THE LIBERTY SQUARE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT IN THURLES

The Liberty Square Enhancement Project in Thurles seeks to deliver a vibrant Liberty Square at the heart of Thurles: a place to live, shop, work, socialise, play or “hang-out”.

The revitalised Liberty Square will become an engine for growth in and around Liberty Square and will enhance the attractiveness of Thurles as a place to live and a place for investment / employment.

The intricate project has evolved and developed over a number of years with invaluable support and input from Thurles Chamber and extensive public consultation which greatly influenced the design of the scheme.

Phase 1: -

Minister of State, Peter Burke, TD, meets local officials and Elected Representatives in September 2021 for an update on the Liberty Square, Thurles.

Funding was initially secured under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund to undertake a high-quality public realm enhancement scheme to the Eastern end of Liberty Square.

Part 8 Planning was approved by the Elected Members of Thurles Municipal District in May, 2017 following extensive public consultation.

Improvement works include: -

• Widening of footpaths to provide a better pedestrian environment and new high quality paving; • Realignment of carriageways to improve traffic circulation and pedestrian crossings; • Provision of one signalised and two uncontrolled pedestrian crossings; • Relocation of some on-street parking spaces to the new Liberty Square car park; • The provision of dedicated loading and short-term car parking/set down areas; • Feature lighting including smart low energy lighting; • The enhancement of Liberty Square through hard and soft landscaping measures, the undergrounding of services, civic space for markets and events and associated signage. The new Car Park off Liberty Square opened on 1st October, 2020. Land was purchased from 6 different property owners and a vacant derelict building was demolished to create an entrance and facilitate the development of the car park.

Expected completion of Phase 1 works by Q1 of 2022.

David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd are undertaking the works on behalf of Tipperary County Council. Integrated design consultancy services are being provided by Aecom for Phase 1 of this project.

Phase 2: -

Additional funding was secured under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund in March, 2021 to extend the scheme through the inclusion of the Western end of Liberty Square and sections of the approach roads converging on the Square.

Preliminary design drawings for Phase 2 are currently being undertaken and the Part 8 Planning process will commence in Q4 2021.

The Project Management Plan for the delivery and implementation of this project is ongoing.

Financial Contributions

Tipperary County Council acknowledge and appreciate that this project could only be realised through financial investment by traders as a result of rates increases from 2003 and funding secured from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Smart-Space Programme.

Tipperary County Council have partnered with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Interreg and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this project.

Tipperary County Council has committed €600,000 match funding to the project, with the remainder collected from increased rates paid by the traders. Land purchased for scheme was to the value of €1.1 million.

Conclusion

We look forward to the completion of this Scheme that will connect the existing streets, spaces and facilities in Thurles town.

The Scheme will underpin the long term vitality, viability and vibrancy of the town through a safer, enhanced and unique urban environment thus attracting new traders and residents back into the Square. It will also offer visitors a convenient and accessible landscape to enjoy the heritage, retailing, eateries and ambience that Thurles has to offer.

Construction works progressing at Liberty Square, Thurles

by David Walsh Construction

Total project costs URDF Grant Match Funding- from rates, Development Levies, capital reserves TII Contribution Interreg Smart Lighting €10,675,000 €5,390,000 €4,625,000

€600,000 €60,000

Cathaoirleach of Thurles Municipal District Cllr Seamus Hanafin said that ʻafter many years of planning we are starting to see how the finished Liberty Square will look, already we can see that it is going to be a much more attractive and vibrant place for shoppers and residents alike and brings it into the 21st century. The work has caused a huge amount of disruption to both the public and businesses and I want to acknowledge patience shown. Iʼm confident that it will revitalise and reenergise our town centre and will be a real boost to Thurles and the to the many businesses in Liberty Square