A multi-million euro project to develop a Student's Union space for St Patrick's College in Thurles has garnered additional funding support.

The Co Tipperary project, named Thurles Market Quarter, has secured extra funding of €549,269 from the Department of Rural and Community Development. This is on top of the €2.9m allocated to Tipperary County Council under with a substantial match funding element also provided. This funding is secured under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

The Thurles Market Quarter Project will involve the renovation of a Council owned 19th Century vacant agricultural building and its associated car-park for redevelopment. This will see the building restored into a new space comprising a Student's Union, café, and operational area. Further works will include the installation of a fixed roof covering to facilitate local producers and craft fairs, along with the removal of a boundary wall to further integrate St Patrick's College into the town centre.

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Following additional investment, Tipperary Council Council will now aim to define the scope of works to suit the funding amount, proceed with final design work, contractor procurement and construction. The additional funding has been warmly received by local councillors as a welcome investment for the ongoing revitalisation and regeneration of Thurles town.

Cllr Seamus Hanafin, Cathaoirleach Thurles Municipal District said: "I very much welcome the approval of additional funding for the Thurles Market Quarter Project. Additional funding for the project will benefit businesses and communities in Thurles town. This additional funding further demonstrates the commitment of Thurles Municipal District to support the development of towns and villages across the District and to pursue all available funding streams."

This project has developed over a number of years with invaluable support and input from MIC Thurles, Thurles Farmers Market and members of the public through a consultation process which greatly aided the design of the scheme.

Mr Eamon Lonergan, Thurles District Manager added: "The delivery of capital projects, such as the Thurles Market Quarter project, which will see the redevelopment of an existing vacant building and the creation of a usable Town Centre space, have become more challenging due to increasing construction costs caused by inflation and the impacts of the pandemic. This additional funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund demonstrates the commitment to such projects at a national level. Tipperary County Council will also provide additional match funding towards this project, which is further evidence of the Council's commitment to Thurles Municipal District and to the regeneration and enhancement of our rural towns."