Over €1.9 million has been allocated to tackle social exclusion in Tipperary

Almost €2 million has been allocated to tackle social exclusion in county Tipperary this year, as the county also moves to strengthen community safety and integration supports, the February meeting of Tipperary County Council heard.
Under the 2026 Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), a total budget of €1,942,330 has been confirmed for delivery across the county.

The funding, administered through North Tipperary Development Company and South Tipperary Development Company, will support 490 individuals from priority groups including long-term unemployed people, refugees, lone parents, people with disabilities and members of the Traveller and Roma communities.

The programme also mandates support for 40 community groups, networks and social enterprises, with a focus on capacity building, governance and organisational development.

The council’s Local Authority Integration Team reported that 2,762 people are currently accommodated in the county, including 1,728 members of the Ukrainian community and 1,034 International Protection applicants. The recently published International Protection Bill 2026, due to apply to new applications from 12 June, is expected to introduce legally binding timelines for processing and appeals, with potential implications for local accommodation and service planning.

READ NEXT: 'Golden opportunity for Tipperary lost' - birthplace of GAA not properly celebrated says local Councillor

In economic development, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Tipperary supported the creation of 83 new jobs in 2025. LEO-supported companies now employ 1,470 people across 264 small businesses in the county.

Grant approvals under Measure 1 supports totalled €1.24m, with €873,110 paid out across 76 projects. Training and mentoring demand also remained strong, with 1,268 participants engaging in training programmes and 704 availing of mentoring supports.

The council also confirmed that the REACH Enterprise and Community Hub in Roscrea has been completed on time and under budget at a final cost of €3,096,367. The refurbished facility, funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, has secured two anchor tenants: Herdwatch and Tipperary ETB.

In tourism, Tipperary was promoted to international markets during a presentation to Abbey Tours, Ireland’s largest inbound tour operator.

Funding of €17,500 has also been secured from Fáilte Ireland, matched by the local authority, to support tourism development along the Suir Blueway in Clonmel, Cahir and Carrick-on-Suir.

Environmental enforcement activity remained strong in 2025, with 1,818 complaints received, of which 95.5% were resolved. A total of 171 fixed penalty notices were issued, up from 133 the previous year. The council also reported that 506 household waste inspections were carried out, with an 87% compliance rate, above the national average of 75%.

Under the National Agricultural Inspection Programme, 388 catchment inspections were completed, exceeding the EPA target of 350. While the average non-compliance rate was 70%, this represented an improvement on 2024 figures.

Dog control figures showed an increase in activity, with 243 dogs surrendered or seized during 2025, compared to 178 the previous year.

Registrations have now opened for the 2026 National Spring Clean campaign, with the council encouraging community groups to participate.

Last year, 234 groups took part across the county, collecting more than 600 bags of waste.

The report also noted that 69 applications have been received under Call 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme, with €700,000 allocated to support local climate initiatives. Selected projects will be submitted to the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment for approval later this month.

Tipperary County Council said the wide-ranging report reflects continued focus on inclusive growth, environmental protection and strengthening community resilience across the county.