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.
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?
River Suir, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Pic: G. Willoughby.
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.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today welcomes the introduction of new EU labelling rules for honey, which came into effect on 14th June 2026.
The updated legislation introduces strengthened requirements for the labelling of honey in relation to the declaration of country of origin. Under the new rules, all countries of origin for blended honey must be clearly indicated on the label, in descending order of weight, along with the percentage contribution of each country. This information must be presented in the principal field of vision of the product, ensuring it is easily visible to consumers at the point of purchase.
Country of origin declaration applies to honey produced, packaged, labelled and for sale on the market after 14 June 2026. Before this date, origin declaration for honey had more general descriptions such as ‘a blend of EU honeys’ or ‘a blend of EU and non-EU honeys’, without further detail on the specific countries of origin. Honey produced, packaged, labelled and on the market on or before 14 June 2026, will legitimately remain on the market for several months with this previously acceptable origin declaration so it will therefore take some time before consumers see this change on the labels.
Welcoming the changes to the EU labelling rules for honey, Mr Greg Dempsey, (Chief Executive, FSAI), stated that improved origin labelling for honey will enhance transparency, support informed consumer choice and strengthen trust in honey products available on the Irish market. “The new EU labelling requirements for honey represent a positive development for both consumers and for food businesses. Providing clearer information on the country of origin of honey supports informed decision-making by consumers, while also promoting fairness and greater transparency across the supply chain. The new EU rules provide clarity for food businesses on how country of origin information must be declared on honey. All food businesses placing honey on the market after 14 June are required to ensure that their labelling complies with these new requirements.”
All food businesses involved in the production, packing, distribution or sale of honey must ensure that their labels are fully compliant with the new EU requirements. The FSAI will continue to work with official agencies and food businesses to support compliance with the legislation and to ensure that consumers are provided with accurate and clear information about the food they purchase.
Thousands of children across Ireland are still waiting for an initial appointment with a Child Disability Network Team, with families in North and South Tipperary among those affected by long delays.
HSE figures show that 8,200 children were on waiting lists for first contact with a CDNT at the end of March, including 5,261 children who had been waiting for more than 12 months. The overall figure marks a fall from 8,648 children recorded at the end of 2025.
The figures show that Tipperary is split across two HSE regions, meaning waiting-list pressures affecting families in the county are recorded under separate regional totals.
North Tipperary falls within HSE Mid West, which also covers Clare and Limerick. In that region, 1,109 children were awaiting first contact with a CDNT, including 599 children who had been waiting for more than a year.
South Tipperary is counted within HSE Dublin and South East, alongside Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, most of Wicklow and parts of South Dublin. That region had the second-largest waiting list nationally, with 2,078 children awaiting first contact. Of those, 1,432 children had been waiting longer than 12 months. The split means there is no single headline waiting-list figure for Tipperary in the regional data, despite children in both the north and south of the county being affected by delays.
Nationally, HSE Dublin Midlands had the largest waiting list, with 2,252 children awaiting first contact. Of these, 1,669 had been waiting longer than a year. The area includes Dublin South City and West, Dublin South West, Kildare, West Wicklow, Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath. HSE Dublin North East recorded 1,908 children waiting for first contact, with 1,269 waiting over a year. The region includes North Dublin, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and most of Cavan.
HSE West and North West, covering Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, West Cavan, Mayo, Galway and Roscommon, had 452 children awaiting contact, while HSE South West, covering Cork and Kerry, had 401 children on waiting lists. The figures come amid continuing staffing pressures across CDNT services. A report showed that, as of October 2025, the vacancy rate across CDNT posts stood at 18%, with 457 positions unfilled.
The HSE is the lead agency for 43 of the country’s 93 CDNTs. Enable Ireland operates 20 teams, while Brothers of Charity provides six. Among providers, Enable Ireland had funding for 502.3 whole-time equivalent posts, with 85% filled. Brothers of Charity had 208.9 funded whole-time equivalent posts, with 89% filled. The highest vacancy rate was recorded in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, where 54% of posts were vacant. Gorey in Co Wexford and Waterford North City each had vacancy rates of 52%.
At regional level, Dublin and South East had the highest vacancy rate, with one quarter of posts unfilled. Occupational therapy posts remain under pressure, with 27% vacant, equivalent to 40.9 unfilled positions. Clinical psychology vacancies were also high, with 44% of posts unfilled, or 41.6 vacancies. There are 93 Child Disability Network Teams aligned with 96 Community Healthcare Networks nationwide. The teams provide services and supports for children and young people from birth to 18 years of age.
FSAI warn of recall of specific batches of pork mince products due to the presence of Salmonella.
Alert Summary dated Friday, June 12th 2026.
Category 1: For Action. Alert Notification: 2026.32. Product Identification: Please see table below. Batch Code: Please see table below for batch numbers and use by dates. Country Of Origin: Ireland.
Pork Products.
Message:Kepak is recalling the below batches of pork mince products due to the presence of Salmonella. Recall notices will be displayed at points of sale.
Product.
Pack size.
Use by date.
Batch number.
Approval number.
Lidl Family Pack 100% Irish Pork Mince.
800g.
16/06/2026.
L5159.
IE 329 EC.
SuperValu Fresh Irish Pork Mince.
400g.
16/06/2026.
L5159.
IE 329 EC.
SuperValu Fresh Irish Pork Mince.
800g.
16/06/2026.
L6159.
IE 329 EC.
Nature Of Danger: People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
Action Required:Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Distributors, Caterers & Retailers: Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batches from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale. Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.
FSAI warn of Recall of a batch of Surasang Frozen Oysters, due to the presence of Norovirus.
Alert Summary dated Friday, 12th June 2026.
Category 1: For Action. Alert Notification: 2026.31. Product Identification: Surasang Frozen Oysters; pack size: 226g. Batch Code Best-before date: 25/04/2027. Country Of Origin: Republic ofKorea.
Message: The above batch of Surasang Frozen Oysters is being recalled due to the presence of Norovirus. Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in stores supplied with the implicated batch.
Nature Of Danger: Norovirus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in Ireland. It is also known as the winter vomiting bug. Infection with norovirus can cause nausea (often sudden onset), vomiting (often projectile) and watery diarrhoea. Symptoms usually begin around 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected, and last 1 or 2 days. Most people make a full recovery, however some people (usually the very young or older adults) may become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment. Norovirus is very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Good hygiene is important in preventing others from becoming infected. This includes thorough hand washing. Food preparation should also be avoided until 3 days after symptoms have gone.
Action Required: Manufacturers, Wholesalers, Distributors, Caterers & Retailers: Wholesalers/Distributors: Same are requested to contact their affected customers and recall the implicated batch and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to retailer customers. Retailers: Same are requested to remove the implicated batch from sale and display recall notices at point-of-sale.
Consumers: Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batch.
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