Excellent infrastructure is in place

MALLOW’s designation as a hub town is likely to have a significant effect on boosting its population.

Currently standing at around 12,000, this figure could double in the next 20 years if its already excellent infrastructure is built on.

That’s the verdict of local politicians and business leaders who have welcomed the Government’s designation of Mallow as an area which will be given special attention.

Acting Town Mayor Cllr Noel O’Connor said he questioned the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday on the possibility of Mallow acquiring a decentralised Government department and was pleased at the response.

“We certainly have a much stronger case now for getting some sort of Government department. It would be my main hope for the immediate future,” Cllr O’Connor said.

He said growth was already coming to Mallow which had an excellent roads infrastructure, a railway station and several leisure facilities.

Mallow Chamber of Commerce president Frank Nyhan said he hoped the promised growth would take place at an adequate pace.

“Although it is clear that the capacity of Mallow town and its existing service base is already capable of receiving such growth, much work remains to be done to realise and maximise that potential.”