Dawn of new era for former co-op

Construction of major tourism development in Birdhill

Preparations are under way for the construction of a major tourism and business development at Birdhill village, projected to attract up to 20,000 visitors annually.

In 2021 Tipperary County Council granted planning permission, subject to a number of conditions, for the proposed development on the site of the former Birdhill Co-Op Creamery and adjoining former village Post Office, both of which have been closed for a number of years.

Over recent weeks, the much admired large murals by local artist, Anne Barry, of a dairy herd in lush pasture on the wall, and the familiar milk churns of yesteryear outside the premises were removed.

The replacement, boarding up of the site in preparation for development, has signalled the dawn of the next era in the life of the historical premises, originally erected more than a century ago.

Planning was granted to create a Lough Derg Welcome Centre, including a tourism information centre, a café, golf putting course, a children’s play area along with 41 car parking spaces on the site of almost three acres.

A second phase - which would be subject to a separate planning application at a later date - would see an expansion of the exhibition area and a 360 degree cinematic experience which will exhibit commissioned footage of the Lough Derg area.

The development, planned by Caroline and John Rice, will be the largest ever carried out in the village, winner of the 2017 Overall National Tidy Towns award and five times winner of Ireland’s Tidiest Village title as well as an international Entente Florale Award.

It will further enhance the attraction of the beautiful village for visitors with projection to attract up to 20,000 per annum to the village on the former N7 Limerick-Dublin road.

Giving way to the development is the former Birdhill Co-Op Creamery, constructed in 1914 by local farmers invested £86 in share capital.

The intake of milk ceased nearly four decades ago with the rationalisation of the dairy industry and the introduction of a modern milk collection system.

The change coincided with the demise of small dairy farms in the area where during the early years of the last century up to 100 dairy farms delivered milk to the creamery every day during the peak season.

The centre also operated a retail store for the supply of farm and home supplies, which traded very successfully for several years. Adjoining the creamery is the former village post office, which has also been purchased by the developer to extend the area available for the new development. Post Office services in the village ceased with the retirement of postmistress, Mary Ryan, who had operated the business for many years.