Independent Cllr Anne Marie Ryan says the need to find a long term sustainable use for the former Workhouse complex in Tipperary town is all the more urgent after a small fire at the complex last evening.
Council staff were at the site early today to secure the property which was to be refurbished 15 years ago to provide hostel type accommodation for tourists visiting the Tipperary town area.
This project was not completed and the site has been vacant since approximately 2010.
Cllr Ryan says it is worrying for the community that the building could be at risk of destruction due to fire and this is also an unwelcome hazard for neighbours including a nursing home.
The failure to deliver the hostel project is a missed opportunity according to Cllr Ryan who says it could have been transformative for the town.
The matter is to be raised at next Monday’s meeting of the Tipperary Cahir Cashel MD as Tipperary County Council is the current owner of the building.
