Helpful Tips - Thurles Information

New Rules & Regulations Regarding E-Scooters Now In Force.

From yesterday, Monday 20th May, e-scooters will be legal to use and operate on a public road, under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, however, it should be noted that the following rules and restrictions will apply.

E-scooters can only be used:

by people over 16 years of age.
on cycle and bus lanes.
on local, regional and national roads.

E-scooters are not permitted:

to be used by people under 16 years-of-age.
to carry goods or passengers.
to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.
to exceed a speed limit of 20 km/h.

Note: An Garda Síochána will be enforcing the new rules and regulations with regards same vehicles.

Q. What is an e-scooter?
A. An electric scooter (e-scooter) is a vehicle with a small standing platform and no seat, for use by one person only, with two or more wheels, propelled by an electric motor. The rider may also propel the e-scooter forward by pushing.

Q. When do the new laws for e-scooters come into force?
A. The regulations for e-scooters came into force yesterday, Monday May 20th 2024.

Q. Are e-scooters legal in Ireland?
A. From May 20th 2024, e-scooters are legal to use on public roads under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023.

Q. What is the minimum age limit for e-scooter users?
A. E-scooter users must be aged 16 years or older. Gardai will have the power to seize an e-scooter if it’s being used by anyone under the age of 16 years.

Q. Do I need to register, tax, or insure my e-scooter?
A. No.

Q. Do I need a licence to use my e-scooter in a public place?
A. No.

Q. What are the rules for using e-scooters in Ireland?
A. From May 20th 2024, e-scooter users must:

Drive on the left, including in cycle and bus lanes.
Be 16 or older.
Obey the rules of the road, particularly for traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, pelican crossings and zebra crossings.
Obey signals given by a Garda or school warden.
Obey all traffic lights, including bicycle traffic lights.
Obey all traffic signs in the same way that they apply to cyclists.
Not carry passengers or goods.
Not use the footpath.
Obey a speed limit of 20km/h.
Not hold or use a mobile phone.

Q. What are the technical specifications for e-scooters?
A. E-scooters must:

Have a maximum power output of 400 watts or less.
Have a maximum weight of 25 kg (including batteries).
Have a maximum design speed of 20 km/h or less.
Have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200mm.
Be fitted with front and rear lights, reflectors, brakes and a bell.
Be fitted with a manufacturer’s plate certifying the power output, weight and design speed.

Q. What if my e-scooter doesn’t meet the technical requirements in the regulations?
A. If your e-scooter doesn’t meet the current legislative requirements, it will remain illegal for you to use it in a public place. Same will be subject to enforcement by An Garda Síochana and may be seized.

Q. Can I carry a passenger on an e-scooter?
A. No. It’s illegal and unsafe for you to carry a passenger on an e-scooter and a fixed charge notice will apply if you’re caught.

Q. What rules apply for e-scooters for alcohol/drugs?
A. An e-scooter may not be used while under the influence of an intoxicant. An e-scooter user charged with this offence will face a court appearance and can be fined up to €2,000.

Q. What are the rules governing the use of e-scooters in public places?
A. From 20 May, E-scooters can be used:
• by people over 16.
• on cycle and bus lanes.
• on local, regional and national roads.

E-scooters are not permitted:
• to be used by people under 16.
• to carry goods or passengers.
• to have a seat.
• to be used on footpaths, pedestrianised areas or on motorways.

In addition, where a bicycle is not permitted, e-scooters are not permitted either.

Rules that govern bicycle use, also now apply to the use of e-scooters.

Some 51,000 Food Businesses To Benefit, As FSAI Launch New Learning Portal.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) today announced the launch of its new ‘Learning Portal’, latter an easy-to-navigate digital platform designed to consolidate best-in-class compliance training content and resources on food safety and hygiene. The introduction of this new desktop and mobile compatible learning portal aims to strengthen adherence with food safety legal requirements and supplement the food safety training provided by food businesses to their staff.

The new learning portal, now available to more than 51,000 food businesses, is free to use and offers a wealth of specialised content to assist users in keeping up to date with the latest food safety requirements.
The learning portal’s materials can be easily incorporated into food safety courses, staff meetings, or used for self-learning, allowing learners to study at their own pace and convenience. It was developed to assist in building compliance by food businesses and it includes eLearning modules, webinars, short videos, and explanatory materials covering a broad range of relevant topics.

Welcoming the new learning resource, Dr Pamela Byrne, CEO, FSAI said: “The launch of the ‘Learning Portal’ underscores our commitment to ensuring the highest level of food safety standards are achieved across Ireland. It is imperative that all food businesses recognise the importance of food safety training and the consequences if their staff are not properly trained. Untrained staff can lead to serious non-compliances, which can put consumers’ health at risk. It is the food business’s legal requirement to ensure the food they are producing, selling or distributing is safe to eat. We believe ongoing training and development is an essential component of every food business. I strongly encourage all food businesses across the country to avail of this free resource to assist in creating an ongoing positive culture of food safety compliance in their business”.

The primary content areas of focus include:
Food Safety Culture: This module provides guidance on how to develop and maintain an appropriate food safety culture in a food business, in order to be able to demonstrate this to inspectors and customers. Food safety is legally required to be placed at the core of every food business.

Food Safety Controls in Ireland: This module outlines the role of the FSAI and other official agencies responsible for supervising food businesses in Ireland. It also provides training and information around the latest resources and supports available to food businesses to ensure the highest standards in operational food practices.

Why Food Safety Matters: A module designed to highlight and create understanding around the importance of food safety in protecting the public health and the risks associated with non-compliance.

Product Recall: In line with the latest Irish and EU legislation this topic includes easy to understand short videos outlining what steps need to be taken in the case of a product recall.

The FSAI calls on all food businesses and relevant food professionals to access the new ‘Learning Portal’ and take advantage of its valuable resources to enhance food safety practices across the country.

You can access the FSAI Learning Portal HERE.

Brace Yourself, Price Hikes Are Coming In April 2024.

Households across Ireland are bracing themselves for further price increases on Monday next “All Fools’ Day”, April 1st 2024. But the price increases promised for fuel, broadband, mobile phone and television should not be seen as just a practical joke or hoax.

From midnight on April 1st, the cost of petrol and diesel will rise with the price at the pumps rising by an extra 4 cent per litre for petrol, 3 cent per litre for diesel and 1.5 cent for marked gas oil. These increases are a step by the Government to restore excise rates to the levels they were at before a temporary cut was introduced due to the war in Ukraine.

You have two days to fill vehicle tanks, before fuel price hikes take effect.

From April 1st also, customers of Vodafone and Eir will see their bills go up by 7.6 per cent. Customers of Three will see their prices rise by a flat 4.5 per cent. Sky and Virgin Media have not committed to an annual automatic price hikes as yet.

It is no coincidence that all price rises across telecom industry providers, continue to hike their prices by a similar amount and at a similar time each year. However, consumers can save on their broadband and TV bills each year, by switching. Remember, mobile phones can be used to create WIFI hotspots for internet connectivity with most devices, (USB-tethering), while switching to other, cheaper providers.

Also, from April 15th, 2024, the price of certain beers will be hiked by a 6% increase on Diageo products, namely Guinness, Carlsberg and Smithwick’s, which when tax is included, will come to almost a 10% increase.

Final Week Of Mnásome Events At Cashel Library.

Ms Maura Barrett, (Cashel Library) Reports:-

Only 3 of the 5 events remaining on our final week of “Mnásome events”, remain open to the public at Cashel Library. Two other events being held are now fully booked out.

Monday 25th March at 12:00 noon: – “Silk Painting” with Damien McCarron – Now Fully Booked

Tuesday 26th March at 3:00pm: – “Genealogy” with Ms Mary Guinan Darmody.
Your library service holds many FREE resources which can greatly assist in genealogical research, and Mary opens up these wonders.

Tuesday 26th March, Movie Evening at 6:00pm: – The film ‘Shirley Valentine’ is an Academy Award winning Rom Com (romantic comedy), featuring a middle-aged Shirley Valentine rediscovering herself and rekindling her childhood dreams and youthful love of life. (Suitable for persons over 18 years).

Wednesday 27th March at 2.30pm: – “Sustainable Jewellery Making” with Gillian Tobin – Now Fully Booked

Thursday 28th March at 3pm: “Circle Dancing”, with Tracey Tobin – a gentle healing way to bring body, mind and spirit together. Let your mind learn from your body.

Booking is essential in advance of your attendance for all three events, so please do contact Tel: No. 062-63825.
You can locate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX)

Daffodil Bulbs Emerging Before Their Scheduled Time In Co. Tipperary.

**Daffodils (Narcissus), usually among the first bulbs to appear in the Spring, are already appearing in gardens in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**

Gardeners often worry when they see daffodils, and other spring bulbs emerge long before their scheduled time, but do not be overly alarmed as, fortunately, there needs be little cause for future concern.

If our weather is unusually warm, as it has been in Co. Tipperary this year, Daffodil sprouts may already appear above ground, showing a few inches of their green tipped stems.

Should weather become more volatile than is normal however, it is best to cover up these premature shoots with a layer of bark mulch, peat or straw, thus shielding them from future severe frost damage; latter which could result in the tips of the leaves turning brown.