Turning of the sod ceremony held with works to begin soon for new park in Tipperary
The ceremony took place this morning at the site of the new park in Cashel.
Works will begin soon for a new park in the Premiere County, according to Tipperary County Council.
The official Turning of the sod ceremony for the new Cashel Town Park took place this morning on June 25th.
Cathaoirleach Declan Burgess performed the ceremony, along with Tipperary County Council CEO Sinead Carr.
The project is set in the green fields connecting the Rock of Cashel to the town centre and will incorporate the Bishop's Walk Trail.
Cllr Burgess previously said that the park plans include an immersive outdoor recreation area which will act as a bridge between our town centre and the famous Rock of Cashel.
Speaking at the ceremony this morning, Cllr Burgess said: I'd like to thank all the stakeholders and representatives who are here today, for joining us on this occasion.
"This project started an awful long time ago. In recent years it's had some setbacks, there's been an extensive process involved in some of the design stages. I was delighted a local councillor to propose that part eight planning permission.
"My house is right there, I can see it from here. This was my playground as a child, I've been running around here for years and it's great to come back as an elected representative, to officially turn the sod today.
"There's a lot of people that should be thanked, and I'd like to acknowledge Anthony Coleman and Marie McGivern in the district over the years.
"I'd also like to thanks Brian Beck, one of our directors, who was involved in securing this site from Coolmore after extensive negotiations.
"Gaining a site of this calibre, in the town centre right beside one of the best historical heritage sites in the country, is a really big deal.
"I also would like to acknowledge people across the district, our director Dave Carroll and our administrator Anselm McGowen, who’ve all been involved in this.
“I’d also like to thank our project manager Frank Cussen, who has spearheaded a lot, we wouldn't be here today if it wasn’t for Frankie's hard work, in dealing with the department, in dealing with national monuments, in dealing with funding issues.
Cllr Burgess went on to say that the park will provide great benefits to the community in Cashel.
“It’s not just an outdoor recreational facility, it’s a place where locals and visitors can both enjoy.
“Like I said the location is key, we’re under the shadow of the rock.
“This axe has a key bridge between the historical Rock of Cashel and our wonderful vibrant town centre. This bridge has been missing for a long time in terms of connectivity, and I think that’s the most exciting part of this project where 100,000 visitors that visit the Rock of Cashel annually, the people of Cashel who want to bring their kids on a stroll, will greatly benefit them.
Cllr Burgess went on to say that a low level maze will also be installed for kids to play in at the new park.