|
|
Minister For Justice, Home Affairs & Migration Mr Jim O’Callaghan TD has stated in a press release issued at 6:28pm this evening that, quote:
“Over the past four days An Garda Síochána has engaged extensively with protestors seeking to allow access to critical sites and ensure certain trucks containing fuel, medicine and animal feed were allowed pass through blockades.
Despite the increasingly difficult situation facing people across the country and requests from Government to end the blocking of critical infrastructure, the blockades continued. This is unacceptable.
While we all acknowledge the impact of higher fuel prices, and seek to minimise that impact, no groups are entitled in our Republic to hold our people to ransom in such a manner.
An Garda Síochána has commenced operations to allow critical infrastructure to operate, so that people have access to fuel.
I will continue to engage with the Garda Commissioner and my colleagues in Government as these operations continue.
I want to thank the Gardaí and their colleagues from the Defence Forces, for carrying out these difficult duties in such a professional manner.”
We now understand that An Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin has convened a Cabinet meeting for tomorrow where an update on ongoing fuel crisis talks, undertaken between ministers and sectoral representatives will be given.
However, the Government has stated that nothing will be announced until protesters end their blockades.
Life-Support Decision for Critically Injured Woman Delayed as Tipperary Attack Investigation Continues.
A decision on whether to withdraw life-support treatment for a young woman critically injured in a violent incident in Co Tipperary has been delayed, as medical teams await the results of a final assessment.
The woman, in her 20s and originally from Limerick, has remained on life-support at Cork University Hospital for more than three weeks, following a serious assault that occurred along the R494 near Birdhill, Co Tipperary, on March 21st last.
The incident has deeply impacted the local Tipperary community, where the attack took place, and has prompted an outpouring of support and concern from across the region.
Family members have been sharing updates online throughout her hospitalization, expressing both hope and heartbreak as her condition remains critical. She had been placed in an induced coma to reduce brain swelling, but medical efforts to bring her out of the coma have not resulted in any improvement.
Earlier this week, relatives indicated that life-support was expected to be withdrawn. However, a subsequent update confirmed that this decision is now pending the outcome of a final medical test being processed in England. Doctors have advised that the results are required before any legal decision can be made regarding the withdrawal of treatment. Those results are now expected within days.
Despite the grave prognosis outlined by medical consultants, the family continues to appeal for public prayers and support, holding onto hope for a recovery.
The assault, which occurred in the Birdhill area of Tipperary, remains under active investigation. A teenage girl has appeared before the courts charged with assault causing serious harm in connection with the incident. In addition, a woman in her 40s faces multiple charges, including endangerment, violent disorder, and burglary.
Due to legal restrictions, neither accused can be identified. Both individuals remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before Nenagh District Court in County Tipperary later this month.
The case continues to draw significant attention in Tipperary, as the community awaits both medical updates and further developments in the legal proceedings.
The Minister for Justice Mr Jim O’Callaghan has confirmed that it is well established in law that the Defence Forces may assist An Garda Síochána in aid to the civil power, when requested and when required.
On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána issues a form C70, to the Defence Forces, to request their assistance.
The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested. Large vehicles blocking critical infrastructure will be removed. Owners of those vehicles should remove them immediately this morning and should not complain later about any damage caused to those vehicles during removal.
Denying people access to fuel and clean water is an unacceptable interference in the most basic of human rights.
Why Accountability Must Now Rest at the Top of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Once held up as a model of best practice, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is now facing one of the most serious governance controversies in recent Irish public sector history. So what went wrong, and how did it go unchecked for so long?
A Reputation Built on Safety Leadership
Back in 2018, IFI stood as a benchmark for excellence. The organisation earned national recognition for its fleet safety standards, with its Logistics Manager receiving a prestigious Road Safety Authority “Leading Light” award. Alongside this, IFI secured a “Van Safe” award, reflecting strong operational controls across a fleet of approximately 200 vehicles supporting critical environmental and enforcement work.
At the time, IFI wasn’t just compliant; it was leading.
A Very Different Picture Emerges
Fast forward to recent years, and that reputation has been fundamentally challenged. Investigations by the Comptroller and Auditor General and scrutiny from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) have revealed deep-rooted issues, raising serious questions about governance, transparency, and leadership.
The Uninsured Vehicle Incident
At the centre of the controversy is a 2021 road collision in County Donegal involving an IFI vehicle that was not insured. The fallout has been significant, with the employee involved not informed that the vehicle lacked insurance and An Garda Síochána not notified of the issue.
The employee only discovered the truth later through legal correspondence.
Even more concerning, multiple uninsured vehicles were also identified during the same period
Misleading Information and “Drip-Feeding” of Facts.
IFI’s engagement with oversight bodies has also come under sharp criticism.
The PAC was told that the organisation provided “inaccurate” evidence, while committee members raised alarm about incomplete disclosures and a pattern of withholding information. This has led to serious concerns about credibility at senior levels.
A Breakdown in Governance.
What initially appeared to be an isolated incident has instead exposed systemic failures.
A “near-total collapse of governance” was highlighted during PAC hearings. Internal controls were found to be inadequate, undermining confidence in IFI’s operations. Governance issues have persisted for years, prompting multiple investigations and repeated committee hearings. In short, this is not a one-off error, it is a structural problem.
Potential Legal and Financial Consequences.
The implications extend beyond governance. A protected disclosure report linked to the incident has, we understand, been referred to the Garda Commissioner. The uninsured collision alone resulted in repair costs of approximately €230,000. However, the reputational cost may be even greater.
Where the Responsibility Lies.
It is increasingly difficult to view these failures as administrative oversights.
Instead, they point to:-
- A breakdown in risk management.
- A failure of duty of care toward staff.
- A lack of transparency with statutory oversight bodies.
And most critically, a failure of leadership at senior management and board level. These are the individuals responsible for ensuring compliance, safeguarding employees, and maintaining public trust. Yet, as PAC hearings have shown, confidence in IFI’s leadership has been significantly eroded, with elected representatives openly questioning the organisation’s honesty and competence.
Rebuilding Trust: What Must Happen Next.
IFI now faces a defining moment. Restoring credibility will require more than procedural fixes, it demands decisive action:-
- Clear accountability at senior level.
- Full transparency with oversight bodies and the public.
- Structural reform to prevent recurrence.
Without these steps, trust cannot, and will not, be restored.
Final Thought.
The contrast is stark. From a “leading light” in road safety, to an organisation under scrutiny for governance failures, uninsured vehicles, and misleading disclosures.
The real question now is not just how this happened, but why it was allowed to continue for so long without intervention at the highest levels.
During the first 48 hours of the Easter bank holiday road safety operation in Ireland, over 1,400 drivers were caught speeding, highlighting serious concerns about driver behaviour.
The nationwide operation, led by An Garda Síochána, began at 7:00am on Thursday and will continue until 7:00am on Tuesday, with increased checkpoints and enforcement measures in place.
In addition to speeding: Nearly 170 motorists were caught using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt while 66 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Some of the most serious speeding incidents recorded include:
- 73 km/h in a 50 km/h zone
- 81 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.
- 115 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
- 141 km/h in a 100 km/h zone.
Authorities, along with the Road Safety Authority, are urging all road users to slow down and remain alert, especially around pedestrians and cyclists.
Why Speeding Is So Dangerous
Speeding is one of the leading causes of road accidents and fatalities. Even small increases in speed significantly raise the risk of serious injury or death.
- Reduced Reaction Time
The faster a vehicle travels, the less time a driver has to react to unexpected hazards—such as a pedestrian stepping onto the road or sudden braking ahead.
- Increased Stopping Distance
Higher speeds dramatically increase stopping distance. This means even if a driver reacts quickly, the car may not stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Greater Impact Force
Crashes at higher speeds result in much more severe impacts. This increases the likelihood of fatal or life-changing injuries for drivers, passengers, and others on the road.
- Risk to Vulnerable Road Users
Pedestrians and cyclists are especially at risk. Even a small increase in speed can mean the difference between survival and fatal injury in a collision.
- Loss of Vehicle Control
Driving too fast reduces control, particularly on bends, wet roads, or in heavy traffic—making accidents more likely.
Final Message
The high number of offences recorded in just two days shows how widespread dangerous driving behaviours remain. Gardaí stress that road safety operations are not just about penalties—they are about saving lives.
Slowing down, staying focused, and obeying road rules can make a critical difference this Easter weekend and beyond.
|
Support Us Help keep Thurles.info online by donating below. Thank you.
Total Donated 2026: €300.00
Thank You!
Daily Thurles Mass Livestream
|
Recent Comments