“The Town Centre First (TCF) policy aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community.” – See Town Centre First.
We learn this morning that the major upgrade of the N75, (Kickham Street), latter the main entry and exit route into and out of Thurles town (See Images) will now not go to tender, due to a lack of funding for the project from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
To refresh our readers memories regarding this ongoing saga, please View Here and also View Here.
Meanwhile, here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, other new serious concerns are being expressed by Thurles residents and local businesses, regarding the removal of parking spaces from within the Thurles town central area, due to a number of recent public announcements, none of which are being communicated by recently elected local representatives or Tipperary Co. Council officials.
The commitment that “The Town Centre First Plan will be driven by the local community and businesses as part of a Town Team, who will be supported by Town Regeneration Officers and technical expertise within each Local Authority”, appears to have been totally disregarded by council officials. See Town Centre First.
The announcements, raising such concerns, are emanating from Thurles Leisure Centre, and are as follows:
Tipperary County Council intend to now close the 49 space car park established in Thurles Town Park, beside The Source building, latter positioned at the entrance to Cathedral Street, with effect from August 6th 2024, until December 2025, (16 months). Same closure is to effect the installation of a canopy over the existing car park area, thus creating an event space and also to refurbish an existing Great Famine era farm shed, into an 83 seater restaurant with glass facade café. Under this completed development it is planned to remove 16 car parking spaces from this area.
The Department of Rural and Community Development approved funding of over €3 million for this Thurles Market Quarter Project, with undeclared substantial match funding element also provided by the taxpayer through Tipperary County Council.
Problems arose last December with regards to the leasing by Tipperary Co. Council, of the 100 space car park, behind the now derelict Thurles Munster Hotel, Cathedral Street, owned by Mr Martin Healy. Although it was announced on TippFM radio on March 5th, that a 12 month deal had been agreed between the owner and Tipperary Co. Council; the Council and the property owner are now believed to have failed to agree any such new leasing agreement, leaving any future ongoing access to this car park in doubt and uncertain from next September. People will also be aware that present management at the Mary Immaculate College (formerly St Patrick’s College), as is their right, no longer allow parking on the College avenue and grounds.
With 60% of parking removed from Liberty Square in the past 3 years; as many as 19 other car parking spaces are expected to be removed from the west end of Liberty Square, if and when work begins on that same long drawn out project, first begun on August 17th, 2020.
Some 40 car parking spaces are expected to be removed with the expected upgrade to take place on Slievenamon Road (N62), between Liberty Square and Thurles Shopping Centre Roundabout.
The car park provision, underneath ‘The Source’ building, has remained closed for the past number of years due to anti-social behaviour, which saw the low uncovered ceiling insulation torn down by idle hands, resulting in same being set alight, causing a small fire at this location, back in October of 2023. Both car parks within this immediate area, were intended for use by patrons of ‘The Source’ Arts Centre, including Thurles Library, the Thurles Town Park children’s play area, the Thurles Leisure Centre, local businesses and those attending daily religious services, in the nearby Cathedral of the Assumption on Cathedral Street, in the town.
So far this year, (during quarter one of 2024), 80 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, sadly the worst record in a decade.
Over the bank holiday weekend, up until 7:00am this morning [June 3rd], 137 motorists have been arrested for intoxicated driving.
On the M7 near Nenagh, Co Tipperary, An Garda Síochána set up a road safety checkpoint, using number plate recognition technology, as well as their mobility application; targeting vehicles approaching their checkpoint, which saw officers arrested one man on suspicion of committing an offence under the Road Traffic Act. During this check, dozens of motorists were breathalysed to identify those who may have had alcohol or drugs in their system.
Gardaí are currently looking at implementing a system whereby motorists with dash camera footage of road traffic offences, will be able to upload same footage to an online portal system, thus allowing Gardaí to check and possibly use same in road traffic prosecutions.
History is being made this weekend with the hosting of the European School Chess Championships taking place in Ireland for the first time.
More than 200 children, aged between 5 and 16 years, from 14 European countries are all participating in the week-long tournament, which takes place at the University of Limerick(UL) and continues until Friday June 7th 2024.
European School Chess Championships taking place in Ireland for the first time.
The Irish Chess Union (ICU) beat off competition from four other countries to win the bid to host the event against four other countries, with the support of UL, Limerick City & County Council and the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau.
“Securing this event is a major milestone in the development of chess in Ireland and demonstrates the ICU’s unwavering commitment to promoting the game nationwide and Ireland as a chess destination for future events,” commented Mr Desmond Beatty,(Chairperson, Irish Chess Union.)
Mr. Beatty said the decision to bring the Championships to Ireland reflects the unprecedented growth the game has experienced since the pandemic.
“Chess has proven to be a source of fun and intellectual stimulation for individuals of all ages and can help improve concentration,” he explained. “As a result, the promotion of chess in schools has increased significantly most notably in the classroom following continuous professional development (CPD) courses for primary school teachers now realising the benefits of chess in education, notably in social skills and critical thinking. Over 10000 children this year have taken part in competitions run by ficheall.ie, the organisation of primary teachers promoting chess.Building on the success of both Glorney Cup and Chessmates internationals, this is a remarkable opportunity for us to showcase Ireland’s thriving chess community, promote the growth of the game, and provide an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike,” concluded Mr. Beatty.
All games will be broadcast live on chess.com and lichess.org. Diana Mirza and Antonina Gora, both members of Ireland’s women’s team, will be providing live commentary HERE
Speaking on behalf of UL Conference & Sports Campus, Mr David Ward said, “Attracting the European School Chess Championships to UL, highlights the success of our one stop model with accommodation, catering and venues on site. We look forward to setting the stage for a thrilling tournament in June 2024 and hope that many memorable moments will unfold.”
Ms Karen Brosnahan, (General Manager, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau) said “We are delighted to see the European School Chess Championships coming to Limerick. This is testament to the collaborative efforts of UL, Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau, Limerick City and County Council, and Failte Ireland working together to promote Limerick as a host city and developing strong relationships with the sporting bodies and event organisers. Tournaments like this are highly lucrative, contributing significantly to the local economy.”
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.
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