Thurles Information

Three Years of Flooding At Thurles ALDI – Works Finally Begin in 2026.

**Aldi customer parking area pictured in January 2026.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*.

Following serious concerns raised regarding ongoing flooding at the ALDI store car park on Kickham Street, Thurles, with customers continuing to face unsafe and unusable parking conditions more than three years after the issue was first reported, work finally began yesterday.

A photograph taken on the morning of January 26th, 2026, clearly shows extensive surface water flooding across the main entrance and parking bays, forcing customers to navigate large pools of standing water. In some cases, shoppers had been compelled to use spaces designated for disabled parking due to the inaccessibility of standard bays.

Local customers have described the situation as “a recurring winter problem since at least 2023,” with reports and complaints dating back several years.
Despite this long-standing issue, only now, in mid-April 2026, have works finally commenced on site, following repeated delays linked to drainage issues associated with the adjacent public roadway.

**Contractors yesterday move in to sort out long awaited flooding issues in Aldi carpark, Thurles.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*.

Correspondence from ALDI Customer Services indicates that these delays were due to dependencies on council-managed drainage works. However, questions remain as to why a long-term solution was not implemented earlier, particularly given that public drainage infrastructure at the site sits significantly lower than the store’s car park level; a factor that would typically allow for effective water runoff if properly engineered.
Loyal customers question whether the issue has been adequately escalated within ALDI management, asking whether the Area Manager has visited the site since the problem was first identified and whether repeated reports from store staff have been acted upon.

The ongoing situation raises broader concerns regarding customer safety, accessibility, and the impact on local trade, particularly for a store known for its strong community engagement and loyal customer base.

While the commencement of works is now acknowledged, it comes after three consecutive winters of disruption, and customers will be watching closely to ensure that a permanent and effective solution is finally delivered.

End Of An Era: PTSB Sale Signals New Chapter For Irish Banking.

In a landmark move for Ireland’s financial sector, Permanent TSB (PTSB) is set to be acquired by Austria’s BAWAG Group in a deal valued at approximately €1.6 billion. The agreement marks a significant milestone; not just for the bank itself, but for the Irish State, which is finally exiting its last remaining stake in the country’s banking system, following the financial crisis.

The Government has agreed to sell its 57.5% shareholding in PTSB for around €931 million, based on an offer price of €2.97 per share. While shares dipped slightly following the announcement, the broader significance of the deal lies in what it represents: the closing chapter of a turbulent period that began with the 2008 banking collapse.

Back then, Irish taxpayers stepped in to rescue the banking system, investing billions to stabilise institutions like PTSB. In total, €3.9 billion was injected into the bank. Over time, through dividends, fees, and share sales, the State has recovered approximately €4 billion, bringing the overall return slightly above break-even when combined with other bank investments.

**PTSB Thurles Branch**.
*Pic: G. Willoughby.*

For customers, including those served by PTSB’s branch in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, the message is reassuring: it’s business as usual. The bank has emphasised that day-to-day services, accounts, and customer support will not be disrupted by the transition. Instead, the acquisition is being positioned as an opportunity to enhance services and expand offerings.

BAWAG Group, headquartered in Vienna, operates across several European countries as well as the US and UK, serving around four million customers. Its focus on retail banking and small-to-medium enterprises aligns closely with PTSB’s core business, making the deal a strategic fit. The combined entity is expected to become a stronger challenger to Ireland’s dominant banks, potentially increasing competition and improving customer choice.

PTSB’s leadership has expressed confidence in the new ownership. Chair Julie O’Neill highlighted the “long-term ambition, capability and capital” that BAWAG brings, while CEO Eamonn Crowley noted the potential for growth and innovation. From BAWAG’s perspective, the acquisition represents a key step in building a broader European and US banking platform.

Irish Minister for Finance Mr Simon Harris described the deal as one of the most significant developments in Ireland’s retail banking market in over a decade. He emphasised that the sale not only delivers value back to taxpayers, but also supports the ongoing normalisation of the banking sector.

Importantly, this transaction follows the State’s earlier exits from AIB and Bank of Ireland, completing a long process of unwinding public ownership in Irish banks. It also reflects renewed international confidence in Ireland’s economy and financial system.

As the deal progresses; subject to regulatory approvals, the focus will shift to integration and future growth. For communities across Ireland, including towns like Thurles, the hope is that this new chapter will bring stronger services, increased competition, and continued investment in local banking.

In many ways, this isn’t just a sale, it’s a signal that Ireland’s banking sector has come full circle.

Death Of Brigid Luttrell, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Monday 13th April 2026, of Mrs Brigid Luttrell (née Flynn), Knockulty, Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Ballingarry (SR), Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mrs Luttrell passed away peacefully, surrounded by her devoted and loving family, while in the loving care of staff at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, South Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her husband Patrick, cherished daughter Kathleen (Ryan), grand-daughter Roisin (Hannah); her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving sons Gerry, Noel, Joe and Conor, daughter Ann, adored grandchildren Corey, Evan, Shane, Kieran, Thomas, Kirsten, Daire, Sarah, Alec, Nathan, David, Aidan, Sinead, Deryn and Kylie; daughters-in-law Bernie, Theresa and Ann; son-in-law Niall; nieces, nephews, extended relatives, kind neighbours, and many dear friends whose lives she touched with her warmth, kindness and gentle nature.

May she rest in peace.

Funeral arrangements
Funeral Arrangements will be announced later as soon as final details are confirmed.

The extended Luttrell family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Death Of Gerard Moran, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Monday 13th April 2026, of Mr Gerard Moran, Toher, Templetuohy, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Jim and Judy; Mr Moran passed away suddenly but peacefully, while in the care of staff at St Theresa’s Nursing Home, Thurles.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving brothers Paddy, Sean, Seamus and Tom, sisters-in-law Margaret, Mary, Stella and Bernie, nephews, nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Moran will be received into the Church of the Sacred Heart, Church Lane, Templetuohy, Thurles, on Thursday morning at 11:30am to repose for Requiem Mass, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the nearby graveyard.

The extended Moran family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Warning From An Garda Síochána Tipperary.

An Garda Síochána Tipperary are asking those wishing to attend the Tipperary V Cork match on Sunday next April 19th, to please be aware that there is roadworks around the Semple Stadium, Thurles, which may affect your journey time. Please see image hereunder.