Tipperary County Council has no plans to buy the former Damer Court or operate a community hotel in Roscrea.

That was confirmed by Finance Director Mark Connolly at yesterday’s Municipal District meeting under questioning from local Councillor Shane Lee.

A feasibility study on the project has been completed at a cost of €150,000 and sent to the Department.

But Minister Darragh Calleary told Sinn Fein last week that a move to buy the former hotel would be down to the local authority.

Councillor Lee says the project has been a disaster from start to finish.

The community hotel idea was initially championed by then Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill and party colleague Cllr Michael Smith.

Cllr Lee says the only way Roscrea will get a new hotel is if a private operator buys the site.