A Green and Blue County Tipperary

Tipperary is normally associated with the blue and gold colours!

However, at the September County Council meeting, it was instead the colours of green and blue to the fore as the members of Tipperary County Council approved its Green & Blue Infrastructure Masterplan Roadmap for Tipperary waterways.

The Roadmap and its Action Plan were undertaken as part of the council’s participation in the EU INTERREG EUROPE part-funded SWARE project.

The project, which involves organisations from five European countries, examined how improved management and sustainable use of the unique natural and built heritage along inland waterways could enhance sustainable and inclusive economic growth and social cohesion by attracting new green/blue investments and generating local jobs.

The Masterplan Roadmap is a strategic plan focusing on the two primary waterways in County Tipperary – Lough Derg and River Suir – as they extend through and influence large parts of the county. The objective of the study was to develop an integrated plan incorporating biodiversity, heritage, tourism, sport, leisure, communities and economy to provide a cooperative strategic plan for our county’s waterways.

"This Report identifies high level green and blue infrastructure assets and networks within the county”, stated Cllr Mattie Ryan, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council. Cllr Ryan continued: ”It is the intention that the Masterplan Roadmap will act as a portfolio of ideas for future projects/actions (ecological, infrastructure, education, community, research, promotional, etc.) which the Council, community groups and others can submit to future funding calls from various sources."

"Ultimately, this Roadmap and the projects/actions which it contains will help to address environmental, social, economic and amenity needs within the county”, said Cllr Ryan.