EPA Quote “This is now a matter for Tipperary County Council to investigate and take action.……”
On September 4th, 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that Tipperary Co. Council are directly responsible for failure to protect the River Suir from pollution here in Thurles. (Complaint Ref. COM021813).
This firm confirmation came about, following a complaint made by Thurles.Info, asking that the EPA prosecute Tipperary County Council for their inability and failure to control the pollution of the River Suir over the past 12 years.
The following communication was received from the EPA today, September 9th 2025, which we now publish hereunder in full.
To the complainant, Thurles.Info:-
Dear Sir,
Further to our previous correspondence with you relating to the above referenced matter, we acknowledge receipt of your permission to refer it to Tipperary County Council on your behalf.
We have now sent a copy of your correspondence to Tipperary County Council for their attention and action. We have also requested that they contact you directly, regarding this issue.
Please note, a referral from the EPA obliges the local authority to log the complaint, open a case file, investigate the matter and report back to the complainant (you in this instance) as to any assessment or action either planned or taken.
This is now a matter for Tipperary County Council to investigate and take action as appropriate as they are the responsible authority.
Please continue to engage directly with Tipperary County Council any further enquiries regarding this matter for their attention and direct response to you.
As requested, please find attached copy of correspondence from the EPA to Tipperary County Council, our Ref COM021813.
Please use the reference number above in any further communication with the EPA regarding this matter.
Trusting this is of assistance to you.
Yours etc (Name withheld)
Correspondence forwarded to Tipperary County Council by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Subject: COM021813 Alleged pollution of river Suir in Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Environmental Complaints E.Complaints@epa.ie (Name withheld)
To customerservices@tipperarycoco.ie.
To Tipperary County Council,
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received correspondence on 01/09/2025 relating to concern regarding alleged pollution of river Suir in Thurles, Co Tipperary. Our Ref COM021813.
Please see attached copy for your attention and action.
Tipperary County Council should take steps to investigate this matter using appropriate enforcement actions. Your Council is also requested to directly contact the complainant in relation to this matter and to advise them how Tipperary County Council is investigating and dealing with the complaint.
Please use the reference number above in all further correspondence with the EPA regarding this matter.
Kind regards, etc (Name withheld).
This will now be the second case-file opened within the last 10 days, with no action taken in relation to this major problem in Thurles and no communication, as yet and as usual, entered into by Tipperary Co. Council.
We have an admission and no accountability. Local authorities have same responsibilities as individuals yet are totally unaccountable. The Ministrers and Secretaries Act 1923 is widely abused by all local authorities.