New hopes emerge for derelict military barracks in Tipperary after decades of neglect

More than two decades after Nenagh Military Barracks fell into disuse, glimmers of hope are reemerging as preliminary talks begin on the future of the once-proud landmark. Local stakeholders, public representatives, and community advocates have cautiously welcomed the first signs of political will to rescue the crumbling 19th-century structure.

Built in 1832, the imposing barracks complex on Summerhill Road once embodied imperial authority under British rule. Later, it became a cornerstone of the Irish Free State’s military infrastructure. But since the late 1990s, it has stood mostly idle, abandoned, deteriorating, and cordoned off from the town.

Initial discussions about the barracks’ future were confirmed by councillor Seamus Morris, a long-time advocate for the site’s restoration. While no concrete proposals have yet emerged, Morris described the talks as “a positive first step after years of inertia.” He added that the site could become “a major asset to the town if properly repurposed.”

Local interest in the barracks has grown amid broader efforts to revitalise historic town centres and tackle dereliction. In May 2024, the Government announced a new round of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) supports, prompting Tipperary County Council and Nenagh community groups to consider including the barracks in future funding applications.

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The barracks holds a layered and complex legacy. Originally constructed to house the British Army during a time of rural unrest, it served as a landmark during the Land War and later a contested site in the War of Independence. Following the British withdrawal in 1922, it was taken over by the Irish National Army.

During the Civil War, the barracks narrowly avoided destruction, unlike other garrisons torched by retreating anti-Treaty forces. Through the mid-20th century, it functioned as an FCA (An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil) training centre and housed various Government offices.

By the 1990s, however, usage declined. Parts of the site were shuttered, services relocated, and by the early 2000s, the last offices had closed. Though a caretaker maintained the grounds, structural decay worsened.Since its closure, the barracks has become a stark symbol of bureaucratic inertia. Broken windows, collapsed roofs, and overgrown grounds have provoked criticism from locals and visitors alike. Despite its status as a protected structure under the County Development Plan, no viable redevelopment strategy has emerged.

In 2015, engineers flagged serious safety concerns due to unstable internal structures. A 2019 Tidy Towns report described the barracks as “a missed opportunity” and noted that its ongoing deterioration undermined Nenagh’s image as a progressive market town.

Ownership of the site remains with the Department of Defence, which has historically been reluctant to invest in or transfer the property. This hesitancy has limited outside investment or meaningful progress.Nonetheless, various proposals have surfaced over the years, ranging from a regional arts centre and co-working hub to a civic campus or social housing. Councillor Morris stressed that a successful plan will need “serious interdepartmental cooperation,” including a full condition survey and architectural analysis.

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Tourism is also a consideration. With growing public interest in military and postcolonial heritage, a restored barracks could complement Nenagh Castle and the town’s historic gaol.

Other towns have shown what’s possible. In Clonmel, the derelict Kickham Barracks was transformed into an education and innovation campus through a partnership between Tipperary County Council, the Department of Education, and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). The project unlocked major public funding and revived a neglected site.

Councillor Morris believes Nenagh can achieve something similar: “There’s no reason why we can’t turn the barracks into a place of learning, culture, and economic value. But we need commitment, not more empty promises.”

Last week, a long-anticipated meeting was held between local representatives and officials from the Department of Defence to discuss the future of the barracks.Deputy Ryan O’Meara, Deputy Alan Kelly, Rosemary Joyce, Cllr JP O’Meara and Cllr Louise Morgan Walsh attended the meeting, which was organised with assistance from An Tánaiste Simon Harris’ office and the Property Management section of the Department of Defence.

Following the meeting, Deputy O’Meara said: “I am of the viewpoint that the Nenagh Military Barracks site cannot be transferred to Tipperary County Council in its current format. It is too much of a financial obligation and burden to put on Tipperary County Council and I made this point from the very outset of the meeting.”
He added: “Officials informed the delegation that as of 2022, the site is registered with Land Registry under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.”

He continued: “Officials agreed with my request that a survey of the site would be needed to understand the current condition of the existing buildings and the rights of way going through the site, before the site could be transferred to any other state agency, if that is to happen.

“Officials agreed that a working group would be proposed to senior management within the Department of Defence. This would be a multi-agency working group. Some of the suggestions coming from the representatives at the meeting were that the NPWS, OPW, the Land Development Agency and the Department of Defence would be involved in this working group. The role of the working group is essentially to look at a future road map for the site.

“Finally, officials also agreed to undertake safety measures around the Military Barracks to ensure that the site is secured and safe. They also agreed that some measures would be taken to tidy parameter of the site.”
Deputy O’Meara concluded: “I’m delighted to be working on this and I will continue this work on behalf of my constituents as there is a job of work to be done on this issue.”

Deputy Alan Kelly, also present at the meeting, said: “The meeting went through the options for the future of the site which is in a completely dilapidated state. It is a site that is left in a dangerous way should access be found by members of the public.
“This is a very central and valuable site in the centre of the town of Nenagh. Over the years I have constantly been raising the issue of this site with the department of Defence and the Council. The Department on numerous occasions told me they would give the site to the Council but they refused it as they wouldn’t be able to fund its maintenance or plan for its future. They are right to take such a stance.
“Today the Department reiterated that they would be willing to hand over the site for a nominal fee. However there are a number of issues that need to be sorted out before that can even be considered.

“Firstly there needs to be a full title search on the lands owned to show who owns what at the site.
“Secondly there needs to be a plan put forward by the local council as regards what vision they have for the site. Will this involve housing, a retirement village, a relief road in the town, a museum or a combination of all of the above.”
“Thirdly before any handover takes place and this is critical, there has to be funding provided for the future plan by this Government. Without this no handover can happen and no project can take place. The council can’t fund this. The Government has to.”

“The meeting concluded with the Department agreeing to the following:
“To provide us all with full titles as they see them now for the lands.
“Secondly they are to re survey the whole site and get a report on the building's conditions.
“Thirdly they will provide all documentation from engagements that they have had with other departments and state bodies regarding the site.
“Finally and most importantly they agreed that a submission will be made to the Minister for Defence Simon Harris on future plans for the site and how that would be planned and financed.
“I will be working with the council, the local public representatives and the Department of Defence to advance this after today’s meeting and ensuring pressure comes on the Government to deliver for Nenagh.”

As initial talks unfold, the people of Nenagh are watching closely. The military barracks remains a potent symbol, of occupation and independence, service and silence, heritage and neglect. Whether it continues to crumble or rises again will depend on whether political will can meet community vision.