2.8 Recreation and Amenity
2.8.1i The town of Fethard is situated on the north bank of the Clashawley River. It is enclosed on the south side by Market Hill and the Slievenamon Mountains 15km to the south -west. The open countryside and hills provide high quality visual amenity for the town and its environs.
2.8.1ii The Wall and associated structures are a major amenity and tourist attraction, and it is important to maintain the relationship between the wall, the river and the open countryside to the south. The Clashawley River provides a valuable source of visual amenity and the Council will continue to enhance the Valley and walkway along the river.
2.8.1iii In general terms, the Council recognises the importance of maintaining and enhancing all public open space within the town. This includes such areas as the square, the sports grounds, the Valley, the Green and playing pitches adjacent to the Monastery School. The Council will continue to promote the aims of the Tidy Towns Competition, which could play an important role in improving the incidental open spaces throughout the town.
Policy AMT.1: The Valley
It is the policy of the Council to preserve and enhance the recreational and amenity resources of the town.
2.8.1iv The demand for recreation and leisure facilities in Fethard is growing, caused by increased mobility, shorter working hours and rising incomes among the indigenous population, combined with an increasing demand for a tourist facilities from visitors. Much of this demand is being met by Clonmel, as the population of Fethard is not big enough to sustain such facilities as a Cinema or Nightclub.
2.8.1v The town has, however, good access to many recreational activities, including playing pitches, handball courts, tennis counts, urban/rural walkways such as Jesuits Walk and access to quality open space such as the Valley. In the areas where deficiencies are identified, the Council will support local efforts to provide such facilities.
2.8.2 Specific Objectives on Recreation
A1. Enhance the urban/rural walkways in association with the local action groups.
A2. Seek the removal of unsightly elements at historically sensitive locations within the town, such as inappropriate advertising, poles and wirescapes.
A3. Examine the need for interpretative facilities and related facilities in the town.