We understand that a small parcel of land, (approximately 2 acres), has now been purchased by Tipperary Co. Council, from the Ryan Family, to construct the long awaited inner relief road for Thurles town, same planned to join the N62 at Slievenamon Road, Thurles, exiting northwards, unto the Mill Road.
ProposedThurles Inner Relief Road.
An Bord Pleanala granted permission for the development of this Thurles inner relief road 10 years ago, in July 2014. Same was granted resulting in the annulation and total destruction of the historic Great Famine Double Ditch, which we here at Thurles.Info fought so hard to retain, while local Thurles press and Thurles local radio remained totally silent on the issue.
Late last year the acquisition 4.5 acres of land had been sought in ongoing discussions, however up until recently, no land purchase to provide for such a relief road had been agreed despite the destruction of Thurles history undertaken by Tipperary Co. Council, aided by Thurles local councillors.
In Tipperary Co. Councils Management report of February 2023 (See last item on bottom of page 9), Tipperary Council Council state that the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme would take approximately 3 years to complete. A consultant was expected to have the tender documentation prepared by Q4 2023, so that a works contractor could be appointed by Q1 2024, with the next stage being to “Secure funding to deliver the Inner Relief Road project and finalise land acquisition.”
So far as the public are aware to date, only €75,000 had been allocated to this project, under the Regional and Local Roads Programme. However, (SEE HERE), Fianna Fáil TD Mr Jackie Cahill stated, (video of October 2021 last), quote “I am delighted to have secured funding for this inner relief road”.
A contract for the purchase is expected to be officially signed on Friday next. Same will also now allow for the construction of a footpath on the Mill Road, previously put on hold by the failure to acquire the same stated property.
From yesterday, Monday 20th May, e-scooters will be legal to use and operate on a public road, under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, however, it should be noted that the following rules and restrictions will apply.
E-scooters can only be used:
by people over 16 years of age.
on cycle and bus lanes.
on local, regional and national roads.
E-scooters are not permitted:
to be used by people under 16 years-of-age.
to carry goods or passengers.
to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
to exceed a speed limit of 20 km/h.
Note: An Garda Síochána will be enforcing the new rules and regulations with regards same vehicles.
Q. What is an e-scooter? A. An electric scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle with a small standing platform and no seat, for use by one person only, with two or more wheels, propelled by an electric motor. The rider may also propel the e-scooter forward by pushing.
Q. When do the new laws for e-scooters come into force? A. The regulations for e-scooters came into force yesterday, Monday May 20th 2024.
Q. Are e-scooters legal in Ireland? A. From May 20th 2024, e-scooters are legal to use on public roads under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.
Q. What is the minimum age limit for e-scooter users? A. E-scooter users must be aged 16 years or older. Gardai will have the power to seize an e-scooter if it’s being used by anyone under the age of 16 years.
Q. Do I need to register, tax, or insure my e-scooter? A. No.
Q. Do I need a licence to use my e-scooter in a public place? A. No.
Q. What are the rules for using e-scooters in Ireland? A. From May 20th 2024, e-scooter users must:
Drive on the left, including in cycle and bus lanes.
Be 16 or older.
Obey the rules of the road, particularly for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, pelican crossings and zebra crossings.
Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden.
Obey all traffic lights, including bicycle traffic lights.
Obey all traffic signs in the same way that they apply to cyclists.
Not carry passengers or goods.
Not use the footpath.
Obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
Not hold or use a mobile phone.
Q. What are the technical specifications for e-scooters? A. E-scooters must:
Have a maximum power output of 400 watts or less.
Have a maximum weight of 25 kg (including batteries).
Have a maximum design speed of 20 km/h or less.
Have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200mm.
Be fitted with front and rear lights, reflectors, brakes and a bell.
Be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.
Q. What if my e-scooter doesn’t meet the technical requirements in the regulations? A. If your e-scooter doesn’t meet the current legislative requirements, it will remain illegal for you to use it in a public place. Same will be subject to enforcement by An Garda Síochana and may be seized.
Q. Can I carry a passenger on an e-scooter? A.No. It’s illegal and unsafe for you to carry a passenger on an e-scooter and a fixed charge noticewill apply if you’re caught.
Q. What rules apply for e-scooters for alcohol/drugs? A. An e-scooter may not be used while under the influence of an intoxicant. An e-scooter user charged with this offence will face a court appearance and can be fined up to €2,000.
Q. What are the rules governing the use of e-scooters in public places? A. From 20 May, E-scooters can be used: • by people over 16. • on cycle and bus lanes. • on local, regional and national roads.
E-scooters are not permitted: • to be used by people under 16. • to carry goods or passengers. • to have a seat. • to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
In addition, where a bicycle is not permitted, e-scooters are not permitted either.
Rules that govern bicycle use, also now apply to the use of e-scooters.
This collision is almost a repeat of what had occurred at this very same spot on March 20th last, [see that of which I speak, HERE], which resulted in the total removal of that signage and its information, which as of yet has never been replaced.
This second collision is further proof, (as if proof was in ever in doubt), of the continued ongoing waste of funding by Tipperary engineers and other officials.
Did we really need to have a large motorway sign jutting out across a footpath, informing drivers of a now deserted/destroyed town centre; when the Thurles town centre, has moved to Thurles Shopping centre, across from the sign; thus rendering same totally obsolete.
Meanwhile, on June 7th 2024, you will be asked to vote once again for those who destroyed this once thriving business centre known as Liberty Square.
This damaged sign now needs to be made safe, as soon as possible, as the remaining clips holding the bent “Durlas Town Centre”, section is liable to fall on some unsuspecting pedestrian.
No directional sign for Dublin currently available, in Liberty Squarehaving also been damaged/struck by a high sided vehicle.
Talking of ‘bent directional signs’ – ‘high sided motor vehicles’ – and the deliberate ‘wasting of taxpayers money’, by Tipperary engineers and other council officials; what has happened to the sign for Dublin, latter also recently removed by the council and not replaced?
Mr Sean Fitzpatrick, aged 21 years, of Killpurcell, Ballybrophy Co. Laois, came before Thurles District Court today, Tuesday, charged with dangerous driving, resulting in the death of a student named as Mr Adam Kirwan, aged 20 years, also from Co. Laois.
Mr Kirwan had been a student at Mary Immaculate College, (MIC), studying on the third level St. Patrick’s Campus, here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The deceased, sadly, lost his life following a single vehicle collision in the area of College Green, Monakeeba, in Thurles town, on March 2nd of last year, (2023). Sadly pronounced dead at the scene, Mr Kirwan’s body was removed to University Hospital Limerick (UHL), where a post-mortem examination later took place.
Two other female passengers in the motorised vehicle thankfully escaped injury.
Today, Mr Sean Fitzpatrick was again released on bail, to appear before Thurles District Court on June 25th next, when a prepared book of evidence will be served on the accused.
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