A planning application by Tipperary County Council to install a footpath on the outskirts of Thurles, at Mill Road (formerly Manor Mill Road) was published last week.
Map of Proposed Footpath For Mill Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
The footpath, according to these overdue published plans, will stretch over a distance of some 950 meters in length (3117.0 ft or 0.6 of a mile) with a width throughout of 1.8 meters (almost 6ft), linking from the end of the existing broken path, almost to the stone bridge crossing the Drish River close to Lady’s Well.
The planning application notes that the Mill Road is a narrow, winding, local road connecting both the N75 (If travelling northwards) and the N62 (If travelling southwards) and has more recently come into huge use particularly by heavy goods vehicle (HGV’s), in their attempt to speed-up their access to other national routes, thus avoiding the bottleneck that has totally destroyed the business centre of Thurles Town .
The planning application now published, for this narrow stretch of the Mill Road, (affectionately known to locals as ‘Fat Arse Boulevard’), is necessary so as to provide a safe walking area for pedestrians and those intent on partaking of physical exercise.
The plans for this footpath project are indeed to be welcomed and are now on display until August 23rd next at the Council offices at Mathew Avenue, Thurles, and indeed also available online HERE.
Nota Bene: When you do go online HERE, to examine these plans, scroll down to “Report of Particulars of Proposed Development.pdf” and click on download.
NextSee Site Description:“The Mill road connects the N75 to the north and the N62 via Archerstown to the south. While this is a local road it also serves as a ‘rat run’ for vehicles avoiding Thurles town, seeking to access the national routes and also access the N62 north of Thurles …….”.
Using their words above; here, in this above statement, is full acknowledged admission by Council officials; (namely Mr Thomas Duffy [Checker] and Ms Sharon Scully [Approver]), that Thurles town centre has been destroyed, from the point of view of the operation of local businesses, with major traffic now avoiding the Liberty Square area.
Then, before you, our readers, let out a high pitched maniacal cry; comes sadly, an even greater admission. Quote, “There are a number of housing estates located on the N75 side of the L-4001 Mill Road, which are served by a roadside pedestrian footpath (500m) and also a paved, pedestrian, walking route along ahistorical walking path (‘double ditch’), located some 500m off the N75. Extension of the existing footpath from the‘Double Ditch’access, extending to the Drish Bridge for approx. 950m.“
As our readers will be aware, this historical walking path (‘double ditch’), now menctioned twice in this application, according to local councillors and their officials, did not formerly exist previously and was conveniently never included in the Archaeological Impact Statement by F. Coyne BA MIAI, which was commissioned and paid for by Tipperary Co. Council, courtesy of Tipperary rate payer funding.
No, it is not a paved pedestrian walking route, it is now a route which was completely levelled and received only a temporary coating of tarmacadam. Sadly, today an area critical in the attraction of Tourism to Thurles, no longer exists, courtesy mainly of former FF councillor Mr Seamus Hanafin and his other council colleagues, following the decision to build a useless ‘Inner Relief Road‘ through this historic area, when, if ever, eventual funding can be found. Of course there is no reference to this ‘Inner Relief Road’, mentioned in this planning application.
It should also be noted: The council, in principal only, recently agree a price for the purchase of land west of this Mill Road, with which to deliver the aforementioned ‘Inner Relief Road’, and the late delivery of plans for this new footpath, is understood to have been now an agreed component of this same land deal where space for the footpath had been earlier refused, and which contrary to commitments given by TD Mr Jackie Cahill in a press release, (dated back in October 4th 2021), the project has not yet received government funding.
Meanwhile: Submissions to the proposed development can be made free of charge until 4:30pm on Friday August 6th.
To quote the words contained in Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem, Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field :- “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”
Proposed Traffic Calming measures and footpath enhancements on N62 relating to O’Donovan Rossa Street, formerly ‘Pudding Lane’ or ‘Jail Street’.
Quoting from the AECOMreport: “The existing conditions on O’Donovan Rossa Street include footpaths with widths ranging from 0.7m at the intersection with Liberty Square to 5m outside the Courthouse. There are no pedestrian crossing facilities on this stretch of road*. The carriageway ranges in width from 5m – 7m, and the road changes from two-way to one-way at an unmarked location outside the Courthouse. There is 145m of on-street pay and display parking.
* Well actually there is one signalised pedestrian crossing on this road, positioned outside the Ursuline Convent, which our planners have failed to identify. Yes, it has a bent set of lights staring into the ground, which was reported 15 months ago, on April 30th, 2023, and which has not been repaired to this date, despite being used by students attending the two secondary schools in the area. See image hereunder.
Signalised pedestrian crossing not located by Thurles planners and accepted by Tipperary Co. Council.
Quoting from the AECOMreport: “Due to the high numbers of HGVs in the study area there are a number of safety concerns for pedestrians. The primary safety concern relates to the lack of pedestrian crossing between the central island car park and the footpaths on the periphery of the Square. This causes members of the public to jaywalk across two lanes of live traffic. This has led to a number of collisions and fatalities in recent years. There was a fatal collision on the northern side of the Square in Autumn 2023, involving a pedestrian being struck by an HGV. The presence of HGVs on narrow roads, particularly O’Donovan Rossa Street, is a risk to safety. Many areas have narrow footpaths, therefore when large spills of pedestrians occur, this can force pedestrians on to the road with live traffic. It is proposed to introduce a raised uncontrolled pedestrian crossing at the junction of Liberty Square and O’Donovan Ross Street. The crossing will include tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians. North of this crossing, high end paving is proposed for the footpath surface on both sides of the street from the junction with Liberty Square to the Credit Union building. It is proposed to widen the western side footpath at various sections along the street. This would include significant widening of the footpath in front of the vehicular entrance to The Premier (Hall) and along the section between the Court House and the Fire Station, including the introduction of landscape areas. It is proposed to introduce a bus stop on the eastern side of the road in front of the fire station and a landscaped area between the Fire Station and the Court House. The landscaped areas will include SUDS* features such as rain gardens where possible. There is a proposed uncontrolled crossing located outside the courthouse”.
*[ SuDS – Sustainable Drainage or SuDS is a way of managing rainfall that minimises the negative impacts on the quantity and quality of run-off whilst maximising the benefits of amenity and biodiversity for people and the environment].
Quoting from the AECOMreport: “It is proposed to limit traffic flow to a one-way system so there will be no Northbound traffic permitted beyond the junction with Cuchulain road.”
Quote from Phase 1 Report: “It is proposed to limit traffic flow to a one way, with no vehicles permitted entry to Cuchulain Road at the junction with O’Donovan Rossa Street.”
Locals will be aware of this folly and the bottleneck that will be caused when motorists exit Liberty Square into Parnell Street and turn into Cuchulain Road, (latter now proposed as one way), thenat the Cuchulain Road junction, joining O’Donovan Rossa Street, discover no Northbound traffic is permitted, before exiting once again unto Liberty Square, thus completing a full circle.
This will provide clarity that the street is now operating under a one-way system, eliminating confusion over the informal two-way system that the street currently operates under. This junction is proposed to have a raised table and corner radii tightened through the widening of footpaths at these corners. High end paving is proposed on the footpaths at this junction. These measures are proposed to provide a safer pedestrian experience trough wider footpaths and segregation from traffic through the use of landscaping. The formalised bus stop provides a safer location for passengers, particularly school children attending the schools on the R498 and Brittas Road, to alight while also not obstructing the flow of traffic. O’Donovan Rossa Steet also has proposed planting at the northern end of the scheme. These planted areas are identified for potential SuDS interventions, as they may be suitable rain garden locations similar to those proposed on Kickham Street as part of the N75 Improvement Scheme, subject to detailed design.
Along the western side of O’Donovan Rossa Street, 15m (50ft approx. or 4 car parking spaces) of on-street parking is being removed to allow for footpath widening and provision of SUDs measures.
Along the eastern side of O’Donovan Rossa Street, 4 car parking spaces are being removed to facilitate the introduction of a bus stop. With a 48 seater bus averaging in size of 12m (40ft approx.) and the 4 car parking spaces to be removed measuring 15m (50ft); one must ask where will the other 3 school buses serving the needs of the CBS secondary pupils now park.
In our report of July 22nd found HERE and entitled “Proposed Liberty Square Layout Phase 2”, our readers will be aware of a loss of 19 car parking spaces, including a Taxi Rank, under this new proposed, long overdue, Phase 2 upgrade. This 19 car parking spaces to be lost in Liberty Square, when added to the 21 car parking spaces, due to be axed on Parnell Street, and the latest 8 car parking spaces reported above on O’Donovan Rossa Street, we now calculate the removal in totalof 48 now lost/removed spaces. This figure calculated, immediately calls into question the figures supplied by the authors of this poorly prepared report, which they claim is a net gain of 30 spaces.[50-48 = 2]. Again where these extra promised 50 car parking spaces are be provided ‘northwest of the Liberty Square car park’ remains a secret to myself and to most other residents of Thurles. It has been suggested that an announcement by councillors of the purchase of a new field, ‘is currently being muted’.
Did Tipperary Co. Council actually pay for this planning report?
Parnell Street (formerly New Street)at the junction (right) withCúchulainn Road (formerly Nicholas Street).
To correct this; Under section 6.3.4 of the proposed Phase 2 plans, now at discussion state, we read: [Note in all quotes herewith, same are taken exactly as stated on the Phase 2 Report]. “There is to be the introduction of double yellow lines, prohibiting parking on Parnell Square, north and south of the Parnell Street car park.”
Full prohibited parking on Parnell Street is indeed most welcome, same having been sought time and time again and refused by council officials. Same will be seen as a blessing, especially by HGV drivers and all on-coming vehicles they met, thus removing the frustration experienced by all, especially those servicing 3 large schools in this area. The referred‘Parnell Square’ of course does not exist as an area in Thurles, (possibly mistaken copied from Dublin’s national plan), however, we now understand that this proposal refers to the full length of both sides of Parnell Street in Thurles town, which extends certainly to Thurles Railway bridge and possibly ends at the junction with Bohernanave, before it joins Castlemeadows, on the R498, at Semple Stadium. Here double yellow lines already exist fully on the left-hand-side, as vehicles travel slowly north over sunken collapsing drain covers. Same yellow lines also partially exist on the right-hand-side of the narrower sections of this medieval roadway; when travelling in the same direction.
Under section 6.3.5of this proposed Phase 2 plan we read:- Quote:“To counter the reduction in the parking spaces in the Square, [Liberty Square], Tipperary County Council, as part of a separate project, is developing a new car park, which is to be located within the Parnell Street Car Park, to the northwest of Liberty Square. This new car park will consist of a total of 50 new parking spaces and is to be delivered prior to the Liberty Square Phase 2 scheme. This leads to a net gainof 30 spaces, for public parking, when combined with this scheme.
In our report of July 22nd found HERE and entitled “Proposed Liberty Square Layout Phase 2”, readers will be aware of a loss of 19 car parking spaces, including a Taxi Rank, under this proposed, long overdue, Phase 2 upgrade. The 19 car parking spaces lost in Liberty Square, when added to the 21 car parking spaces, due to be axed on Parnell Street, as part of this new planning proposal, we calculate as a loss of 40 lost/removed spaces in total. This figure calculated, immediately calls into question the figures supplied by the authors of this poorly prepared report, which they claim is a net gain of 30 spaces.[50-40=10 not 30] Where these extra 50 car parking spaces can be provided ‘northwest of the Liberty Square car park’ is not disclosed. But it has been suggested that an announcement by councillors of the purchase of new land, may be ‘being currently kept under tight wraps’.
View hereunder yet another section of Tipperary Co. Council’s Part 8 Revised Planning Report, Phase 2, latter updated in early July 2024, and prepared by AECOM.
Parnell Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Quotes are taken exactly as stated on the Phase 2 Report: “The existing conditions on Parnell Street footpaths, with widths ranging from 0.7m at the intersection with Liberty Square to 5m just south of the intersection with Castle Avenue. There is one signalised pedestrian crossing along the street located at the entrance to the Credit Union car park. The carriageway ranges in width from 5m – 7m, and the road changes from two-way to one-way at an unmarked location outside the Courthouse. There is 144m of on-street pay and display parking.”
Note: Here the engineers; writers of this report, have confused Parnell Street with O’Donovan Rossa Street, as there is no Courthouse on Parnell Street in Thurles, unless it moved last night. The reference to the ‘Credit Union car park’ rather than the ‘Parnell Street car park’ leaves the reader wondering if planners visited Thurles at all, and did Tipperary Co. Council staff/officials actually fail to read the report in full, on receipt, hence failing to return same for correction and a badly needed spell check, before allowing it to be made available for public reading.
School sign out of view of on-coming motorist and Zebra Crossing light hidden from view by overhanging trees.
Note also: The ‘signalised pedestrian crossing‘ referred in above report is in fact a ‘pedestrian light controlled crossing’ or ‘a Pelican crossing’, thus differentiating it from a ‘Zebra crossing’, existing further up this same street, outside Scoil Ailbe, shrouded for years with tree branches.
See image above, which also includes a school sign close to the railway bridge, no longer warning oncoming traffic of the primary school’s existence, which we had asked the Thurles Municipal District to rectify back in mid-January 2022. See video hereunder dated January 16th, 2022.
Parnell Street (formerly New Street) continued.
Quote from Phase 2 Report: “The proposed layout of Parnell Street remains largely unchanged from the existing conditions. High end paving is proposed on both footpaths between Liberty Square and Hikeys Lane. The footpaths are to be widened towards, the junction with Cúchulainn Road to comply with DMURS*.
*DMURS – Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets.
“This is to accommodate the proposed uncontrolled pedestrian crossings across the western, eastern and southern arms. These crossing are proposed to have tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians. The junction of Parnell Street, Cúchulainn Road and Castle Avenue is proposed to have a raised table and the corners tightened through the widening of the footpaths at these corners to comply with DMURS. High end paving is proposed on the footpaths at this junction.” “North of this junction a School Zone is proposed outside of Scoil Ailbhe. This will include NTA Safe Routes to School markings, to make drivers aware of the presence of school children. There is also a raised zebra crossing proposed in this location, to provide a controlled crossing facility for pedestrians to enhance pedestrian safety.” “The widening of footpaths and provision of clearly marked pedestrian crossings are essential in providing safe, accessible and continuous links for pedestrians, in particular children attending the various schools in the area. Additionally, introducing tightened corners and raised tables will reduce vehicle speeds and increase visibility for drivers, creating a safer environment for pedestrians.”
Cúchulainn Road (formerly Nicholas Street).
Quote from Phase 1 Report: “It is proposed to limit traffic flow to one way, with no vehicles permitted entry to Cuchulain Road at the junction with O’Donovan Rossa Street.
Cúchulainn Road (formerly Nicholas Street).
This proposed measure will enable the widening of footpaths on both sides along the length of the road. The widening of footpaths along this section provides safer facilities for pedestrians, particularly school children attending the schools located on both the R498 and Brittas Road, to navigate this area. Raised tables with buildouts to tighten corner radii are proposed for the junctions at either end of the road. At these junction’s high end paving is proposed for the footpaths.”
These proposed changes will now see all southbound traffic forced to exit left unto an already congested Liberty Square. We see already vehicles, in an attempt to avoid the town centre, travelling northwards on the N62, before turning right onto the extremely narrow Rossestown Road, to again emerge on the east side of Thurles via the Bohernamona Road. This proposed change is suggested despite this Phase 2 Report acknowledging;Quote“The National Road N62 goes through Liberty Square is a significant artery in the Tipperary road network and further afield, connecting Athlone with the M8 motorway. Traffic flow though Thurles town centre will therefore be maintained as it is key to the economy of the region.“
Remember: Public consultation is a fundamental element of the ‘Part 8’ planning application process. After the expiration of the period during which submissions may be made, a report is then presented to the members of the Council. This report will contain a summary of the issues raised and the Chief Executive’s response. This report will recommend whether or not the proposed development should be proceeded with as proposed, or recommend necessary changes.
Has anyone read the Thurles Town Centre Masterplan Proposals found HERE.
The improvements made to Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, under Phase 1 of its upgrade, are without doubt aesthetically pleasing, but same have failed to address the traffic congestion problems that currently plague this area. These past improvements and the proposed developments now suggested, under Phase 2, still have not gotten to the root of Liberty Square’s real needs; amongst them the much sought after ‘Ring Road’ that would take excess traffic out of this area.
In the absence of a ring road, it remains very difficult to enjoy this superficial upgrade to Liberty Square, when the majority of us associate it with the most frustrating of daily traffic jams.
If Phase 2 is accepted, traffic will most certainly bring the centre of Thurles town to a standstill, with a single lane now being proposed at the junction of Slievenamon Road and Liberty Square, same coming into use, continuously, by heavy goods vehicles (HGV’s). {See layout plan hereunder}. So too, with
Overall we found this report to be both contradictory, misleading and containing what appears to be a paste & copy job; e.g. quotes:-
** “The Thurles Liberty Square Phase 2 project will encourage compact growth by reducing congestion in the town centre and providing better pedestrian facilities, making Thurles a healthier and more liveable town.” Congestion has greatly increased since Phase 1 was implemented, resulting in, according to businesses, a reduction of 60% in footfall. The nitrogen dioxide produced by vehicle exhaust fumes has increased creating symptoms that are similar to ozone and sulphur dioxide due to constant traffic delays. The report has failed to supply any details of current air quality and has not commented on the smell of hydrogen sulphide being emitted through drains in this area.The report fails to recognise that buses double park on the northwest of Liberty Square, reducing this area to one lane of traffic and continue to promote this idiotic notion, instead of moving same to install two bus parking spaces on the west side.
**“The Thurles Liberty Square Phase 2 project provides better access to education services in Thurles, through the widening of footpaths around the main square and through the provision of a school zone.” One primary school drop down and pick up area exists on Liberty Square; operating from the car park behind the former Ulster Bank building, resulting in same area becoming a no-go area between the hours 2:00pm and 4:00pm, to those wishing to go shopping within the town centre.The provision of a School Zone is not immediately evident.
* * “Explore opportunities to maximise physical activity and recreational amenities in the natural environment. By providing dedicated facilities for walking and cycling, the Thurles Liberty Square Phase 2 project aims to create opportunities for physical activity and exercise for residents and visitors alike.” Where are the cycling lanes proposed?Over one year ago, Tipperary Co. Council removed the cycle lane previously provided on Clongower Road, same part of some €400,000 funding acquired by the said Council just 5 years ago. Dedicated facilities for walking on Liberty Square were always provided. Of the 19 Crome Bollard Bike Racks currently provided for use on Liberty Square, not one was found to be in use today.
* *“Ensure that the planning, development and design of towns, cities and schools promotes cycling and walking with the aim of delivering a network of cycle routes and footpaths.” “The aim of the Department of Health’s National Physical Activity Plan is to increase physical activity levels across the whole population, and the Plan sets separate targets for adults, children and older people to reach the recommended levels of physical activity”. Thurles town centre is a small rural town which required special planning, related directly to successful business and consumer satisfaction. People do not come into town centres to increase recommended levels of physical activity; for such, local residents use the Jimmy Doyle road etc.
View hereunder Tipperary Co. Council’s Part 8 Revised Planning Report, Phase2, latter updated in early July 2024, and prepared by AECOM.
Quoting from the AECOMreport: “The Liberty Square Phase 2 proposes the relocation of 12 car parking spaces from the central island car park. This is to be replaced to accommodate improved pedestrian crossing facilities across the square including upgraded controlled pedestrian crossings and a new footpath, with associated landscaping to improve public realm. Where possible this landscaping will include SuDS*, features such as rain-gardens. There are pedestrian crossings proposed to connect the central parking island to the north and south sides of the Square.“
*[ SuDS – Sustainable Drainage or SuDS is a way of managing rainfall that minimises the negative impacts on the quantity and quality of run-off whilst maximising the benefits of amenity and biodiversity for people and the environment],
Proposed Liberty Square West Layout (Phase 2).
“The crossing on the northern side of the central parking island is to be a controlled crossing and the crossing on the southern side is proposed to be a zebra crossing. These crossing will include tactile paving for visually impaired users.”
“The parking in the central island is being removed to reduce the number of pedestrian crossings to the island. This will in turn reduce the probably of a potential collision involving a pedestrian crossing to or from the car park.”
“In addition to the changes to the central island the scheme includes the widening of footpaths at Liberty Square on the south, west and northern sides. To accommodate this widening and the proposed crossings, the parking on these sides of the Square is to be reduced. The carriageway is being reduced to provide more space for pedestrians to navigate around the Square and to provide adequate space for the pedestrian crossings.”
“On the northern side of the square the taxi rank is to be replaced with a disabled parking bay, and a formal bus stop is to be put in place.”
“On the western side of the square there is to be the reduction from 5 to 3 spaces.”
“The southern side of the square will see a reduction from 7 spaces, including 1 disabled bay, to 3 spaces. The southern side of Liberty Square is proposed to be reduced from two lanes to one; to accommodate the zebra crossing. {See layout plan above}.”
Recently erected, new guardrails already struck by a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) attempting to manoeuvre Slievenamon Road corner, heading northwards.
“Slievenamon Road: An existing pedestrian crossing is located along Slievenamon Road approximately 20m from its junction with Liberty Square. This crossing is to remain in place, together with the existing guardrails, that are currently in place on either side of the road.”
“There are proposed raised uncontrolled pedestrian crossings across the junctions of Liberty Square and O’Donovan Rossa Street, Friar Street and Parnell Street. The crossings will include tactile paving for visually impaired pedestrians.” END.
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