Two veterinary practises, located at Ikerrin Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and at Canal Road, Johnstown, Co, Kilkenny, are both set to be acquired by the United Kingdom’s veterinary chain, VetPartners. Both these successful practises trade as Spa View Veterinary Clinic.
VetPartners is an indirect subsidiary of VetPartners Limited, a UK-based veterinary services provider, employing over 11,000 employees, on 650 sites across Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Ireland. They have diversified, since first being established in 2015; to include an animal veterinary nursing school, an equine nursing school, laboratories, a research dairy, a locum agency and pet crematoriums.
The first stage of the proposed acquisition of the two Spa View Veterinary Clinics, by VetPartners, was notified to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) on Wednesday October 16th last. Back in August 2024, VetPartners also notified the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, of their intention to acquire Midleton Veterinary Hospital, Knockgriffin Industrial Park, Co. Cork.
Here in Thurles, Co Tipperary, Spa View Veterinary Clinic, (situated on Ikerrin Road, close to the junction with Kickham Street), first constructed their offices almost 30 years ago, (1995), having already opened their Co. Kilkenny practise five years earlier.
Breast cancer awareness month 2024 began on Tuesday, October 1st and will continue until Thursday October 31st next.
All Irish Supermarkets, over the past two years, have significantly increased their retail prices on many items and yes, to my thinking, both breast cancer and Supermarket products are both inextricably linked, presently leaving both impossible to disentangle or separate.
My focus here in Thurles today was attracted to a product offered in plastic wrapping, containing 5Bockwurst Sausages, (asking price €4.29). The product is manufactured by the German firm Dulano, latter who claim ‘Farm to fork” traceability.
Bockwurst is a German sausage traditionally made from ground pork or veal, but tending more towards veal. Bockwurst is flavoured with salt, white pepper and paprika. Other herbs, such as marjoram, chives and parsley, are also often added and in Germany, Bockwurst is often smoked as well.
Nowadays, it can be purchased all year round almost everywhere in Germany, in butcher’s shops, cheaper restaurants, snack bars, food booths, some bakeries and even gas stations. Here in Thurles Co. Tipperary it can be purchased from the German International discount retailer chain Lidl, same which operate over 12,000 stores within the European Union.
Yuka Application: View HERE Using the 100% independent, free ‘Yuka App’, which it is now imperative for everyone shopping in supermarkets to download to their smart phones, (because of its welcome ability to decipher product labels, while analysing the health impact of most food products and cosmetics, via their barcode,) we are disappointed and alarmed to learn the following information:-
On the ‘Yuka App’, the Bockwurst Sausages product is declared ‘BAD’, and is rated at 0 out of 100, because of two hazardous additives, plus containing two much fat, and two much sodium.
The two hazardous preservatives are identified as being (1)Sodium Nitrite, (2)Diphosphates,
(1) Sodium Nitrite: Sodium nitration is hazardous and when combined with certain foods, nitrites may contribute to the development of nitrosamines, compounds classified by the international agency for research on cancer (IARC) as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. In 2022 the French agency for food environmental and occupational health and safety (ANSES) confirmed the carcinogenic and genotoxic effects of these compounds and recommended limiting the use of nitrate/nitrite additions in food products.
(2) Diphosphates:(Texturizing agent). Phosphate contains phosphorus a chemical element that is essential to the body. However excess phosphorus can disrupt bone mineralization; damage the kidneys, and increased the risk of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer the (EFSA) European food safety has indicated that phosphorus consumption exceeds the safe level of intake for part of the population.
This is just one of many products to be found in each of our Thurles supermarkets, placed there with no regard for consumers health; and retailed solely to generate massive profits.
We wonder why cancer is rapidly increasing and why our Irish hospitals are continuously overcrowded!The answer is most likely to be found in the food products located on our supermarket shelves, ignored by a VAT greedy government.
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.
On July 2nd last, 2024, members of Thurles Farmers Market had their first meeting, regarding the soon to be erected Thurles Market Quarter, same due to commence in an area close to Thurles Town Park. Those in attendance at this meeting included the Project Officer and the Market Quarter project designer.
Surprisingly, the contract for this Market Quarter project had already been signed; with construction work, we are informed, scheduled to begin next month, on August 6th. This new Town Park car park, which was only officially opened less than 8 years ago, is now again to undergo a major upheaval, with the new project expected to make this area unavailable for public use for the following 16 months, at a cost of €3.4 million in Rural Regeneration Funding, with little or no discussion or consultation with town residents or the business community.
Adding this project to the promised overdue upgrading of Liberty Square West and the overdue upgrading of Slievenamon Road, together with the traffic which will be generated by students returning to their various schools and the inability to find parking; businesses in the town square will surely trade with immense difficulty. People are now asking, what if any influence does Thurles Chamber of Commerce, the representative body for the business community in Thurles, have, regarding this matter?
NewThurles Town Park car park which was constructed, landscaped & opened just 8 years ago. Pic: G. Willoughby.
In 2020 the district Council had sought a letter of support for the project from Thurles Farmers Market which they confirm was provided. However, later in 2021 Thurles Farmers Market had sought further information in relation to the proposed trading area and had expected to meet with the designers, prior to sanction of this project, but this meeting had never materialised.
New Café. Thurles Farmers Market, following their July 2nd meeting, have learned that the stone agricultural out building first erected in 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. The building had been sought for leasing from the Co. Council, by the Thurles Famine Museum, prior to the latters forced closure by the local C of I Community, however, the request was found unsuitable by Thurles Municipal District Council officials. However, interesting to note that some 100 metres away yet another café style restaurant, run by the same Co. Council, remains closed, after several tenants vacated the space, same unable get a fair return on their initial investment.
The Market Quarter. The ‘Market Quarter’ itself 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 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.
We learn Thurles Farmers Market are to be given some storage space, under the stairs, in this soon to be refurbished café, which again will be controlled by Tipperary Co. Council.
Now, with few spaces guaranteed available to park a motor vehicle, Thurles will surely be obliterated.
The ambiguity and inexactness start HERE. “The Town Centre First Plan will be driven by the local community and businesses.” Could this €3.4 million Rural Regeneration Funding not have been more wisely spent, e.g. the purchase of the now derelict eyesore, that is the Munster Hotel, Cathedral Street, demolished to provide accommodation for 3rd level students, attending our two 3rd level collages. One must ask; did any of our local councillors or their officials ever visit the Garden Centre, Restaurant & Farmer’s Market, known as Solas, situated on the Dublin Road, out of Portarlington, Co. Laois.
Note: No expensive giant umbrella here. These many trading stalls are made from attractive shipping containers where Traders can store their own produce etc, in each container when trading finishes. Imagine the air of contentment experienced here, when shopping, with free parking, (no €1.20 for limited parking here, that’s if you can find parking.).
Imagine the number of such containers you could purchase, using Rural Regeneration Funding of €3.4 million and the employment generated, not to mention the benefits gained through creating sustainable rural development and much needed countryside resurgence.
The waste of taxpayer funding by Tipperary Co. Council, assisted by the government, continues.
Ireland to miss emissions targets even under a best case scenario – EPA.
Ireland is projected to achieve a reduction of up to 29% in total greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to a target of 51%, when the impact of the majority of actions outlined in Climate Action Plan 2024 is included.
To achieve a reduction of 29% would require full implementation of a wide range of policies and plans across all sectors and for these to deliver the anticipated carbon savings.
Almost all sectors are on a trajectory to exceed their national sectoral emissions ceilings for 2025 and 2030, including Agriculture, Electricity and Transport.
The first two carbon budgets (2021-2030) will not be met, and by a significant margin of between 17% and 27%.
Ireland will not meet its EU Effort Sharing Regulation target of 42% reduction by 2030.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2023-2050.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period 2023-2050.
EPA analysis shows that planned climate policies and measures, if fully implemented, could deliver up to 29% emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 2018, a reduction of 4% each year from 2023 to 2030. This is insufficient to achieve the ambition of 51% emissions reduction in Ireland’s Climate Act.
The first two carbon budgets (2021-2030), which aim to support achievement of the 51% emissions reduction goal, are projected to be exceeded by a significant margin of between 17% and 27 %.
All sectors, except Residential buildings, are projected to underperform relative to the sectoral emissions ceilings. Agriculture, Industry and Electricity sectors are projected to be the furthest from their sectoral ceiling in 2030.
MsLaura Burke, Director General, EPA said: “The EPA’s projections show that full delivery of all climate action plans and policies could deliver a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This is well short of both our European and National emission reduction targets and highlights the scale of effort required to achieve the required reductions across all sectors of our economy. The key priority must be to translate the aspiration in our policies and plans to implementation on the ground.”
Ms Burke added: “The transition to a low carbon society is building momentum in Ireland. We see this with more electric vehicles on our roads, renewable electricity powering our homes and adoption of new farm practices. However, we need to speed up and scale up the transition.”
Agriculture. Total emissions from the Agriculture sector are projected to decrease by between 1% and 18% over the period 2022 to 2030. Savings are projected from a variety of measures including limits on nitrogen fertiliser usage, switching to different fertilisers and bovine feed additives. The higher ambition scenario assumes that most of the measures outlined in Climate Action Plan 2024, AgClimatise and Teagasc (MACC) are in place.
Transport. Emissions from the sector are projected to reduce by 26% over the period 2022 to 2030, if the measures set out in plans and policies are implemented. These include over 940,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030, increased biofuel blend rates and measures to support more sustainable transport. Road freight is projected to be the biggest source of road transport greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Energy. Driven by a reduction in fossil fuel usage and increased net importation of electricity from interconnectors, there was a marked drop of almost 24% in emissions from electricity generation between 2022 and 2023. In combination with planned increases in renewable energy generation from wind and solar, energy sector emissions are projected to reduce by 62% and achieve over 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030.
Land use.
Emissions from this sector are projected to increase between 23% to 99% over the period of 2023 to 2030 as our forestry reaches harvesting age and changes from a carbon sink to a carbon source. Planned policies and measures for the sector, such as increased afforestation, water table management on agricultural organic soils and peatland rehabilitation, are projected to reduce the extent of the emissions increase.
Commenting, Ms Mary Frances Rochford, Programme Manager said: “The EPA projections show the importance of accelerating the delivery of renewable technologies to support decarbonised electrification across the economy, adopting known emission reduction technologies while new solutions are developed in agriculture, providing alternatives to car and freight transport, and taking action to reduce emissions from land to reduce Ireland’s emissions. Increasing the pace of implementation will deliver the required emission reductions and create space for adoption of further policies and measures.”
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