The following are the highlights from the recent monthly meeting of Roscrea Chamber Of Commerce.
Michael Tiernan Development:
News that work would commence in late July/Early August on the new commercial development in the town centre was welcomed by Chamber members. Cllr Michael Smith was thanked for keeping the Chamber briefed on the project which is a huge vote of confidence in Roscrea.
Roscrea Drugs Initiative:
The Chamber complimented John Luton and those involved in the recent “Roscrea Drug Initiative”. A brief report was given about the public meeting that took place and the committee was wished every success with their plans for the future.
Abbey Hall:
The Chamber wished the Abbey Hall committee every success with their plans for further redevelopment of the amenity. A public meeting will take place in August to help showcase the plans and Chamber members were encouraged to attend to meeting and pledge their support.
Wi Fi:
The Secretary, Brian King gave a brief update on plans by Tony Smyth and Michael Cotter, Directors of Wireless Connect ltd to bring on street Wi-Fi internet access in Roscrea. The Secretary said the two directors who made a presentation at the May meeting of the Chamber had identified a number of businesses in the town that may be able to help with the project. The Secretary explained that this help would not involve any monetary cost to the businesses concerned and he encouraged all those businesses approached by Tony and/or Michael to show their support for the project.
Roscrea Brochure:
President John Guilfoyle and Brian King produced a number of design templates for the proposed Roscrea Brochure that will be used to hopefully attract new industry, business relocation and entrepreneurial development in Roscrea. A long discussion took place on the various styles that were produced and the Secretary said that both himself and the President would advice Shannon Development of the Chamber’s preferences at a meeting later that week.
Meeting With County Council
The Roscrea Chamber executive will meet with the County Council in the near future to discuss a number of issues including, Signage On The New Motorway, Speed limits On The Dublin/Limerick Road, A Plan For Gantley Road Area etc. If you would like to add anything to this agenda please contact Brian King (05050)23601 before Monday, August 9th.
Dublin Road:
After a brief discussion it was agreed to raise concerns about the state of the Dublin Road at the upcoming meeting with the County Council. It was agreed that as an approach road to the town it left a very poor first impression of Roscrea which was a great shame as the Roscrea Leisure Centre which is a great showcase for Roscrea is located on the same road.
Crime Prevention:
Brian Colclough reported on a recent crime prevention seminar which he attended in Templemore. Brain said he was encouraged by the meeting and said he hoped that the “Business Watch” initiative may introduce a text alert system in the near future.
The Secretary informed the meeting that Sean Sherlock “Crime Prevention Officer” for the local area would attend the next meeting.
Subscriptions 2011:
Subscriptions for 2011 will be issued in the near future. All businesses in the Roscrea are encouraged to join the Chamber. A discount will be available to all those willing to pay by direct debit. The Chamber has represented & lobbied on behalf of local businesses on many issues over the years. This has been of particular importance given the fact that Roscrea has been without its own Town Council during this time. Our strength lies in our numbers so please show us your support by joining us this year.
Broadband:
Tony Watkins raised a conversation about the inadequate broadband service available in Roscrea. Cllr Pauline Coonan suggested that the Chamber meet with Ger Lynch to discuss broadband and how it can be improved in the area.
Town Development:
Cllr Pauline Coonan cited that the recent mid western area plan is very much geared towards the Limerick/Shannon region. Cllr Coonan said that she would be pushing for Roscrea to be considered the “Pharmaceutical Headquarters” for the area. Cllr Coonan based this on the town’s long standing tradition in the pharmaceutical industry and the fact that the town is very anxious to replace the recent loss of Taro Pharmaceuticals. President John Guilfoyle said this was very positive news and that he looked forward to the Chamber continuing to exert as much pressure as possible on bodies such as Shannon Development and the IDA to find a new/replacement industry for Roscrea.
Western By-Pass:
Delegates were disappointed with the recent news that the NRA had shelved plans to develop the western by-pass linking the Limerick road with the Birr road side of town.
The Chamber will write to the NRA and the council and inform them of the Chamber’s disappointment with the decision.
New Car Park:
Cllr Pauline Coonan said that a new car park was badly needed in the Rosemount area of town. Those in attendance agreed and the Chamber will raise the issue at the upcoming meeting with Peter Fee (North Tipperary County Council)
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