Lowry Confirms €400,000 Grant for Local Industrial Development in Thurles

OMC Engineering are to benefit from a €400,000 grant from Enterprise Ireland for investment in a new Thurles based project, Independent Deputy Michael Lowry has confirmed.

The company has been contracted to develop and manufacture a revolutionary new heat and power system that generates a clean alternative source of energy while eliminating the necessity for landfill and other forms of organic waste.

It is hoped that the development has the potential to develop the OMC premises at the old Irish Sugar plant in Ballycurrane, Thurles into a major manufacturing hub with the capacity to deliver high value and skilled jobs to North Tipperary, once the project reaches full capacity.

It is envisaged that the new technology will develop into a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to current methods of waste management for the Irish, European and World markets.

The process uses thermal reaction in an oxygen free environment to convert organic waste such as refused derived waste, into charcoal and clean Syn gas using a method known as ‘Pure Pyrolysis’.

The process produces no dioxins and vastly reduced levels of sulphur and carbon dioxide that comply with the most stringent European Waste Directives.

The technology is attracting much attention from industry, local authorities and energy and waste management firms.

Ciaran Lynch, Director of Rural Development at Tipperary Institute who is involved in discussions with OMC Engineering is quoted as saying; “We at Tipperary Institute are delighted to be involved in such an exciting local enterprise. We hope to be of assistance to OMC using our expertise in the Renewable Energy and Environmental Area and utilising our many network connections, national and international, in these sectors. There is also potential for OMC to utilise our facilities here at the Institute. Such local initiatives meet many current important needs in terms of a move to a green smart economy and job creation. It is part of the Institute’s remit to assist local enterprise in whatever way possible and in the current economic climate it is fantastic to have such an opportunity on our door step.”

Michael Lowry said;

“This is exactly the type of project that we need to be attracting to North Tipperary. It has the potential to bring employment and revenue here, while also capitalizing on the need to develop alternative green sources of energy. Thurles is an ideal location for the industry with its educated and vibrant population, its central location in the country, its links to the national road and rail networks and its ability to utilize the local expertise in institutions such as Tipp Inst. It goes without saying that I will be doing every thing in my power to ensure that this opportunity is seized and realizes the maximum potential for the people of Thurles and Tipperary in general.”

ENDS

Further Information:

Conor Mulvihill 087-6989501

Note to Editors:

OMC Engineering Ltd. manufacture and supply semi-structural steel, architectural stainless and mild steel to the construction sector. OMC have extensive experience gathered over 25 years in providing metalwork solutions across the full spectrum of the construction industry. They have bases in Thurles, Limerick and Dublin, as well as an extensive presence in the UK.