Thurles Councillor defends call for IDA officials to visit the town.

Independent representative Jim Ryan tabled a notice of motion at this weeks meeting of the Thurles – Templemore Municipal District, claiming the body tasked with attracting foreign companies to Ireland had shown little or no interest in Mid-Tipperary.

Some of his colleagues on the council felt this call was a waste of time and would not result in any benefits for the area.

However Jim Ryan feels it's vital that senior IDA representatives visit Thurles and meet with councillors, the chamber of commerce and educational institutions so they can see what the town has to offer.

For his part Fianna Fail representative John Hogan says the new focus for the IDA on regional jobs should hopefully pay dividends for the Premier County.