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“When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions”. Quote by the character Claudius, in the play “Hamlet”, by poet William Shakespeare, (Act IV Scene V).
On March 28th 2019, we highlighted the continuous failure by Tipperary County Council and the Templemore / Thurles Municipal District Council, both officials and councillors, to fix, once and for all, the simple problem regarding pedestrian crossing lights in Cathedral Street Thurles, and the continued wasting of tax payer’s money. This problem was partially corrected today; well for another few days until another lorry comes along.
Of course, what wasn’t fixed was the very same problem existing on Parnell Street, in the town, where for some days, motor vehicles normally being controlled by a system of pedestrian traffic lights, find that they are being ignored, while customers entering and leaving the back door of Thurles Credit Union are being blinded by red, green and flashing yellow lights.
Yet another repair trip required to further waste money. And no, this isn’t a new problem, but once again, like Cathedral Street, it is a constant recurring problem, time after time, after time.
When Thurles politicians and councillors head up to Dáil Éireann shortly, visiting, we understand, the haunt of Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr Richard Bruton; in their effort to save Liberty Square; maybe they could make a full day of it and try to locate the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr Shane Ross. Ask him when are we going to get our long awaited ‘Ring Road / Bypass’. Give him a list of the unfortunate persons who have lost their lives through traffic attempting to traverse 12th century ‘bóithre’, [Literally translated into English – “Cow Paths”. ] Shane Ross is big into saving lives, e.g. Learner drivers, Drivers with a glass of wine consumed, etc.
Councillors and Politicians intending to canvass for upcoming elections, do take note; doorstep conversations are not going to be about An Post moving offices, it will be about the missing and long awaited ‘Ring Road / Bypass’.
‘Stop the Move – Save our Square’
They began gathering from 10.00am this morning, one hour before the start; the elderly, the retired, local councillors and politicians past and present, the unemployed, business owners and their staff, non-examination year students; all protesting at the decision by An Post, to move its current offices out of Liberty Square to the Thurles Shopping Centre.
They gathered in brilliant, warm, sunshine; most certainly the largest protest group ever to assemble in this rural town in the last 30 year; attracting both local and national media attention, through the attendance of radio, TV and press personnel.
Speaking to many who attended the protest rally, much criticism was being heaped on the present Fine Gael government, with individuals privately and publicly singling out the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr Richard Bruton for his failure to intervene in An Post’s Dublin decision.
But most blame seemed to be directed to the doorstep of Tipperary Co. Council, the latter blamed for initially driving small and medium sized retailers from Liberty Square, by introducing parking charges, while three large global discount supermarkets on the very outskirts of Thurles, remained in a position to offer large scale free parking spaces.
Many were also critical of the removal of the once thriving Liberty Square market, latter removed to new trading areas at the entrance to Parnell Street carpark.
Meanwhile, the organisers of today’s protest rally, confirmed that they will continue the battle to save Liberty Square, and if at all possible, try to keep An Post and their services, within the very heart of Thurles town.
O Dear! O Dear! O Dear! Yes, it has happened again for the second time in less than a month. Yes, we highlighted the serious issue of the Cathedral Street pedestrian crossing on February 1st 2018 (It took 10 weeks to fix). Again, on July 16th 2018 (This time it took 11 weeks to fix). Again, reported on December 2018 (Issue totally ignored). We highlighted the problem again on January 22nd 2019 in an effort to remind our Co. Council Health & Safety officials of their obligations (Yes, repair persons got around to fixing it 4 weeks later in early March). Now I bet you can’t guess what is after happening just yesterday.
It would appear, the previous fixers armed with their pliers and screwdriver, failed to report to the appropriate authority that 16-wheeler lorries are responsible for hitting this sign, in their efforts to pass each other on this stretch of the Cathedral Street road.
Interesting to note that the Irish language word for ‘Road’ is ‘Bóthair’, which translated into common Celtic means a “cow path”, and compared to the size of trucks forced to pass through Thurles, our roadways are just that, “cow paths”.
When the various political canvassers come calling, seeking your vote in the Local Government Elections, latter taking place on Friday May 24th 2019, do ask them about their complete failure to progress our long-promised Thurles Ring Road.
Actually, don’t waste your breath, sure Tipperary County Council officials don’t give local elected Templemore / Thurles Municipal Councillors any information, e.g. the “Cabragh Houses” controversy. If present day councillors were removed from the equation altogether, we would be much more enlightened with regard to the decision-making process.
On Thursday, April 4th next, Nenagh library are delighted to present a talk on ‘EU and Me…What has the EU ever done for me?’ The discussion will begin sharp at 7.00pm,
Speakers on the night, Mr Noel Whelan SC, (Political Analyst and Columnist with the Irish Times newspaper), and Mr Stephen Kinsella, (Associate Professor of Economics UL and columnist for the Sunday Business Post) will discuss the importance of the European Union, the benefits of our membership and the significance of the upcoming European Elections in May.
Mr Jonathan Claridge (European Commission (EC) Representation in Ireland) will also be in attendance. Ms Iva Pocock, (Journalist), will moderate the Question and Answer session, which will follows.
Don’t miss this vital discussion on why ‘Your Vote is Your Voice‘ in these European Elections and why you need to be heard on May 24th 2019next.
This event is a Citizens Dialogue, presented by Nenagh Library, latter which is the Europe Direct Information Centre (EDIC) for counties Tipperary, Limerick, Cork and Kerry.
Local Government Elections will take place on Friday May 24th 2019.
Independent TD Deputy Mr Michael Lowry has today introduced the members of his team to contest the upcoming Local Government Election in Tipperary.
Announcing his team today Deputy Lowry stated:- “I am delighted to take this opportunity to formally introduce the members of my team, who will be running for membership of Tipperary County Council.
Cllr. Mr Micheal Lowry will contest the newly formed Thurles area.
Sitting Cllr. Eddie Moran from Templemore together with Roscrea native Mr Shane Lee will stand in the Roscrea/Templemore area.
Cllr. Michael O’Meara will stand in the Nenagh area, and Mr John ‘Rocky’ McGrath will stand in the Newport area.
As your representative in Dáil Éireann, it is important for me to have an energetic, talented and enthusiastic team effectively representing the needs of my constituents at local level. The only way to guarantee action in your community is to elect members who are committed, with the capability to represent the best interests of your community. I am asking the people of Tipperary to stand behind the Lowry Team and give them your full support. The Lowry Team’s commitment to the people of their community, and their ability to achieve results, make them the ideal choice on Election Day.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Tipperary for the support and loyalty show to me and the members of my team. We look forward to working for you into the future”, the Deputy concluded.
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