Lowry reflects on 'Roscrea's journey' since last election

Tipperary Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry attended the pre-Election Candidate Debate in Roscrea and afterwards thanked Roscrea Community Development Council (RCDC) for the opportunity to meet local people to discuss matters of importance to them.

Reflecting on the past five years, during which he worked closely with his Roscrea based Lowry Team Cllr. Shane Lee, he reflected for this newspaper on many of the issues he prioritised for Roscrea.

“Top of my list was the threatened closure of Dean Maxwell. This has always been more than just a political issue for me. I fought long, hard and vehemently against its closure” he said, adding that “moving elderly people from the sanctuary of Dean Maxwell in their hometown and transferring them to Nenagh was something I totally rejected”.

“It was a cruel and heartless policy initiative. I couldn’t let it happen, and I didn’t let it happen. It's been a long-running saga, but thankfully as a result of my painstaking work with the HSE I managed to reverse the decision.

“We have solid confirmation from the HSE that this cherished facility will maintain it’s existing services and will remain fully open. All residents at Dean Maxwell have received a guarantee that they will be allowed to live out their natural lives in the centre.

“Staff vacancies have already been funded and appointed. Staffing levels will be maintained and will continue to be filled to the required levels.

“Furthermore, last July I succeeded in getting a commitment from HSE Management that a new 50 Bed nursing home would be built on a green field site in Roscrea, and preliminary research has already commenced. I intend to monitor and pursue this project through design and inclusion in the HSE Capital Programme”, he said.

In relation to Mount Carmel Nursing Home, Deputy Lowry told this newspaper that following a meeting with Sr. Luke and senior staff with all local public representatives, Sr. Luke sought a private meeting with him when she outlined that the Mercy Order could not continue to sustain the losses and was putting the property for sale on the open market.

“After many meetings and tedious discussions, we secured agreement in principle, that the HSE would purchase the entire property. Negotiations and legalities were extremely complex. Protracted interactions between the parties involved concluded successfully and the Centre will be owned and operated by the HSE”, he said.

The 60 current staff will be transferred to the HSE Payroll and 20 new positions will be created and a multi-million investment will be made to remodel parts of the property to increase the bed complement, Deputy Lowry explained.

“Thankfully, the property is not lost to the community for use for some other purpose, and the ethos of the Sisters will be retained for the town and its people”, he said.

Roscrea Enterprise and Community Hub

Deputy Lowry said the opening of the new Roscrea Enterprise and Community Hub (REACH) is “the most exciting project to happen in the town for a long time”.

“It brings the town firmly up to modern digital standards. I have been actively involved with the very capable local steering group. I used my political experience and influence to advise the local committee and, together, we convinced the Minister to grant aid and give the green light for this ambitious project”, he said.

“The €3.5m investment will transform the current vacant space into a vibrant Town Centre Enterprise Location bringing much-needed investment and opportunities to the town that will deliver Educational Training along with Technological and Economic benefits to Roscrea.

“Already the Educational Training Board have signed up to deliver an exciting range of training programmes, and Herd Watch has signed a long-term contract to take space to accommodate 50 full-time high-end tech jobs.

Racket Hall

"Government immigration policy has cast a dark shadow over the town of Roscrea”, Deputy Lowry said on the repurposing of the former Racket Hall Hotel for emergency accomodation for international protection applicants in January.

“On several occasions, in the Dail, I forewarned the Government that Roscrea was becoming overburdened and overwhelmed with refugees and asylum seekers. The town was on edge”, Deputy Lowry said.

“The Government refused to listen. What this Government imposed on Roscrea is unforgivable.

“When Roscrea reached breaking point Shane Lee and I stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Roscrea and their legitimate fears and concerns. One of my abiding memories of that time is seeing local women leave toys outside the door of that hotel to comfort the children inside. Despite their own frustrations, they cared about the people who needed help.

“This image sums up Roscrea. People are loyal, united, protective, proactive andpractical. This positive energy needs to be channelled towards further future opportunities and development”, he said.