Thurles Information

EPA Announces Funding Of €10.5m For New Environmental And Climate Research.

The EPA announces funding of €10.5m for new environmental and climate research inviting innovative solutions to address medium- to longer-term environmental research needs.

Research proposals are invited for research across the following areas:

Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs
Delivering a Healthy Environment
Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy
Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment
Policy Implementation, Effective Regulation and Innovative Governance Models

Successful researchers will be supported by EPA to engage with policy makers to ensure that the research is impactful and effectively informs environmental policy in Ireland.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces research funding of up to €10.5 million for new environmental research. The EPA is inviting proposals from the research community for innovative projects to support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland. In particular, multi- and trans-disciplinary teams are welcomed to bring diverse perspectives to complex environmental challenges.

Announcing the EPA funding call, Ms Roni Hawe, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment said: “The launch of the EPA Research Call 2026 marks a significant opportunity for the research community to contribute to addressing Ireland’s most pressing environmental challenges. This investment will support the generation of robust evidence needed for good policy and for more efficient and effective decision-making, as well as building skills and expertise in critical areas related to climate, the environment and sustainability.”

Opportunities for research are identified in areas such as how to bring mitigation and adaptation together to support Ireland achieving its climate and environmental goals; understanding antimicrobial resistance in the environment; how to accelerate our transition to a circular economy and how we can protect the environment while accelerating infrastructure and simplifying environmental regulation.

Dr Ms Caroline Wynne, EPA Research Manager, said: “This year, we are pleased to invite proposals for larger scale projects that will allow researchers to develop new and innovative solutions as well as supporting the recruitment and training of highly skilled PhD students. We are particularly interested in supporting a wide cohort of the research community to bring social, economic and environmental perspectives together, which is essential to address complex societal challenges.”

The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. Under this year’s call, the EPA is delighted to be partnering with Met Éireann to co-fund projects in areas of mutual interest.

The deadline for proposals is May 28th 2026.

Further funding: Other EPA funding opportunities this year include EPA Fast-track to Policy Funding; Fulbright-EPA Scholarships and Fellowships; the Research Ireland Public Service Fellowship, as well as opportunities supported through EPA’s participation in European Partnerships. Details are available on our Research Funding webpage.

Tipperary Man Among Visitors To Houston Space Center For Artemis II Moon Mission.

A proud Tipperary native was among the international visitors gathered at Space Center Houston ahead of one of the most historic moments in modern space exploration; the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission.

Mr Seanie Ryan, originally from Kennedy Park, Thurles, and a former member of the Tweed and Kenny Ryder Superband, travelled to the renowned visitor centre prior to the launch of the Artemis II mission from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Wednesday, April 1st.

The landmark mission saw four astronauts embark on humanity’s first crewed journey around the Moon in over 50 years, marking a major milestone in global space exploration.

**Mr. Seanie Ryan and his wife Pamela, at Houston Space Center for Artemis II Moon Mission.**

Mr. Ryan and his wife Pamela, (pictured above), who previously lived in Houston and now resides in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, was joined by family members for the memorable visit. His daughter, Sarah, works locally as an American Sign Language teacher, near the Space Center, while his son, Kevin; a former member of the White House Press Corps, was present in a professional capacity, reporting on the historic launch.

The Artemis II mission has captivated millions worldwide, as the crew of four astronauts. including the first woman assigned to a lunar mission, undertake a journey orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth.

A well-known musician on both sides of the Atlantic, Mr Seanie Ryan has performed with numerous bands in Ireland and the United States. He is currently working as a professional soccer referee in America and remains a loyal supporter of Port Vale Football Club.

Mr. Seanie Ryan is also the brother of Thurles-based journalist Mr Tom Ryan, Rahealty, Thurles, whose poem commemorating the Artemis mission has featured in coverage of the event by his son Kevin.

The Ryan family’s presence at Space Center Houston added a personal Irish connection to an event of global significance, as the world once again turns its attention to the Moon and the future of human space exploration.

Bon voyage Artemis 11.
By Poet & Author Tom Ryan.

When there’s a bridge,
Between stars and sod,
Who knows all men may yet find God.
And so at last in one another
See ourselves as sister – brother
Bon voyage Artemis 11.
END.

Government Welcomes New Graduates At Recruit Prison Officer Ceremony.

Government welcomes new graduates at Recruit Prison Officer Ceremony in Croke Park, Dublin.

159 Recruit Prison Officers assigned throughout the Prison Estate.
Over 500 Recruit Prison Officers in the pipeline with the 2026 recruitment campaign to take place later this year.

The Irish Government today welcomed the graduation of 159 Recruit Prison Officers (RPO) at a ceremony in the Hogan Suite in Croke Park, Dublin.
The new officers have now completed their Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care (HCCC), developed and delivered jointly by the Irish Prison Service and South East Technological University (SETU).

The new officers have already been placed in prisons throughout the prison estate, and today’s graduation ceremony marks the formal recognition of the new officers’ academic achievement.

The Director General of the Irish Prison Service, Ms Caron McCaffrey said: “Today’s graduation is a proud moment for our Service and for the communities we serve. The Higher Certificate in Custodial Care represents far more than academic achievement; it reflects the resilience, empathy and professionalism that define modern prison work.
Our new officers have balanced study, family life and the demands of a complex environment, and they have done so with integrity and determination. As they take up duty across the estate, they bring with them diverse skills, strong values and a commitment to supporting safety, dignity and rehabilitation in our prisons. I am confident that each of them will make a meaningful contribution to the people in our care, to their colleagues, and to the wider society we work to protect.”

Recognising the crucial role played by prison officers in delivering an important public service, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of SETU’s Governing Body, Professor Patrick Prendergast emphasised the need to provide a high standard of training and education to support them.
Prof. Patrick Prendergast said: “It is vital that we continue to meet the evolving needs of this essential public service. The Higher Certificate in Custodial Care continues to grow in strength and impact each year, reflecting the strong collaboration between the Irish Prison Service and SETU.
Since its introduction in 2017, more than 1,000 recruit prison officers have completed the programme, with a further 159 being conferred this evening. These figures reflect both the scale of the programme and the value placed on education, professionalism and continuous development within custodial care.
Most importantly, today is about the graduates themselves. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to this year’s cohort. You should take great pride in what you have achieved and in the important contribution you will go on to make throughout your careers.”

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Mr Jim O’Callaghan stated: “It is a privilege to congratulate these graduates today. Their preparation has been thorough, and they now have the knowledge needed to manage this complex role effectively. I want to thank them for their public service and their families for their support.
Prison Officers bring strength and compassion to a job that often goes unseen, yet it is crucial for keeping our communities safe. As mentors, they will help offenders in their care to rebuild their futures and to find a better path forward. We are fully committed to supporting them with the resources needed to carry out this challenging duty with dignity.”

The Higher Certificate in Custodial Care is a two-year part-time programme designed to develop the professional competencies of Prison Service staff in working with prisoners. The HCCC is intended to facilitate a greater understanding of how officers can confront challenges through the exploration of different subjects including, Resilience, Mental Health, Social Psychology and Human Rights.

After initial training RPOs are assigned to a prison, with assignments based on the security and operational needs of each individual prison.

Man Charged – Tipperary Town Cockfighting Operation Uncovered.

Man Charged After Multi-Agency Raid Uncovers Suspected Cockfighting Operation in Tipperary Town.

A man has been charged following a coordinated operation targeting suspected illegal cockfighting activity in Tipperary Town.

The operation, carried out by Gardaí in collaboration with a veterinary inspector from the Department of Agriculture, officers from the NSPCA, and the National Parks & Wildlife Service, took place on Wednesday evening.

During the search of a property in the area, authorities discovered several roosters believed to be used for fighting. The birds were found in extremely poor conditions, with one bird already deceased and another in a critical state.

All birds recovered during the operation were seized and transferred into the care of the NSPCA. The organisation will now assess their condition and determine the most appropriate course of action to safeguard their welfare.

A male suspect was arrested at the scene under legislation relating to animal welfare and was detained at Tipperary Town Garda Station. He has since been formally charged with a number of offences, including animal cruelty.

Gardaí have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and have indicated that further operations targeting illegal cockfighting in the Tipperary Town area are now planned.

Teen Charged In Connection With Fatal Assault In County Tipperary.

A 16-year-old male has been formally charged in relation to the death of a man following an alleged assault in County Tipperary last year.

The incident is reported to have taken place in the Castlecranna area, approximately 12 kilometres southwest of Nenagh, on March 10th 2025. The victim, Mr Stephen Clarke, a man in his 30s, sustained critical injuries and was transported to hospital, where he later sadly passed away on April 25th 2025.

The accused, whose identity remains protected under juvenile anonymity laws, appeared before Tipperary Town District Court sitting in Thurles, Co. Tipperary earlier today.

During the hearing, Detective Garda Mr Padraig O’Leary of Nenagh Garda Station presented evidence relating to the arrest, charge, and caution of the teenager. The court was informed that no reply was made by the accused when the charge was formally put to him.

Presiding Judge Ms Marie Keane stated that the District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in cases involving a charge of murder.

The court also heard that accommodation has been arranged for the accused at Oberstown Children Detention Campus in Dublin. The teenager has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before Nenagh District Court via video link on Wednesday next.

Further proceedings in the case are pending.