Frustration's been expressed over a decision by the Heritage Department to object to a multi-million Euro Roscrea development given the green light by council planners.
Proposals to revamp the old Tesco site in the North Tipp town have effectively been put on hold now which is seen as potentially a huge blow to the local economy.
Local Fianna Fail Councillor Michael Smith says he's one of many people left baffled and frustrated by the decision by the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht to lodge an objection with An Bord Pleanala.
The news comes less than a month after Tipperary County Council granted permission to TCORP properties to carry out a major upgrade of the Roscrea Shopping Centre on Castle Street
The plans included the development of retail units and a health centre and Cllr Smith said it has the potential to generate huge employment
The site is located opposite the historic Roscrea Castle and Round Tower and in its submission to the appeals board the Heritage Department expressed concern the proposals were too large in scale, obtrusive and not in harmony with the streetscape.
Seamus Browne of the Roscrea Chamber of Commerce feels the objection is disappointing given the robust planning process
In its submission the department added that the OPW had concerns too about the scale and bulk of the project and while it wasn't opposed in principal to the redevelopment of the site – it should not be in the proposed form.
However Councillor Michael Smith said that the council planners had liaised fully with the department throughout the planning process and while it sought further information on 2 areas – the issues being objected to were never red flagged.
All the stakeholders involved in this project now have 28 days to lodge their own submissions to An Bord Pleanala which will then make a determination – however this will take at least 3 months- something Cllr Smith could have been easily avoided.
