Plans progress on digital hub for Nenagh
Plans progress on digital hub for Nenagh
Nenagh councillors have officially approved plans by Tipperary County Council to press ahead with its intention to develop a substantial Digital Hub on a site at the Stereame commercial park on the edge of the town.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Nenagh Municipal District grouping in the Civic Offices in the town at their November meeting, paving the way for a facility that has the potential to create further jobs and lead to the creation of local companies.
The Digital Hub will facilitate a range of business establishments and expansion opportunities, according to Tipperary County Council.
The development does not require environmental impact assessment. The council is now proceeding with the development under Article 81 (Part 8) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
The development will incorporate three storeys with a total floor area of just over 1,240 square metres.
Speaking at the meeting of the Nenagh Municipal District, Manager Marcus O' Connor said the hub was a very exciting development for the town.
He said the council would now proceed to submit an application for funding to the Government.
Mr O' Connor revealed that the Digital Hub would cost in the order of €5.5 million to develop. "We will be pushing very hard for this facility as we think it will be a game changer for the town," he added.
Congratulating the council's management team on its initiative, Councillor Joe Hannigan said the new hub would be a centre for start-up businesses and a great boost for entrepreneurs trying to expand enterprises, especially in the area of information technology. "I think this is going to have a major impact on the town going forward and I hope it will generate and attract high end jobs and be a centre that will be a great help to innovative people."
District Chairman Seamus Morris said the intention to build the Digital Hub was timely as it could facilitate a lot of people who have found themselves working from home since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Councillor Morris said it took a lot of courage on behalf of the council's Chief Executive Joe MacGrath to purchase the site at Stereame.
He said the site could also be used to facilitate the building of much needed housing for workers who would ultimately work in the new hub and for those currently in the adjoining fiserv (formerly First Data) base who were looking to buy homes locally.
Councillor Morris also welcomed news that the council was appointing a Project Manager for the town of Nenagh. He said such an appointment was a huge boost to the ongoing efforts to boost the profile of Nenagh as an ideal place in which to live and work.
Councillor Ger Darcy said the Digital Hub had great potential for job creation and the future launch of a number of small industries on the site.
Councillors John Carroll and Fiona Bonfield said it would increase the attractiveness of Nenagh as a centre for job creation.