A final decision on the report had been previously delayed for further consultation; with a second traffic system trialled over a period of 3 days, instead of the 4 days originally agreed. However, the initial plan, formulated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland(TII) was proposed, yesterday, by Fine Gael Cllr. Ms Peggy Ryan and seconded by Fianna Fail Cllr. Sean Ryan, thus giving same idiotic plan the “green light”.
Yesterday evening, following the approved of this controversial plan, we understand that traders reacted angrily, with the latter holding banners stating, “It’s OK to say NO” and “120 Job Losses”.
The new plans, which are expected to take several years to implement, will involve changing the traffic system reduced to one lane, thus accepting traffic and heavy goods vehicles converging from 3 lanes right in the very centre of town. It will also see a further reduction of, at least, 12-14 car parking spaces from west Liberty square, and the removal of mature trees to be replaced by miniature trees forcing a colony of 1,000 Pied Wagtails becoming homeless.
The previous five-seater Tipperary constituency has now been re-drawn to form a two x three-seater constituency (Tipperary North and Tipperary South). Thurles Town remains in Tipperary North, so with 3 seats now up for grabs, it does not take a genius to realise and accept that possibly at least one totally new individual will take a seat in Dáil Éireann.
This scenario follows the fact one of two previous Thurles Teachtaí Dála, namely Fianna Fáil TD, Mr Jackie Cahill, some weeks ago, announced that he would not be contesting the 2024 General Election on Friday next, November 29th, due to health concerns.
On November 17th 2024, last a headline on the Nenagh Guardian newspaper [READ FULL ARTICLE HERE], correctly pointed out that “Tipperary is lacking in political clout”.
From a sports point of view this article correctly pointed out that the previous week had seen the third sports capital funding allocation for the year, with €173 million for 35 projects being part of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund(LSSIF). While a number of Tipperary clubs were successful in appeals over their CSFF allocations, it would appear, as our local politicians slept, that the application pertaining to refurbishment works for Semple’s field (Semple Stadium), lost out to Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney, with the Kerry venue getting €6 million for work on its west terrace, to not only improve the spectator experience for matches, but also as an outdoor concert venue. This all happened despite having two resident Thurles TD’s who supported the present outgoing government.
On Friday next Thurles and District electorate, not to mention the Constituency of North Tipperary, as a whole, will get a chance to introduce this new face into Dáil Éireann.
Thurles over the past 10 years, in particular, and even longer, has been allowed to slide into slow disintegration. We have for too long listened to promises, with current politicians announcing funding for an ‘Inner Relief Road’; a‘Business Innovation Centre‘; ‘increased employment‘; a ‘Holycross Museum’; a ‘Ring Road’etc. etc., none of which have ever come to pass, as present incumbent politicians continuously tied themselves to wealthy individuals, latter who used them to seek even more government funding and changes in the law.
With Tipperary North now a three seater constituency and Thurles town on the decline; sound logic would indicate that Thurles now badly needs to elect candidate and present Co.Councillor Mr Jim Ryan, who is currently resident in Thurles town and who will represent, not just Thurles Town, but also the constituency of Tipperary North, if elected to take a seat in our 34th Dáil.
Mr Jim Ryan, to date, has given his adult life to both local and Co. Tipperary politics. He has consistently been elected as a County Councillor in local elections and as his poster states, he is proven; is certainly experienced and is reliable.
Try to forget “Political Party Allegiance” when voting on Friday next. Vote No1 Jim Ryan, before marking your No. 2 choice etc…
We must ask ourselves, as logical Thurles voters, the following question. “What have other candidates currently in the race; including some with absolutely no political experience whatsoever and now seeking our individual, valuable vote, ever achieved for Thurles Town“.
George Willoughby’s No.1 Vote will go to Councillor Jim Ryan on Friday morning next, in an effort to attempt the slow the obvious decline to a town that I love so well.
I ask all voters and lovers of Thurles, to think logically and to support Thurles and North Tipperary, by electing Jim Ryan to the 34th Dáil.
You know it makes sense, otherwise we will have nothingfor the next 5 years; yet again.
Objections to the proposed construction of a drive-thru McDonald’s Restaurant here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, have today hit the headlines on The Irish Times, The Journal.ie and on R.T.E. .
All press articles highlight that local residents, including a local physician, Dr Paul Ryan, are objecting to the construction of a McDonald’s Drive-Thru restaurant near a crèche, school facilities and within 100 yards of Dr Ryan’s own surgery. “Having a fast food outlet is of no help at all in our efforts to promote healthier lifestyles.” Dr Ryan stated.
In his objection to the proposal Mr Chris Delahunt also echoed health concerns, as did others who made submissions to Tipperary Co. Council.
This planning application by the McDonald’s franchise, on a site situated close to the German international discount retailer Lidl, on Slievenamon Road, (N62), in the centre of a residential area has been described by many as being unprecedented and a bizarre planning move. If approved this could see a 24/7 fast-food restaurant placed slap bang in the heart of a major residential area, where residents already struggle daily to deal with serious growing traffic congestion due to the failure to provide a Ring Road.
While to date, over 20 objections have been lodged against this planning proposal; a number of the objections by resident locals are rightly based on health grounds,particularly as we are in the midst of an obesity crisis in this country, where one in five children aged under five, is obese according to a study referenced on the HSE (Health Service Executive) website on October 10th 2024.
Mr David Crowley in his submission rightly has stated that this planning application in effect is a takeaway and therefore contravenes the Thurles and Environs development plan 2024-2030 and should therefore be rejected out of hand. He believes that the proposed ring road around Thurles should be in situ, before any such development of this nature is entertained.
Mr Crowley also rightly stated that the Thurles and Environments development plan 2024 refers to the resisting of the Proliferation of Take-Aways and Betting Shops and further confirms that the traffic at the Clowngour and Lidl junction was already chronic with tail backs regularly beyond Turtulla Cross (N62), during school times. This proposed development would make this traffic congestion even worse again, with access for local residents adversely affected.
Irish Government Quote: “Ireland’s towns and villages are an important resource to protect and nurture. We want to ensure that they remain resilient locations with vibrant inclusive communities and a strong cultural and social fabric that deliver a good quality of life for future generations. We (the government) will support them through a strong commitment to ‘place-making’ so that any town centre environment is one in which people want to live, do business, visit and is ultimately successful”.
Resident Mr Shane Curran, in his submission, stated that Thurles is already well serviced by takeaway/fast food outlets. A fast-food drive-through restaurant in this residential area as suggested will generate noise, odour and litter, while causing a disturbance to nearby residents, particularly late at night. This type of development will attract late night usage increasing the potential for anti-social behaviour after the closure of local pubs and nightclubs.
A submission by Mr Frank Tuohy also reiterated the afore mentioned stated fears.
Mr Michael Corbett (through Ms Mary Lynch B.A .Dip. T.P.. MIPI) stated: (1) That the development is almost exclusively a car focused development, attracting customers away from the town centre, to an edge of town location development. (2) Same would provide no interaction or co-operation with existing retail businesses or other developments within the Liberty Square town centre area. (3) Indeed, it’s 24/7 operation would draw night-time users away from the town centre, thus distracting from such businesses in the centre that already amply support night time entertainment; sit down food facilities and other fast food/take-away services. (4) This planning application would lead to further dereliction and vacancy of existing town center properties.
Mr Corbett also, through his agent, stated rightly that he considers this application to be defective with respect to the public notices and believes that adequate notice has not been given to the public with regard to the 24/7 nature of the proposed operation.
A spokeswoman for McDonald’s said, “As a business, McDonald’s prides itself on being a good neighbour in the communities in which it operates, and we look forward to continuing to work with the council and local residents to mitigate any concerns raised.”
Plan to address barriers to entry to legal professions and early career progression published.
Plan identifies steps needed to widen and increase access to education, training, and career opportunities in the legal professions.
Relevant professional bodies and stakeholders will sit on the Implementation Plan Working Group.
LSRA will provide progress reports every 6 months.
A plan has been published to address the barriers facing many newly qualified and early career solicitors and barristers.
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) were asked to submit a plan to implement the recommendations of its Breaking Down Barriers Report.
This report, which was published in September, examined how a range of issues such as financial means, geography and professional connections can act as obstacles to progression for those studying or starting out in the legal professions.
The plan contains 32 recommendations, and the implementation process will be led by the CEO of the LSRA, who will also chair the Barriers Implementation Working Group.
Relevant professional bodies will be invited to nominate representatives to sit on the Working Group, which will hold quarterly progress update meetings with the legal professional bodies, the Law Society of Ireland, the Honourable Society of King’s Inns and the Bar of Ireland.
Dr Brian Doherty, Chief Executive Officer of the Legal Service Regulatory Authority said: “The LSRA very much looks forward to working with all relevant stakeholders with the common goal of building a more inclusive and diverse legal services sector. The recommendations made in the Breaking Down Barriers report represent an important reform initiative which will build upon measures introduced in recent years by key stakeholders, including the professional bodies for solicitors and barristers, the Law Society of Ireland, the Bar of Ireland and the Honorable Society of King’s Inns.”
The LSRA Breaking Down Barriers Implementation Plan can be accessed HERE.
Candidates today are being urged to come forward to fill the roles of Chairperson and the six Ordinary Members positions, at the newly established Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann [the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI)].
The GRAI is a new statutory body that will be responsible for the licensing and regulation of gambling in Ireland. Once established, it will focus on public safety and well-being – covering gambling online and in-person – and will have the power to regulate advertising, gambling websites and other applications (apps).
Historic legislation setting out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of the GRAI passed both Houses of the Oireachtas earlier this month and has already been signed into law by President M.D.Higgins.
Closing date for applications is 3:00pm on Friday November 15th, 2024. Applications for the roles can be found here at Public Jobs.ie.
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