Finance « Thurles Information

Uncultured Vandal Smears Historic Thurles Bridge Castle With Graffiti.

Despite street lighting being left switched on day and night in Thurles town, no person saw the graffiti “tagger” vandalising the wall of the historic Bridge Castle in our town centre.

Sadly, over the past 6 days, it would also appear that our Thurles Municipal District Councillors and officials remain totally unaffected by this errant and infantile behaviour, which now has become systemic, right across our town.

**View the work of a delinquent, which now for 6 days remains on show in a town that craves foreign tourism**.

Known historic background to Bridge Castle in Thurles
Bridge Castle Thurles overlooks Barry’s Bridge in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, latter which provides the main vehicle and pedestrian passage across the river Suir. The latter was originally constructed circa 1650 and was partially reconstructed again circa 1820.

This medieval Bridge Castle or tower house; the now focus of our attention is quite similar to many other such buildings erected across Ireland during the middle of the 15th century. Same was an attempt to control; collect tolls or taxes and if/when necessary to defend river crossings from marauding attacks by rival clans or invaders, using the small garrisons of armed soldiers, kept housed in such buildings.

**Wash drawing of Bridge Castle, Thurles, 1779-1793**.

This wash drawing, shown above, faces westward, (Circa 1779-1793, attributed to English artist J.J. Barralet 1747-1815.) shows the town of Thurles, with Barry’s Bridge and Bridge Castle in the foreground leading into the town centre, with a castle on the left, (Today the entrance to Friar Street.) and a Market House, centre in the town square. (Latter, partially ruined by fire, and eventually demolished in 1901 following the erection of the 1798 monument or Stone Man.) The castle building today still remains in excellent structural condition.

Plan of Bridge Castle,Thurles.
The Bridge Castle itself has dominated the Thurles skyline since 1453, built possibly by the Norman invader McRickard Butler of whom history records that he erected, that same year, two castles at Thurles and one at Buaidlic (Boulick).
It is a small three storey tower with a vault over the first floor. The original doorway may have been set in the west wall and connects to a spiral stairway which rises in the north west corner, giving full access to all the upper floors.
A small fragment of the once original east facing arched gateway of this once walled town protrudes today; attached to the north facing wall of this building.
The existing small pointed, arch doorway, a ‘Yett’, also on the north wall was possibly constructed to grant immediate access from the tower, for those charged with guarding this town entrance at this river crossing.

***A ‘yett’ and the small fragment of the original east/west arched gateway which still exists on Thurles Castle/Tower House, Co. Tipperary.***

Unlike a portcullis, which is raised and lowered vertically using mechanical means, yetts are hinged in the manner of a traditional gate or door and are secured either by bolts attached to the yett or by long bars drawn out from the wall or gateway.
Little history actually exists regarding Thurles Bridge Castle, however records do exist showing that on the 17th June 1617, the castle was leased: “Thomas, Lord Viscount Thurles, by deed grants to Richard Power, Donat O’Haly and Rd. Wale, all that castle called Bridge Castle with its appurtenances, parcel of the Manor and Lands of Thurles, for 21 years at £5 per annum and one swine (pig), one sheep and three capons.” *

* Note: A capon is a rooster that has been castrated to improve the quality of its flesh, for eating purposes.

The Down Survey (1655-1656), also known as the Civil Survey, (A mapping of Ireland undertaken by Sir William Petty, English Economist, Scientist and Philosopher), lists James Butler, Earl of Ormond (1610-1688) and Lady Elizabeth Butler (alias Preston) Viscountess Dowager of Thurles, (1615-1685) as the proprietors. Both the latter named are direct progenitors to the present heirs to the British Throne.

History also records that there were great celebrations in Thurles in 1768 when Francis Mathew, 1st Baron Landaff, later 1st Viscount Landaff and again later 1st Earl of Landaff (1738-1806), was elected Tipperary Member of Parliament, a position he held from 1768 to 1783. History informs us that bonfires burned, with the castle, bridge and market house illuminated. Plenty of free drink was available, with soldiers joining the local populace in the ensuing celebrations.

Hopefully, this repair work will be cheaper than the cleaning of Dublin’s Millennium Spire (also known as the Stiletto in the Ghetto; the Pin in the Bin, the Stiffy by the Liffey, the Spire in the Mire, or simply The Spike), which cost taxpayers €420.000 in 2020.

By the way, whoever goes down to clean this unsightly eyesore, same should be charged to remove the long plastic ribbons, found fluttering in the south-westerly breeze from the bridge’s street lights.
Local street wardens with their smart phones being used to photograph car reg numbers, should turn their attention to this blatant ribbon littering and prosecute the responsible “flag waving” individual. Someone will end up with an eye cornea damaged by these same razor sharp, plastic, ribbon edges, same being caught by the wind, and blown across the faces of unsuspecting, local pedestrians.

New Bridge Over River Shannon Opened Today.

A new bridge over the River Shannon, which will form part of the 6.2km Killaloe Bypass road project, connecting Killaloe, Co. Clare with Ballina Co. Tipperary, has been officially opened today.
The new structure has been named the ‘Brian Ború Bridge’, latter the name of a 73 year old ancient Munster High King of Ireland (941-1014). Ború was killed at the Battle of Clontarf, by a fleeing defeated Viking, named ‘Brodar’, who supposedly came upon the old king while he was in his tent praying during the battle.

**One of ten pedestrian river viewing points staged along the Brian Ború Bridge.**

Taking two and a half years to complete at a cost of some €88 million; the construction of the bridge was carried out by John Sisk and Son Ltd, who were awarded the contract by Clare and Tipperary County Councils.

The need for this bridge/bypass had been evident for many years and will, from today, remove congested traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, out of the two tourist town centres, positioned either side of the River Shannon, thus providing a needed boost to the tourism sector in that area.

EPA Highlights Significant Increase In Government Green Procurement.

EPA Highlights Significant Increase In Government Green Procurement, But ICT Sector Lags Behind.

Of €1.24 billion spend by government departments on contracts in 2023, 82 per cent included green criteria, up from 34 per cent in 2022. There are, however, inconsistencies across sectors.
ICT Products & Services contracts included green criteria in only 29 per cent of cases, indicating the need for wider adoption.
In contrast, all reported procurement of Food & Catering Services and Heating Equipment, included green criteria, with a total value of €583,447.
Eight government departments lacked a formal system for tracking Green Public Procurement (GPP) implementation.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its fourth report on Green Public Procurement (GPP) adoption by government departments. GPP allows public authorities to source goods, services or works that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle while also achieving value for money.

A total spend of €1.24 billion across 18 government departments was reported. Of this, 82 per cent of contracts, valued at €1.02 billion, included green criteria (compared to 34 per cent in 2022).

GPP implementation varied widely across government departments, with the number of contracts incorporating GPP ranging from zero to 100%. There was an inconsistency in application of green criteria across product & services sectors, with high adoption reported for Food & Catering Services and Heating Equipment (100%), but low adoption in contracts for ICT Products & Services (29%).

Launching the report Ms Laura Burke, Director General, said: “This report shows a welcome increase in the use of green public procurement by central government. Full adoption across all government departments is a powerful lever to achieve better economic and environmental value as well as showing leadership in a transition to a greener, more circular economy. The EPA has developed practical guidance to support Government Departments and other public bodies to accelerate green purchasing.”

Tracking of GPP remains an issue to be addressed with eight of the 18 Government Departments lacking a formal system for tracking GPP implementation.

Mr David Flynn, Director, EPA Office of Environmental Sustainability added: “Government, local authorities and other public sector organisations collectively procure over €18 billion worth of goods, services and works. Whilst it is important that GPP is used by government departments, a broader adoption across the entire public sector will ensure that public funds are used effectively and responsibly while reducing the environmental impact of our public services.”

The report ‘Green Public Procurement: Monitoring and Reporting by Government Departments, 2023 Reference Year’ is now available on the EPA website HERE.

Tipperary Man Declan Kelly Joins David Beckham & Gary Neville In Salford FC Purchase.

North Tipperary Businessman Declan Kelly Joins David Beckham and Gary Neville to purchase Salford City FC.

As part of the acquisition deal, Mr Kelly, (founder of advisory business,‘Consello’ which has offices in Ireland), will co-chair the northern English club with leading UK financier Baron Mervyn Davies (former banker and Labour government Minister until May 2010). Both the latter, together with Mr Beckham and Mr Neville, are understood to have assembled several leading investors, before acquiring the club, following negotiations over a number of months.

The ‘Consello’ company is an Advisory and Investing Platform. The company claims to provides counsel to the most senior business leaders in the world on a wide range of corporate issues that impact their businesses. Their Investment business, Consello Capital, identifies high-potential mid-market companies and invests capital and expertise to transform their growth.

Mr Neville and Mr Beckham had previously owned the club in partnership with others, with the club receiving, four promotions in just five years and narrowly missing out on this year’s League 2 play-off’s, last weekend.

The acquisition has been uniquely structured, through a members club made up of nine shareholders including Dream Sports Group (India’s leading sports technology company), Colin Ryan (Founder, Clipper Street Capital), Frank Ryan (Global Co-Chair, Global Co-CEO, and Americas Chair, DLA Piper), Nick Woodhouse (Executive Vice Chairman, Authentic Brands Group), and Shravin Mittal (Founder of ‘Unbound’).

Commenting on the overall acquisition, Mr Kelly has stated that this new ownership structure will bring the right mix to take Salford FC, to the next level, with the group comprising some of the best in the world at what they do; thus hopefully driving the club forward.

Mr Kelly, we understand will also be responsible for building out the club’s commercial operations within the UK and around the world, while drawing on the expertise of the broader investor group, made up of individuals with backgrounds in sports, entertainment, banking, law and technology.

Sky Football pundit; former Manchester United Captain and Salford City Co-Owner, Mr Gary Neville, is also Chairperson of ‘Consello Sports’ in the UK and a business partner of Mr Kelly.

Mr David Beckham, who celebrated his 50th birthday on May 2nd last, was a onetime native of Salford City, Greater Manchester, England.

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is believed that the collective group have raised over $15m to boost Salford’s sporting and infrastructural ambitions, with each member expected to hold between a 5% to10% stake, in all totalling 80%, while the remaining 20% remains earmarked for other possible additional partners.

The new ownership group will take responsibility for the operations of the Club’s activities with immediate effect.

Thurles Town Strangled By Traffic Admits An Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin.

Speaking in Dáil Éireann the newly elected north Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD Mr Ryan O’Meara, has concurred that the town of Thurles is being strangled by traffic issues; requiring immediate attention for an inner relief road. Same, if funding was provided, would link the N62 at Slievenamon Road to the Mill Road, thus providing a third vehicle bridge.

**Proposed Inner Relief Road for Thurles**

[Funny that, VIEW HERE. Back in 2021, we here in Thurles were previously informed that funding had already been acquired.]

However, many residents believe that Mr Ryan O’Meara has been fed false or inaccurate information and most business leaders see the proposed inner relief road as further waste of public funding.
An inner relief road already exists via the Mill Road, same entering and exiting south of Thurles at Turtulla Cross on the N62, which has seen 3 vehicles crash and be written-off, within the past 12 months.

Any new inner relief will only permit the exit and entering of vehicles closer into the town centre, with HGV traffic still required to travel to the four corners of Ireland, directly through our medieval streetscapes, which for the past 4 years have become a bottle neck, currently existing for all vehicles attempting to pass through Thurles town centre.

The only piece of common sense and perhaps even a small glimmer of hope was expressed by An Taoiseach, Mr Micheál Martin TD, responding to our misinformed, raw recruit, Mr Ryan O’Meara.
Mr Martin stated that the long queues of traffic being experienced, would become a thing of the past, if Thurles had a ring road/bypass and he would try to feed that into an expected review of the present National Development Plan.

As for Fianna Fáil TD, Mr Ryan O’Meara’s speech interjection in Dáil Éireann; same was perceived and smelled of the scent of a vote catching press release, same greedily accepted from his Nenagh office by local press, who were obviously experiencing a slow news day.