Farming « Thurles Information

River Suir: 14 Years Of Talk – When Will Real Action Begin?

Yesterday, the EPA issued a stark warning in its press release: “Faster action is needed, as water quality shows little overall improvement in 2025.”

There has been little change in water quality indicators in 2025. Overall water quality remains unsatisfactory in many areas.
Excess nutrients from agriculture and wastewater remain the greatest challenge to water quality improvements, with phosphorous and nitrate levels still too high in many of our waters.
Some areas show improvements which is promising, but these are being offset by declines elsewhere. The scale and pace of implementation of actions to protect and restore water quality needs to be increased.

The message could not be clearer, and it should be a wake-up call for every community living beside a river in Ireland, including those of us along the River Suir.

The EPA’s Water Quality in 2025: An Indicators Report shows that there has been little change in water quality indicators in 2025, with overall water quality still unsatisfactory in many areas. Nutrient levels remain too high in a large proportion of water bodies, and slightly more than half; 54% of rivers and lakes are in good or better biological quality. So the question must be asked locally: why is the River Suir still being neglected?
For the past 14 years, we have heard promises, plans, meetings, schemes, visits and announcements, but the visible condition of parts of the Suir, particularly around Thurles, remains totally unacceptable.

**River Suir, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*.

On 25 May 2026, Tipp Mid West Radio reported that North Tipperary TD Mr Michael Lowry said he was submitting a funding application for works on the River Suir between Templemore and Ballycamas. That announcement is indeed welcome, but it also raises a very simple question: after so many years of concern about the condition of the Suir, why are we still at the stage of applications, announcements and proposed works?

We are also told that the Government has amended the Minor Works Scheme, that Tipperary County Council has been allocated €150,000 for river conveyance works, and that funding applications of up to €2 million may be made to cover remedial works. Mr Lowry has said he will work with Cllr Micheál Lowry to progress a plan for the River Suir, and Minister Kevin “Boxer” Moran is expected to visit Thurles to view the river’s condition.
That is welcome, but it cannot become yet another photo opportunity, followed by another decade of delay.

**Sewage openly flowing into** **River Suir, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*.

The EPA is clear that excess nutrients from agriculture, wastewater and run-off remain the greatest challenge to improving water quality. It has also said that while some areas are improving, those gains are being offset by declines elsewhere, and that the scale and pace of action must increase.

LAWPRO is working across the wider River Suir catchment to reduce damaging discharges, while community groups and Rivers Trust initiatives are encouraging local people, landowners and stakeholders to get involved in protecting the Suir and its tributaries. That community involvement is important, but communities cannot do this alone.

The missing ingredient for the River Suir is not more talk, it is delivery. We need clear answers:

► What works will be carried out?
► When will they begin?
► Who is responsible for delivery?
► Has the funding application now been submitted?
► What section of the river will be prioritised first?
► How will pollution and damaging discharges be reduced?
► How will progress be measured and reported publicly?

The River Suir is one of this region’s greatest natural assets. It should not be treated as an afterthought. Clean water supports biodiversity, public health, recreation, tourism, farming, fishing and local pride.

After 14 years of discussion, the people of Thurles and the wider Suir catchment area deserve more than statements of concern.
They deserve action, visible funded and accountable.

EPA Projections Show Ireland Remains Off Track For 2030 Climate Targets.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its greenhouse gas emission projections for the period 2025-2055.

Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions could achieve a reduction of up to 25% by 2030, compared to a national target of 51%, with full implementation of a wide range of policies and plans across all sectors.
Ireland will be close to meeting the first carbon budget, but nearly all sectors are on track to exceed their sectoral emissions ceilings for the second carbon budget by 2030.
Ireland is projected to exceed its EU Effort Sharing Regulation target of 42% reduction by 2030. EPA projects a maximum reduction of 23%.
With less than four years left to 2030, there must be a strong focus on implementation of policies and measures to meet climate targets which will deliver wide-ranging benefits from environmental protection, supporting public health and wellbeing and reducing Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels.

EPA analysis shows that Ireland’s planned climate policies and measures could deliver reductions of up to 25% of emissions by 2030, compared to 2018 levels. Assessment of the latest information provided by Governmental bodies and sector representatives indicates that the gap to target is widening in some sectors of the economy, while narrowing in others.

Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be close to meeting the first Carbon Budget (2021-2025) of 295 Mt CO2eq. The second budget is projected to be exceeded by a significant margin of 53 to 82 Mt CO2eq.

Transport, Industry and the Buildings (Commercial and Public) sectors are projected to be the furthest from achieving their sectoral emission ceilings in 2030. Agriculture emissions are projected to reduce by up to 19%.

Dr Eimear Cotter, EPA Director General, said: “The EPA’s projections show that the current rate of delivery of the Climate Action Plan and associated policies could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 – only half of the reductions needed. While greenhouse gas emissions are declining, European and national emission reduction targets are projected to be missed. There must be a renewed focus on delivering the actions to meet Ireland’s climate targets which will be a significant challenge given the short timeframe to 2030.”

Dr Cotter added: “Meeting these targets will deliver multiple benefits. These include reducing Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels in electricity, transport and heating and strengthening national energy security and resilience. Achieving these emission reductions will also improve public health, provide green employment and protect our environment. Overall, these trends demonstrate that progress is achievable but accelerating delivery is critical. Renewable energy is now expected to provide nearly 60% of Ireland’s electricity by 2030. It is imperative given the increasing demand for electricity across several sectors, that renewables are delivered at the pace and scale required to meet this demand.”

Agriculture.
Depending on the level of implementation of measures outlined in Government policies and plans, total emissions from the Agriculture sector will decrease between 4% and 19% over the period of 2018 to 2030. Changes in nitrogen fertiliser usage, switching to different fertilisers and lower anticipated livestock numbers contribute to projected emissions savings. A direct comparison of the Agriculture sector against its absolute Sectoral Emission Ceiling is no longer possible given recent scientific updates to baseline historical agriculture emissions.

Transport.
Emissions from Transport are projected to reduce by up to 28% over the period 2018 to 2030, if the measures set out in plans and policies are implemented. These include at least 751,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030, increased biofuel blend rates and measures to support more sustainable transport.

Residential Emissions.
Emissions from fuel combustion for home and hot water heating are projected to decrease by up to 18% by 2030. Lower uptake of home energy improvement measures, including planned heat pump installation in existing dwellings, has lowered predictions for emissions savings by 2030.

Industry.
Fuel combustion in manufacturing is the primary source of emissions in this sector; emissions from mineral, chemical and metal industries contribute the next largest portion. Emissions from this sector are projected to reduce by 12% over the period 2018 to 2030.

Energy.
Continued rollout of renewable electricity generation to provide 52% – 59% of Ireland’s electricity by 2030 as well as increased importation of electricity from interconnectors, are contributing to reductions in Ireland’s emissions. However, delayed delivery of planned renewable energy projects such as offshore wind have lowered potential emissions savings by 2030.

Land use.
Emissions from this sector are projected to increase between 4% to 72% over the period of 2018 to 2030 as Irish forestry reaches harvesting age, and shifts from being a carbon sink to a source of emissions. Planned policies and measures for the sector, such as increased afforestation, water table management on agricultural organic soils and peatland rehabilitation are projected to reduce the extent of the emissions increase.

Commenting, Dr Conor Quinlan, Programme Manager said: “The shortfall to our 2030 targets is narrowing in some sectors, for example emissions in the Transport sector are now projected to reduce by up to 28%. Encouragingly, projections for electric vehicle uptake has improved, reflecting growing confidence in the transition to cleaner transport. In contrast, the gap is widening in others such as the Residential sector which is projected now to reduce by up to 18%. It is imperative that ambition and action is maintained across all sectors if we are to meet our targets and realise the benefits of decarbonisation for our society.”

For further detail on these figures, see the EPA report Greenhouse Gas Emission Projections 2025 to 2055 and EPA Greenhouse Gas web resource on the EPA website.

River Suir in Thurles: Fine Words Are Not Enough.

River Suir in Thurles; Fine words are not enough, while the river Suir remains in a state of further decline.

Looking skyward from Barry’s Bridge in Thurles, my eyes are drawn to the golden Laburnum I planted there in 1989, now grown into the full grace of maturity. Along the eastern bank of the River Suir, the Hawthorn too is in bloom, softening the riverside walkway with its delicate spring beauty.
Yet, for all this natural splendour, the exposed bed of the Suir successfully dims the scene, drawing the eye away from the quiet enchantment of tree, blossom, bridge, and river.

Reading a local newspaper report recently, one wonders, has Cllr Mrs Kay Cahill Skehan actually walked along the River Suir in Thurles recently and has she observed the current condition it is in?

The video shown below is only a small example of what people in Thurles are expected to look at: shopping trolleys dumped, plastic, debris, waste caught along the banks, and a general appearance that is simply unacceptable for a river running through the heart of a busy historic, midland town.

Two very large piles of shredded timber are currently located, dumped within approximately half a metre of the river’s edge, following recent tree-pruning works in the area.

This presents a serious environmental and flood-related risk. In the event of heavy rainfall or flooding over the coming months, the lightweight shredded timber is likely to float and be carried downstream. Once saturated, the material may also release tannins, resins and other wood leachate into the water, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. Research on wood residue near aquatic environments notes that wood leachate can have harmful effects on fish and aquatic habitats.
As both piles appear to be located within a flood-risk area and immediately adjacent to the riverbank, they should be removed and relocated without delay. If immediate removal is not possible, the piles should at minimum be securely covered with heavy-duty tarpaulin and properly weighted or fastened to prevent displacement during heavy rain or rising water levels.
We won’t mention the nice piles of logs, as some smart individual might decide to bag them for use as firing next winter.

**Whatever other effluent is being washed into the river water, same forms a rich soapy caught by the overhanging vegetation..**

We have reported this matter to the Local Authority and request that urgent action be taken to prevent potential pollution, obstruction, and downstream environmental damage.

Cllr Mrs Cahill Skehan is correct when she says the River Suir is a huge issue for Thurles. She is also correct in stating that people notice it more when water levels drop. But the people of Thurles do not need more sympathy. What they crave is action.

There is also a wider issue here. Her brother, former Fianna Fáil TD and former Chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee Mr Jackie Cahill, recently appointed Chairperson of the National Milk Agency by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon in April 2026, was also a prominent critic of the reduction in Ireland’s nitrates derogation from 250kg to 220kg organic nitrogen per hectare, warning of serious consequences for the dairy sector.

Indeed, no one sector should carry all the blame. But we also have to be honest. Nitrogen leaching, nitrates, agricultural run-off and intensive land use are a major part of the water-quality problem in the River Suir.
Farmers cannot be blamed for shopping trolleys dumped in the River Suir, but agriculture cannot be written out of the wider pollution picture either.

So where does that leave Thurles?
It leaves us with a river that is visibly neglected, environmentally under pressure, and politically talked about for the last 15 years with absolutely no action being taken.
Local Authority Waters Programme officials, (LAWPRO), may be sampling water. Reports may be being written. Presentations may be being given, but no one needs a scientific investigation to view shopping trolleys in the river. No one needs a catchment study to identify rubbish, plastic, clothing and debris sitting in plain sight. This is the work of highly paid Municipal District officials.

If Cllr Mrs Cahill Skehan is serious about the River Suir being an issue for Thurles, then the question must be asked; what immediate action is being demanded from Tipperary County Council and the other relevant authorities, to clean what is clearly visible today?
The public are tired of hearing that “work is ongoing”, while the river remains a total eyesore.

Thurles deserves better than this. The River Suir should be an asset to the town, not something people are embarrassed to walk past, holding their noses.

Responsibility must be shared, yes; but responsibility must also be acted upon.

Shannon Pipeline Project Moves Forward, Despite Strong Tipperary Opposition.

The controversial Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region has cleared another major hurdle, after its business case was approved by the Uisce Éireann board and noted by Government.

The decision allows the project, which would take water from the River Shannon at Parteen Basin and pipe it towards the Greater Dublin Area, to move into its next phase, including procurement and tendering. Uisce Éireann says the scheme is needed to reduce the east coast’s dependence on the River Liffey and to provide a more secure water supply for up to half the State’s population.

Under the proposal, water would be abstracted from the lower Shannon, treated near Birdhill in Co Tipperary, and then transported through Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare to Peamount in Dublin. Uisce Éireann says the project would involve taking a maximum of 2% of the long-term average flow at Parteen Basin and insists its studies show no negative impact on Shannon water levels or water quality.

However, the plan has faced sustained opposition across Co Tipperary and the wider Shannon region. Local concerns centre on the principle of removing water from the Shannon system to serve the east of the country, with opponents questioning whether enough has been done to protect Lough Derg, the Lower Shannon, wildlife habitats, farming communities and local water needs. Others argue that Dublin’s supply problems should be tackled first through leak reduction, conservation and upgrades to existing infrastructure before a multi-billion euro pipeline is advanced.

There are also concerns among landowners along the proposed route, including disruption during construction, compulsory purchase issues, long-term restrictions on land use and the scale of works required for a 170km pipeline. Critics in Tipperary have repeatedly described the project as one that asks rural communities to carry the environmental and construction burden for the benefit of the capital.

Uisce Éireann has defended the scheme as essential national infrastructure. It says the project would not only serve Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, but could also create a treated-water “spine” with future offtakes for communities in Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath.

Gary Gibson, Senior Programme Manager with the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region, states that the utility is already seeking contractors as the project progresses. If planning is secured, Uisce Éireann has previously indicated that construction could begin in 2028 and take around five years to complete.

LAWPRO Small Grants And Events Scheme 2026 – Overview.

Community Water Officer Mr Darragh Kelly with LAWPRO (Local Authority Waters Programme) reports:

I am delighted to announce that the 2026 Small Grants & Events Scheme is now open for applications.
I attach a copy of the revised 2026 guidelines and also a link HERE to the Small Grants and Events Scheme 2026 portal.

This grant scheme is designed for community groups seeking support for small-scale initiatives and events that fall outside of LAWPRO’s targeted funding calls. It supports activities such as World Wetlands Day, Biodiversity Week, Science Week, and similar events.

Funding may also be used for awareness-raising initiatives including surveys, action plans, citizen science projects, meetings, workshops, litter picks, publications, biodiversity signage, and other small-scale projects.

Note: All applications must demonstrate a clear focus on water quality or water awareness.
Please Also Note: This application form must not be used for events taking place during Heritage Week (15th–23rd August 2026). A separate application process for Heritage Week funding will be announced in advance.

Download Guidelines for LAWPRO Small Grants and Events Scheme 2026.
→ Please ensure you are logged in as a registered user, before you start completing a form.
◘ You must contact your local Community Water Officer before making an application.
→ Contact details for LAWPRO’s CWOs can be found HERE.
◘ Each application will be assessed based on its merits as it is submitted.
→ There is no obligation on LAWPRO to request any outstanding or supporting information.
◘ Please read the Guidelines carefully before making an application.