to the residents.

The residents told Councillor Crosse about their fears regarding the Council proposal, to put a public walkway behind their back yards.

The visit included a walk of the Junction, so Councillor Crosse could see first hand the proximity of the proposed walkway to people's back yards.

The risk of crime against people and property was also discussed.

An alternative route that would save money, and avoid any portion of the walkway going behind peoples homes, was also put to the Cathaoirleach.

Councillor Crosse listened to the residents views and said that he would discuss the matter with the Council officials.

The residents thanked him for taking the time to come and see the situation on the ground and for listening to their concerns.

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development will be situated, may be made in writing and addressed to Sharon Kennedy, Director of Services, Tipperary-Cahir-Cashel Municipal District, Rosanna Road, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary, should be clearly marked 'Part 8 in respect of The Walking Path from The Soloheadbeg Memorial to Limerick Junction and the N24 at Tipperary Racecourse' or online at the following web page: https://consultations.tipperarycoco.ie/consultations/ no later than 4.30pm on Friday 12th July 2024.

Pictured above: Councillor John Crosse, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District, pictured meeting with Limerick Junction residents to discuss the proposed public walkway at the rear of their properties.