Thurles Deserves Delivery – Not More Delays, Excuses And Failed Announcements.
The continuing delay recently announced on the redevelopment of Liberty Square, (Part 2) and Slievenamon Road raises a much wider question about infrastructure delivery in Thurles town, and about what our political representatives are actually achieving for the town in Dáil Éireann.
How much longer is Thurles expected to wait for basic infrastructure that other major towns would regard as essential?
The first phase of the Liberty Square redevelopment commenced in August 2020 and was officially opened in June 2022. Yet the adjoining N62 Slievenamon Road Phase 2 project; from Liberty Square to the Shopping Centre roundabout, is now not expected to begin until 2027 at least, with completion potentially stretching to the the final weeks of 2028.
That is an extraordinary timescale for completing the redevelopment of the centre of one of Tipperary’s largest towns.
Tipperary County Council points to dependencies involving Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Uisce Éireann. But after years of delay, the public is entitled to ask why these issues were not identified, coordinated and resolved far earlier.
Even more difficult to understand is the condition of parts of Liberty Square itself. Potholes, eroded road surfaces and deteriorating sections should not have to await another multimillion-euro capital project. Basic maintenance is a separate responsibility. A promise that major works may eventually take place cannot justify leaving existing surfaces in poor condition in the meantime.
There is also another deeply unpleasant issue which deserves a proper public explanation. Sewer pipes were installed during the Liberty Square redevelopment works in 2021. Since then, complaints have been publicly reported about foul odours and what has been described as sewer gas or a sewage-type stench issuing from drains in parts of Liberty Square east.
If these odours arose following the drainage works, the obvious questions must be asked;
“Were the new drainage and sewer arrangements correctly designed and installed?
“Have they been independently inspected and tested?”
“What is causing the continuing smell, and why has it not been permanently rectified?
Until Tipperary County Council or Uisce Éireann produces the technical evidence, it would be wrong to simply declare defective installation as proven. But equally, persistent reports of sewage-type odours following major drainage works cannot simply be ignored. The people working, shopping and living in the centre of Thurles deserve an explanation and a permanent solution.
And Liberty Square is only part of a much bigger infrastructure failure.
The Thurles Inner Relief Road has been talked about for years, yet the town is still waiting for the level of funding necessary to turn plans, designs and consultancy work into actual construction.
Then there is the Thurles Bypass; another project discussed for decades and repeatedly presented as essential to removing through-traffic and heavy vehicles from the town centre.
Announcements, inclusion in plans, feasibility studies and ministerial visits are not roads.
Funding, construction contracts, machinery on site and completed infrastructure are what matter.
Which brings us directly to political accountability.
Thurles is represented in Dáil Éireann by Mr Michael Lowry TD and Mr Ryan O’Meara TD.
Both are entitled to point to representations they have made, meetings attended and projects they have sought to advance.
But voters are equally entitled to ask a much tougher question:
What are Mr Michael Lowry and Mr Ryan O’Meara actually achieving in Dáil Éireann for Thurles?
Where is the construction funding for the Inner Relief Road?
When will there be a fully funded programme and credible construction timetable for the Thurles Bypass?
Why has completion of Liberty Square and Slievenamon Road been allowed to stretch towards 2028?
And why, after millions of euro have already been spent on Liberty Square, are residents and businesses still having to complain about potholes, eroded surfaces and foul smells apparently emanating from the drainage system?
Political effectiveness should ultimately be measured by results. Not another series of video’s and press releases. Not another photograph taken standing beside a Minister or a wealthy business man. Not another announcement that a project is being “progressed”. Not another promise that funding will be sought.
Thurles needs funding secured, contracts signed, problems fixed and projects delivered. After years of waiting, that is hardly too much to ask.
That is also the test for Tipperary County Council, Mr Michael Lowry TD and Mr Ryan O’Meara TD. Thurles does not need another announcement. It needs delivery.
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