Roscrea housing project stalled by bats

The  development of nine local authority houses in the centre of Roscrea town may face disruption after a colony of bats was discovered at the building site.

The site, which is located on Grove Street in Roscrea adjacent to the town's traffic lights, is currently occupied by dilapidated buildings and a former storefront in the heart of the heritage town.

The buildings had fallen into serious disrepair and became one of the town's worst eyesores, located on the busiest route through Roscrea on the N62 and news the site had been purchased by the local authority and designated for housing in 2021 was widely welcomed. 

A contractor for the demolition and construction works has already been appointed.

However, now a decision by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on if a derogation will be granted to the Roscrea site to permit construction works to continue, could decide the future of the creation of the nine homes.

Roscrea based Councillor, Shane Lee, raised the issue at the December meeting of Tipperary County Council and said he hopes "common sense will prevail and people are put first".

Cllr. Lee thanked the staff in the housing department for their work in keeping the momentum of the project moving forward, despite this new challenge and said he is assured everything possible is being done to advance the development.

Cllr. Lee said that against the backdrop of a national housing crisis, which is acutely felt in Roscrea, a decision needs to be reached as a matter of urgency.