“Paper never refused ink,” as the old saying goes. Publication alone does not establish accuracy; public statements should be supported by clear information and visible results. I refer of course to a press release by Refresh Thurles Tidy Towns and published HERE by the Tipperary Star local newspaper.
Refresh Thurles Tidy Towns’ concern about the River Suir is, at last, indeed to be welcomed. However, the accompanying photographs show substantial litter; numerous discarded drinks bottles, food wrappers, cartons and other rubbish among the trees and along the bank, together with shopping trolleys submerged beneath branches; today evidenced remaining untouched for almost 2 years.
These currently submerged trolleys present another practical question; when were they first reported, who is responsible for arranging their safe removal, and when will that happen? Despite the water being shallow, nobody should expect volunteers to enter the river to retrieve them, but residents deserve a clear answer about who will act.
Litter overlooked in Thurles town park since 2025
The group reports regular litter picks and the recent collection of eight bags of rubbish. That work deserves acknowledgement. Nevertheless, the conditions pictured raise a fair question: when were these particular areas last cleaned, and are they included in the regular litter-picking route?
There is also a question about the photograph accompanying this week recent Tipperary Star report. [See HERE] My understanding is that it previously appeared on Refresh Thurles’ Facebook page on 25th April 2026. If it is an older photograph, its date should be made clear, so readers of local press do not mistake it for evidence of this current week’s activity.
My concern is that litter problems here, have persisted since the 2025 music festival. These photographs can prove that no cleaning has occurred since then, and they do show places that need immediate attention. If access or safety difficulties prevent volunteers from collecting this rubbish, have those locations been reported to the council, and what response has been received?
The timing of the press statement also merits clarification. Has Refresh Thurles previously raised these concerns publicly or in writing with the relevant authorities? If so, when, and with what outcome?
Please do take the time to fully view the video hereunder, to fully understand what must be observed as Ireland’s shame.
Why Ireland’s Rivers Are Dying?
Finally, the published statement’s reference to installing wildlife information boards needs clarification. My understanding is that Thurles Municipal District Council installed the signage. Could the respective roles in commissioning, funding, designing and installing the boards be explained, so everyone’s contribution is accurately acknowledged?
These are reasonable questions, not a dismissal of voluntary effort. Those who discard rubbish bear responsibility for their behaviour, and volunteers deserve thanks for the work they do.
But appreciation and accountability can and must sit together. What matters now is an accurate account of the work completed, a clear allocation of responsibility and dates for addressing the problems shown in above accompanying pictures shown here and with no remedial action taken for months.
Some newspapers are happy to publish public relations (PR) material from politicians and other organisations, without verifying the facts. The favourable accounts they present are often far removed from the truth.
Paper may never refuse ink. The River Suir, at this stage, needs more than words.
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