Environment « Thurles Information

Lowry Welcomes Funding Of €545,540, Through ORIS

Independent Tipperary TD Mr Michael Lowry welcomes funding of €545,540 to Tipperary, through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

Deputy Michael Lowry is delighted to confirm that two projects in Co. Tippeary will share funding of €545,540 through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2019. The ORIS is funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development and Fáilte Ireland.

The details of the approved projects in Tipperary are:
Under Measure 2: Garrykennedy Amenity will receive funding of €45,540 for the replacement of timber decking and footbridges, with further improvements to benefit wheelchair access.

Under Measure 3: Suir Blueway Tipperary will receive €500,000 for Infrastructure Enhancement works to improve the existing canoe trail which forms part of the River Suir Blueway project including river access works and trail refurbishment works.

Mr Lowry, in concluding this announcement stated, “This funding will make a huge difference to the ongoing maintenance and development of these outdoor recreation facilities in Co. Tipperary.
There is no doubting the huge importance of both these projects to local residents and tourists alike, who use and continue to benefit greatly from these facilities. I am pleased that my support for these projects has played a central role in facilitating this funding announced today”.

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”.

Lowry Welcomes 10 New Jobs At Expanding Thurles Battery Business

Thurles business, Li-Gen Ltd, has set up a Lithium Battery Manufacturing plant at its premises in Ballyduff, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

This plant will be the only one of its kind in Ireland or the UK and will see the creation of 10 new full-time permanent manufacturing jobs with the support of Tipperary Local Enterprise Board. Li-Gen Ltd is a sister company of Hi-Volt Ireland Ltd., who currently employ 26 full-time staff.

Hi-Volt Ireland Ltd., was founded by Richard Gleeson in 1998 and has grown to become a leading battery distributor/retailer with 8 retail branches in Ireland and the UK, selling batteries and related products. Richard has warmly thanked Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry for his support and continued advice in the setting up of the new Li-Gen Ltd., branch of the business.

‘Lead Acid Battery Technology’, has dominated the battery industry for over 150 years. This technology was used widely; from car starter batteries to large Hospital back-up systems; to Electric forklifts.

Lithium battery technology, on the other hand, has only been around for less than 30 Years, but is proving to have many advantages over Lead Acid Technology, primarily as they are environmentally friendly and last up to 10 years. Therefore, they do not need regular replacement, thus cutting down on waste creation. Lithium is also more efficient, can be charged more quickly and therefore consume less energy. It also emits no toxic gasses while charging unlike lead batteries, which require special ventilation.

Li-Gen will use LFP Lithium Chemistry (Lithium Iron Phosphate), which does not contain cobalt. Cobalt is controversially mined primarily in the DR Congo and the extraction process for Cobalt has being plagued by human rights abuses and corruption.

Lithium is up to 95% efficient compared to lead acid which is only 60% efficient. Therefore, while achieving the same like for like power, Lithium is up to 1/3 the weight of Lead Acid batteries
With no manufacturing of Lead Acid Batteries or Lithium on a commercial scale in Ireland, this allows Hi-Volt Ireland Ltd., to replace imports and keep the money in the local economy.

The business has the potential to create highly skilled jobs in a sector that is growing at 30% per year globally and they have already identified major export potential for a European manufactured product.

Li-Gen is involved in this business with Swedish partners Euroglobe Ltd, who are major battery distributors in Europe, particularly in the Nordic region.

Lowry Highlights Need For Funding For Farm Safety Schemes

Tipperary Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry pictured here with Mrs Imelda Walsh *(Chairperson North Tipperary IFA)* and Mr Michael Kennedy *(Vice Chairperson North Tipperary IFA)*

There are many issues facing farmers at this time. The need to minimise the impact of CAP Reform; the fight to get fair pricing for farm produce; calls to stop the exporting of live animals and farmers being asked to set aside land for forestry; just a few of the problems that farmers have raised consistently throughout this Election Campaign.

Deputy Lowry has consistently worked for a better deal for farmers and promoted a greater understanding of the challenges being faced by rural Ireland.

The vital issue of ‘Farm Safety’ is one that has not received sufficient attention in the media throughout the Campaign, but is one that Deputy Lowry is determined to make a priority if re-elected. He is fully supportive of the IFA’s call to have a Farm Safety Scheme introduced, under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) with increased funding for health and safety equipment.

Farm safety should be a priority on every farm, just as it is in every other business. A typical family farming situation now involves part-time farming with the day-time herding attended to by a senior farmer, left to handle large suckler-bred cattle. There have been over 207 deaths in Agriculture and Forestry over the last 10 years, (2009-2018) and in just 2019 alone a further 18 persons can be added to this earlier total.

One of the greatest risks to farmers is the often very solitary nature of their work. Regardless of age, farmers for the most part work alone and are often isolated from other people. There are multiple dangers ranging from using unprotected Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts; slurry agitation in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas; livestock handling; loose clothing becoming caught in farm machines, and attempts made to correct problems with farm machinery and equipment without the proper tools and training to avoid delaying necessary work.

Some of the farm safety measures proposed under the Farm Safety Scheme are installing yard lighting, cattle and sheep handling facilities (mobile and fixed), replacing hinged (swinging) doors with sliding or roller doors, retro-fitting of safety rails on silo walls and re-wiring existing farm buildings.

Deputy Lowry says that while the major issues raised during the Election Campaign are of huge importance to the future of farming in Tipperary and throughout Ireland, action must be taken to ensure that famers are safe in their place of work. “A properly funded Farm Safety Scheme is a matter of urgency”, says Deputy Lowry.

“Do Not Consume Notice” Issued With Regard To Templetuohy Water Supply

Please note, this is NOT a Boil Water Notice and boiling and cooling your water will NOT make it safe to drink for infants under six months.

Due to elevated levels of nitrate, the drinking water quality, entering the water supply scheme at Templetuohy village, near Thurles, Co. Tipperary has been contaminated.

As a result, and following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE); Irish Water and Tipperary County Council a “Do Not Consume Notice”, has been issued for all customers, especially for babies under the age of 6 months, which are being supplied by the Templetuohy Water Scheme supply.

The notice only applies to customers in receipt of today’s notice, latter posted through letterboxes.

Err on the side of caution
However, do err on the side of caution, just in case, accidently, nothing got posted through your mail box today.
Note: A Map of the Templetuohy Water Supply Scheme, detailing the area affected can be found HERE.

Note: Irish Water will provide bottled water to customers with children under six months old in this affected area. Customers should contact Tel: 1850 278278 to arrange for delivery.

Remember: An alternative safe water supply or bottled water should be only used to prepare infant feeds. Bottled water can be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of Natural Mineral Water, is regulated to the same standards as drinking water.