I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this matter on the Adjournment and I am grateful to the Minister of State for his attendance.
South Tipperary County Council has submitted a proposal for two towns in south Tipperary to be designated for inclusion in the urban renewal scheme. Tipperary town is given precedence for renewal in the submission. The reasons for this are many and varied.
Tipperary has been devastated by major loss of industry in recent years. Many industries have closed down, creating huge unemployment. The proximity of the town to the fast growing services centres of Limerick and Clonmel has resulted in Tipperary suffering from the shadow effect, whereby private investment is drawn to the other towns. Limerick and Clonmel benefited from inclusion in previous urban renewal schemes thereby increasing their competitive advantage to the detriment of Tipperary town.
Development has also been impeded by inappropriate land use close to the town's centre and poor traffic circulation. The N24 passes through the Tipperary town centre but the town lacks a focal point or a central area of civic space. The high level of unemployment, lack of investment and poor physical appearance have resulted in a poor image for such a well known town.
Tipperary is situated near the Glen of Aherlow, an area of great natural beauty which has considerable tourism potential. Indeed, the name of the town is famous throughout the country. However, as a result of its huge unemployment, investment has suffered and Tipperary is probably one of the most neglected towns in the south of Ireland.
I can offer the Minister of State many more reasons for the designation of Tipperary town for urban renewal. There has been a great deal of lobbying on the part of many interests in the town and it is generally agreed, particularly by the independent consultants who were employed by South Tipperary County Council, that the inclusion of the town in the urban renewal scheme would be of great benefit. It is probably the best boost a Government could give the town.
The same is true of the second town proposed for inclusion in the scheme, Carrick-on-Suir. The people of Carrick-on-Suir were disappointed with the results of the independent consultants' report which concluded that Carrick-on-Suir should be placed second, behind Tipperary town, in the submission. However, it was unanimously agreed by South Tipperary County Council that both towns be included in the proposal, particularly because of the huge unemployment problems in both areas.
I urge the Minister to give Tipperary town the chance it so badly needs when he is making his decision on what towns should benefit from inclusion in the urban renewal scheme.
