A ‘transformative’ Nenagh walkway

Éire Óg progressing plan for 2.5km all-community route

Nenagh Éire Óg is progressing a plan to develop a 2.5km walkway that will be available to all in the community.

The GAA club has in recent years been involved in a multi-phase expansion of its premises, the most recent element of which included the development of a new playing pitch on a 10-acre site at Stereame. Located adjacent to Éire Óg's existing 14-acre sports complex, the pitch was seeded earlier this month.

The club is now turning its attention to developing a community walkway that will connect the two sites. Planned in conjunction with Tipperary Co Council, the fenced and illuminated 2.5km route will provide walkers and runners with a new option connecting St Conlon's Road with Stereame.

Éire Óg has made an application to fund the project to the Community Recognition Fund, which supports the development of community infrastructure and facilities in recognition of the contribution made made by communities in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.

In presenting the application to the Community Recognition Fund, Éire Óg Vice Chairperson and Development Manager John Tooher stated that “the construction of a community walkway lies at the core of our commitment to maximising our community-based ethos”.

The only facility of its kind in Nenagh, the 3m wide walkway is proposed on the basis of research indicating demand for such an addition to the town. “Nenagh lacks a dedicated public walking track, with locals resorting to public roads for exercise,” Mr Tooher stated.

“Our proposed community walking facility will address this shortcoming. It will offer a safer, more accessible exercising option available year-round, with lighting to support activity in the darker months.

‘LET’S GET ACTIVE’

“Aligned with the HSE’s ‘Let’s Get Active’ campaign, one circuit of our walkway would meet their daily exercise recommendations. Our facility will be open to diverse community groups and age brackets, fostering a sense of safety, active lifestyle and inclusivity.”

Mr Tooher pointed to the central location of the planned facility and mentioned the availability of ample parking in the existing sports complex. He said the facility could be used by a range of community groups.

“Health advocacy groups can arrange activities for their members. Schools can feel safe in bringing students for activity in a controlled environment, and casual walkers, from parents with buggies to more driven fitness participants, can use the facility without any barriers to entry, without need for registration, and confidence in the safety of the facility.”

The application adds that the surface of the walkway is “designed to be conducive to walking, avoiding shocks to joints, etc, that will be of benefit to our older community members or those recovering from health issues.”

WIDESPREAD SUPPORT

Identified as an important permeability link in the local transport plan for Nenagh, the walkway is supported by Tipperary Co Council. It is also supported by the HSE.

“We also have an ageing population who require a safe space to walk to improve health and function,” stated Maura Cleary, Community Healthcare Network Manager, North Tipperary. “The location of the GAA complex near the bypass and facilities like the Sue Ryder complex would make it an ideal space for such an amenity.”

Éire Óg's funding brief also includes a letter from Cathrina Ryan, Operational Director of Nursing at Nenagh Hospital, who stated that the walkway would be “a safe walking facility and a great alternative from our busy roads for hospital staff and the local community”.

The application furthermore includes a letter from Stephanie O’Callaghan, Tipperary Refugee Resettlement Worker with Youth Work Ireland. Éire Óg offered its facilities for training for Syrian families and gave shirts and sliotars to children.

“It is such a huge transition in the lives of the Syrian families resettling in Ireland,” Ms O'Callaghan wrote. “To be met with kindness means so much. To be welcomed in their new community is significant to the families. We really appreciate what you have done.”

Subject to funding, Mr Tooher said it could be possible to have the walkway in place in early 2025. A management structure would then be set up and it would have widespread community representation. He took the opportunity to thank all that have supported Éire Óg in the expansion project thus far.

“We believe the project will be transformative in terms of our community’s activity and well-being,” Mr Tooher concluded in the Éire Óg funding application. “It is an opportunity that will have benefits well beyond the established GAA community in our town.”