Site clearance works have begun in recent days to facilitate the construction of a drive-thru McDonald’s restaurant on Slievenamon Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary — a development which has generated strong local reaction, particularly among homeowners living nearby.
According to information published by Tipperary County Council, the proposed works are scheduled to run from February 2nd, 2026 to July 8th, 2026.
A Blue Cross Marks The Spot.
The development is described as follows:
Development Type: Assembly and Recreation
Overview: Construction of a 478.8 sq. m. single-storey drive-thru restaurant, including:
Access from the existing access road serving the Lidl and Insomnia units to the north
Drive-thru infrastructure including a height restrictor and customer order points with canopies
Outdoor seating area
Corral area with bins and general storage
Plant and associated infrastructure works
All related site works above and below ground
“Over the moon”… apparently. While the development has been termed “controversial” by some, a number of local residents, particularly those with mortgages in the immediate vicinity, have been described as “over the moon” about the works, albeit in a tone that suggests the “moon” in question may be made of concrete, brake lights and late-night engine noise.
Speaking informally, several locals said they were “delighted” at the prospect of increased convenience food, traffic movements and, potentially, the sort of atmospheric ambience only a busy drive-thru can provide, especially at peak times.
In what residents stressed was “pure excitement”(and absolutely not weary sarcasm), some even expressed hope that the area could be further “enhanced” over time, with suggestions including an underground techno club, an industrial music venue, or a large-scale rave facility, should anyone (who needs to go to work in the morning), feel the neighbourhood needed more “vibrancy” after midnight.
Election season expectations: Others said they were eagerly looking forward to the next local and general elections, when they expect to have an opportunity to express, in their own words, their “genuine, sincere and unfeigned gratitude” to whoever they believe most deserves it.
For now, the diggers are in, the clearing has started, and residents say they will be watching the project closely, if only because it may become difficult not to.
A series of upbeat tourism announcements and investment-led press releases in County Tipperary are landing against a stark national backdrop, after Eurostat reported that Ireland was one of only two EU member states to record a fall in tourist accommodation nights in 2025.
Eurostat’s early estimates show EU tourism nights hit a record 3.08 billion in 2025, up 2% year-on-year, while Ireland recorded a -2% decline (with Romania the only other country in negative territory).
Irish coverage of the figures has put the Republic’s total at 41.3 million tourist bed nights in 2025 (-1.8%), describing it as the weakest performance in the EU. The same reports note that the peak summer quarter (Q3 2025) fell 4.1%, with hotel nights down 8.4% and camping nights down 27%, while “holiday and other short-stay accommodation” rose 15.4%.
Of course, local press releases paint a different story: “growth”, “season extension”, “boost tourism”.
Despite the national decline, Tipperary tourism communications over the past year have repeatedly highlighted expansion, regeneration and new visitor offerings:-
Dromineer, Lough Derg (Nenagh MD): Tipperary County Council press material describes a €1.2m watersports facility as a “best-in-class” outdoor tourism hub intended to enhance the visitor experience and support year-round activity. Roscrea (Grant’s Hotel): A Council press release on a feasibility study lists explicit objectives to “boost tourism activity” and increase footfall and dwell time in the town centre, alongside employment and night-time economy goals. Carrick-on-Suir: A Council announcement confirms award of a €2.9m Phase 2 contract under the regeneration plan, presented as part of a wider town-centre renewal drive. Thurles: Sadly the only tourism-tagged local event promotion (Feb 2025), shows a Council/MD posting highlighting for St Patrick’s Day Parade, Thurles (2025), categorised under Tourism, which pushes footfall activity in the town centre (music, attractions, participation).
Thurles it is time to wake up.
Countywide “Roadmap” messaging: The Tipperary Tourism Roadmap 2025–2030 sets out targets around economic growth, season extension and giving visitors reasons to stay longer, and was publicly launched in late November last year.
Fáilte Ireland funding (Midlands / JTF): A national press release announced €5.5m for 17 regenerative tourism projects, bringing the scheme’s announced tourism funding to almost €60m, reinforcing the wider policy message of building new and improved visitor experiences.
The core contradiction: publicity versus performance. The tension is not that Tipperary’s projects are unwelcome, it is that headline-grabbing announcements about “growth” and “visitor experience” risk sounds hollow when the national data shows Ireland moving against the EU trend.
A key question now is whether local strategies are being matched with measurable outcomes, bed capacity, occupancy, shoulder-season activity, and value-for-money delivery, or whether Tipperary is simply publishing plans, while the wider system continues to lose ground.
We will be speaking about solutions in the coming days, so do stay tuned. Update Thurles Tourism Debate: Part IV.
[Note: Shannon Region centres around the River Shannon and includes North Tipperary, Counties Clare, Limerick, parts of North Kerry and South Offaly.]
Network Ireland, the country’s largest business networking organisation for women, has appointed Ms Karen Ronan as its National President for 2026.
Ms Karen Ronan appointed National President of Network Ireland, for 2026.
The organisation, first established in 1983, supports more than 1,400 female entrepreneurs, SME owners and senior professionals across sectors ranging from multinational business to non-profits, the arts and the public sector.
Ms Ronan, who succeeds Ms Amy O’Sullivan of AOS Consulting as National President, has more than three decades’ experience in business and tourism in Ireland and overseas. She previously led the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau for 22 years, during which time the agency generated an estimated €160million in economic impact for Tipperary, Offaly, Clare and Limerick by attracting international conferences and sporting events. She was appointed Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce in 2025.
A graduate of the Kemmy School of Business at the University of Limerick, she said her priorities as President will include strengthening commercial links between Network Ireland’s 17 branches and expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises.
Ms. Ronan said she plans to drive more than 3,000 business leads and introductions between members during 2026, a target she believes could unlock millions of euro in new commercial activity.
“It is a great honour to take on the role of President of Network Ireland for the coming year,” she explained. “My theme for the year, ‘Building Bridges’, reflects the need to connect people, ideas, sectors and regions. While progress has been made, equality for women in business cannot be taken for granted.”
Ms. Ronan added that a key part of her agenda will be encouraging members to “shop their own network” by sourcing suppliers and partners from within the organisation.
She continued, “We must continue to build equity by addressing structural barriers, amplifying diverse voices and ensuring women are supported to lead, influence and succeed. Network Ireland has a powerful role in bringing people together to drive meaningful change,” she said.
“I look forward to working closely with the advisory council, national executive, regional branches, and members to deliver a year that combines advocacy, connection and tangible business outcomes, reinforcing Network Ireland’s role as a powerful platform for women in business across Ireland,” concluded Ms. Ronan.
Geraldine Casey, MD Retail Banking, AIB said, “AIB is proud to continue as an official partner of Network Ireland for a thirteenth year. Our shared goal is simple: to remove barriers, build confidence and accelerate opportunity for women in business through practical supports such as mentoring, financial guidance and meaningful connections. These supports help amplify the success and impact of women who are helping power local economies. These women also inspiring the next generation to build resilient businesses and brighter financial futures. We wish Karen every success as she assumes the National Presidency for 2026.”
Ms Karen Ronan’s presidency formally commenced following the Network Ireland Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dublin today.
Ms Joan Walsh of Partnership International, a Cork-based work, study and travel organisation, was confirmed as Vice President for 2026.
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