At first, we thought it was caused by storm Éowyn, but then we heard that it was possible that proposed notion(or was it motion, whatever), put forward last December, by Fine Gael Tipperary Cllr. Ms Peggy Ryan; latter seeking more short term parking in the centre of Thurles, that had suddenly materialised. But not so, on making enquiries, (facts not yet fully confirmed) it appears that one of the many heavy goods vehicles, laden with some 3500 kg (3.5 Metric tons) of produce; all of which are forced to pass daily through Liberty Square town centre, simply ran out of narrow road, while attempting to progress unto Slievenanon Road.
Railings removed for the second time, on entering Slievenamon Road from Liberty Square. Picture: G. Willoughby.
Thankfully, no Latte Coffee drinking pedestrians, normally seated in this general area, were killed or injured and the rate-paying businesses will happily have no problem in paying for the damaged railings. Engineers who came up with the farcical and ill-conceived planning of this area will not be found financially liable. Sadly however our one remaining local Thurles TD (we learned today) will no longer have speaking rights in Dáil Éireann, to ask for an update on funding for the 50 year old awaited ‘Ring Road’, latter the answer to this ongoing demolition problem.
Railings removed last August for the 4th time and not yet repaired. Picture: G. Willoughby.
However, look on the bright side; one additional benefit has come out of this latest piece of demolition work. Both sides of this junction, entering and exiting unto Liberty Square, are now almost a perfect match, thus greatly enhancing the Thurles town centre.
With a Bank Holiday on Monday next February 3rd, there will be a change to the usual Social Welfare Payment dates: all recipients should be aware so that they do not get caught out.
Due to the St Brigid’s Day bank holiday, please remember banks and post offices will be shut, thus will affecting anyone who is due to be paid on the 3rd.
Anyone expecting a social welfare payment on the 3rd will be paid early. It is expected that you will see your payment land in your account on Friday the 31st of January or on Saturday the 1st of February. Anyone in receipt of Child Benefit will also be paid early, on tomorrow Saturday also, thus ensuring that no one receives a late payment as a result of the banks being closed. This will apply to the New Baby Grant, for anyone who is due to be paid same on the 4th of February. This brand new grant which was rolled out this month (announced in Budget 2025), will be paid out every month to those who are eligible. The grant is paid on the same day as Child Benefit (first Tuesday of each month).
The grant of €280 is paid alongside the child’s first Child Benefit payment of €140, meaning that altogether parents will receive €420 in respect of their new baby. It was rolled out in January for children born or adopted after the 1st of December. The grant is automatically paid in respect of any newborn baby who has been registered to receive Child Benefit.
The St Brigid’s Day bank holiday was only recently introduced (2023), so it’s easy for people to forget about it and how it may affect payment arrangements, so don’t be caught out.
With the cost of replacing an unsafe 70-metre long perimeter wall around a government office in Dublin, ending up costing nearly a half million Euros; it is now unlikely that the perimeter wall, which daily threatens footpath pedestrians and cars, (some dodging Thurles parking charges), on Ikerrin Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, is unlikely to be repaired within the next century or so.
A3 metre high wall section due to collapse unto a pedestrian footpath on Ikerrin Road, in Thurles. Picture: G. Willoughby.
The works at the Dublin headquarters of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) were originally expected to cost around €200,000, exclusive of Vodka And Tonic (VAT), but ended up costing over €490,000. Thankfully the Ikerrin wall did not collapse during Storm Éowyn last week, although cars bearing antique number plates clamoured for a suitable position under its 4m height, (12 ft).
A2 metre high wall section due to collapse unto a pedestrian footpath, on Ikerrin Road, Thurles. Picture: G. Willoughby.
Just to speed thing up, when future insurance claims need to be made in respect of car damages or serious head injuries or ‘God forbid’, even deaths, note the wall and the graveyard it surrounds is the property of Tipperary Co. Council, whose Thurles Municipal District Council office is situated on Castle Avenue, in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Try to lodge your Solicitor’s Letter before closing time at 4:30pm.
Interesting stone to be found, lodged in the Ikerrin Road Wall, in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Picture: G. Willoughby.
One interesting stone appears in this wall, which is not part of the wall of Thurles as some people have been heard to declare. This wall was constructed mostly from left over stones from the demolished old original Protestant Church that once existed pre 1800. The stone which is of interest can be viewed in the picture above.
Is this stone shown above telling us where we can find some antiquity /treasure, or is it just a piece of an old headstone, which possibly stated “Here lies the body“?
Meanwhile, if you are out walking on Ikerrin Road (Previously known as ‘Limekiln Lane’) remember the words of Budd Nielsen, “Keep your head up, keep your eyes facing forward, and keep telling yourself, I’m going to make it.”
Please Note: The opening hours of individual retailers within Thurles Shopping Centre may vary.
Shop Local.
Poem courtesyRandy L. McClave.
I will be very vocal I always enjoy shopping local, At all independent shops and grocery stores Even if it doesn’t raise my credit scores. I also enjoy dining at the shops That still are, “Moms and Pops”, I so proudly love visiting local businesses I will be one of their proud shopper witnesses. And if to a different country I have came My shopping belief is always the same, I will always shop local first They have always quenched my thirst. I enjoy going to the fruit and vegetable stands Where all produce is picked by the seller’s hands, And every piece of fruit or vegetable that I buy It brings a smile into the farmer’s eye. I hate seeing these large store chains Seemingly holding local merchants by the reins, At these chains sometimes I want to holler But, instead I give the local store/ shop my dollar. When I shop in any State, County or City I always try to give back to the community, In interest and belief my point is always focal So, I always enjoy shopping local. END
Ms Deborah Kilbride(AIB Financial Crime Prevention team) posts reminder to customers this Christmas.
As we head into the festive season and 2024 draws to a close, we are urging customers to remain vigilant against fraud as it can affect any of us at any time. Criminal activity continues even during the festive season. We want to alert you to common scams that have been prevalent this year. We all lead busy lives, and it just takes a second to get caught off guard and fall for a scam. Here is some information and ways to avoid being scammed.
Text message fraud.
Fraudulent text messages claiming to be from reputable banks, delivery or utility companies and government departments are common. Take a moment and ask yourself does this seem legitimate? Don’t click the link in the text message or share your personal or financial information. Often these messages are followed by a phone call claiming to be us, sometimes even using our actual phone number. End the call immediately. We will never call you and request security codes sent by text message, push messages or from your card reader. We will never send a taxi or courier to collect your physical card, PIN or any security details.
Phone call fraud.
Fraudsters often use phone calls to get your personal and financial information for their own financial gain. They may pretend to be from a legitimate company and may even display a genuine phone number. Common tricks used on these calls is to offer to fix an issue with your broadband or offer a refund. They may try to take control of your device. Never download software or apps, that they suggest, onto your computer or mobile phone as this will allow fraudsters access to your information. End any unexpected calls. Call the company back on a known and trusted number to verify the call.
Investment fraud.
Investment frauds and scams are on the rise, with criminals using social media to advertise highly profitable investments. These ads often use advanced technology to appear legitimate. Always ask yourself, is this too good to be true? Such high return investments are usually not genuine. Before investing your money take some time to research the provider, verify their existence and that they are regulated and always seek independent financial advice.
Purchase scams.
Online shopping is convenient and popular, especially at Christmas time, but criminals can clone genuine websites to offer fake discounts to target unsuspecting customers. This can happen with any site, including clothing, homewares, or heavy goods vehicles such as diggers, campervans and boats. These cloned sites often look and feel genuine. When shopping online, check for a padlock symbol in the address bar, research the site for negative reviews, and verify contact details. Avoid direct bank transfers. Ask yourself, is this price too good to be true?
Money mules
Being a money mule is a criminal offence. Criminals use others’ accounts to transfer stolen money to conceal their crime. They can trick anyone into using their accounts. Without access to your account, criminals will not be successful. They may approach you online, in person, on social media or through fake job adverts asking to move money through your accounts or to open a bank account in your name for them. They may even offer you some money as payment. This use of your account, even if you don’t know where the money has come from or is going to, means you are becoming a money mule. This may result in your bank account being closed or a criminal conviction for money laundering. Parents should also be aware that teenagers and young adults are often targeted by criminals, with the promise of quick cash so sharing this information with family members can also be helpful.
For more information on the latest frauds and scams visit the security centre on the AIB website.
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