Firstly, to rehabilitate the site by removing the old Erin Foods building and cleaning up the site. Secondly by facilitating the development of a new LIDL retail store. Thirdly, by developing an Advance Technology Unit (ATU) that will be available to market for an inward investment in the town. Fourthly, to facilitate the proposed development of the inner relief road in Thurles which will go through the site. Fifthly, to ensure there is provision of amenity space, particularly a riverside walkway. Finally, to look at the remaining space for other business opportunities.

I’m delighted we have reached this milestone. This is the beginning of something that can be very positive for Thurles who has lost in excess of 20 industries since the mid 1980s. That is why we pushed to develop the ATU so that Thurles would have an opportunity to attract a large scale inward investment that would provide jobs in the town. I have a track record in doing that with First Data in Nenagh and Amneal in Cashel. Consequently, I went to the IDA and arranged a meeting with the project team in Thurles and subsequently ensured their written support for this application which is accompanying this planning application.

I look forward to this project delivering for the people of Thurles and surrounds. It has huge potential and this is a significant milestone however there is still much work to be done to deliver it fully.