€1.64m funding for Carrick-on-Suir site will remove barriers to its redevelopment, says council

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District says the €1.645m EU Just Transition funding announced this week for the clean-up of the derelict former Goldcrop site on Carrick-on-Suir's North Quay will “remove the longstanding barriers” to the site's redevelopment.

Minister of Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O'Brien announced the €1,645,580 allocation to the Carrick-on-Suir Riverside Rehabilitation & Revitalisation Scheme on Monday.

The funding is from the EU Just Transition Fund START Scheme, which is co-funded by the Irish Government and European Union.

Carrick Municipal District said the grant will remove the longstanding barriers to the 2.7 acres site's redevelopment by enabling asbestos remediation, invasive species management and wider site rehabilitation works to take place at the property.

Those wider site rehabilitation works will include the removal of unsafe structures and remediation of contaminated ground on the site that was purchased by Tipperary County Council in 2022.

The District said these works will help prepare the site for “the transformational uses” identified in the recent public consultation process and create the conditions necessary for future investment and development.

The District said the extensive public consultation process, also supported by the EU Just Transition Fund, has shaped the “future vision” for the derelict site located adjacent to Carrick's Dillon Bridge.

“With more than 2,000 responses received, the consultation demonstrated overwhelming public support for the regeneration of this strategic town centre site and highlighted the community's aspirations for employment creation, tourism development, enhanced leisure and recreational amenities, additional green and public spaces, sustainable development and improved accessibility within the town centre.”

Funding Welcomed

Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Kieran Bourke said the funding of the Goldcrop site rehabilitation project was another important milestone in Carrick-on-Suir's regeneration journey and reflects the commitment of Tipperary County Council, elected members, local stakeholders and the wider community to delivering a shared vision for the future of the town.

“I would like to acknowledge the continued support of the elected members for the match funding required to secure projects of this nature through the General Municipal Allocation, largely funded through Local Property Tax receipts.

“This local commitment is a critical factor in enabling us to leverage significant national and European funding opportunities, and without it many of these projects simply could not proceed.

“I also wish to thank the staff of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District and Tipperary County Council for their dedication and professionalism in progressing this application and in continuing to drive forward the regeneration agenda for the town."

Fine Gael TD Michael Murphy and Fianna Fáil Senator Imelda Goldsboro also welcomed the funding allocation.

“This is fantastic news for Carrick-on-Suir and another very welcome investment in the future of the town,” said Deputy Murphy.

“For far too long, this prominent riverside site has remained derelict and underutilised.

"This funding represents another significant step towards addressing that dereliction and unlocking the site’s enormous potential.”

“Carrick-on-Suir has so much to offer, and investments like this, alongside the wider regeneration programme already underway, are vital to making the town an even more attractive place to live, work, visit and invest.

Senator Goldsboro said the investment will deliver practical improvements for the local community, including the rehabilitation of a long-derelict site removing hazardous materials and preparing the land for future use.

"This is a significant investment in the future of Carrick-on-Suir and will deliver real benefits for the local community.

"Tackling dereliction and rehabilitating this site will improve the local environment and help make Carrick-on-Suir a better place to live, work and visit.”