Finance « Thurles Information

Major Road Repairs Still Required Within The Town Of Thurles.

Temporary repairs which were undertaken this week on the surface of Slievenamon Road, has been successful.

Machine planing of this 200 metre section was undertaken on the night of July 29th last and total resurfacing was completed on the following night, thus greatly improving what was previously the most potholed streetscape of any town in Europe.

**Section of road at the junction incline on Innisfallon Avenue and Stradavoher *(R659)*.**

Sadly, to quote Mr Bertie Ahern’s old slogan from many past Irish General Elections, quote, “A lot done, but a lot more to do”.

Perhaps local councillors and their officials would like to take a peek at the public thoroughfare at the junction of Innisfallon Avenue and Stradavoher on the R659, opposite the Honda car dealership of Denis Kinane Motors.

Twice a week over the past number of years this area received a couple of shovels of cold tarmac; often beaten into pools of water. Two mounds of torn up loose gravel now forms two hillock on this steep incline, requiring same to be removed and more permanent repairs undertaken, as soon as possible.

When finished there, the entrance to Westgate might receive further consideration.

Lest, in our daily haste we forget, motor tax revenues generated an estimated €6.5 to €7.0 billion for the Irish Exchequer last year, according to reports.
The Irish State received over €1.6 billion from both the Vehicle Registration Tax on new and imported cars and the VAT on servicing parts and repairs. It also received almost €4.0 billion from fuel taxes and an estimated €1.0 billion from annual motor taxes. Based on the appearances of road surfaces over the past almost 4 years, it appears that Thurles town is entitled only to the odd daily shovel of cold tarmac to fill its craters.

Time now for these areas to be surface planed and resurfaced and stop wasting the precious time and energy of a skilled council worker force.

Temporary Road Works Have Begun Tonight On Slievenamon Road, Thurles.

Rathcabbin Tarmacadam staff have moved unto Slievenamon Road, Thurles, this evening, moving necessary machinery to begin the tarmac surface planing of some 200 metres of roadway.

The strip in question is the badly potholed area, existing between Liberty Square and the junction of Thomond Road East and Fianna Road West under the expert supervision of Rathcabbin Tarmacadam foreman Mr T.J. Slevin.
The surface planing being undertaken tonight creates a more level and better finish when a surface layer is laid. When Grading off a surface all the excavated asphalt is loaded straight onto the back of a lorry and removed from site. The material can then be recycled.

This work is expected to be completed in two nights; with aurface planing tonight and the laying of tarmac tomorrow night.

Rathcabbin Tarmacadam’s skilled staff are also responsible for the successful work, (also supervised by Mr Slevin,) currently being carried out on the busy Kickham Street area, east of Thurles town.

Local area residents have been most complementary with regards this companies traffic plans and with their personal dealings, which involves mutual assistance, while working towards a common goal, during the most difficult of operations.

Slievenamon Road.

Meanwhile, with regards to the Slievenamon Road (N62) area, we understand from Thurles Council officials, that the road repair currently being undertaken, are purely temporary and the initial planning upgrade, which Thurles.Info first published in early October of 2022, is now delayed, possibly for yet another year or more, as planning is now awaited for the upgrading of underground pipes.

To assist, traffic is being asked to avoid the Slievenamon road area, where possible.

National Development Plan Review Seen As Disappointing In Thurles.

The 49 page 2025 National Development Plan Review, which sets out departmental capital ceilings up to 2030 and overall capital investment to 2035 was published yesterday.

The National Development Plan can be read in full here.

Having briefly glanced through this document; to most people, I expect it will read like something a political party would publish having left office, in the hope of gaining re-election.

With Tipperary Co. Council unable to even fill a pothole in Thurles presently, residents of the town had, perhaps somewhat naively, expected some mention of funding for the long promised “Ring Road for Thurles”, but alas, once again the silence remains deafening.

One glimmer of hope perhaps, now stated in this National Development Plan review, states: “Over the coming months, individual Ministers will set out their priority programmes and projects within their capital allocations.
A clear focus will be on providing greater certainty on the projects and programmes that will advance and get delivered in the next five years, with realistic timelines and budgets. The development of project pipelines will assist the construction in planning and capacity over the coming years.”

Are we to take it that this long sought after “Ring Road” could be delivered within the next 20 years, given the present poor quality political representation currently available in the town?

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.

Incredible Toy Bargains Available If You Have Time To Shop Around.

While out shopping for a present for my granddaughter today, I visited Home Savers, (formerly Johnston’s Supermarket/McKevitt’s Costcutter), situated at No 21 Liberty Square Thurles, before taking a few steps to Tesco Supermarket, situated 12 doors further east at No 33 Liberty Square, Thurles.

**Note**: **See both price tags on bottom left hand side of similar toys**, **circled in red**.

Both shops can have great value deals on toys. However, while visiting both retail outlets, I spotted two similar sized “Barbie Doll” toys.
Incredibly, there was almost a €40.00 difference in price for both toys.

At Home Savers the Barbie Bakery Set, with two dolls and multiple kitchen accessories was €22.50.
In Tesco the similar sized Barbie Doll Doctor Set, with just one doll and again multiple doctor accessories was a whopping €60.00.

Proof, if proof was ever required, that it truly does pay to shop around, and that great bargains can be located by savvy shoppers.

Have you, the consumer, spotted any other great bargains to be found locally in Thurles?
Perhaps shoppers would like to share their experiences HERE, with our other readers?