Plans to turn Fethard Town Hall in tourism hub unveiled

The local Business and Tourism group has submitted a planning application to Tipperary County Council for a number of changes to the Tholsel building in the heart of the town.

The building on Main Street is owned by Tipperary County Council but is on a 20 year lease to Fethard Business and Tourism Ltd.

The aim is for the former Town Hall to become a tourism hub which will be a historical and cultural focal point for Fethard

The group is proposing a change of use from residential to an exhibition space on the second floor. Another change of use is planned for the part of the ground floor from a permitted café to an exhibition and retail space.

Banners and signage are planned for the front of the building which is a national monument and a protected structure.

The 17th century landmark site has previously served as an almshouse, the town hall for Fethard Corporation, a fire station, library and is currently used as the venue for weekly country markets every Friday.

Almost quarter of a million Euro in Government funding was announced for its development in 2014 which was backed up by over €100,000 from the local authority under the community grants scheme.