Great progress being made on enhancement project at Tipperary Hills
As most people will know, work is underway at the Tipperary Hills in Tipperary Town. Tipperary County Council was awarded €500,000 under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme towards the enhancement of the much-loved public park in early 2022.
The €0.5M investment from the Department of Rural and Community Development will be matched by a further contribution of €125,000 from Tipperary County Council giving a total project value of €625,000. General development throughout the site includes the upgrading of all existing tarmac pathways to a minimum width of 2 metres, upgrading existing gravel paths to bound gravel paths, development of new seating areas, development of a Peace Path, upgrade of all existing seating, installation of information and wayfinding signage, construction of a dog exercise area, introduction of native woodland planting and specimen trees along with native wildflower meadows in selected locations throughout the amenity area and reorganisation of the existing car park area at the Hills.
On a beautiful sunny day last week I took a walk through the Hills and must admit to being very pleasantly surprised by the work completed to date. The widening and refurbishment of the tarmac pathway between St Patrick's Avenue entrance, and the entrance to St John's Famine Graveyard to facilitate hearse access, will certainly be welcomed by everyone along with the upgrading of existing pathway to bound gravel pathway, along the east and north boundary of Clanwilliam Rugby Club.
The levelling and reseeding of the playing pitch and the introduction of a natural seating area with bound gravel surface is a very welcome development. It is no secret that the most 'controversial' aspect of the development has been the introduction of timber steps with handrails to provide safe access to the top of 'Cup and Saucer'. I have to say however that I do welcome this aspect of the development even though I can see why some people might be opposed to it.
The view at the top of the 'Cup and Saucer' is really something and can't really be appreciated unless you are at the top! During my time at the Hills I encountered many people who all had positive things to say about the development and there was a steady stream of people using the steps to gain access to the top.