As we expected, it has been confirmed this afternoon that Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue has been nominated as the new Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Donegal TD now succeeds Mr Dara Calleary, who resigned last month over his attendance at the Oireachtas golf society dinner, latter held in Galway, which also led to the resignation of EU Commissioner for Trade Phil Hogan.
Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD Mr Jackie Cahill, who had expressed a serious interest in this post; using press, social media and radio interviews, was not considered for this Agriculture portfolio.
Mr Cahill, was one of the Irish racegoers who returned from the Cheltenham racing festival in the United Kingdom, having socialised in an area which had held some 250,000 other racegoers over the Cheltenham festival event.
Like other Irish lovers of the ‘Sport of Kings’, Mr Cahill did not have to be screened for Coronavirus COVID-19, when he and others travelled through our Irish ports and airports and was foolishly not asked to self-isolate. Mr Brian Kavanagh (Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland) has since admitted that, with the benefit of hindsight, the Cheltenham festival should not have taken place.
After all, only 81 persons had been at the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner in Clifden, Co. Galway on the 19th August 2020, when Mr Phil Hogan had to retire, as did then Minister for Agriculture Mr Dara Calleary TD.
Councillors, Mr Seamus Hanifin and Mr Sean Ryan (Elected Members Thurles Municipal District Council) have both moved quickly to confirmed that the 1798 Memorial statue, better known locally as the ‘Stone Man’, will not be moved or indeed removed from its current position overlooking Liberty Square, in Thurles town, Co. Tipperary.
1798 Memorial erected on Liberty Square, Thurles in 1901
In an email addressing a number of key questions sent from Thurles.Info, Cllr. Mr Seamus Hanafin stated; “There are no plans to move the monument on Liberty Square, either during or after the works”.
Answering this same question, Cllr. Mr Sean Ryan further confirmed this welcome news, stating; “I am informed by the council’s engineering staff that the statues in Liberty square will not be moved during the upgrade of the square”.
Fears expressed to Thurles.Info some weeks ago, were based, understandably, on an early drawing of the ‘new look’ sanctioned Liberty square, (Image shown above) which appears to indicate that the statue of Archbishop Thomas William Croke, (First G.A.A. Patron) would be moved to replace the ‘Stone Man’, latter which would be then be moved elsewhere, out of its current streetscape position.
To read more on the history of the 1798 Memorial please view HERE. To read more on the history of Archbishop Thomas William Croke, First G.A.A. Patron, please view HERE.
The 2020 Irish general election took place on Saturday February 8th, 2020 to elect members to the 33rd Dáil Éireann, latter the lower house of the Ireland’s parliament. [And despite 3 parties in charge getting lower]. The election was called following the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil, by Mr Michael Daniel Higgins, ninth President of Ireland; and at the request of the then Taoiseach, Mr Leo Varadkar, on January 14th, 2020.
Some 29 weeks have now passed since that General Election date.
The responsibility for the enforcement of this stated litter law, here in Co. Tipperary, lies solely with the local authority, which in this case is Tipperary County Council and Templemore / Thurles Municipal District.
Travelling to view and walk the “Double Ditch” some days ago, I came across a continuing offender of this particular Litter Pollution Act, namely the failed German Prof. Dr. Dolores Cahill, latter a member of the minor right-wing, hard Eurosceptic political party here in Ireland, which call themselves ‘The Irish Freedom Party’, or is it ‘Yellow Vest Movement’, (So difficult to know who is who any more what with face masks being worn).
We had already notified Tipperary Co. Council on March 1st of 2 posters abandoned by Prof. Cahill, who had taken the opportunity to further introduce herself by breaching stipulated time frames as to such election posters. [No we are not aware what penalties were enacted in the past, if any.]
So what are the penalties in place for breaches of the legislation governing election posters?
Any election posters in place before or after the stipulated time-frame is deemed to be in breach of the legislation are subject to an on-the-spot litter fine of €150 per week.
By our ageing calculator, Dr. Dolores Cahill this week owes €4,354.00 to Tipperary County Council or Templemore / Thurles Municipal District. Will they collect, we ask, thus assisting with the wages of the individuals racing around checking who has recycling bins and no doubt advising on how to get a 3 seater couch into a green bin?
It would appear that Irish Independent politician and Teachta Dála Mr Mattie McGrath isn’t the only one ‘asleep on the job’.
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it” – Quote George Santayana (Spanish Philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist.)
The historic flagstones upon which Padraig Pearse read the 1916 Proclamation outside of Dublin’s General Post Office (GPO) have gone missing, possibly lost for ever to future generations.
The responsible body, namely Dublin City Council, admit that they do not know where these historic paving stones presently exist or whether they were ever reused elsewhere in its city streets.
Dublin City Council has since confirmed that following the refurbishment of O’Connell Street, sometime between the years 2004 and 2007, these historic stones were removed by the Road Maintenance Services and sent to a storage depot in Railway Street, Mountjoy in Dublin. It was planned that they should be re-used by Road Maintenance Services crews in Dublin city centre locations, where similar paving required complementing. Regrettably, the records held in Road Maintenance Services do not show where exactly this historic paving from O’Connell street was ever re-used.
Is similar destruction about to be foisted on the residents and business people of Thurles, courtesy Tipperary Co. Council?
Similar destruction may also be about to happen, courtesy Tipperary Co. Council, under the leadership of Mr Joe MacGrath(Chief Executive Tipp. Co. Co.) and Mr Marcus O’Connor(Director of Services for Roads, Transportation and InfrastructureTipp. Co. Co.).
Yes, we are referring to the possible destruction of the “Double Ditch”. We ask our readers to refresh their memories HERE.
Please see Thurles inner relief road map hereunder, drawn up by Tipperary Co. Council, which appears to indicate that the “Double Ditch”, linking College Lane with the Mill Road is about to be partially at least eradicated.
We had hoped to get reassurance regarding the preservation of the “Double Ditch” and a commitment to its upgrade as a tourist attraction, when we wrote to all elected public representatives and senior Council officials, some 5 weeks ago. However, the silence emanating from all local elected politicians, including Fianna Fáil TD Mr Jackie Cahill; Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry and all County Councillors, within the Templemore / Thurles Municipal District, leave us now fearing the worst possible scenario.
We now cannot be sure what exactly Tipperary County Council is planning. We are aware Mr Joe MacGrath CE instructed his Secretary, Ms Evelyn Harty, to request that Mr Marcus O’Connor contact us over 5 weeks ago. Alas, Mr O’Connor has failed to do so.
A subsequent 4 week reminder, sent by us, to Mr MacGrath’s office received the following reply from Mr Joe MacGrath’s Secretary, “I acknowledge receipt of your email below on behalf of Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive and confirm that the matter is receiving attention”.
Prior to the formation of the present coalition government, we corresponded with Ms Josepha Madigan TD last May, who was then acting Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
In correspondence received from her, Ms Madigan stated, and I quote, “So far as we understand, there is no direct impact on the “Double Ditch” from any current development. The Department is a statutory consultee in the planning and development process, but our role in this regard is to respond to particular development proposals as referred to us by the planning authority. If there is a particular proposed development which you believe to be of concern, and you can send us details, we can review further.”
A further query was sent to Ms Madigan via Ms Helen Francis(Private Secretary to Minister Ms Madigan), which went totally unanswered.
Since then, Irish Green Party politician Mr Malcolm Noonan TD, has taken on the role of Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform. While our correspondence to him was eventually acknowledged, to date no further information has been forthcoming from his office. Mr Noonan’s Private Secretary, Ms Danielle McDonnell stated: “On behalf of Mr. Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, I wish to acknowledge receipt of your recent emails in relation to Thurles / Famine Double Ditch. A further reply will issue as soon as possible”.
There comes a time when silence is betrayal.
The spread of misinformation is not achieved by words only; but also on numerous occasions by people remaining completely silent. We have contacted all elected personnel representing Thurles; requesting the answers to 3 simple questions within the last 3 months; result has been silence. This cannot be allowed to continue.
I might point out to Mr Joe MacGrath CE, Mr Marcus O’Connor and all County Councillors the Code of Conduct for Councillors, prescribed under the Local Government Act of 2001.
Need I quote directly from this document: “The public is entitled to expect conduct of the highest standards from all those involved in the local government service, be they councillors, county/city managers, other local authority staff or non-councillor members (“external members”) of local authority committees. The Local Government Act 2001 (“the Act”) sets out a new ethical framework and imposes a statutory duty on all in the local government service to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest.“
The 3 questions which now need to be answered by Tipperary Co. Council officials; Templemore / Thurles Municipal District Councillors; Michael Lowry TD and Jackie Cahill TD, are as follows and require simple answers:-
(1). Will the planned Thurles inner relief road impinge, in a negative way, on the 1846 Thurles “Double Ditch”, which has been a right of way and a Mass Path for almost 175 years and which is the property of the people of Thurles?
(2). What are the future plans for the 1798 memorial statue [The Stone Man], first erected in Liberty Square, Thurles in 1900, and still standing there, awaiting removal prior to the new upgrade?
(3). Which Municipal District Councillor is responsible for delaying the Thurles Recycling Civic Amenity, which this town so badly needs?
Please answer these 3 questions in writing please, as failure to do so has already placed you in breach of Tipp. County Council Policy,i.e.“Tipperary County Council is committed to providing an efficient and courteous service to all our customers”.
Note Please: All answers to the 3 questions above, by August 27th, must be sent in written format by email, which you already have. All answers will be published.
We find Tipperary County Councils staff and their officials actions; in their failure to answer questions, similar to the errors made recently by Mr Michael Cawley (Fáilte Ireland – holidaying abroad); Mr Dara Calleary and Mr Jerry Buttimer’s behaviour of last Wednesday night; latter who believed there was one law for them and another law for the great unwashed – their electorate. Those who participate in decision making, same likely to impact local people, must maintain a duty to follow the regulations laid down by government.
I took a walk along the “Double Ditch” this afternoon, no effort by Tipperary County Council to resolve fly-tipping has been undertaken whatsoever, despite our request of October 2019. Dumping however, has increased and trees have been cut down, removed possible for firewood.
Kelly, one other Tipperary TD “away with the fairies.”
“Demoralising” and “Stupid” is how Labour leader Mr Alan Kelly described the Government’s decision to ban spectators at sporting events today; proving once again that he remains totally out of touch, with regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, while demonstrating maximum contempt for, not just front line health workers, but also for the elderly and those vulnerable.
Demonstrating contempt for vulnerable people is nothing new for members of the Irish Labour Party, latter eagerly demonstrating, while in coalition, and characterised by a plethora of continuous broken promises surrounding the protection of vulnerable people.
This is the leader of a political party who failed to deliver, while in government, on even one of Labours electoral promises e.g. maintaining levels of child benefit; maintaining disabled incomes; water charge fiasco; thus quickly aggravating a frustrated electorate, who reduced Labours Dáil seats from 37 to a mere 7.
An Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin announced today, following sound advice from the Irish National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) that, until at least September 13th next, no one can attend sport events as a spectator.
Mr Kelly, whom as far as we are aware has no medical qualification whatsoever, and indeed no solutions to any problems either, has called the government’s decision publicly a “complete joke” claiming our National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) have not got their “finger on the pulse”; while also claiming the decision taken by government in relation to sporting events is stupid because “how many 80-year-old people can stream sporting events?”
So should we send 80-year-olds to crowded match venues, when even they are being asked to avoid large gatherings? Thankfully Mr Kelly is not even the leader of the opposition, if such a post actually exists.
Mr Kelly, who was only narrowly elected last time out, as a Tipperary TD, and whose Labour Party of just 7 remaining seats, refused to enter the present government; is attempting to use populist rhetoric, in his effort to attract back the thousands of once Labour party voters, driven by his failed party, into the loving arms of Sinn Féin.
Then maybe on the other-hand people won’t be as familiar with his brother, Declan Kelly, whose American corporation, “Teneo” is prominently displayed on Tipperary Hurling jerseys; no doubt making everyone think of Mr Alan Kelly (AK47), except at Labour party election time.
Time to cocoon, while viewing a rerun of the American TV series “House of Cards” Mr Kelly, or maybe time to take your bulky pension and go away, Mr Kelly.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments