Residents and motorists using Kickham Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, faced fresh disruption this morning after crews moved in to carry out further fibre/telecoms-related works along the street.
The works, understood locally to be connected with Virgin Media infrastructure, involved barriers, cones and a mini-digger fitted with a jackhammer operating immediately outside homes and businesses. The activity has caused concern among residents, particularly as the pavements affected were only newly installed in recent weeks.
Locals claim no written warning or advance notification was given to householders before machinery arrived. Residents also expressed frustration that one of the busiest routes into and out of Thurles was reduced to a single lane, creating delays and raising fears of heavier congestion later in the day, particularly when parents travel to collect children from local schools.
Concerns have also been raised about the manner in which the works were being carried out. Residents reported personnel operating in a confined roadside area, with traffic moving nearby, while householders said vibrations from the jackhammer caused homes to shake. Some also complained of difficulty contacting Tipperary County Council, with one resident claiming it took roughly 20 minutes to get through, but without receiving any satisfactory clarification. Directly on a triple junction personnel have no radios and no con saw, resulting in stop signs not in use and an incessant vibrating high pitched hammering sound.
This latest disruption follows earlier concerns reported on Thurles.info regarding fibre/telecoms cabling repairs and the lack of written notice to affected homeowners. That earlier report also highlighted questions around responsibility, communication and delays linked to fibre infrastructure in the area.
The immediate issue for Kickham Street residents is not simply the inconvenience of roadworks. It is the apparent lack of communication, the repeated disturbance to recently completed public footpaths, and the effect on householders, pedestrians, businesses and motorists.
With evening school traffic expected to add further pressure, motorists are advised to avoid the Kickham Street area where possible and use alternative routes until the works are completed.
Residents are now calling on Tipperary County Council and Virgin Media, or their appointed contractors, to explain why newly laid pavements are being disturbed, why householders were not notified in advance, and when the street will be fully restored.
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