It was just before the last Irish general election, [same which took place on Saturday February 8th 2020], that we learned on September 10th, 2019, of a new exciting project for the town of Thurles.
The news of a new ‘Business and Innovation Centre’, was broken by then Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry, who prophesised that this new project, quote; “Heralded a bright and progressive future for the town, (Thurles)”. He further added in his press release, “This investment and ‘state-of-the-art development’, will generate jobs, wealth and create a massive boost to the local economy,”
You can watch the full video announcement HERE.
Mr Lowry went on to further add in his written Press Release,
“The Erin Foods site project will also facilitate the future development of the town providing the first phase of the long-awaited Thurles Inner Relief road, which will link Slievenamon Road to the Mill Road. This link road will afford the opportunity to access lands for commercial and residential development while also facilitating the proposed future expansion of Mary Immaculate College. (Note: latter formally St. Patricks College, Thurles).
Tipperary County Council have reached agreement, exchanged contracts and are about to close on the purchase of land in excess of 20 acres at Clongour, Thurles for a Business Development Campus.
These lands will be then be serviced with sewerage, water, telecommunications and road infrastructure. The lands will be developed by Tipperary County Council, as serviced sites and available for marketing by the Council, Enterprise Ireland and I.D.A.
Thurles had lost out on inward investment because it did not have accommodation and facilities to attract business and Industry.
The combination of these projects should now have a formative impact on the economy of Thurles. It will create opportunities to attract business / enterprise and during the process deliver much needed jobs and economic regeneration within the town.
After a period of stagnation these developments should now herald a new bright beginning and positive future for Thurles.
We can now look forward with optimism and with greater confidence in the future of Thurles“.
Some weeks back, we watched the erection of a “FOR SALE” sign (shown above) for this same ‘Business and Innovation Centre‘ site containing circa 2.2 acre.
We waited for an explanation from our Elected Teachtaí Dála; Thurles Chamber; local Co. Councillors; Municipal District Officials, and Tipperary Co. Council. As always, all have remained totally silent.
I find it hard to believe that no discussion has taken place regarding this issue, all be it in private; but certainly I have not heard or indeed read publicly, anything regarding this broken promise to the Thurles electorate.
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