Local Councillors Row Over Redevelopment Of Liberty Square.

We posted earlier this month (December 5th 2024 last), confirmation of the idiotic plans accepted under Phase 2 of Thurles towns upgraded traffic plans; same formulated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and proposed and seconded by Fine Gael’s Cllr. Ms Peggy Ryan and Fianna Fail’s Cllr. Mr Sean Ryan.

These plans are now expected to proceed some years down the line, despite angry local opposition by traders, who have already suffered the loss, they claim, of some 40% – 60% of footfall and who now fear a dramatic decline in the value of their business properties.

Following a meeting held on Monday last, Fine Gael Cllr. Ms Peggy Ryan has proposed a motion, seeking that parking bye-laws in Thurles, should be reviewed to bring in more short term parking in the centre of town.
This proposed motion follows her earlier proposed acceptance of the idiotic Phase 2 plan, which will see 12-14 car park spaces eradicated from west of the town centre.

**State of *“The Source”* Car Park**, **Thurles**, **now closed for over one year**.
*Pic: G. Willoughby.*

Question: When will “The Source” car park be re-opened to the public?

This new proposal, by Cllr. Ms Peggy Ryan, appears to ignore the fact that for well over a year, parking under “The Source” building has remained closed, while the existing car parks are filled five days each week by workers, using all-day parking tickets; thus leaving no spaces for those attempting to shop in the town centre.

We the electorate are no longer being kept informed of what is being discussed behind closed doors at Council meetings.

Liberty Square Phase 2 Plans:
Quote from the Phase 2 Report: “It is proposed to limit traffic flow to one way, with no vehicles permitted entry to Cuchulain Road (formerly Nicholas Street) at the junction with O’Donovan Rossa Street (Formerly Pudding Lane and Jail Street).”

**The** **Cuchulainn Road and O’Donovan Rossa Street Junction pictured in 2013.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*

**The** **disused and weed infested area, located currently at the junction with O’Donovan Rossa Street and Cuchulain Road, Thurles town.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby.*

Question: Following the purchase, by the Local Authority (2013) , (which used taxpayer funding), of property at the corner of Cuchulainn Road/O’Donovan Rossa Street, formerly known as Campbell’s Tyre Centre, can parking spaces not now be made available here?

Presently, this area remains disused, weed infested and like other areas of our town, is no longer maintained in an appropriate manner.