The sale of the former Tannery site in Portlaw has been announced, in what's been hailed as a major good news development for the town.

The closure of the off-market sale - brokered by estate agents Brophy Cusack - is expected to pave the way for significant future development at the historic location.

The iconic site was once home to the famous Cotton Mill which was established by the Malcolmson Brothers in the early 1800s.

In the 1930s, Irish Tanners transformed the site into one of the largest leather producing factories in the country. which provided huge local employment, and operated until the 1980s.

The potential for development at the site has been highlighted in recent years and numerous environmental, technical and scientific assessments have taken place.

The sale of it, after weeks of speculation, was confirmed last night (Wed) online by Brophy Cusack.

Portlaw based Independent Councillor Declan Clune is also the secretary of the Portlaw Community Enhancement Group.

He said the sale has the potential to be "a transformational development for Portlaw and the wider Comeragh district".

You can listen back to him on 'Deise Today' this morning (Thursday) by clicking on the image above...