Education « Thurles Information

University Limerick Hospitals Group Ban Visitors

All elective surgeries and outpatient appointments at the six hospitals in the University of Limerick Hospital’s Group, serving counties North Tipperary, Clare and Limerick, have been cancelled for next Monday and Tuesday, (March 2nd & 3rd) as a direct result of the confirmed Covid-19 virus case.

These affected health facilities include; University Hospital Limerick; University Maternity Hospital Limerick; Nenagh Hospital, (latter 3 directly serving North Tipperary); Ennis Hospital; St. John’s Hospital and Croom Orthopaedic Hospital.

The announced restrictions; which include a ban on visitors, are now in place at all six named health facilities and are deemed necessary in the interests of patient safety, in the context of the current public coronavirus confirmed health emergency.

There are, however, a limited number of exemptions to these cancellation announcements. These include patients attending for chemotherapy; kidney dialysis and expectant mothers due for elective caesarean sections.

Following a three-hour deep clean of UHL on Wednesday night last; a ‘Helpline’ has now been setup to provide further information and support to persons in counties; North Tipperary; Limerick; and Clare, especially to assist those who may have come into casual or close contact with a now confirmed case already identified in the mid-west region.

Helpline Telephone Number – 1890 300 046.

South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel

All infection control measures are also in place to manage and contain the spread of this virus at South Tipperary General; latter serving the south of the county.

Visitors including children, are now being restricted since last night, in the facilities efforts to reduce any possible spread of coronavirus.

Visiting however will be allowed in exceptional circumstances; as in the visiting of critically ill patient; partners visiting maternity patients; or children in attendance in their paediatric unit.

Outpatient appointments at South Tipperary General Hospital will continue as normal.

Covid-19 – Chief Medical Officer’s Advice To Parents

The Chief Medical Officer from the Department of Health, Dr Tony Holohan, has issued the following letter to parents of school children travelling from affected regions.

The Department of Education and Skills has updated information for schools, preschools and third level institutions on Covid-19; provided by the Department of Health and HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, following a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team.

Public health doctors are available to liaise with schools and advise on precautions if staff and / or students have any concerns.

Anyone who has visited affected regions in the last 14 days and has a cough, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or fever should self-isolate and phone their GP immediately.

Anyone who has travelled from the affected regions and has no symptoms should visit HERE for further advice.

The most important action we can take to protect ourselves from Covid-19 is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.

As further advice or information is provided, it will be issued to schools and posted on the Department’s website.

Travel advice for all Irish citizens is provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Take Note – March 2020 Is Mná Month At Cashel Library

Possible one of the largest gathering of successful women, ever to be ’rounded up’ in one place, will be the honoured guests at Cashel Library, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, during the month of March 2020.

Ms Maura Barrett Comhairle Contae Thiobraid Árann (Tipperary County Council) reports:-

Cashel Library has designated March 2020 as “Mná Month“.

“During the month of March 2020, we will host an exciting series of free events, celebrating all aspects of the lives of Irish women, across the spectrum of the ‘Dewey Decimal System’.

This celebration which is entitled “Dewey Eyed Women” aims to be, dare we use the title ‘truly Mnásome’.

Monday 2nd March @2:00pm – ‘Daughters of Dun Iascaigh’.

‘Daughters of Dun Iascaigh’ was the Tipperary Book of the Year in 2018. It shines a light on the history of the women of Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Edited by four women Josephine O’Neill, Karol Defalco, Mary Caulfield and Breeda Ryan who will share their journey into these unique histories and how they broke into the world of publishing.

Wednesday 4th March @7:00pm – ‘An evening with former RTÉ’s legendary redhead presenter, writer and journalist, Ms Bibi Baskin’.

Ms Baskin will give a motivational talk on how you can bring positive change into your life and make your dreams, big and small, come true. Illustrated by her own story; detailing her prestigious ‘TV Presenter’ role, working with the BBC and ITV and onwards to India. It will include a Questions and Answers session and an opportunity to purchase a copy of her current bool ‘Bibi’s Wellness Wisdom’.

Monday March 9th @11:00am ‘Marie Gleeson – Former Irish Navy Ships Captain’.

Ms Gleeson was one of the first female officers in the Irish navy and this gives her a unique insight into the reality of leading in a man’s world. Marie Gleeson honed her leadership style over the course of a twenty-year military career, operating primarily in the harsh and hostile Atlantic Ocean. Her journey from naval cadet to Captain of the LE AOIFE has given her unique insight into people and how to maximise performance even in the most challenging of circumstances. Note: Limited spaces.

Tuesday March 10th @ 7:00pm ‘Eimear Burke – Druid, Celebrant & Storyteller.’

Ms Burke becomes the chosen chief of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids in June 2020. She is a psychologist with a deep love of the ancient Irish tales and a passion for storytelling. She brings old tales to new audiences, and while remaining faithful to the stories – often examines them from new perspectives, so that listeners experience them as fresh and relevant.

Friday 13th March @ 11:00am ‘Sr. Patricia Wall – The Flying Nun’.

Sr. Patricia Wall has dedicated her life to volunteering and community work since 1996. In 2013 she took to the airways appearing on The Late Late Show and the skies as The Flying Nun raising over 40k for charity. Committed to education, training and up-skilling as a way out of poverty and disadvantage Sr. Patricia works tirelessly to make our community a great place to live, work and play.
An octogenarian who has served over 60 years as a nun; Sr. Patricia Wall has many a tale to share.

Saturday 14th March @11:00am ‘Samantha Lambert –Tipperary All- Ireland Ladies Football Captain.

Samantha is a leader, a captain, a class player and a role model for all women in sport. She will share her experience on the field of play and what it feels like to be a woman lifting the winning cup in Croke Park. The Mary Quinn Memorial Cup will also be in residence.

Saturday 14th March @ 2:00pm ‘Dr. Lucia Gannon – All in a Doctor’s Day: Memoirs of an Irish Country Practice.

The local doctor occupies a privileged position in society. Pillars of the community and privy to the most intimate details of people’s lives, we often imbue them with superhuman qualities and expect them to have all the answers. Step into the surgery of Dr. Lucia Gannon. Journey with her as she builds a life in this tight-knit community, and discover what it means to be the one person to bring their problems to.

Thursday 19th March @ 2:00pm ‘Éanna Ní Lamhna Goes Wild’.

Ms Ní Lamhna has been a freelance wildlife consultant since 1988, working with children and adults alike, she has also been a member of the panel on the RTE’s ‘Mooney Goes Wild’ programme since 1994. She discusses nature and the environment. Note: Limited Places

Monday 23rd March @ 2:00pm Ms Rosemary Smith – Rally Driver ‘A good car and a good road do not a good driver make.’

Ms Smith has been a rally driver since 1961, and holds the distinction of being the oldest person ever to drive a Formula 1 car, reaching speeds of over 160km per hour. Ms Smith is ‘sharp as a tack’ in her 83rd year, still competing in rallies, as well as giving lessons in the driving school she founded some 20 years ago. Ms Smith has a unique insight into a ‘male dominated world’ with many side splittingly, funny anecdotes.

Tuesday 24th March @ 7:00pm ‘Rachel Blackmore – Jockey – Blazing a trail…’.

Ms Blackmore is a superstar; this is the woman who likes winning with over 90 wins chalked up, including wins at Cheltenham. Considered a mould breaker in racing circles, she joins us to share her many insights.

Wednesday March 25th @11:00am – Dr. Elzaan Marnane – Breaking out of your chains’.

Dr. Elzaan delivers a one day workshop, exploring why women limit themselves and explores option on how to step through doors of opportunity and break out of the chains. Note: Limited places.

Thursday 26th March @ 11:00am ‘Deise Medieval – Celebrating Viking Women a Living History’.

In Viking society women held a high status and equality. Come and experience this living history event, see how the Viking women lived.

Friday 27th March @ 7:00pm Breege Phelan and the ‘Wood of O’.

Preceded by world food tasting with nibbles, supplied by Pat Glavin.

Ms Breege Phelan and Mr Will McLellan are sublime singer / song-writers who perform original, innovative material under the name, ‘The Wood of O’ with a ‘Mnásome’ flair.

Saturday 28th March @ 11:00am – Dr. Louise Nugent – Encountering the Sacred.

The Archaeology and Heritage of Pilgrimage, explores a wide range of pilgrimage topics from prehistory to the present day and have an Irish and Cashel focus, with particular emphasis on the role of women and the freedoms gleaned in pilgrimage.

Monday 30th @ 11:00am – Ena Howell – Regional President of the ICA Journeys to the University of Life.

The Irish Countrywomen’s Association brings together both rural and urban women and their communities in fellowship and through co-operative effort. The ICA is the largest women’s association in Ireland, with almost 10,000 members and over 500 Guilds across the Country. They cook, travel, craft and socialise! Ms Howell shares her wisdom from the University of Life.”

EPA Climate Lecture – National Dialogue on Climate Action

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting Dr Artur Runge-Metzger, Director of DG Climate Action at the EU Commission, to speak as part of the EPA Climate Lecture Series on Thursday 6th February.

The Lecture is part of the National Dialogue on Climate Action and will take place, as already stated, on Thursday 6th February at 7.00 sharp in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin. Same will be broadcast live via the EPA website at: https://bit.ly/2fR7y72

Dr Runge-Metzger, will speak about the European Green Deal, Europe’s new ambitious growth strategy and give insights into how it will deliver EU Climate Neutrality.

The Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use. The European Green Deal was the first policy paper of the new von der Leyen Commission adopted in mid-December 2019.

Dr Runge-Metzger stated: “The European Green Deal sets out the first set of around fifty major regulatory and supporting initiatives to be kicked off within the coming two years. They will cover a broad array of EU policies in the fields of climate, energy, industry, mobility, agriculture/forestry, environment, sustainable finance, investments, taxation as well as external relations including trade.
No doubt, this will require a major transformation and modernisation of the European economy and society within the next three decades that leaves nobody behind.”

Laura Burke, EPA Director General commented: “The goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 is both inspirational and challenging. It is what science tells us is needed if we are to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and avoid dangerous and irreversible climate impacts.
There are challenges but also opportunities and multiple benefits for Europe and Ireland. Ireland’s response has to be clear and robust yet sensitive to societal issues and concerns ensuring nobody is left behind.
Dr Runge-Metzger, is at the forefront of this policy development and we look forward to hearing his insights on the European Green Deal”.

Inadequate Monitoring Of Private Water Supplies Putting Health At Risk

EPA warns that poorly constructed wells and inadequate monitoring of private water supplies are putting health at risk.

One million people in Ireland get their drinking water from a private supply and many more persons, drink water from private supplies during their daily lives.

E. coli was found in 62 small private water supplies serving commercial buildings or public buildings during 2018.

E. coli can cause illness. In a small number of cases it can result in severe and long-term kidney failure. Reported cases of VTEC , a dangerous form of E. coli, increased in 2018.

Many private supplies are not on the local authorities’ register and those that are registered were not monitored sufficiently to ensure safe drinking water and to protect human health.

A report focusing on the quality of private water supplies in Ireland for 2018 was released today [15th January 2020] by the EPA. The report found that the quality of drinking water in private supplies, which are mostly sourced from wells, is poorer than that in publicly-sourced supplies.

Commenting on the findings of the report, Dr Tom Ryan, (Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement) said: “We are concerned about the poor quality of drinking water in private supplies serving commercial or public activities such as crèches, nursing homes and hotels. Where this water comes from poorly constructed wells, there is a high risk of contamination during heavy rain. It is worrying that many of these supplies are not being monitored, as consuming contaminated water poses a serious health risk to consumers, particularly vulnerable people such as the young or elderly.”

Monitoring carried out in 2018 showed that commercial businesses (e.g. hotel, B&B, pub), or public buildings (e.g. schools, crèches, campsites) that get their water from a well or other private source are at greater risk of being contaminated than public water supplies. The report highlights that more than 60 of these private supplies were found to be contaminated with human or animal waste, at least once during 2018. Cases of VTEC infection – which can be contracted due to consuming water contaminated by animal waste – continued to rise with over 1,000 reported cases in 2018. Ireland continues to have the highest incidence of VTEC infection in Europe.

Concluding, Mr Andy Fanning (Programme Manager of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement) said: “With this number of reported cases of VTEC in Ireland, it is more important than ever that business owners and homeowners who use a well for their water supply, get their supply tested regularly, especially after rainfall. Local authorities must ensure that supplies are registered, monitored and that action is taken by water suppliers to remedy any issues identified to make sure that public health is not being put at risk.”

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