The blueprint for the site which incorporates O’Connors Shopping Centre would see it become an organic extension of the town catering for commerce, educational, housing and recreational needs.
Described as a broad guide this strategy aims to create a more distinctive streetscape on Martyrs Road which would engage fully with the existing town centre. It’s focused on pedestrian or footfall and lay outs plans for traffic calming and diversion measures along with linked walkways which would emanate from a central car park.
Currently the 23 acre site is considered to be quite harsh with no coherent plan just a series of businesses including the former O’Connors Shopping Centre scattered in a haphazard way – and the new plan would see it divided into three zones Education and Enterprise /Business and Commercial and Residential.
The proposed new car park could also double up as a civic centre to host outdoor cinemas or other events.
While it’s non statutory – councillors were told that all the private stakeholders have broadly welcomed the blue print and it’s now set to go to public consultation in the coming weeks.
Independent Councillor Hughie McGrath has praised the scope of the project but has concerns that it could deter potential buyers of the site who may have their own ideas for the land
Fellow Independent Joe Hannigan feels the scope of the strategy is too broad.
However Council Director of Nenagh Municipal District Marcus O'Connor says nothing is set in stone but it is a key tool in the realising the potential of the Martyrs road site .
