The former Clonmel Arms building is to be demolished and the entire site redeveloped over the next 3 years.
The huge site which covers the block between O’Connell street and the Quays at Sarsfield Street has been vacant for several years leading to unauthorised occupants, fires and a danger to passers-by as the building deteriorates.
Work has now commenced to make the site secure in advance of the demolition works in the coming weeks and months.
Local Councillor and auctioneer John Fitzgerald is confident that the project will go ahead on this occasion after many previous plans went undelivered. The redevelopment will see a hotel return to the town centre location.
Cllr Fitzgerald says the addition of the vibrancy of a hotel in the town centre is to be welcomed in addition to the employment supported during the demolition, construction and subsequent operation of the hotel which may have upwards of 90 bedrooms. The project is understood to be led by two local investors in the property market.
