The number of virus cases confirmed here in the Premier County; (as at midnight on Monday, May 4th last), have risen from 486 to 501; an increase of a further 15 new cases now being confirmed, over the past 24-hour period.
The Department of Health has confirmed this evening that a further 37 people have tragically died from the Covid-19 virus, here in the Republic of Ireland. These latest figures bring the death toll, from this pandemic, to 1,375.
A total of 265 new cases of the coronavirus have also, today, been identified here in the Republic, bringing the total since conception to 22,248.
Meanwhile, yesterday saw the lowest increase of cases; in total 211, since March 29th last.
Welcome news for overworked essential healthcare employees
From May 18th the Department of Children will oversee the provision of childcare in the homes of 5,000 essential healthcare workers. The cost will be paid for by tax payers, with a small parental contribution required of €90 per family per week; thus providing same essential healthcare workers with 45 hours of childcare per week. Childcare workers volunteering for this scheme will be paid on average €15 per hour, while the taxpayer would also cover employer PRSI.
Hereunder, can be seen the 5 steps and their possible implementation dates being contemplated by our Irish caretaker government in relation to the current COVID-19 virus pandemic. Same steps are expected to be introduced in an effort to return Ireland to some sort of reasonable normality, as the COVID-19 virus curve flattens.
Phase 1 (May 18th, 2020)
Allow outdoor meetings between people from different households.
Open up childcare for healthcare workers.
Phased return of outdoor workers.
Open retailers which are primarily outdoor or those which were open during first level of restriction (e.g. opticians).
Opening of certain outdoor public amenities.
Phase 2 (June 8th, 2020)
Allow visits to households.
Develop plans and supports to open up business with consideration for safety of staff and customers.
Open small retail outlets and marts where social distancing can be observed.
Open public libraries.
Phase 3 (June 29th, 2020)
Allow small social gatherings.
Opening of crèches, childminders and pre-schools for children of essential workers in phased manner.
Return to work for those with low levels of interaction.
Open non-essential retail outlets with street level entrance and exit.
Open playgrounds.
Phase 4 (July 20th, 2020)
Opening of crèches, childminders and pre-schools for children of all other workers on a gradually increasing basis.
Return to work for those who cannot work from home.
Gradual easing of restrictions for higher risk services (e.g. Hairdressers).
Opening of museums, galleries, places of worship.
Phase 5 (August 10th, 2020)
Allow larger social gatherings.
Return to work across all sectors.
On a phased basis, commencing at the beginning of the academic year, 2020/2021, opening of primary and secondary schools and 3rd level institutions.
Further easing of restrictions on high risk retail services.
Last night’s somewhat emotional ‘State of the Irish Nation Address‘ by our caretaker Taoiseach, Mr Leo Varadkar, showed great sincerity, empathy and leadership, while calmly warning this country, as a whole, on what to expect during this Covid-19 global pandemic.
While sincerity and empathy can be classified as welcome personal qualities, Leadership above all is about keeping our small nation collective and driven towards a common goal.
Ely’s Centra, Inver, Slievenamon Road, Thurles.
Meanwhile here in our Thurles community, leadership is being shown by at least two businesses in particular:-
Using Social Media he and his staff state:- “We are open for Business this week. However, with the growing seriousness of the Covid-19 virus in Ireland, please help us by taking on board a few cautious steps & little tips”. If possible, ring in your order on Tel. No. 0504-21447 with an estimated time for collection. (please allow at least 90 minutes) If possible, call/collection, Max of 2 customers in premises together and wait outside until only one customer remains in the premises. We love our customers one & all, however during this difficult time, please keep visits & chit chat short and sweet, we will catch up properly when this all blows over. Please where possible pay by CONTACT LESS. Please keep with guidelines by practising personal protective hygiene. Thank you, Lacey’s Butchers.
Again, using Social Media, the proprietors of Ely’s Supermarket and their staff are offering a ‘Home Delivery Service’. Consumers can call them on Tel. No. 0504-23778, to place their orders. Note also, from here you can obtain DVD/Blu-ray rentals, to keep your children of all ages fully entertained.
Any other businesses wishing to tell us about their leadership efforts in this time of crisis? Why not contact us here on Thurles.Info.
Independent Tipperary TD Mr Michael Lowry welcomes funding of €545,540 to Tipperary, through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
Deputy Michael Lowry is delighted to confirm that two projects in Co. Tippeary will share funding of €545,540 through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2019. The ORIS is funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development and Fáilte Ireland.
The details of the approved projects in Tipperary are: Under Measure 2: Garrykennedy Amenity will receive funding of €45,540 for the replacement of timber decking and footbridges, with further improvements to benefit wheelchair access.
Under Measure 3: Suir Blueway Tipperary will receive €500,000 for Infrastructure Enhancement works to improve the existing canoe trail which forms part of the River Suir Blueway project including river access works and trail refurbishment works.
Mr Lowry, in concluding this announcement stated, “This funding will make a huge difference to the ongoing maintenance and development of these outdoor recreation facilities in Co. Tipperary. There is no doubting the huge importance of both these projects to local residents and tourists alike, who use and continue to benefit greatly from these facilities. I am pleased that my support for these projects has played a central role in facilitating this funding announced today”.
Thurles business, Li-Gen Ltd, has set up a Lithium Battery Manufacturing plant at its premises in Ballyduff, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
This plant will be the only one of its kind in Ireland or the UK and will see the creation of 10 new full-time permanent manufacturing jobs with the support of Tipperary Local Enterprise Board. Li-Gen Ltd is a sister company of Hi-Volt Ireland Ltd., who currently employ 26 full-time staff.
Hi-Volt Ireland Ltd., was founded by Richard Gleeson in 1998 and has grown to become a leading battery distributor/retailer with 8 retail branches in Ireland and the UK, selling batteries and related products. Richard has warmly thanked Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry for his support and continued advice in the setting up of the new Li-Gen Ltd., branch of the business.
‘Lead Acid Battery Technology’, has dominated the battery industry for over 150 years. This technology was used widely; from car starter batteries to large Hospital back-up systems; to Electric forklifts.
Lithium battery technology, on the other hand, has only been around for less than 30 Years, but is proving to have many advantages over Lead Acid Technology, primarily as they are environmentally friendly and last up to 10 years. Therefore, they do not need regular replacement, thus cutting down on waste creation. Lithium is also more efficient, can be charged more quickly and therefore consume less energy. It also emits no toxic gasses while charging unlike lead batteries, which require special ventilation.
Li-Gen will use LFP Lithium Chemistry (Lithium Iron Phosphate), which does not contain cobalt. Cobalt is controversially mined primarily in the DR Congo and the extraction process for Cobalt has being plagued by human rights abuses and corruption.
Lithium is up to 95% efficient compared to lead acid which is only 60% efficient. Therefore, while achieving the same like for like power, Lithium is up to 1/3 the weight of Lead Acid batteries With no manufacturing of Lead Acid Batteries or Lithium on a commercial scale in Ireland, this allows Hi-Volt Ireland Ltd., to replace imports and keep the money in the local economy.
The business has the potential to create highly skilled jobs in a sector that is growing at 30% per year globally and they have already identified major export potential for a European manufactured product.
Li-Gen is involved in this business with Swedish partners Euroglobe Ltd, who are major battery distributors in Europe, particularly in the Nordic region.
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