On 21st August 2026, Tipp FM reported Councillor Mr Jim Ryan’s warning that lives were being put at risk after a lifebuoy was thrown into the River Suir, behind the shopping centre in Thurles.
Despite the publicity and confirmation that the relevant bodies had been contacted, the lifebuoy remains visible in the overgrown, stagnant, cesspool-like, stretch of river today, 6th September, 16 days after the initial report.
The photograph hereunder accompanying this post was taken today.
Pic: G. Willoughby.
Despite a new buoy being replaced, there appears to have been no successful effort to recover this vital piece of lifesaving equipment. If action has been taken, the public deserves to know why the buoy is still in the river and unavailable for use in an emergency.
Each lifebuoy reportedly costs approximately €55.00, with the rope adding further expense. More importantly, its absence from its proper station could have had life-or-death consequences.
Tipperary County Council has previously warned that damaging or taking a ring buoy is a criminal offence and has urged the public to report missing or damaged equipment to the council or Water Safety Ireland.
Condemning vandalism is not enough. This lifebuoy must now be recovered or replaced, the location made safe, and responsibility taken for ensuring that essential rescue equipment along the Thurles river walk is inspected and maintained.
A stolen or abandoned ring-buoy is a stolen life.
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