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Michael’s Priorities

Young People

It is imperative that the voice of young adults in Tipperary are heard at a national level. Your concerns have been highlighted…

Family

Raising a family in Ireland can be very expensive and as technology is now a fact of everyday life, it is imperative that…

Senior Citizens

The senior citizens of Tipperary and Ireland built this great country we have today and deserve our respect and support in…

Town Regeneration

As we all know, many of our towns in Tipperary are in dire need of redevelopment. If we are to encourage businesses to establish…

News & Updates

Deputy Michael Lowry gives a first look at the new 40 bed modular unit at the South Tipperary General Hospital for which he secured Government Funding.

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Michael Lowry T.D. Chomhroinn postáil

17 hours ago

Local company Premier Engineering employing 40 to demolish Erin Foods, Thurles site ... See MoreSee Less

Local company Premier Engineering employing 40 to demolish Erin Foods, Thurles site

The building will take approximately 12 weeks to demolish with site clearance and preparation to follow

Michael Lowry T.D. Chomhroinn postáil

17 hours ago

€25 million Erin Foods demolition starts as McDonalds applies for planning in Thurles ... See MoreSee Less

€25 million Erin Foods demolition starts as McDonalds applies for planning in Thurles

Local company Premier Engineering have employed 40 people to work on the project

Michael Lowry T.D.

18 hours ago

BREAKING NEWS*** Lowry Turns Sod as Works Begins on Major €25m Thurles Development

Deputy Lowry turned the first sod on Monday of this week on the major new development that will mark the dawn of a bright new future for Thurles. The derelict Erin Foods factory is about to become a hive of activity as demolition work starts to level the site, which will house a new high-end model flagship store for Lidl Ireland, as well as two 30,000 square foot buildings that will form the Thurles Business and Innovation Centre. The project will also facilitate the future development of the town as a whole by providing the first phase of the much anticipated Thurles Inner Relief Road that will link Slievenamon Road to Mill Road. The total value of the project is €25million and Deputy Lowry says that it is the start of a new beginning for Thurles.

The Business and Innovation Centre project, which has full Planning Permission in place, is a joint partnership between Wesley Quirke of Baycross Developments Ltd., and Castletown Capital Ltd. Lidl Ireland unlocked the potential of the site, recognising its strategic location in close proximity to the town centre and its suitability to develop a flagship store on a 2.5 acre area of the site. This led to further interest in the site and decision by this joint partnership to come on board to build the two 30,000 square foot buildings, creating an amazing opportunity to attract new business into the town. The Centre will be fully equipped with all the services required and will be appealing to companies involved in Research and Development, science, pharmaceuticals, technology, call centres or as a Headquarters for a Public Service office, indeed the potential is vast. The developers themselves have identified a very lucrative tenant for a part of the building with the potential for job creation and are in discussions with other potential businesses.

Deputy Lowry has confirmed that IDA has visited the fully serviced site and have listed the Business and Innovation Centre on their books and will actively pursue future tenants for the high-spec premises. The IDA is very impressed with its potential to attract inward investment from businesses seeking centrally located ready-to-go premises in the heart of Ireland.

‘Up to now one of the main challenges for job creation in Thurles was the lack of suitable accommodation. This new development addresses that challenge and marks a major progression for the town. It’s a big vote of confidence in Thurles and it would not have happened if Lidl had not made the first move to secure part of the site for their new store’ He said that the event on Monday was a hugely significant day for Thurles. He added that it is wonderful to see the former Erin Foods sites active again, having lain idle for so long.

Wesley Quirke, Baycross Developments said that the project will rejuvenate Thurles, which is one of the best known towns in Ireland. He said that the Business and Innovation Centre will guarantee additional jobs for Thurles and will be a major boost to the local economy.
Ms. Laura Mateo from Castletown Capital said that they are very pleased to be involved in such an innovative project for Thurles, which opens up huge potential for the town in terms of attracting new business and creating jobs. She also said it is a pleasure to work on the Business and Innovation Centre project in partnership with the Quirke family as it is a development that will have a big impact on Thurles into the future.

Demolition of the former Erin Foods site is set to get underway immediately. Local business, Premier Engineering, who employ 40 people, will carry out this work with Company Director Adrian O’Keefe saying that they are really proud to be involved in this local project. The old building contains a large amount of asbestos, hence the engagement of reputable specialist contractors, who will carry out the demolition and disposal of materials to the highest International standards. The completion of demolition work is expected to take up to 12 weeks, followed by site preparation works and the commencement of construction of a new site entrance, forming the initial phase of the Inner Relief Road. As an additional feature of the project, significant improvement to the river walkway at the rear of the site will be carried out.

Pictures:

1) Pictured at the Turning of the First Sod at the new development in Thurles incorporating Lidl, Thurles Business and Innovation Centre and Phase One of the new Thurles Inner Relief Road are Back L-R; James Purcell, Acquisitions Manager Lidl Ireland, Stephen Nolan, Construction Manager, Deputy Michael Lowry turning the first sod, Wesley Quirke, Baycross Developments Ltd, Bobby Alley, Barry O'Keefe, Premier Engineering. Kneeling; Paul Downey, Property Executive Lidl Ireland and Adrian O'Keefe, Premier Engineering.

2) Turning the First Sod at the new development at the former Erin Food site in Thurles are L-R; Bobby Alley, Deputy Michael Lowry, Wesley Quirke, Baycross Developments Ltd, Barry and Adrian O'Keefe, Premier Engineering and Cllr. Michéal Lowry.

3) Deputy Michael Lowry, Laura Mateo, Castletown Capital Ltd and Wesley Quirke, Baycross Developments Ltd at the turning of the First Sod at the new development in Thurles incorporating Lidl, Thurles Business and Innovation Centre and Phase One of the new Thurles Inner Relief Road

#GE2020 #michaellowrytd #tipperary #thurles #actionswithresults #lidlireland #thurlesinnerreliefroad #businessandinnovationcentre #Baycrossdevelopments #castletowncapital #premierengineering ... See MoreSee Less

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Michael Lowry T.D.

18 hours ago

Lowry Turns Sod as Work Begins on Major €25m Thurles Development ... See MoreSee Less

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Michael Lowry T.D.

20 hours ago

Lowry Strongly Opposes Proposals to Cut Special Needs Education

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), in their latest progress report, which includes policy advice on Special Schools and ASD Classes, says that the Government should consider abolishing all Special Schools, ASD classes and all special classes in the Irish education system.

Deputy Lowry has given his solemn promise to fight such proposals every step of the way and expressed serious concerns that this report states that the State should consider moving to a ‘total inclusion model’ meaning that all children are placed in a mainstream school regardless of their level of need of disability. ‘A proposal such as this is a serious step backwards in catering for our children with special needs and I will fight such a move every step of the way’ he said.

Principal of Scoil Chormaic Special School in Cashel, Ms. Lorraine Lowry, who is the daughter of Deputy Lowry, highlighted these proposals at her fathers’ Official Campaign Launch on Friday night last, which was attended by several staff members of Special Schools around the county.

Deputy Lowry has also been contacted by upwards of twenty teachers and staff in both the north and south of the constituency who are engaged in Special Needs education, and all are equally worried about the worrying developments within the special education sector.

Speaking on Friday night last, Ms. Lowry said that she has been in contact with many School Principals from both mainstream schools with ASD classes and also from mainstream schools that are struggling to cope with the Special Education Needs in their schools. ‘To say that we are shocked and appalled by the NCSE Progress Report is a grave understatement’ she said.

Ms. Lowy said that she knows the sheer torture that the majority of children with complex needs would endure in a mainstream school setting because of sensory overload, stating that they would not be able to cope of manage in such a setting. She also acknowledged that such a situation would also severely affect mainstream classrooms educational outcomes too.

‘The NCSE’s attempts to do away with Special Schools and ASD classes is based in ideology and the buzz word “inclusion” – it is certainly not based on any hands on, on the ground experience and is deluded of any real understanding of the needs or wellbeing of a vast number of children with additional needs. Special Education is not a one size fits all model. I have seen first-hand the devastating consequences that inappropriate school placement has had on a child and on their peers’ stated Ms. Lowry.

She went on to state that the NCSE was established to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs. ‘This proposal would not only have a negative effect on Special Education, but also on mainstream education as it is simply not in the best interest of children. The UN has advised that having a mainstream system and a separate Special Education System is not compatible with its view of inclusion – the UN view is not compatible with reality’ Ms. Lowry stated that the NCSE is more interested in pleasing the UN than providing appropriate, meaningful educational experiences for children.

She continued by saying that ‘cost is the real agenda here. There is no disputing that the cost to run a Special School and ASD classes is huge - but our children deserve the best and this cannot and should not be looked at through a financial lens. Inclusion is about a person being fully accepted, included and involved – there is nowhere more inclusive than a Special School or an ASD class where everything is modified, differentiated and adapted so that every child is accepted, included and involved’.

Ms Lowry said that she is committed to Special Education and she wants to provide meaningful and life changing experiences for our children.

‘Myself and many Principals will be relying on Michael Lowry to address this issue and he will play an invaluable role in mapping out a way forward for all concerned as he is totally opposed to this absurd model’ she concluded.

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Michael Lowry T.D.

1 day ago

Congratulations to Muriel O’Connor and Fran Curry on winning their Sunday World Entertainment Award last night. Great achievement.

Looking forward to seeing them live at this years Cut Loose Country Festival in Holycross. ... See MoreSee Less

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Michael Lowry T.D.

1 day ago

Please come along and support my brother Ned Lowry’s Tractor and Car Run. ... See MoreSee Less

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Michael Lowry T.D. Chuir 88 grianghraf nua suas — ag Anner Hotel

2 days ago

A selection of photographs from the Official Campaign Launch last Friday in the Anner Hotel, Thurles. Photographs courtesy of George Willoughby #GE2020 #michaellowrytd #tipperary #actionswithresults ... See MoreSee Less

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Michael Lowry T.D. Chuir 59 grianghraf nua suas — ag Anner Hotel

2 days ago

A selection of photographs from the Official Campaign Launch last Friday in the Anner Hotel, Thurles. Photographs courtesy of Robert Healy Photo and Video

#GE2020 #michaellowrytd #tipperary #actionswithresults ... See MoreSee Less

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Michael Lowry T.D.

2 days ago

Amazing Turnout for Michael Lowry Campaign Launch

There was an amazing number of friends and supporters at the Anner Hotel on Friday night last for Michael Lowry’s Official Campaign Launch. Deputy Lowry said that he is eternally grateful for the energy and enthusiasm that people bring to his campaign. ‘I’m as good as you make me’ he told the huge gathering and he pledged that, if re-elected, he will continue to listen, to be constructive, to be positive, to make a difference and to get results. ‘I know the issues facing Tipperary’ he said, ‘and experience has taught me how to address them’.

Deputy Lowy said that he was asked by a young girl recently what it’s like to be a candidate in a General Election, something that has rarely been asked of him before. He revealed that, even though he has been a candidate many times, he still feels the pressure to ensure that everything is done right during a campaign and that he is so thankful to the many capable people who help him, organise things for him and work so enthusiastically on his behalf. He became visibly upset at the fact that his brother, Ned, who has been a central part of his past campaigns, is unable to be involved on this occasion and he wished him well.

Deputy Lowry spoke on the many major issues dominating this Campaign and acknowledged that people are very engaged during this Election. He addressed the issues regarding health, particularly in relation to access to hospitals and step down beds. He spoke of his work to ensure that Nenagh Hospital remained open when it was under real threat of closure, as well as his success in securing funding to bring the new 40 bed fully staffed unit to South Tipperary General Hospital despite people saying it would never happen. Mental Health, Home Care Packages and a National Strategy to reduce suicide where also identified as major priorities.

With a myriad of issues addressed by Guest Speakers at the Launch, Deputy Lowry chose to focus on two very topical and critical ones affecting the lives of people.

He spoke in detail about the fact that older and elderly people are living in fear. In relation to the proposals to raise the age at which people will qualify for the State Pension to 67, he said he will oppose and resist such a change. He addressed the truth that elderly people are living in fear of becoming ill and facing gruelling times on hospital trollies, quick discharge from hospital and no Health Care Packages to assist them when they return home. He stated that ‘the Golden Years that older and elderly people worked towards are becoming a time to dread and a far cry from what they expect they would be. They are not happy and content – they are worried and afraid. I am totally committed to standing up and fighting for their rights’.

Deputy Lowry also raised the subject of substance abuse, particularly amongst the young and vulnerable members of our communities. He spoke of the pattern of some young people not being fully mature, being easily led and being manipulated, which in turn leads them to experiment with drugs and this becomes a habit leading to addiction. He again welcomed the news that, following his representations, Jigsaw will soon be opening it’s Tipperary base in Thurles, with hubs following for both Roscrea and Clonmel. This will provide a free, confidential and fully professional service to support the mental health and well-being of people aged 12-25, ensuring they get help when and where they need it. He also announced that Tipperary will be allocated more Gardai following the next passing out in Templemore and that he will continue to demand an extension to the Garda Drugs Unit.

The Deputy said that he attributes his political success to date to the fact that he always takes a positive approach. He said he hears other politicians whinge and moan but come up with no solutions. ‘I chose the positive, can-do approach as my path and the reason I deliver is that I have the political instinct to do the right thing for people’.

He concluded, ‘I believe in people, I believe in communities, I believe in volunteerism and people giving of themselves to help others. Nothing gives me greater personal satisfaction than helping people. As you are all aware I have been under pressure for the past 20 years but the people of Tipperary and their unfailing support have kept me going. I am a constituency politician and I take whatever opportunity I can in Government formation to get the best I can for Tipperary – Tipperary has always been and will always be my priority. I need your support – this is a tough Election. Other politicians and their canvassers are telling people I will coast home and that I don’t need their No.1 Vote. The truth

is that I need your No. 1 as much if not more than ever this time round to allow me to continue my work for Tipperary and I need you to spread that message so that people are not misled. Together we can make great communities in a great county’.

#GE2020 #michaellowrytd #tipperary #actionswithresults #launch ... See MoreSee Less

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