Roscrea's stunning new community and enterprise hub officially opened

A stunning new facility which offers the most modern digital workspace for people in North Tipperary and Offaly was officially opened in Roscrea this week.

The new digital hub 'Roscrea Enterprise and Community Hub' (REACH) located adjacent to the Roscrea Town Centre complex has been open for several months already and saw the official opening on Tuesday.

The striking new piece of modern architecture in the heart of the heritage town will play an important role in shaping the future of Roscrea, elected representatives said at the opening, which was attended by CEO of Tipperary County Council, Sinead Carr; Cathaoirleach of the Council, John Carroll; Tipperary TD Michael Lowry and several others.

The hub offers the most up to date office facilities in the country and will revolutionise the ability to work in the centre of Roscrea.

The project is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and Tipperary County Council and will provide office space for people to work in Roscrea, enabling employees to work remotely instead of commuting to larger urban centres. The facility will also have education and training elements.

The hub will boats 45 work stations supporting up to 116 jobs, as well as 16 work studios (own-door offices) that will support a further 48-64 jobs. There will also be provision of shared services to all resident businesses.

The 11,450 sqft commercial unit is located at the rear of Roscrea Shopping Centre and was vacant since 2011 and offers best-in-class connectivity through a one-gigabit broadband connection.

Expressions of interest to rent space can be made to Seamus Browne, Auctioneer Board member, and Brendan Hyland, Chairperson of REACH CLG.

The €3.5-million investment will transform the current vacant space into a vibrant Town Centre enterprise location bringing much-needed investment and opportunities to the town.

It is funded under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund through the Department of Community and Rural Development.

3,000 square feet of the impressive new building is already rented to Herdwatch, who employ 50 people and another 3,000 square feet is occupied the ETB, who are providing education and courses there.

Speaking at the opening, Independent TD for North Tipperary, Michael Lowry said the building "is a story of creativity and partnership".

"This beautiful centre is once again the heartbeat of the town centre contributing to economic growth, employment, fostering business, nurturing educational training and social cohesion. It is a shining example of how adversity and neglect can be overcome", he said.

Deputy Lowry said the Steering Committee was expertly led by a brilliant Chairman in Brendan Hyland and said the guidance of Mary Ryan, sweeper role of Joe McGrath, the administrative skills of Michael Murray and the insistence of Committee Members to get the project over the line was critical in realising the ambitious project.

"I wish to publicly acknowledge that at my request the then Minister Humphreys took a personal interest, saved the project and sanctioned the funding.

"This town and the people of Roscrea are renowned for their community spirit. They have been fighting for just recognition for fair play and opportunity. I am involved on an ongoing basis with a wide range of different projects which will benefit the town.

"There are still many challenges to be addressed including the urgent necessity to stop placing any additional burden on the town’s infrastructure and services. I am working with Councillor Shane Lee to ensure that State Agencies recognise capacity issues and the need for constraint.

"Today’s Official Opening is a bright spark that will radiate optimism and much needed opportunity for Roscrea and its people", Deputy Lowry said.