The Local Government Reform Act, 2014, established the requirement for each local authority to prepare an Annual Service Delivery Plan identifying the services that it proposes to deliver to the public in the year ahead. The purpose of this Plan is to provide a corporate document that highlights the services that will be provided by Tipperary County Council across all directorates in 2025 and has been prepared based on the provisions of the adopted budget by Tipperary County Council on Friday 27th November 2024. 

With a geographical area of 4,282 sq. km and a population of 167,895[1], a 5% increase since 2016, Tipperary is the 6th largest of the 32 counties by area and the 12th largest by population. 

Tipperary lies at the heart of the country, bordered by eight other counties, situated in Ireland’s ‘Golden Vale’ at the center of the Southern Region, Tipperary enjoys excellent transport links to major cities, international airports, and ports. Its proximity to nine leading universities and colleges within a 2-hour commute ensures a steady supply of skilled graduates. This culture of collaboration, including research, development, and internships, supports the county's thriving industries.

Tipperary boasts a diverse economy, with the leading employment sectors including:

• Wholesale and retail (13.8%)
• Manufacturing (13.7%)
• Agriculture (11%) – one of the highest proportions in the country
• Human health, social work, and education (approximately 10% each, CSO 2016)

The county is also recognized for its strengths in:

• The bio economy
• Agri-food production
• The equine sector
• Tourism
• The pharmaceutical industry

Tipperary forms part of the Irish central plain, featuring fertile agricultural landscapes interspersed with notable mountain ranges, offering breath-taking natural amenities such as Lough Derg in the northwest, the River Suir to the south, the iconic Rock of Cashel, mountain ranges, and picturesque valleys. Its network of towns and villages is rich in character, further enhancing the county’s appeal.

The county Tipperary’s vibrant economy, robust communities, and rich cultural and natural landscapes provide an excellent quality of life. With its strategic regional towns driving growth, key economic sectors like renewable energy, tourism, and pharmaceuticals, and a heritage of collaboration and innovation, Tipperary continues to thrive as a central and accessible hub in Ireland.

 Tipperary County Council delivers a broad spectrum of services and support to a diverse customer base. Our customers include over 167,895 residents in 70,608 households, over 10,780 businesses with over 73,207 employees, along with those who visit our county whether for recreation or work.

Tipperary County Council’s Corporate Plan ‘Reshaping Tipperary’s Future Together 2024-2029’ is the Council’s strategic framework for future action over the next 5 years. 

The Corporate Plan provides specific statements of intent with respect to the Council’s Mission and our shared Vision for Tipperary County Council and for County Tipperary, describing the kind of Tipperary we want to see in the future and what we will do as the County Council together with all stakeholders, to deliver the vision for the County: 

 The Corporate Plan - underpinned by our Core Values - also proposes five Strategic Themes that will deliver our vision and ensure the improvement of Council services and infrastructure throughout the Plan 2024-2029:

1. Communities and Culture
2. Rural & Urban Places
3. Organisation & People
4. Environment & Climate
5. Economic & Enterprise

For each Strategic Theme, a strategic aim, corporate goal, and supporting strategic objectives (25 in total)have been identified, for which actions and activities have been identified by relevant Directorates in their Annual Service Delivery Plans (ASDPs) and the Schedules of Municipal District Works (SMDWs).

The Council has also identified key indicators to measure and track performance, which will also be reviewed annually through the ASDPs. The Council will also integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all aspects of our service delivery and ensure that all future policies and strategies are informed by Agenda 2030.

The Council’s service delivery model centres around Nenagh and Clonmel as the primary council hubs, reflecting their economic and social significance within the county. Responsibilities are distributed between these two locations, with each centre managing specific functions while maintaining the capacity to deliver all frontline services. Each of the five districts operates a single council office, ensuring seamless service delivery while avoiding duplication. All council functions are fully integrated, with unified management, staffing, and resources.

The range and breadth of services provided by the Local Authority have expanded over the years to include expansive roles in areas such as active travel, support to refugees and asylum seekers, economic development, job creation, and community support. While many of these services are fully funded by Exchequer grants and other financial measures, the multiplicity of services now being provided places greater demands on our support services, which is reflected in our budgets. As well as being one of the major employers in the county, Tipperary County Council contributes significantly to the local economy with a combined capital and revenue spend of circa €444m annually. 

The service delivery plan for 2025 must operate within the context of the very real and continuing challenges presented by:

• The evolving political landscape and potential shifts in government policies;
• External pressures such as international political instability, humanitarian crises, and adapting to a new National Planning Framework;
• Addressing the perceived north/south divide in service delivery, operating two headquarters efficiently;
• Economic pressures, such as the cost-of-living crisis, disposable income constraints, and changing consumer trends like online shopping, are influencing lifestyle choices and service demands;
• The potential future impacts of climate change and the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as flooding, droughts, and heavy precipitation, which are already straining our resources;
• Supporting aging rural communities, addressing the emigration of graduates, and managing the over-reliance on certain communities for migrant accommodation;
• The increasing call for lifestyle amenities, work-life balance support, and adaptable career opportunities, particularly in light of shifting attitudes toward careers and greater workplace agility;
• Internal challenges, such as maintaining functional relationships between staff across two headquarters, outdoor workers, and administrative centres.
• Attracting and retaining talent, with a focus on making the Local Authority an attractive place to work and build a career;
• The rapidly evolving technological landscape and its impact on service delivery, communication, and operational models;
• Ensuring full compliance with data protection laws, health and safety obligations, and the protection of public and human rights.

Tipperary County Council operates at the intersection of local and national governance, focusing on democracy, public service, and building trust. In an era of increasing accountability, transparency, and governance standards, the Council is committed to maintaining public trust, especially as national policies often dictate local priorities. Promoting high standards of conduct, behavior, and public sector values remains central to sustaining this trust.

Tipperary County Council is committed to promoting economic resilience. By leveraging strategic partnerships, addressing local needs, and ensuring sustainable development, the Council aims to enhance the county’s economic profile and support the well-being of its communities over the coming years.

Tipperary County Council is committed to being more external-facing, agile, and proactive in its strategic planning. By fostering collaboration, addressing housing demands, and building stronger, more inclusive communities, the Council aims to adapt to these evolving social dynamics and ensure a high quality of life for all residents.

Tipperary County Council aims to maximise the potential of technological advancements while addressing risks and ensuring resilience in an increasingly digital world.

Tipperary County Council is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for both our environment and our communities while balancing the social, financial, and environmental challenges that lie ahead.

Tipperary County Council will continue to adapt and respond to the challenges presented both externally and internally, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and maintaining public trust in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Sinéad Carr

Chief Executive

Tipperary County Council

[1] Figures from Census 2022