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‘Faux Pas’ Comment by Jackie Cahill TD, Has Female Tipp. Electorate Fuming

Outgoing Fianna Fáil TD Mr Jackie Cahill has fallen foul of ‘herself indoors’ in recent days; leaving more than a few of our fairer sex, here in his constituency of Co. Tipperary, absolutely fuming.

The cause of this slowly erupting female irritation has come about following a ‘faux pas’ comment made by Mr Cahill regarding mental health issues in a broadcast with Tipp FM Radio’s ‘Tipp Today’ programme presented by Mr Fran Curry.

On the programme broadcast some 8 days ago and headed, ‘Meet The General Election Candidates’, Mr Cahill, a former Fianna Fáil spokesperson, for Food and Horticulture, was asked by presenter Mr Fran Curry, “And are people blaming you Jackie and blaming Fianna Fáil for the genesis of the mental health issue, in terms of beds and loosing beds out of the county”.

Mr Cahill defended the above question by stating, “I think people on mental health, just want things to improve Fran, you know a lot of fat women, you know, on the canvass obviously meeting a lot of people at doors, you do meet people who have had their own personal tragedies and you know that it is rough ………”.

Questions
Was Mr Cahill nervous going on radio? Was he intimidated by Mr Curry’s question? Did he mean to say ‘unfortunate women’, ‘infatuated women’, or did he mean to use some other verbal descriptive adjective, expressing sympathy, that related to his female voters?

The quick answers to these questions, – honestly, “we do not know”. No doubt Mr Cahill will be on the air waves to explain his unfortunate remark on Monday morning next, just like his Fianna Gael colleagues in Dáil Éireann, latter who have spent most of the last 3 years continuously apologising for overruns in spending, homelessness, our present health services and the myriad of other mismanagements, which occurred on their watch.

You can listen to Mr Cahill’s political broadcast remarks by clicking HERE and moving the pod cast voice slider to 2.14 on the slider scale, to hear both the question by Mr Curry and Mr Cahill’s reply.

Worthy of note: A recent study undertaken by Tipperary women has confirmed that women who carry a little weight, usually live a lot longer than the men who unwisely mention it.

One Other Election Issue Of Note In Tipperary

Meanwhile, on one other election issue; something that deviates from what the Tipperary electorate have come to regard as standard or even normal, in their dealings with all politicians. See the poster being used by outgoing Independent TD Mr Séamus Healy, above & left.

Unlike other politicians, latter who have plastered posters on every item standing perpendicular or having an incline approaching the perpendicular, here in Thurles town; Mr Healy has only hung a mere 3 posters in total in Thurles, but his posters are the only ones bearing that little word, we hopefully continue to teach our children; the word ‘Please’.

All other politicians in Tipperary and around Ireland could learn from Mr Seamus Healy’s etiquette and poster demeanour.
For this word ‘Please’ alone, in my eyes, Mr Healy will be numbered in my own top 3 preferences in this upcoming general election.

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Tipperary Co. Council Engineers Wasting Money

We here at Thurles.Info first joked about it, on September 17th, 2018; well what else can you do when you are dealing with personnel who have little or no regard for the spending of local taxpayer’s money. [Please Click HERE.]

Clongour Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, showing the need for 18-wheeler trucks to mount kerbing in order to navigate the extended corner.

We further discussed the same subject again, more seriously, on December 5th, 2018. [Please Click HERE.]

Powerless local municipal district councillors remained, as usual, silent; demonstrating their inability to operate comment on social media.

Clongour Road / Slievenamon Road T junction this morning


Taxpayers and Thurles Chamber of Commerce members, as usual also remained silent, latter Chamber members choosing to pursue instead, personal self-interests, regarding certain planning applications being sought in Mitchel Street.

So, here again is yet one more blatant example of where Tipperary County Council road engineers have insisted on flushing gained Local Property Tax (LPT) increases down the proverbial toilet.

Readers can view at first hand the feeble attempts and laughable efforts made by the Tipperary Co. Council road engineer, to force large vehicles off the kerbing, by using thin hollow piping, latter embedded in cement. This money wasting exercise, today, can be viewed at the Clongour Road / Slievenamon Road T junction.

This work was undertaken, just before Christmas, by a private company (Tipperary Co. Council refuse to employ staff choosing instead to employ outside contractors at triple the cost), using a Plastic Bollard and a Plastic Ridgeguard type Pedestrian Restraint Barrier to give warning to advancing traffic, until the cement had dried around the hollow pipes. Both the plastic bollard and the barrier have now both been destroyed by large vehicles and remain strewn about the stated area.

Who sanctioned and signed off on this irresponsible, unqualified piece of witless decision making?
Perhaps local councillors will discuss this at their next meeting, and include that for over two months most of the traffic lights are out of sync and some green 120-volt bulbs are NOT working.

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Lowry Turns Sod On Major €25m Thurles Development

Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry turned the first sod, on Monday of this week, (January 27th, 2020) on a major new development that will mark the dawn of a bright new future for Thurles.

The derelict Erin Foods factory is about to become a hive of activity as demolition work starts to level the site; same which will house a new high-end model flagship store for Lidl Ireland, as well as two 30,000 square foot buildings that will form the Thurles Business and Innovation Centre.

The project will also facilitate the future development of the town as a whole, by providing the first phase of the much anticipated Thurles Inner Relief Road that will link Slievenamon Road to Mill Road. The total value of the project is €25million and Deputy Lowry says that it is the start of a new beginning for Thurles.

The Business and Innovation Centre project, which has full Planning Permission now in place, is a joint partnership between Wesley Quirke of Baycross Developments Ltd., and Castletown Capital Ltd.

Lidl Ireland unlocked the potential of the site, recognising its strategic location in close proximity to the town centre and its suitability to develop a flagship store on a 2.5 acre area of the site. This led to further interest in the site and a decision by this joint partnership to come on board to build the two 30,000 square foot buildings, creating an amazing opportunity to attract new business into the town.

The Centre will be fully equipped with all the services required and will be appealing to companies involved in Research and Development, science, pharmaceuticals, technology, call centres or as a Headquarters for a Public Service office, indeed the potential is vast.

The developers themselves have identified a very lucrative tenant for a part of the building with the potential for job creation and are in discussions with other potential businesses.

Deputy Lowry has confirmed that IDA Ireland has visited this fully serviced site and have listed the Business and Innovation Centre on their books and will actively pursue future tenants for the high-spec premises. The IDA is very impressed with its potential to attract inward investment from businesses seeking centrally located ready-to-go premises in the heart of Ireland.

“Up to now one of the main challenges for job creation in Thurles was the lack of suitable accommodation. This new development addresses that challenge and marks a major progression for the town. It’s a big vote of confidence in Thurles and it would not have happened if Lidl had not made the first move to secure part of the site for their new store”.

Mr Lowry stated that the event on Monday was a hugely significant day for Thurles. He added that it is wonderful to see the former Erin Foods site active again, having lain idle for so long.

Wesley Quirke, Baycross Developments, said “The project will rejuvenate Thurles, which is one of the best known towns in Ireland”. He further stated “The Business and Innovation Centre will guarantee additional jobs for Thurles and will be a major boost to the local economy”.

Ms. Laura Mateo from Castletown Capital said that they are very pleased to be involved in such an innovative project for Thurles, which opens up huge potential for the town in terms of attracting new business and creating jobs. She also stated “It is a pleasure to work on the Business and Innovation Centre project, in partnership with the Quirke family, as it is a development that will have a big impact on Thurles well into the future”.

Demolition of the former Erin Foods site is set to get underway immediately. Local business, Premier Engineering, who employ 40 people, will carry out this work with Company Director Adrian O’Keefe saying that they are really proud to be involved in this local project.

The old building contains a large amount of asbestos, hence the engagement of reputable specialist contractors, who will carry out the demolition and disposal of these materials to the highest International standards.

Completion of demolition work
The completion of demolition work is expected to take up to 12 weeks, followed by site preparation works and the commencement of construction of a new site entrance, forming the initial phase of the Inner Relief Road. As an additional feature of the project, significant improvement to the river walkway at the rear of the site will be carried out.

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Amazing Turnout For Campaign Launch Of Michael Lowry

There was an amazing number of supporters turned out at the Anner Hotel on Friday night last, (January 24th 2020), for the Official General Election Campaign Launch by Independent TD Michael Lowry.

Deputy Lowry said that he is eternally grateful for the energy and enthusiasm that people bring to his campaign. “I’m as good as you make me”, he told the huge gathering and he pledged that, if re-elected, he will “continue to listen, to be constructive, to be positive, to make a difference and to get results. I know the issues facing Tipperary“, he stated, “and experience has taught me how to address them”.

Deputy Lowy said that he was asked by a young girl recently what it was like to be a candidate in a General Election, something that has rarely been asked of him before. He revealed that, even though he has been a candidate many times, he still feels the pressure to ensure that everything is done right, during a campaign and that he is so thankful to the many capable people who help him, organise things for him and work so enthusiastically on his behalf.

Mr Lowry became visibly upset at the fact that his brother, Ned, who has been a central part of his past campaigns, is unable due to ill health, to be involved on this occasion and he wished him well.

Deputy Lowry spoke on the many major issues dominating this Campaign and acknowledged that people are very engaged during this Election. He addressed the issues regarding health, particularly in relation to access to hospitals and step down beds. He spoke of his work to ensure that Nenagh Hospital remained open when it was under real threat of closure, as well as his success in securing funding to bring the new 40 bed fully staffed unit to South Tipperary General Hospital, despite people saying it would never happen. Mental Health, Home Care Packages and a National Strategy to reduce suicide where also identified as major priorities.

With a myriad of issues addressed by Guest Speakers at the Launch, Deputy Lowry chose to focus on two very topical and critical ones affecting the lives of people.

He spoke in detail about the fact that older and elderly people are living in fear. In relation to the proposals to raise the age at which people will qualify for the State Pension to 67, he said he will oppose and resist such a change. He addressed the truth that elderly people are living in fear of becoming ill and facing gruelling times on hospital trollies, quick discharge from hospital and no Health Care Packages to assist them, when they return home. He stated that “the Golden Years that older and elderly people worked towards are becoming a time to dread and a far cry from what they had expected they would be. They are not happy and content – they are worried and afraid. I am totally committed to standing up and fighting for their rights”.

Deputy Lowry also raised the subject of substance abuse, particularly amongst the young and vulnerable members of our communities. He spoke of the pattern of some young people not being fully mature, being easily led and being manipulated, which in turn leads them to experiment with drugs and this becomes a habit leading to addiction. He again welcomed the news that, following his representations, Jigsaw will soon be opening it’s Tipperary base in Thurles, with hubs following for both Roscrea and Clonmel. This will provide a free, confidential and fully professional service to support the mental health and well-being of people aged 12-25, ensuring they get help when and where they need it. He also announced that Tipperary will be allocated more Gardaí, following the next passing out in Templemore and that he will continue to demand an extension to the Garda Drugs Unit.

The Deputy said that he attributes his political success to date to the fact that he always takes a positive approach. He said he hears other politicians whinge and moan but come up with no solutions. “I chose the positive, can-do approach as my path and the reason I deliver is that I have the political instinct to do the right thing for people”.

He concluded, “I believe in people, I believe in communities, I believe in volunteerism and people giving of themselves to help others. Nothing gives me greater personal satisfaction than helping people. As you are all aware I have been under pressure for the past 20 years but the people of Tipperary and their unfailing support have kept me going. I am a constituency politician and I take whatever opportunity I can in Government formation to get the best I can for Tipperary – Tipperary has always been and will always be my priority. I need your support – this is a tough Election. Other politicians and their canvassers are telling people I will coast home and that I don’t need their No.1 Vote.”

The truth is that I need your No. 1 vote as much, if not more than ever, this time round to allow me to continue my work for Tipperary and I need you to spread that message so that people are not misled. Together we can make great communities in a great county”, Deputy Lowry concluded

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Lowry Unveils Plans For €5M Fethard Town Park

Fethard is set to become the envy of towns across the country with the announcement this week that funding is now fully in place for a €5million Town Park with an amazing package of facilities.

Deputy Michael Lowry secured the sum of €2.6m under the Governments Regeneration Fund, the largest allocation of funding ever granted under this scheme.

This funding is being matched by Mr. John Magnier, who wishes to leave a legacy project to the town he loves and where his world renowned Coolmore Stud is based. Groundworks will commence in June of this year and the projected completion of Phase 1 will be January 2022.

Locals gathered in the Town Hall to hear details of the 22 acre project, which received full Planning Permission in July of last year, and there were ripples of excitement as they heard details of the Town Park, which will be a community recreational facility in the very heart of the town with a particular focus on health and wellbeing.

It will include a 2.5km perimeter walkway/running track, a Community Pavilion that includes a multi-use community hub with intergenerational hall, a community-commercial gym and café, health consultation rooms, changing rooms, showers etc. A popular inclusion is a much needed routeway for pedestrians and cyclists through the Town Park from the residential area at Strylea to the education facilities at Rocklow Road.

A very popular inclusion is a full-sized All-Weather Pitch that incorporates multidimensional playing fields for all codes and recreational uses. The amenity facilities include a variety of community amenity resources including an Adventure Playground, Sensory Garden, outdoor classroom, dog park, outdoor fitness equipment and there will also be an Open Parkland and Public Space with grassland and natural landscaping including seating and lighting.

Addressing the gathering at the announcement of the details of the project, Deputy Michael Lowry said that it is a truly amazing project, the scale and scope of which is unmatched in any part of Ireland, and he was delighted to have secured €2.6million in funding for it. He praised and thanked the Magnier family for their generosity and for leaving this legacy to the town, which became home to John Magnier in 1975.

“As soon as John Magnier heard about the Government funding he wanted to be involved. He wanted to be involved and put his stamp on it to make sure this project would be a centre of excellence for Fethard and all the surrounding communities. Nothing has been spared or overlooked. Everyone in the town has bought into the project by having their say in what was wanted and needed, it has full Planning Permission and the support of Tipperary County Council”, stated Lowry

Recalling the meetings he had with Government on securing funding, Deputy Lowry said “Negotiations went from no hope, to possible, to over the line”.

He recalled the day that Minister Michael Ring came to Fethard to announce the funding and the anticipation it created. He also acknowledged the incredible support he has received from Maurice Moloney at Coolmore Stud and the amazing work carried out by Caroline Madden, Strategic Planning and Project Consultant who designed the plan for the Town Park.

Mr Lowry continued, “A project of this magnitude could not happen without partnership and this project shows partnership at its best”.
He complimented Fethard Regional Community Sport and Recreational Campus CLG, which is the Development Company and Operator, along with their partners Tipperary County Council, Coolmore Ireland, Cashel and Emly Diocese, Healthy Ireland, local schools and clubs and groups and the community of Fethard.

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