Thurles – River Suir Neglect Must Be Addressed Without Further Delay.

Congratulations to Thurles Councillor Mr Jim Ryan, who once again used Tipp FM local radio, this morning, to highlight the deplorable condition of the River Suir, as it passes through Thurles town centre.

Concerns about this important local waterway have reportedly been raised repeatedly since approximately November 2013.
Yet, after almost 13 years, residents are still waiting for the sustained maintenance, environmental protection and accountability that the river urgently requires.

**River Suir, for years, remains totally blocked by a fallen tree, reed and other vegetation**.

Photographs and the short video hereunder, recorded yesterday, once again provide further evidence of the current situation. Shopping trolleys, bottles, discarded clothing and other litter, remain clearly visible, both in the riverbed and around affected sections of the river bank, totally devoid of litter bins.

Years of excessive vegetation, severely restricted water flow and apparently uncontrolled effluent entering the river, provide stark evidence of prolonged and inexcusable neglect.

Short video hereunder, taken yesterday showing conditions recorded along the River Suir, with no action having taken place whatsoever, since contacted by EPA.

Thurles.Info has forwarded communications about the river to Tipperary County Council. The Environmental Protection Agency has also requested a written response from the said Council, outlining any action already taken or planned. According to the latest published update, that response remains awaited.

Despite the EPA’s intervention and continuing public complaints, no visible attempt had been made, up to yesterday, to remove the abandoned trolleys, bottles, clothing or other accumulated waste shown in the accompanying footage.
This is not merely an appearance issue. The River Suir is an important natural habitat, public amenity and part of Thurles’s identity.
Local people are entitled to know who is responsible, what work will be undertaken and when it will begin.
Councillor Mr Jim Ryan deserves credit for continuing to raise the matter.

What Thurles now needs is a prompt, transparent and effective response from the responsible authorities.