Council has until April to purchase €2.2m site

Arklow Town Council has begun discussions on a potential new town hall, council office, library, courtroom and community facility on the old Tesco site on the Wexford Road.The council has an option to buy the property for the fire-sale price of €2.2 million, but the offer runs out in April.

Arklow Town Council has begun discussions on a potential new town hall, council office, library, courtroom and community facility on the old Tesco site on the Wexford Road.

The council has an option to buy the property for the fire-sale price of €2.2 million, but the offer runs out in April.

Bryan Doyle, Wicklow County Council director of services (environment), said the management from the county council, town council and library had met to discuss a possible joint venture.

He said the court service was also interested in the project.

Cllr. Dr. Bill O'Connell said the council should also look at a link-up with the Wicklow VEC, which is looking for new premises in Arklow, but is prevented from purchasing its own property.

The one-stop shop could be the perfect solution for cramped council staff, and will also satisfy traders and town councillors, who don't want the new council offices built on existing council land near the leisure centre.

Cllr. Donal O'Sullivan said the Tesco site (which he secured a council purchase option on after dropping an objection to the new Tesco store) was too good an opportunity to miss.

It would be absolute lunacy to pass on this,' he said.

We have funding coming in from the Eirgas acquisition and a substantial increase in out rates base (thanks to Bridgewater).'

The council would be forced to borrow the money to actually build the facility, which requires ministerial approval.

If we are not allowed to borrow the money, we should find whatever idiot in the department is responsible and bash his head against the wall.'

Mr. Doyle said the parties would continue to explore the issue before making a final decision before April.

Wicklow People

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