DEVELOPING OMAGH
Developing Omagh
After casting a gloomy shadow over Omagh since its evacuation almost three years ago the decaying building of what was the Royal Arms Hotel may soon be replaced by a modern multi-shopped complex employing hundreds of people. Plans for the development have been held back somewhat by stipulations on the part of the planning authorities.
However, those stipulations must now surely give way to the greater needs of Omagh town. Since the town was visited by tragedy on August of 1998, Omagh's commercial heart has been faltering to the extent that the vibrancy that once characterised the town has all but disappeared.
The plans to replace the Royal Arms hold out the promise of new life being breathed into the town therefore it is to be welcomed.
The plans are already well advanced and, in addition to providing much local employment the new development it is hoped will attract new businesses into Omagh. It offers the general public choice, glamour, and modernity whilst maintaining the historic facade of the Royal Arms Hotel.
This week, we also learned of the approval of plans to develop the Showgrounds. Again that development may assist in giving Omagh a commercial transfusion which can reinstate it proudly as the County Town.
It must be noted that the swift action of private developers in bringing extravagant plans to fruition can be contrasted with the failure of the Council to act decisively in terms of providing a new Town Hall.
After casting a gloomy shadow over Omagh since its evacuation almost three years ago the decaying building of what was the Royal Arms Hotel may soon be replaced by a modern multi-shopped complex employing hundreds of people. Plans for the development have been held back somewhat by stipulations on the part of the planning authorities.
However, those stipulations must now surely give way to the greater needs of Omagh town. Since the town was visited by tragedy on August of 1998, Omagh's commercial heart has been faltering to the extent that the vibrancy that once characterised the town has all but disappeared.
The plans to replace the Royal Arms hold out the promise of new life being breathed into the town therefore it is to be welcomed.
The plans are already well advanced and, in addition to providing much local employment the new development it is hoped will attract new businesses into Omagh. It offers the general public choice, glamour, and modernity whilst maintaining the historic facade of the Royal Arms Hotel.
This week, we also learned of the approval of plans to develop the Showgrounds. Again that development may assist in giving Omagh a commercial transfusion which can reinstate it proudly as the County Town.
It must be noted that the swift action of private developers in bringing extravagant plans to fruition can be contrasted with the failure of the Council to act decisively in terms of providing a new Town Hall.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0857
Published Date: 08-Nov-01
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