Politics « Thurles Information

Official Opening Of New “Horses of Hope” Equine Centre At Castlerea Prison.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee officially opens the new “Horses of Hope” Equine Centre at Castlerea Prison, Co. Roscommon.

Prisoners can now train in horse husbandry, developing skills for employment in the horse industry post release.
Innovative partnership between Irish Prison Service and Horse Racing Industry.
New and progressive rehabilitative and educational addition to Irish Prison Estate.

Minister for Justice, Mrs Helen McEntee TD, has today officially opened the new “Horses of Hope” Equine Centre at Castlerea Prison.

The new equine centre has been developed on grounds adjacent to Castlerea Prison and has introduced a new innovative prisoner programme, where prisoners can learn practical skills that will assist in securing employment in the equine industry, post release.

The development of the equine centre is the result of an innovative partnership project, spearheaded by Mr Jonathan Irwin, between the horse racing industry and the Irish Prison Service. Many years ago, Mr Irwin witnessed first-hand an equine correctional programme in the USA, which is premised on the natural affinity between a human and a horse. Evidence from equine programmes internationally demonstrates that people in custody can learn practical skills that can be leveraged for future employment opportunities, foster responsibility and build confidence and self-belief while also developing compassion through the care of animals.

Speaking about the new equine facility Minster McEntee stated, “I am delighted to be here today to officially open this new equine facility, “Horses of Hope” on the grounds of Castlerea Prison. This is a truly innovative and a progressive addition to the prison estate, which will enhance the rehabilitative and employment options for all those who work and train here in the years to come.”

The Minister acknowledged the contribution of the equine industry to the project and said they had an important part to play in the rehabilitation of the prisoners involved, noting that the work to prevent reoffending does not stop at a prison gate on release.

The “Horses of Hope” Equine Unit at Castlerea is a single structure ‘American Stable’ which was complete in early 2020 and includes the following:

Single stables for 10 horses with integrated Tack Room, Fodder Storage and General Storage, all to have standard level of fit out i.e. instable water, adequate lighting etc.
One Exercise Arena approx. 40 x40 metres sand based cover in wood chip and associated stud fencing.
Staff and prisoner facilities with canteen, toilets, changing rooms, showers etc.
Large concrete apron for horse boxes to have adequate turning circles etc.
Suitable sewage storage and run off from stable and for mucking out stables.
Medium level secure perimeter fence with CCTV coverage from Prisons Control room, with intruder alarm.
Adequate outside lighting and ancillary services.

While the Centre is located in Castlerea Prison, it is expected prisoners who have engaged positively with constructive activities and are of good behaviour will be considered for AM/PM Temporary Release (TR) to attend the facility under the supervision of a Work Training Officer.

The Minister added; “Finding and securing meaningful and purposeful work and activity after release from prison is absolutely essential to give people real hope. It gives people the opportunity to have a different, better life for themselves and their families upon release.

This is why this programme, which provides a real pathway to employment and opportunities for the future, is so important.

As Minister for Justice I am committed to preventing and reducing reoffending in our communities, but also helping to divert offenders away from a life of crime. Rehabilitation, training and education for those who are in prison is key to that.”

Also speaking at the event on behalf of the equestrian industry Mr Robert Hall said, “I’m so proud that as global leaders on the racecourse and within all equine activities, Ireland should embrace this hugely exciting project.

This will help broaden our prowess across the full spectrum. With a syllabus that includes every aspect of responsible horse ownership we can help to reduce reoffending, while also educating a potential workforce. It also offers a valuable additional purpose for suitable horses and ponies. Indeed, Castlerea can become a worldwide role model.”

Where Is €500,000 Funding For Bowes Corner Project In Thurles?

“You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”

It was in January last, when all our elected representatives, representing various political blandishments, came together with the glad, positive tidings, stating that each and all were fully responsible in acquiring a “grand chunk of auld funding”. Same which of course had been initially sucked from the veins of the Irish taxpayer, latter already lacking enough healthy red blood cells, with which to carry adequate oxygen to their bodily tissue.

Thurles Independent Councillor Mr Jim Ryan; him being the fastest keypad operator, was first to express his particular delight that half a million of taxpayers money was to be spent in the area of “Bowes Corner”, here in west Thurles.

**Just two metres of Roadway existing on** **“Bowes Corner” Thurles today, April 18th, 2022.**

Not surprisingly, half a day later, Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD, Deputy Mr Jackie Cahill, persuaded someone to upload details of his absolute delight in receiving confirmation from none other than his “colleagues in Government”, that this “Bowe’s Corner Junction Improvement Scheme”, had been allocated €500,000 for major alterations. He further expressed his joy in seeing his hard work paying off; while including fellow local Fianna Fáil councillors, namely Mr Seamus Hanafin and Mr Seán Ryan, for working on this and other numerous road and footpath projects, that he couldn’t name.

Independent TD, Deputy Mr Michael Lowry, despite his “Lowry Team” supporters, was last to hear of this success from county council staff, but eventually also got around to find someone to write and welcome this overall allocation, stating that this funding would help make urban centres, throughout the county and the country, more attractive places to live, work, visit and, in the case of Thurles, to remain unemployed.

Now today, three months later, take a look at the state of “Bowes Corner”, in the picture provided above.

What Thurles residents now want to know is where did this €500,000 go?
Did Mr Cahill forget to collect our cheque from Minister for Finance Mr Paschal Donohoe?
Was it spent on the Clonmel Blue Way by accident?
Why is tarmac being laid on our natural walk ways, without our permission and against the wishes of those who enjoy biodiversity; while our streets in Thurles remain perforated, every couple of feet, in giant potholes?

Is it any wonder that individual pedestrians are taking Tipperary County Council officials into the High Court, seeking thousands in compensation for ankle injuries and falls.

Death Of Retired Tipperary T.D. Michael O’Kennedy.

Sadly, yesterday, April 15th, 86 year old former Tipperary Politician, Cabinet Minister; EU Commissioner and Senator, Mr Michael O’Kennedy, passed away, following a long illness.

Survived by his wife Breda and three children; the Nenagh, Co. Tipperary native, born into a family that had strong links to Sinn Féin and the Old IRA, had previously served as a Fianna Fáil TD for the constituency of North Tipperary, from 1969 until 2002.

Mr O’Kennedy joined Fianna Fáil in 1957, becoming an active member of the party, before failing narrowly to win a Dáil seat in the 1965 General Election for Tipperary North.
However he again contested the 1969 General Election and was successful in securing a seat.

During his period in office, Mr O’Kennedy served briefly as Minister for Transport (1973); later a popular Minister for Irish Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1987-1991); Minister for Labour (1991-1992); Minister for Foreign Affairs under Mr Jack Lynch and Minister for Finance under Mr Charles Haughey (1979-1980).

In January 1981, Mr O’Kennedy was appointed as Ireland’s EU Commissioner for Personnel Administration and the Statistics Office, but resigned one year later in February 1982, to return to Irish politics regaining his North Tipperary seat.

Mr O’Kennedy lost his seat again in the General election of 1992, which turned out to be a disaster for the Fianna Fáil party, but he was subsequently elected to Seanad Éireann (1993-1997), [On the Administrative Panel].
In 1997, he sought the Fianna Fáil nomination for President of Ireland, however, Mrs Mary McAleese became the party’s nominee.
Mr O’Kennedy retired from national politics in 2002 and returned to work as a barrister, subsequently becoming a member of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr O’Kennedy will repose at Fanagans Funeral Home, Willbrook, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin on Monday evening, April 18th from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.
His body will be received into the Church of St. Mary of the Rosary, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, on Tuesday afternoon, April 19th, arriving for Requiem Mass at 1:30pm.
Mass will be followed immediately afterwards by interment in Tyone Cemetery, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

For the many persons who would have liked to have attended Requiem Mass for Mr O’Kennedy, but are unable to do so, due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic; same can be viewed online HERE.

[NB: Due to Public Health Guidelines, regarding C-19 virus restrictions; those attending Requiem Mass will continue to observe strict adherence to social distancing, face covering, with no hand shaking.]

The extended O’Kennedy family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time and have made arrangements for those wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Personal Injuries Awards Dropped 42% Between April & December 2021.

Awards for personal injuries dropped 42% year-on-year between April and December 2021.
Average general damages awards fell from €21,850 to €11,583.
Consumer must benefit from these savings through reduced insurance costs, Minister states.
Minister will continue to monitor impact of guidelines to ensure they are effective.

The Minister for Justice, Mrs Helen McEntee TD has welcomed the publication of the second Personal Injuries Award Values report by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).

Minister McEntee said: “The PIAB guidelines have had a clear and significant cost saving impact since their introduction, with awards for personal injuries dropping 42% on average year on year between April and December of 2021.
What’s important now is that the consumer feels the benefit of these savings through reduced insurance costs.
My Department will continue to assess the impact of the guidelines to ensure that they are having the desired effect.”

The report shows that the overall average general damages amount for the period of April to December 2021 was €11,583. This represents a drop of 47% on average pre-guidelines general damages of €21,850 in 2020.

The latest drop follows an average reduction of 46% in the last period (April to September 2021).

The PIAB Personal Injuries Award Values report for April – December 2021 is available HERE.

The new Personal Injuries Guidelines came into effect in April 2021 after Minister McEntee secured Cabinet approval in March to amend the Judicial Council Act 2019 and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003.

Judge Orders BBC To Hand Over Material Relating To Tipperary Priest.

The Belfast Crown Court has ordered the BBC to hand over broadcast and withheld or withdrawn material, to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), from their documentary series about the Northern Ireland Troubles, first broadcast back in 2019.

The material is expected to includes interviews with Rev. Fr. Patrick Ryan, latter a Roman Catholic priest, who told the programme he had maintained a network of Europe-wide contacts, same used to generate arms and money for the IRA.

The priest in question, Fr. Patrick (Paddy) Ryan, now in his 92nd year, was born on June 26th, 1930, in Rossmore, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, one of six children born to a rural farming family.

Fr. Ryan had shown no great interest in politics beyond a hatred for past and present British rule on the island of Ireland; however the Roman Catholic Church and the Pallottine Order would formally suspend him from priestly duties, after he refused a transfer to a Parish Church in England.

Later on, during a trip to Rome in the summer of that same year, he is reported to have informed Italian priests that he hoped that the IRA would bomb the centre of London.

By the Autumn of 1973, he was shuttling back and forth between Dublin and Geneva, opening bank accounts and transferring funding (over £1,000,000) reportedly, granted by his newly acquired contacts within Libyan Military Intelligence in Tripoli.

You can find the full story HERE.

A PSNI lawyer told the court that there were reasonable grounds to believe that same material, currently the property of the BBC was likely to be of use in future terrorist investigations.

Keeping in mind the need to protect the public from terrorist activity; Mr Justice Neil Rafferty presiding in Belfast Crown Court, granted the order allowing the PSNI to access the gathered material.