VACANT buildings such as the Andersen Ireland facility in Rathkeale should be purchased by the Limerick City and County Council as a matter of priority and to aid local recovery.
Calling for the council to make the purchase, Fianna Fail TD, Niall Collins said that it is a key strategic site and building within the town of Rathkeale which is now vacant and on the open market.
“I am calling on Limerick City and County Council to move to purchase this property at the earliest possible opportunity.
Deputy Collins citing the former Golden Vale Mart Site, noted that failing to purchase vacant buildings can cause a negative impact
“Now it is imperative that the Andersen site comes under the control of the Council or indeed any state agency in order to provide the opportunity to create replacement jobs. I strongly feel that the Council must also prioritise towns like Rathkeale in addition to its plans for Limerick City centre and not allow the key County town fall behind.
The purchase of this facility would send a strong message to County Limerick that the new Council is not just City centred focused. The Rathkeale Community Council deserve huge credit for their ongoing work in this regard and hopefully the Council will respond positively,” he said.
Deputy Collins added that he will continue to press the authority on this as it will greatly aid the people of Rathkeale recover from the firm’s closure.
