Well between ourselves, this replacement did stop those awkward door stop questions, as our double jobbing local councillors moved from door to door, canvassing for votes. There was always the hope that they could be re-elected and continue to re-offend, while receiving their €35,000 plus, annual salaries for doing and achieving f..k all. And the voting public didn’t fail to fulfil their hopes and expectations. These same councillors would go on to draw back their lips in a show of amusement, with no evidence of any shyness, embarrassment, or shame, when all were once again re-elected, for another 5 years of indolence.
August 13th 2024: HGV re-designs Liberty Square’s 9 week old new safety railing. Pic: G. Willoughby.
Today, August 13th, just a mere 9 weeks later, not surprising, disaster has struck once again. The design of this new junction railing has been totally adjusted by an 18.75m heavy goods vehicle (HGV). (See image above). The driver was happy to leave behind the gift of a mudguard from one of his rear wheels.
It is interesting to note that according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), a large Tractor Cab is permitted to tow two trailers and exceed 18.75m in overall length, but NOT in any town with a population exceeding 10,000 people. Here in Thurles, on our medieval streets, we meet at least 4 x 22mHGV’s on a daily basis, due to the constant failure by two resident politicians to acquire funding for a ring road.
The population of Thurles, (according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in 2022), stands at 8,185 and since then we have welcomed Ukrainian families(62 x 2 bed modular homes built within the town), latter fleeing their war-torn land, together with a large number of International Protection (IPAS) residents of all nationalities, into our midst. Add also recent births since 2022, a few tourists resident in two hotels, a large number of students currently residing in accommodation in the town, while attending our two 3rd level institutions.
While each of these additional variables, inclusive of the official CSO population number of 8125, may not yet put the town directly in the category of 10,000 persons (not just yet), responsible and considerate mitigation and planning must now be set in motion, as we continue very soon to sprawl closer to this 10,000 person threshold.
Meanwhile, as I have stated on numerous occasions, the massive waste of taxpayer’s money by Tipperary Co. Council engineers and Thurles Municipal District officials/councillors and those they employ to do surveys, continues unabated.
Our eye in the sky has pictured two attempts to create extra parking spaces in Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, over the past number of days.
Yes, vehicles travelling westward, rushing to exit the centre of Liberty Square, Thurles, have collided with unused chrome bicycle racks/stands.
Local residents report that motorists became anxious to avoid the smell emitted from drains in the area. Sewer gas, causing this current stink, pervades the lower area of Liberty square; when temperature rise over 6°C, and once the wind remains blowing in a north easterly direction; the west end of town remains stench free. Same is possibly a mixture of inorganic gases created by the action of anaerobic bacteria emitted through the towns poorly and recently updated drain system, particularly on the east of the town’s square.
Interesting to note that the first underground sewage and drainage system in Thurles, which then operated stench free, was introduced on 2nd December 1846 in 5 undertakings, as shown hereunder and at a total cost of £1226.00.
To construct 42 perches of sewers from Richd Ryan’s to Derheen, cost £84.
To construct 96 perches of sewers from Danl Dwyer’s to the bridge, cost £192.
To construct 66 perches of sewers from Butler’s Gate to James Maher’s Yard, cost £132.
To construct 9 perches of sewer from the Barracks to the Main Street, cost £185.
To construct 66 perches of covered drain or sewer from the bridge to the turn of the Mall, with a tunnel under the river, and open a drain from the bridge in Thurles to Byrne’s Mill, with a tunnel under Drish River, to carry up the levels for the drains of the town, cost £800.
Hydrogen sulphide (also known as H2S, sewer gas, swamp gas, stink damp, and sour dam is a colourless gas, known for its pungent “rotten egg” odour at low concentrations. It is extremely flammable and highly toxic. It remains a secret as to whether Tipperary Co. Council or our Municipal District Council engineers have undertaken a gas identity safety check, in order to set residents and workers minds at ease. If Hydrogen sulphide is evident, same is rapidly absorbed by the lungs. Since Hydrogen sulphide is slightly heavier than air same may accumulate in enclosed, poorly ventilated, low-lying areas. Prolonged exposure to Hydrogen sulphide, even at relatively low levels, may result in respiratory tract irritation, painful dermatitis and burning eyes.
Note: If you do own a bicycle and you attempt to park same in a Thurles bicycle rack, make sure always to use a centre rack; (the outside racks are really crash bars).
The Thurles Town Car Park, running parallel with Thurles Children’s Playground, Thurles Leisure Centre and Swimming pool, Thurles Library and Thurles Theatre, has now been closed to all motor vehicles.
This new Town Park car park, which was only upgraded and officially opened less than 8 years ago, is now once again to undergo a major upheaval. The new project is expected to make this area unavailable for public use for possibly the next 16 months, at a cost of €3.4 million in Rural Regeneration Funding, with little or no discussion or consultation entered into, with town residents or the local business community.
Sign attached on wooden background using possibly 2.5in cross head wood screws, fixed to a mature tree. Pic: G. Willoughby.
One of the signs indicating the car park closure is again screwed to a mature tree. We learned recently that earlier this year, Tipperary County Council hired a biodiversity officer, with a climate change officer already in place. At last month’s Thurles-Templemore District meeting, the District Engineer Mr Thomas Duffy and District Administrator Ms Sharon Scully said that from next year, there would be a proper biodiversity plan, so obviously no officials within Thurles Municipal District Council are in a position to request the contractor or other individual responsible, to remove the above sign until next year.
New Café.
Thurles Town’s 49 Space Car Park Now Closed. Pic: G. Willoughby.
Thurles Farmers Market, following their July 2nd meeting, have learned that the stone agricultural sheds first erected during the Great Famine years, are to be refurbished and expanded by means of a glazed extension. When completed same is expected to accommodate an 83 seater Café, for which an operator has yet to be located as a tenant. Same café will exist just some 100 metres away from yet another café style restaurant, run by Tipperary Co. Council, which remains closed, after several tenants vacated the space, same unable get a fair return on their initial investment. So we now will have two Café’s existing side by side, erected and paid for by taxpayers, for the financial benefit of Tipperary Co. Council; with both Café’s competing with other similar private rate paying businesses each struggling close-by.
New Market Quarter: This new now planned ‘Market Quarter’ will see a canopy erected over a section of this car park area, which will be modified to allow access to water and electricity at a number of service points, for future market days. The restructured area is expected to lose 16 car parking spaces, to already struggling businesses in the immediate area. The canopy, which will be cream in colour with no branding, cannot come lower than 4m from the ground due to the fact that cars are being parked under the canopy. The council says no trader or customer parking will be allowed under the canopy during Market events.
“The Source” Car Park, closed in 2020 continues to remain closed today (August 8th 2024). Pic: G. Willoughby.
“The Source” Car Park, funded through Rates paid by local business, has remained closed, since March 2020, due to malicious damage; today shows no visible effort being made to provide the much reduced and badly needed parking spaces, removed from Liberty Square, during Phase 1 of its upgrade.
Mid-West region (Tipperary, Limerick and Clare) to host Ireland’s first showcase of indigenous breeds as part of Heritage Week.
Ireland’s first celebration of indigenous animal breeds will take place at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Co. Clare, on Sunday August 18th, as part of a wide-ranging programme of National Heritage Week events at the County Clare visitor attraction.
Hosted in association with the Irish Native Rare Breed Society(INRBS), the inaugural event will include livestock displays of native breeds such as Tamworth Pigs and Irish Red Deer, lectures on rare breed conservation, and tastings of products derived from indigenous breeds. Specialists in crafts involving wool, leather and beeswax, also, will provide demonstrations and displays of their finished artworks and garments.
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park’s Shinead Moloney pictured with resident Irish Wolfhounds Rian and Míde.
The event will feature speakers from The Rare Breeds Survival Trust(RBST), Farming for Nature(FFN) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service(NPWS), as well as ecologists and people working with the breeds, who will provide different perspectives on breed conservation and the associated area of biodiverse land management.
“One of our primary missions is to increase awareness of native Irish breeds and how they have formed part of our social and cultural history in Ireland down through the centuries,” explained Mr Niall Moloney, Farm Manager at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. “We are always looking to expand on our collection of native Irish animals from Droimeann cattle to Kerry Bog Ponies and from Irish Wolfhounds to Tamworth pigs, and, in doing so, help to preserve and promote our heritage. Heritage Week provides an ideal opportunity to showcase breeds that are unique to Ireland,” added Mr. Moloney.
Mr Tom Keane of the INRBS commented, “We are excited about partnering with Bunratty for an event that will have a broad focus for people of all ages, whether they are familiar with some or all of the breeds of livestock on display or have little to no knowledge of the breeds. The aim of the event, in addition to the display of livestock and associated crafts involving products derived from the breeds and information provided on the day itself, is to stimulate positive collaborations between the various stakeholders going forward.”
The rare breeds event is included in a comprehensive programme of National Heritage Week (17-25th August) events happening at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and Craggaunowen where the public is being invited to explore the traditions and practices, knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
At Bunratty, animators will showcase life in times past through storytelling and roleplaying as visitors learn about life as a doctor in early 20th century Ireland, a Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) Policeman, a musician in the 1900s and as a blacksmith. Meanwhile, there will be woodworking demonstrations by TikTok sensation Eoin Reardon, willow weaving and stone masonry workshops, talks on Celtic folklore and mythology, a tour of the 19th century Bunratty House, a traditional thatching demonstration and an introduction to the Regency Plant Collection at the Victorian Walled Garden.
Meanwhile, Craggaunowen will host reenactors and tradespeople from across Clare, who will demonstrate the crafts and traditions of old, including spinning and weaving, blacksmithing, log splitting, bread and butter making, candle making, wool dyeing and bagpipe playing, while stories of mythology and the history of the Ogham stones will be recounted.
Bunratty Heritage Week highlights:
Woodworker Extraordinaire(August 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th) – Bunratty’s resident woodworker and TikTok sensation Eoin Reardon(@PintofPlane) demonstrates how he makes an array of wooden items using old traditional methods as he rescued all sorts of items from a currach to a sugan chair.
A Blacksmith’s Life(August 17th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th) – Hear the hammer and anvil at work as Bunratty’s resident blacksmith James O’Connor and delve into the rich history of iron working in the unique setting of the courtyard of Bunratty Castle.
Crochet & Cross Stitching in the 19th Century(August 17-20th) – Bunratty’s resident artisan, Liv will speak about and demonstrate the rich history and intricate beauty of crochet and cross-stitching. She will explain how during famine times, low-income households sold their exquisite shawls, blankets, and lacework to wealthy ladies, blending necessity with artistry.
Willow Weaving(August 17th – 25th inclusive) – Tom Delaney of Ould Crafty will make traditional style baskets and other items from locally sourced willow. Regularly featured on TV, Tom also uses willow to make bird feeders, plant supports, boats and willow houses.
Stone Carving & Masonry(August 22nd & 23rd) – Master Stonemason and conservation worker Dominic Keogh will bring the beauty of carved stone to life by demonstrating how the age-old craft has been passed down through generations, preserving the techniques and traditions that have built some of the country’s most iconic structures.
Celtic Folklore & Mythology(August 19th, 20th & 21st) – Drawing inspiration from Ireland’s rich oral tradition, Balor O’Brien will speak about his life collecting folklore and bringing Ireland’s storied past to life.
Traditional Thatching Demonstration(August 19th to 23rd) – Visitors can watch Bunratty’s resident Thatcher Adrian Garvey at work and hear about the skills and materials required to perform this time-honoured craft.
Tours of Bunratty House(daily) – Meet the caretaker of Bunratty House to hear the history of the family who occupied the Georgian-era house, explore the living quarters, bedrooms, nursery, dining room and more.
Regency Plant Collection(August 19th to 23rd) – The gardening team in the Regency Walled Garden discuss the processes and care involved in the planting and maintenance of the many heritage and regency plants currently growing in this idyllic setting.
Music in Irish Society(daily) – Bunratty’s resident musicians tell stories about the place and role of music in Irish society.
The Golden Vale Farmhouse(daily at 10.30am & 2.30pm) – The Bean an Tí will recount what life was like living in an early 20th century home with its large kitchen, grand parlour and well-tended garden. She will demonstrate the baking of bread on an open fire, butter churning, doing laundry in an old-style tub, ironing, and the infamous Singer sewing machine.
The life of the Royal Irish Constabulary Policeman(daily) – Bunratty’s resident Royal Irish Constabulary Policeman will reveal riveting tales of a turbulent period in Irish history.
A Doctor’s Life (daily) – Bunratty’s resident doctor will tell visitors all about his profession at the turn of the 20th century.
Craggaunowen Highlights:
Craggaunowen’s resident blacksmith(Uinseann)pictured ahead of Heritage Week 2024.
Medieval Bagpipes (August 17th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd) – Craggaunowen’s resident craftsman and musician Arno will discuss and demonstrate the medieval bagpipes, one of the oldest musical instruments in human history.
Fulacht Fiadh(11am-3pm, August 24th) – Visitors can join in the lighting resident artisans Tony and Sean of the Bronze Age Fulacht Fiadh, an ancient cooking site.
Basket Making(10am & 5pm, August 24th) – Master artisan Michael Foudy will showcase the timeless craft of basket weaving and the intricate art of transforming reeds into stunning traditional baskets.
Origins of Wool Dyeing(August 17-19th & 23rd at 10am) – Annika showcases and discusses the origins and the art of the ancient practice of wool dying.
Legends & Tales(August 22nd & 24th) – Storyteller Tommy Lanigan will bring visitors on a journey through a rich heritage of folklore and myth
Tales of Irish Mythology(10am, August 20th, 21st and 23rd) – Visitors can listen to tales of Ireland that have been preserved in the oral tradition and later transcribed in the manuscripts of early Celtic Christianity.
Ogham Trail(2.30pm, August 20th, 21st and 22nd) – Stefan brings visitors on a trail exploring the ancient Irish writing tradition of Ogham, an Early Iron age Alphabet used primarily to write the early Irish language and later used in the old Irish language.
Log Splitting(August 19th, 20th & 21st) – Discover the ancient art of log splitting, where wood was processed without the use of metal tools. Join Sean at the Crannóg for a hands-on demonstration and experience the first steps of timber processing using traditional beetles and wooden wedges.
Traditional Irish Seanchaí(August 21st & 23rd) – Join Craggaunowen’s Seanchaí for a traditional Irish folklore storytelling session.
Traditional Butter Making(4pm, August 20th, 21st and 22nd) – Geraldine creates real Irish butter using the traditional practice of butter churning.
Food Display and Bread Baking(2.30pm, August 17-19th & 23rd at 10am) – Craggaunowen animators make bread and oat cakes at the ringfort by grinding oats in the tradition way with a smooth rock and a patient hand before baking bread over an open campfire.
Making & Playing Frame Drums(August 17th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd) – Craftworker Arno will demonstrate the art and skill behind creating these musical instruments, from selecting materials to assembly. Arno will showcase various drumming techniques, bringing the drums to life with entrancing rhythms.
The Art of Spinning(11am, August 20th, 21st and 22nd) – Animator Geraldine discusses and performs the ancient Irish craft of wool spinning on a traditional spindle.
Pole Lathe Demonstration(August 20th & 21st) – Witness the ancient skill of timber craftwork on the traditional pole lathe.
Traditional Blacksmithing(August 18-20th) – Craggaunowen’s resident Blacksmith will demonstrate traditional blacksmithing techniques.
State of Parnell Street, Carpark in Thurles today Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. Pic: G. Willoughby.
It is the August Bank Holiday weekend here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary and once again the towns Clothes Pods are packed to capacity, proving the towns administration has learned very little, from the same situation which occurred on the May Bank Holiday weekend, earlier this year.
Clothes Bank at junction of Mitchel Street & Borroway, Thurles. (Note: Weeds at base of Clothing bank, same indicating container not emptied for months). Pic: G. Willoughby.
However, it should be noted that one improvement has thankfully occurred; with someone from within the Thurles Municipal District officials having being identified as being able to spell. (See pictures hereunder).
“Sewing the seeds of sustainability”(See HERE) has now been corrected to “Sowing the seeds of sustainability”on all signage, at the expense of the taxpayer. Pic: G. Willoughby.
The ‘Clothes Pods’ previously provided at Aldi (Kickham Street) and Thurles Swimming pool (Cathedral Street) have both been removed, for some reason, over the past number of months, thus adding to the lack of recycling space being provided.
Surely someone on the ground, e.g. Thurles Traffic Warden etc., could be instructed to report on a daily/weekly basis. in an effort to correct this major issue, in a town which plays at encouraging tourism.
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