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 Despite the visit on Monday last by seven senior current governing Government Politicians; which included An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny, An Tánaiste M/s Joan Burton, Minister for Justice M/s Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for the Environment Mr Alan Kelly, Minister for Jobs Mr Richard Bruton, Junior State Minister for Agriculture Mr Tom Hayes, Minister for Agriculture Mr Simon Coveney, including 4 other duly elected resident Co Tipperary politicians namely Noel Coonan (Fine Gael), Séamus Healy (Independent), Mattie McGrath (Independent), Michael Lowry (Independent) the Live Register of Unemployed Persons in Co Tipperary’s continues to rise.
Figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), latter the Governments own body responsible for compiling Irish official statistics, show that unemployment increased again by 41 persons during the month of January 2015, when compared to similar figures published by the CSO in December 2014.
Note: Readers can view these figures for themselves by clicking Here.
It should also be noted that no opportunity was afforded to any Tipperary Development Groups to sit down, even briefly, with An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny or Minister for Jobs Mr Richard Bruton or indeed any of the aforementioned visiting government elected officials; to enter into helpful future dialogue regarding the future growth and enhancement of Co Tipperary.
Unemployment Figures For Co Tipperary as at January 31st 2015
- North Tipperary Unemployment for December 2014 – Both Sexes – All Ages = 6,271.
Nenagh – Both Sexes – All Ages = 2,542, Roscrea – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,193, Thurles – Both Sexes – All ages = 2,536.
- South Tipperary Unemployment – Both Sexes – All Ages = 7,864.
Cahir – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,135, Carrick-On-Suir – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,699, Cashel – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,031, Clonmel – Both Sexes – All Ages = 2,478, Tipperary Town – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,521.
- Total Unemployed Persons in Co Tipperary for December 2014 = 14,135.
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- North Tipperary Unemployment Figures for January 2015 – Both Sexes – All ages = 6,312.
Nenagh – Both sexes – All ages = 2,568 (Up 26), Roscrea – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,166 (Down 27), Thurles – Both Sexes – All Ages = 2,578 (Up 42), Total unemployment increase in North Tipperary 41.
- South Tipperary – Both Sexes – All Ages = 7,864.
Cahir – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,129 (Down 6), Carrick-On-Suir – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,685 (Down 14), Cashel – Both sexes – All ages = 1,060 (Up 29), Clonmel – Both sexes – All ages = 2,480 (Up 2), Tipperary Town – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,510 (Down 11).
- Total Unemployed Persons in Co. Tipperary for January 2015 = 14,176.
 Tuesday to Thursday in Dáil Bar History was made here in Co Tipperary last Monday, when over 30% of senior Rialtas na hÉireann (Government Cabinet Ministers) like refugees, converged temporarily on North Tipperary, begged the question for many; “Who the hell was minding the shop in Dublin?”
Visiting Tipperary on Monday last were An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny, An Tánaiste M/s Joan Burton, the Minister for Justice M/s Frances Fitzgerald, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr Alan Kelly (Latter who according to a picture in today’s Tipperary Star newspaper, looks like he has managed to turn water into milk), the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mr Richard Bruton, Junior Minister for State for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr Tom Hayes and finally the Minister for Agriculture Mr Simon Coveney. All were accompanied by various back bencher’s; latter individuals recently described by Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary as those “who know nothing about nothing anyway,’ but nevertheless all anxious to have their images captured for posterity at various photographic locations in the county.
Visiting here in Thurles, An Taoiseach Mr Enda Kenny and back bencher and leading anti ISIS campaigner Mr Noel Coonan, both refused to be drawn on rumours that Google, HSE and PayPal will move their offices to Thurles in the near future. Same move as you, our readers, are aware is expected shortly due to Dublin’s unprecedented influx of noisy dive bombing seagulls intent on seizing the ‘Foie Gras’ lunches of TD’s and office workers both in the Dáil Bar and in surrounding Dublin parkland areas.
Disturbance during An Taoiseach’s visit in Thurles
During An Taoiseach’s visit a small incident / disturbance did take place, which alerted immediately the extra detailed security surrounding Mr Kenny’s person, causing them to panic slightly. The incident happened close to the new construction site of the multi-story high-rise office block, next door to the town’s local Convent School; the former under present construction, in anticipation of Google’s expected move to Thurles.
Thurles.Info has learned that an elderly nun who resides in a convent next to this Thurles construction site had previously overheard rather coarse language emanating from staff employed by the Dublin tree landscaping firm of “Root In The Hole Ltd.” Having reflected on these foul, bawdy, verbal torrents from this workforce, the nun, named locally as Sister Deloris Carmen, had decided to spend some time with this workforce, in an honest attempt to redress their continuous verbal outpourings of vulgarity, not to mention the constant wolf whistling directed at Leaving Cert female students attending all educational establishments in the town.
From as yet unconfirmed reports, we learn that following much reflection and during An Taoiseach’s visit, Sister Deloris had decided to take her own lunch and sit with these foul mouthed ‘blaggard employees’ during their lunch break. To this end, Sister Deloris, armed with a brown bag containing egg and watercress sandwiches, had jumped the convent wall which dividing both properties and walking up to the group with a big smile, asking the question; “Do you men know Jesus Christ?”.
The lunching employees had all shook their heads and looked blank faced at each other. One of the workers however, anxious to assist Sister Deloris, had looked up at grafting, sweating steelworkers overhead and yelled “Anyone of you feckers up there know Jesus Christ?” One steelworker had yelled down asking “Why”? To which the helpful employee of “Root In The Hole Ltd.” was heard to yell back; “Tell him his fecking wife is here with his lunch.”
Other than this small embarrassing encounter, thank God everything else appears to have run according to plan for An Taoiseach’s secret Thurles visit.
An Taoiseach, did apologise for failing to bring any welcome news to forgotten Tipperary and Thurles, despite promises made on his last visit, almost three years ago.
However he did hint that his Government had agreed a new range of measures designed to reduce alcohol consumption. To this end the only workplace currently in Ireland, serving alcoholic beverage to its employees; latter employed on a three day part-time working week, (Namely Leinster House & the Dáil Bar), would now close as a further example to Irish youth, latter soon to be protected from the sales of low cost alcohol in Supermarkets and Off Licences. Indeed Mr Kenny was heard to quote from a recent statement made by the Youth Wing of his partners in government, the Irish Labour Party, stating; “This opportunity should not be lost to send out a strong, uplifting message about empowering young people in our democracy.”
Then the alarm clock on my bedside table went off.
 “Democracy: A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.”
According to a report in North Tipperary’s Nenagh Guardian Newspaper, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny is expected to visit Templemore, Co Tipperary, tomorrow Monday (February 2nd 2015). According to this same report the purpose of his visit is to welcome the latest batch of 100 Garda students selected to enter the Garda Training College in the town.
An Taoiseach is also reported to be visiting St Patrick’s College, here in Thurles to observe at first hand the magnificent facilities and opportunities available to current and prospective future students at the College and to meet with the administrator Fr. Tom Fogarty.
Although not publicly reported, An Taoiseach is also likely to visit the Arrabawn CO-OP Group Headquarters in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, in which an event is being held with Ministers Mr Richard Bruton, Simon Coveney and Mr Alan Kelly, Backbench TD Mr Noel Coonan and Minister of State Mr Tom Hayes; latter all believed to be in attendance.
The newspaper reports their source as emanating from Deputy Mr Noel Coonan TD.
Mr Kenny’s last visit to Thurles was almost 3 years ago on Thursday, May 24th 2012. Back then, while speaking to an assembled audience at a convened ‘Breakfast Briefing,’ Mr Kenny stated: “The prospectus for Thurles should be as fine as anywhere else and I will take Deputy Coonan up on his offer to come back to Thurles with positive news for the town. I am happy to associate myself with efforts made locally by bodies such as Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development to mention a few.”
Real Economic Facts:
North Tipperary Unemployment – Both Sexes – All Ages = 6,271
Nenagh – Both Sexes – All Ages = 2,542, Roscrea – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,193, Thurles – Both Sexes – All ages = 2,536.
South Tipperary Unemployment – Both Sexes – All Ages = 7,864
Cahir – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,135, Carrick-On-Suir – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,699, Cashel – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,031, Clonmel – Both Sexes – All Ages = 2,478, Tipperary Town – Both Sexes – All Ages = 1,521.
Total Current Unemployed Persons in Co. Tipperary up to and including December 2014 = 14,135
Thurles.Info, having contacted various development groups, note with some disappointment that as we go to press today, voluntary Tipperary organisations e.g. Thurles Chamber of Commerce, Hidden Tipperary Tourism, Co Councillors, etc., are totally unaware of the Taoiseach’s reported visit.
Perhaps Mr Noel Coonan has “no positive news” for Thurles, or maybe he is afraid of local ISIS activity during An Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s visit.
Still at least now we know that Tipperary people are superfluous to our Irish economy; except in the case of blanket taxation; oh and yes I forgot, future votes for powerless politicians.
The Council of the Year Award 2015 has been won by Tipperary County Council.
Tipperary County Council have deservedly won the ‘Council of the Year’ award at the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) Community & Council Awards 2015, held in association with IPB Insurance, latter event which took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin last Saturday night, (24th of January 2015).
 Pictured above receiving the award on behalf of the overall Tipperary Council Team are M/s Ruth Maher (Project Leader, IT Section, Tipperary Co Co), Cllr John Carroll (Leas Cathaoirleach Tipperary Co Co), Cllr Micheál Anglim (Tipperary Co Co), and Cllr Andy Moloney (Tipperary Co Co), with Mr Ronan Foley (CEO IPB Insurance, Sponsor) and LAMA Chairperson Cllr Mags Murray (Mayor of Fingal Co Co.)
This annual awards event, hosted this year by M/s Miriam O’Callaghan, recognises and celebrates Community and Councils working together and provides a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate the work undertaken within communities, while also rewarding unsung heroes.
This deservedly won award, as expected, was quickly branded in the press and on local radio, by populist negative Tipperary Independent TD Mr Mattie McGrath, as ‘premature’; latter no doubt anxious to associate himself in some degree with this hard won accolade.
Mr McGrath, in his usual negative tirade failed to mention that all the targets set by this new joint Tipperary authority has been achieved; no easy task when attempting to combine North and South Tipperary into one single unit.
While many logistical problems still continue to demand solutions within this latest merger, Tipperary CEO Mr Joe MacGrath and his Council Team must be fully congratulated in their welding together the uncoordinated hallucinations of Mr Phil Hogan, latter the former dictatorial government Minister, whom history and future elections will record as having contributed greatly to the downfall of the present Fine Gael administration.
Meanwhile a Message to Tipperary Independent TD Mr Mattie McGrath.
“Sir, You were one of five apparently powerless elected Tipperary public representatives who attended at the Horse & Jockey in Co Tipperary on Friday April 25th 2014, for the launch of the “Derrynaflan Trail Tourism Project.” Your attendance was observed by all, as a self promotional long ‘weekend away‘ for Tipperary TD’s, latter whom were originally sent by the counties electorate to represent Tipperary in our National Parliament.
As a Co Tipperary elected representative, please now inform your electorate of your success to-date in changing the current non-lending policies of our Dublin based National Museum and Government, with regard to loaning the Derrynaflan Hoard for three months, to Thurles this year.
Latter Derrynaflan Hoard was taken, without permission or right of ownership, from its rightful home (Co Tipperary), and is now used to attract overseas visitors to Dublin’s already flourishing economy, at the expense of the county you claim to lovingly represent.”
I wonder what day will Vincent Browne be arriving in Thurles for his ‘People’s Debate’ ?
Still today, with the weather so cold, it seems we can relax according to one contributor on Facebook who posted; “Its so cold outside I saw a politician with his hands in his own pockets.”
I wonder was he wearing his own coat?
 Construction begins on the new Thurles Town Park. Perhaps it comes from that occasional light tap I received on the back of my head from a loving Grandmother as a young boy; her occasional reminder that I had failed to convey an appropriate “Thank You” at a required point in time. Perhaps, maybe it is my own inquisitive nature in attempting to acquire true historical facts, or indeed maybe it’s both. Whichever, this week I found myself rummaging amongst the publicly accessible records, held currently behind the attractive red brick exterior of the Thurles Town Council office.
As many of our local readers will be well aware, an exciting new project, which has the backing of both Thurles residents and businesses; obtained through a process of full consultation, has now been initiated here in Thurles; the end positive result of which will be the emergence of a much needed Town Park amenity.
For the benefit of our many absent readers, latter formally natives of the town, but now for one reason or another are resident abroad; the construction of this soon to be realised Town Park is on property, formally farmland, owned by St Patricks College and positioned to the rear of The Source Complex, immediately east of the river Suir.
Chosen for the overseeing construction of this new park is SIAC Construction, a large multi-disciplined construction group with significant operations across Ireland and further afield, established and renowned for providing turnkey solutions to the Irish Building and Civil Engineering industry.
A Town Park For Thurles
From my research possibly the first public mention ever of a Town Park for Thurles, (according to notes examined), was back in 1910. The suggested site was, believe it or not, on hallowed turf known today as “Semple Stadium.” Back then different views and ideas were being tossed about as to whether the present Semple Stadium site should be used, not to build the second largest Stadium in Ireland, but for use as a Graveyard or as a Town Park. Lack of any real decision making, resulted in an umbrella group being formed by some residents of Thurles, latter seeking a ‘Sports Field,’ which same eventually and through personal private / donations was successfully purchased for a sum reported to be between £1,100 and £1,700.
However today’s now sanctioned Thurles Town Park project was initially the brainchild of visionary Mr Tomas (Tom) Barry, latter recently retired Chief Executive of Carlow Co Council, but who was Thurles Town Manager in 2002.
Following discussions with his Council Administrative Staff, Mr Barry decided to include a proposal to Thurles Councillors to increase the towns overall ‘Commercial Rate’ by 25%, in the upcoming 2003 Budget estimates, bringing it into line with other Irish towns of similar size. His forward looking plan was that some 15% of this 25% increase would be ‘ring fenced,’ to meet local contributions required for a possible number of future Capital Projects within the town. It was anticipated back then that this 15% would yield some €200,000.00 per annum.
The Visionary Future For Thurles
Mr Barry in his five point visionary plan unveiled a possible, yet attainable dream for Thurles, details of which are listed hereunder:-
(1) A Leisure Centre. (2) Regional Arts Centre. (3) Thurles Town Centre Enhancement. (4) Thurles Town Park / River Walk. (5) Upgrading / Extension to Thurles Council Offices (Latter then grossly overcrowded and unfit for day to day business transactions.)
Mr Barry, in his report on this proposed budget, had stated to his elected Councillors that a Leisure Centre, Regional Arts Centre and a Town Park should be visualised for the future, as being all major practical additions to any town’s recreational facilities, while a Town Enhancement Scheme would dramatically augment an overall appearance of the Thurles town centre.
Having shared his vision with Town Councillors, Mr Barry’s proposals were considered at the 2003 Budget Meeting which was held on Thursday, December 19th 2002. This aforementioned Budget, which including this 25% Commercial Rate increase, was formally adopted by a 5 votes to 2 majority, with two other councillors unavoidably absent from that meeting.
Who Shared In Tom Barry’s Thurles Town Vision?
Those who shared Mr Tom Barry’s future vision, thus voting ‘For‘ the adoption of this proposed 2003 Budget increase were; Elected Councillors Mr John Kenehan (Now retired former Thurles Mayor), the Late Mr Paddy Durack (RIP), Mr John Kennedy (Now an outgoing Councillor), Mrs Mae Quin (Now retired), and Mr Martin Ryan (Now retired).
Those who voted ‘Against‘ Mr Tom Barry’s future vision for the town and thus against the adoption of this same 2003 Budget were; then elected Town Councillor Mr Paddy Barry (Now retired) and Mr Jim Ryan (Recently re-elected Co Councillor).
Those who ‘Abstained‘, through being unavoidably absent from this Budget meeting were; Elected Councillors M/s Frances Boyle (Now retired) and the Late M/s Ann Mernagh (RIP).
This new Budget, then formally adopted in December 2002, saw the immediate ring fencing of some 15% of annual town revenues generated, which in turn were wisely invested by an ever shrewd Town Clerk, Mr Michael Ryan, latter now presently Thurles District’s Administrator. Mr Ryan’s superb money management, through selective investments, would later lead Councillor John Kenehan to be entered into the final Minute Book of Thurles Town Council, using wording to the effect. “I would like to thank in particular Town Clerk Mr Michael Ryan, who kept Thurles Town Council always so strongly and clearly financially focused along a straight and narrow path .”
Work has now begun to put this long awaited amenity in place with great care being taken to preserve and restore all existing important historical architecture and stonework identified with this site, including the restoration of the arched entranced Victorian farm shed, once associated possibly with the storing of horse drawn machinery.
To all persons past and present, who through their vision and business acumen, or in any way, shape or form, contributed to this now, soon to be realised, Thurles Town Park, the people of Thurles say “Thank You” for your successful planning, management and overall foresight, as we watch this dream now become a reality.
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