Derelict Tipperary barracks could be partly acquired by local school
A Tipperary school has is seeking to acquire land at the site of a long-derelict former military barracks in north Tipperary.
The former barracks in Nenagh has been out of use for many years and has fallen into a state of significant disrepair.
There have been several calls in recent years for the site to be brought back into some kind of use, including potentially being used for a housing development or for heritage use.
However, it is now understood that a local school has expressed an interest in acquiring some of the land around the barracks.
In a Parliamentary Question to Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Labour Party TD for north Tipperary Alan Kelly asked what progress had been made towards bringing the iconic building back into active use.
"I ask the Minister for Defence the actions that have taken place regarding the future of Nenagh Military Barracks since local deputies met with her and her department officials in July, 2025,” Deputy Kelly’s question read.
In response, Minister McEntee said that her department had been in contact with a local school who had expressed an interest in the site.
"Following the meeting with my officials referred to by the Deputy, I understand that a local school expressed an interest in potentially acquiring some of the lands in the former barracks for future expansion,” Minister McEntee said.
"My officials met with representatives from the school and are awaiting further engagement in order to move forward,” she added.
Minister McEntee didn’t name the school in question, but added that she was “anxious” to ensure that education was prioritised in the area.
"As the Deputy will appreciate, I am anxious to ensure that any local educational needs are prioritised, as such, we are not in a position to commence any further analysis of the potential future use for the remainder of the barracks until the outcome of discussions with the local school are complete,” Minister McEntee said.