Appeal for college student accommodation on site of former army barracks in Tipperary

Possible funding streams should be explored for the construction of third level student accommodation within the Kickhams Barracks site in Clonmel, it has been suggested.

Cllr Siobhán Ambrose told a meeting of Clonmel Borough District that the construction of student accommodation within this site would not only offer reasonably-priced accommodation to current and future students, but would also free up existing rented accommodation that was currently occupied by students around the town.

It would be “a win-win situation” and should be further investigated, she said.

She pointed out that Clonmel, as the capital town and largest town in the county, had no dedicated student accommodation.

District Mayor Pat English supported Cllr Ambrose’s proposal, and said that students found it hard to get accommodation.

District Administrator Carol Creighton said that the full footprint of the area in Kickham Barracks had to be finalised, in terms of the requirements of the Education and Training Board (ETB) and the town’s new Garda station.

When this had been identified and secured, the council would then be in a better position to see what space remained.

“At this point, discussions will follow in relation to the use of this remaining space and, if suitable, student accommodation can be included in the potential uses,” she stated.