Nenagh's historic and cultural quarter development will be its 'crowning glory'

The proposed plan for Nenagh Historic and Cultural Quarter received a broad welcome from councillors at a special meeting of Nenagh Municipal District Council last week.

Cllr Seamus Morris described it as “massive”, highlighting the co-ordination of work that had gone into developing the plan.

He urged people to have “patience”, saying: Sometimes, people only see disruption. I am already getting complaints about the one-way system and not even in place."

He described the plan as a "major project".

Cllr Hughie McGrath also pointed out that the work would happen “one step at a time”.

He hoped the next focus would be on Nenagh Gaol and getting it fit for tourism.

He said that, in regard to the debate over whether to demolish 35 and 36 Pearse Streeet as part of the plan to open up a new street and vista of Nenagh Castle,  his own personal view was that they should be knocked, but he could understand why they were not included in the Part 8.

He said the suggestion to use the archway on Pearse Street as a new entrance might prove to be too narrow adn questioned whether demolishing the houses would give a better view of the castle.

Cllr McGrath said that, ultimately, the Council may need to run a plebiscite among the people of Nenagh to see what they wanted to do with the houses on Pearse Street.

Cllr Ger Darcy described the plan as a “huge undertaking” which should have been done” years ago”.

Cllr Joe Hannigan said the town had “metamorphosed” over the past 10 or 12 years and the plan would be its “crowning glory.

“We need our national politicians to make sure we get the funding,” he said.

Cllr Michael O’Meara said the proposal had “huge potential” for tourism.

He asked that sight not be lost of the military barracks and that at some stage the barracks be linked to Pearse Street.

“This blends everything together,” said Cllr Fiona Bonfield. “It could be a gamechanger for Nenagh.”

Ms Joyce, agreeing it could be a gamechanger, told Cllr Morris that the Council was in the process of getting a project manager for the town.

District Cathaoirleach Cllr John “Rocky” McGrath, said the project would make Nenagh known worldwide.

“Some work has been done and there’s a lot of work to be done,” said District Manager Marcus O’Connor, but there was a “fantastic group” making it happen.

The review was proposed by Cllr Hughie McGrath and seconded by Cllr Morris.