'Clonmel is ready' - Tipperary TD calls for update on crucial development funding

Tipperary South TD Michael Murphy has called for updates on the Urban Regeneration and Development Funding (URDF) that he says is crucial for Clonmel town.

From once a bustling and thriving town, Clonmel has been left to deteriorate in recent years, with areas like Market Place being almost completely boarded up and businesses closing their doors.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, Deputy Murphy said that the funding is so important for towns like Clonmel to realise their ambition.

"My own whole town of Clonmel is ready to submit an application, that application is shovel ready. To date an investment of €1 million by Tipperary County Council.

"The project itself focuses on the regeneration, the reimagination of the public realm within our town centre, within the historic heart of Clonmel. Projects like this, this funding is crucial to towns like Clonmel in terms of realising our ambition to be key regional economic drivers as set out in the regions economic spatial strategy.

"So I would appeal to you minister to launch the URDF at your earliest opportunity."

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Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon responded by saying,

"I can assure the deputy that the URDF are absolutely crucial to our towns and villages right across the country.

"The programme for Government does provide for the expanded URDF programme under what would be known as the towns and cities infrastructure investment fund.

"It's a programme that is very important and it will be launched as soon as we can get this new programme ready."