LIVE: War of words erupts in Tipperary over proposed changes to St Patrick's Day Parade

The Cashel Chamber of Commerce has outlined strong concerns about proposed changes to this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade, warning that the plans are “anti-family, anti-business, and anti-Cashel town”.

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In a statement issued by the Chamber President on Sunday, the organisation confirmed it had engaged directly with schools and local clubs following proposals to move the parade to a Saturday evening after 5pm, remove it from its traditional setting at St Patrick’s Rock, and schedule it in a way that would allow people to leave Cashel on St Patrick’s Day itself.

“As President of the Cashel Chamber of Commerce, it’s important to clearly outline our position on recent proposals regarding this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade,” the statement said.

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The Chamber said concerns were raised with the Parade Committee after consultations with schools and local clubs, particularly around the impact on children and families.

According to the statement, schools expressed a “clear preference for the parade to take place on St Patrick’s Day”, noting that the majority of participating children are under the age of 10.

The Chamber highlighted St Patrick’s Rock as providing “a safe, controlled environment for children”, while warning that a Saturday evening parade would raise child safety concerns, especially in low-light conditions.

“A Saturday evening parade raises child safety concerns, particularly in low-light conditions,” the statement said, adding that families, older residents and community groups would be less able to attend an evening event.

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The Chamber also questioned the rationale behind encouraging people to leave the town on the national holiday itself.

“St Patrick’s Day should be about welcoming people into Cashel, not encouraging them to leave,” the statement said.

The issue of timing was also raised, with the Chamber pointing out that the statutory deadline for road closure applications is February 6.

“Any decision at this stage must be clear, agreed, and properly consulted on — not rushed,” the statement said.

Summarising its position, the Chamber said the parade should remain on St Patrick’s Day and continue to be “family-friendly, safe for children, town-centred, and rooted in Cashel’s history, community, and identity”.

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The Chamber confirmed that these concerns had been raised directly with members of the Parade Committee, including the Chair, but said they “have not been reflected in the current proposal”.

“Cashel deserves decisions made with the community, not for it,” the statement concluded.

The statement added: "The Chamber has raised these concerns directly with members of the Parade Committee, including the Chair. Unfortunately, they have not been reflected in the current proposal.

"Cashel deserves decisions made with the community, not for it. This is the Chamber’s position."