Employment « Thurles Information

Government Announces Launch Of Tenders For Family Justice Initiatives.

Children’s Court Advocate Pilot.
Family Law Reporting Project.

As stated above, the initiatives are the Children’s Court Advocate Pilot and the Family Law Reporting Project.

In the Report on Consultations with Children and Young People for the Family Justice Oversight Group in 2022, it was identified that children want more information, to be given a choice in how to have their voice heard and they also want professionals providing the support to show genuine care and interest. This development also follows the Review of the Role of Expert Reports in the Family Law Process published in 2024.

The Children’s Court Advocate pilot seeks to improve how the voice of the child is heard and considered in private family law proceedings. The aim is to ensure children can access child friendly and appropriate information about the legal process and are given meaningful opportunities to express their views in a manner appropriate to their age, development, and individual needs. The pilot reflects the objective of the Family Justice Strategy to make the reformed system more child-centred.

The pilot will initially be established in two District Court locations – Waterford City and Clonmel – and will apply to all applications made for guardianship, custody and/or access.

A review will be carried out no later than 18 months into the project and, subject to the outcome of that review and availability of funding, it is intended that phase two will expand the scope of the pilot to include incoming Circuit Court divorce and judicial separation cases. It is expected the total pilot period will be three years.

The second tender is for a Family Law Reporting Project, a commitment under goal six of the Family Justice Strategy. The overall aim of the Project is to enhance transparency both for the public about family law proceedings and confidence in the judicial determination of family law disputes, while continuing to ensure the privacy of those proceedings for children and families. The systematic reports on aspects of family law cases that the Project will produce and publish will further public understanding and awareness of, and confidence in, the judicial determination of family law disputes.

Information on both tenders has been posted HERE.

The closing date for submissions for both tenders is September 15th 2025.

Hope For Continued Horse Racing At Thurles, Co. Tipperary Following Positive Discussions.

As yet, unnamed and undecided individuals are understood to have expressed a keen interest in taking a lease on the Thurles racetrack.

The future of racing at Thurles Racecourse remains hopeful following a “positive” meeting between Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR), and members representing the current owners.

The Molony family recently announced that they were stepping back after more than a century of running the Thurles, Co. Tipperary venue, raising fears it could close altogether.
However, the family has left the door open for new investors or managers to take over the complex.

We understand that Thurles still has six fixtures scheduled for the current year and has been allocated 11 dates pencilled into the draft 2026 fixture list, thus showing confidence that racing can and will continue.
AIR chief executive Mr Paul Hensey said he was “hopeful” of an agreement, noting the track’s importance for winter National Hunt racing.

The Molony family’s surprise decision was linked to several factors including retirement plans, the rising cost of doing business, and the impact of recent tragedies in the racing community.

A former racecourse manager Mr Angus Houston has urged authorities to ensure the Thurles track remains open, calling it “too important to lose” and suggesting the situation could be an opportunity to strengthen support across all other Irish horse racing tracks.

Accelerated Processing For International Protection Applications Announced.

Applications for International Protection, from Pakistan, will be accelerated and prioritised with effect from today, Tuesday July 29th.

The Irish government has today announced that Pakistan will be added to the list of countries subject to accelerated processing for international protection applications.

Under an accelerated decision-making process, introduced in November 2022, international protection applicants that fall under this procedure are receiving first decisions in around four months and this is expected to reduce in the coming months.

Applications from Pakistan have grown considerably in recent years and in each of the last two quarters, Pakistan nationals have ranked as the second highest nationality for applications for international protection.

Section 73 (1) of the International Protection Act 2015 allows for the Minister to accord priority to any application, or to request the Chairperson of IPAT to accord priority to any appeal, having regard to criteria set down in Sec. 73 (2). Section 73A, allows for accelerated processing of cases having regard to the criteria set down in Sec.73 (2).

Accelerated processing for certain IP applications was introduced in November 2022. From today, Tuesday, July 26th 2025 it applies to:
Applicants from 15 safe countries of origin, namely Albania, Algeria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Egypt, Georgia, India, Kosovo, Malawi & Morocco, Macedonia (latter former Yugoslav Republic), Montenegro, Serbia, South Africa, Nigeria and Pakistan.

The table hereunder shows the number of international protection applications from Pakistan from 2021 to July 24th, 2025.

Year.	2021.	2022.	2023.	2024.	2025.	Total.
Pakistan.	68.	242.	624.	1,391.	905.	3,230.

All figures shown above are correct at time of issue, however, all statistics may be subject to data cleansing.

Olympic-Bound OCR World Championships Comes To Mid-West Region in 2026.

4,000 Competitors to deliver €2.8 million boost to Mid-West Economy.

Limerick has today been announced as the host city for the 2026 Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Championships, just two years before the sport is set to make its official debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO), the global governing body for OCR, confirmed that the event will take place from August 7th to 9th, 2026, at Limerick Racecourse, with the University of Limerick serving as the official Athlete Village.

More than 4,000 athletes from over 60 countries are expected to compete, making it one of the largest international sporting events ever staged in the Mid-West region; latter which consists of counties Tipperary Clare and Limerick.

**Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles *(FISO)* confirm Mid-West Region as venue for 2026 Obstacle Course Racing *(OCR)* World Championships, ahead of** **LA28 Olympics**.

Organisers say the economic impact will be significant, with the event is projected to generate over €2.8 million for the wider Mid-West economy.

Obstacle Course Racing is one of the fastest-growing sports globally and has now been elevated to Olympic status for LA28. The sport blends speed, strength, and strategy, challenging athletes to overcome a range of natural and man-made obstacles — including walls, rigs, rope climbs, carries, and crawls — across courses of varying distance and difficulty.

The World Championships to be held in Limerick will feature a range of formats, from short and explosive 100m and 400m sprints to 2–3km technical courses, a 15km endurance race, and high-energy team relays. The competition is open to professionals, age group athletes, Para-OCR competitors, and dedicated amateurs, making it a diverse and inclusive global event.

The successful bid to host the event in the Mid-West was prepared and submitted by the Obstacle Course Racing Association of Ireland (OCRA Ireland), Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Aimwell Events, the University of Limerick and Limerick Racecourse.

Mr Sergej Dikun, (President of OCRA Ireland), described the announcement as a landmark moment for Irish sport, “Hosting the World Championships just two years before the sport’s Olympic debut is a huge moment for Ireland. We’re honoured to bring the global OCR community to Limerick — and to showcase the passion, people, and places that make the Mid-West Region so special.”

Mr Adam Taylor (Aimwell Events), who travelled with Mr. Dikun to Portugal to present the bid, commented, “Bringing the OCR World Championships to Limerick is a landmark moment not only for the sport but for the entire Mid-West region. We’re proud to be part of the team delivering a world-class event that will attract thousands of athletes and fans from around the globe for this showcase event.”

Ms Danielle Devaney (Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau) said the benefits of hosting the World Championships would be far-reaching. She explained, “This event will leave a lasting legacy for the Mid-West. It’s a chance to welcome the world, be part of an Olympic story, and generate real economic impact for our communities across the region.”

Mr Michael Lynch, (CEO of Limerick Racecourse), stated, “We are delighted to be working with the event stakeholders towards delivery of this prestigious event. This is a proud moment for us. Limerick Racecourse offers a potentially spectacular setting for OCR, and we can’t wait to see it transformed into a world championship arena.”

This week’s event announcement coincides with Limerick playing host to the first-ever European 400m OCR Championships, which will take place at the University of Limerick from July 18th to 20th. That event will bring 300 elite athletes from across Europe to Ireland, marking the country’s first major international OCR competition.

Mr David Ward (Sports Business Development Manager at the University of Limerick), added, “With OCR going to the Olympics, this is a sport on the rise. UL is proud to help grow its global footprint by hosting the athlete village and supporting both this and the European Championships. It shows the scale of what this region can deliver.”

Organisers says the event will require hundreds of volunteers that will be vital to the smooth running of the championships, from obstacle marshals and hydration stations, to medal ceremonies, race kit distribution, and media support.

Visit www.ocrwc2025.com for information on this year’s OCR World Championships, taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden, in September.

New Chapter For 7,500 People Due To Be Granted Irish Citizenship.

A new chapter for over 7,500 people who will be granted Irish Citizenship at the INEC Arena, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Today and tomorrow over 7,500 people will be granted Irish citizenship at the INEC Killarney.
Applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island will make a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State and become Irish citizens.

Over seven ceremonies held over two days, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Mr Jim O’Callaghan will be joined by Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Mr Colm Brophy, and Minister of State with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Mr Niall Collins.

Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Minister O’Callaghan said: “This ceremony marks an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship. For each new citizen it signifies a deep connection to Ireland, its values, and its people. Ireland welcomes our new citizens as full members of society, and their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the fabric of our nation. I encourage all new citizens to continue to actively engage in their communities so that, together, we can build a thriving society”.

Minister Brophy said: “I congratulate our newest citizens and wish each of them well as they begin this new part of their lives. Migration plays an essential role in Ireland’s development. It strengthens our economy, enriches our cultural diversity, and deepens our sense of solidarity. We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities.”

Minister Collins said: “Those becoming Irish citizens over the next two days are joining a diverse and inclusive Ireland. Citizenship is not only a right but a symbol of shared responsibility and mutual trust. These new citizens now have a place in shaping the future of Ireland. I sincerely congratulate each of our new Irish citizens. This is a proud and memorable day for them, their families, and for the whole country.”

The Presiding Officer at the ceremonies over the next two days is Judge Mr Paddy McMahon, who will confer the attendees with Irish Citizenship. He will administer the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State. The new Irish citizens will undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.

In just over two years the Citizenship Division of the Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023, and nearly 31,000 in 2024.

Significant changes have been introduced in the Citizenship Division of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to speed up the application process for applicants, including the introduction of an online digital application, online payments, and eVetting. As a result, processing times are now decreasing year on year. The length of time it takes to process an application has dropped from 15 months in 2023 to 8 months in 2024.

It is expected that going forward, the vast majority of applicants will continue to receive a decision within one year, however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.

More information on the application process is available at the following link: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/