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Tipperary Gardaí Investigate Suspected Criminal Damage At Clonmel Site.

Gardaí in Clonmel, South Co. Tipperary are currently investigating an incident of suspected criminal damage which occurred at the HSE Modular Homes Site, Heywood Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary between midnight and 1:00am, in the early hours of yesterday, Tuesday, May 21st 2024.

A mobile lighting system was damaged by fire in this last incident. However, this is now the second such incident to take place at this construction site, latter which occurred less than one week ago, on Thursday last; during which a privately contracted security guard, was hospitalised and vehicles extensively damaged.

Gardaí are now investigating whether this second attack on this refugee accommodation centre in Co. Tipperary may be connected to previous attacks which occured on sites in Wicklow, Dublin, Cork and Galway.

The scene has been technically examined, and investigating Gardaí are understood to be currently following a number of lines of enquiry.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have observed this incident occurring, or who may have noticed suspicious behaviour in or around this HSE Modular Site, at Upper Heywood, Clonmel, between the hours of 8:30pm on Monday night May 20th and 1:30am on Tuesday morning May 21st, 2024.

Gardaí also are appealing for assistance to any motorists holding recorded “Dash-Camera” footage, who were in the Upper Heywood Road area, Clonmel between these times, to make same available.
Anyone with any other information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda Station Tel: 052-6177640; or email CT.TipperarySouth.CE@garda.ie; OR alternatively to phone the Garda Confidential Line Free-phone 1800 666 111.

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

Electric scooter (e-scooter).

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:

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

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

  1. Have a maximum power output of 400 watts or less.
  2. Have a maximum weight of 25 kg (including batteries).
  3. Have a maximum design speed of 20 km/h or less.
  4. Have wheels with a minimum diameter of 200mm.
  5. Be fitted with front and rear lights, reflectors, brakes and a bell.
  6. 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.

Next Tipperary Gardaí Property Marking Event.

On Monday next, May 20th, 2024, Tipperary Gardaí will hold a FREE Property Marking Event at Cloneen Community Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary [from 2:00pm until 4:00pm] and also at Fethard Town Park, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, [from 5:00pm until 8:00pm].

People are invited to bring along any property that they wish to have marked on the day, e.g. trailers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, bicycles and power tools etc, and please ensure that you have your Eircode with you.

Marking tools and equipment with your Eircode makes the latter less attractive to thieves and also helps Gardaí to return same property quickly, should same be lost or stolen.

Tipperary Gardaí look forward to seeing you in attendance at both the above named venues.

Security Guard Hospitalised Following Assault In Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Gardaí are investigating after security workers were assaulted and a number of vehicles were extensive damaged by fire overnight, at a site in the area of Heywood Road, on the edge of Clonmel town, South Co. Tipperary.

The area was the subject of plans by the Department of Integration and the OPW to install 82 modular homes for refugees, latter fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The site was part of a parcel of land owned by the HSE and is in the process currently of being transferred to the Office of Public Works OPW.
We understand that it is likely to be late this year before the pre-built homes will start to arrive on the property and possibly early next year before same are ready for occupation.

According to Gardaí, the incident is understood to have happened at around 11:40pm last night, when security personnel, contracted to work at the site, were assaulted by a number of individuals.

One of the security personnel was later hospitalised, while a number of vehicles were extensively damaged.

Gardaí have conducted a technical examination of the scene and are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, including persons with mobile phone or dash cam footage to get in touch with them.

The OPW have confirmed that it is fully aware of this incident and that it has engaged with the contractor, Sisk Ltd, in relation to further site security and also with An Garda Síochána regarding, what it refers to as, public order issues arising at the site.

No arrests have yet been made.

Election Posters – Local & European Election June 7th 2024 – Rules.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Mr Darragh O’Brien TD, has appointed Friday, June 7th 2024, as the polling day for the European Parliament Elections and Local Council Elections.

European Parliament Elections June 7th 2024.

The Minister has clarified the time period during which candidates can exhibit election posters. Candidates can only erect posters from May 8th 2024, (30 days before the polling date). There is then a requirement for candidates to remove all posters within 7 days of the poll taking place.

Tipperary County Council – Roads Posters Protocol.
There is a protocol in place with respect to the placement of posters along roads and streets in Co. Tipperary in the interests of road safety. The Council needs/must be mindful of the safety of all road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
The following limitations will apply:
• Posters may only be erected for a certain specified time period before a polling date in accordance with the provisions of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 (as amended) and the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2009. For the forthcoming polls, candidates can only erect posters from May 8th 2024.
Posters must be removed within 7 days of polling day. These requirements are set out in the Litter Pollution Act 1997 (as amended) and the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2009.
Cable ties are considered to be part of the posters and must also be removed.
• No signage is to be erected on a roundabout or within 50m of the entrance to a roundabout.
• No signage is to be erected on existing road signage poles.
• No signage is to be erected where it blocks sightlines from entrances onto any road.
• No signage is to be erected on pedestrian safety barriers.
• Where Tipperary County Council deems a sign to be hazardous, a distraction to safe movement of road users, or in breach of the above rules, it may remove that sign for storage at the local depot where it can
be collected within one week of removal.
Electronic Display Panels, also known as Variable Message Signs (VMS) or VMS display panels are not permitted to be used for any purpose connected with the election/referendum, as they are considered to be advertisement structures requiring an appropriate planning permission.
Motorways/High Speed Dual Carriageways: Candidates and election workers are advised that, with the exception of emergency situations, it is illegal to stop on motorways for any purpose, including the erection of election material.
Similarly, for road safety and efficiency the same applies in the case of dual carriageways.
Bridges: There is an inherent risk in the practice of suspending or attaching banners and posters to/from road overbridges and pedestrian bridges.
• Election candidates should ensure that all campaign workers are made aware of the dangers of working at the road side and not to place themselves or others at risk when erecting posters. Such workers should
take necessary safety precautions for both themselves and other road users.

Signed:
Liam Brett.
Director of Services Roads and Transportation.