Destruction of Biodiversity on the Thurles Lady’s Well Right-of-Way & now destroyed Double Ditch Right-of-Way, are being denounced in Social Media threads. The threads begun by Thurles.Info and carried by @ThurlesHour demonstrate the growing feelings of lovers of our local environment and the distrust of County Councils and their officials.
Some of the remarks hereunder posted on Twitterby other people.
“County councils across Ireland don’t seem to ‘get’ nature.”
“Thurles Municipal District council got funding to design, secure planning & construct a river walk from Thomond Road to Turtulla. Landowner consent was not forthcoming. They decided to spend the money asap – removing all trees, laying down tarmac on the route of the Double Ditch!”
Biodiversity & Heritage Destroyed By Tipperary County Council & Irish National Parks and Wildlife Service, Without Any Local Consultation.
“Local authority greenway. No environmental oversight. Asphalt laid up to river. Token 2m buffer. Chain-link/welded mesh fencing down the side to ensue no critters pass. Eventually all these will need to be taken out, and the riverbanks restored.”
“Greenways are like a lottery win for quarry owners.”
“Wrecking the place.”
“What would a riverside greenway look like if it were ecologically sound? Is there an acceptable set back distance or preferred material?”
“This is happening along any path that is designated a Greenway.”
Thurles.Info now asks WHY?
Meanwhile: Attempts to contact Malcolm Noonan’s Office via email [Mos MOS@housing.gov.ie via mail3.itservices.gov.ie & malcolm.noonan@oireachtas.ie], between Sat, 22nd August 2020, and Thursday, 24th February, 2022, and on numerous other recorded occasions, fell on deaf ears. Currently staff at his constituency address; The Parade, Co. Kilkenny, do not even answer phone calls. In the past two years despite numerous attempts we have received only two “Automated Email Replies” from his office.
A Chara, Automatic reply: Destruction of Thurles Heritage Thank you for contacting the departmental office of Malcolm Noonan, T.D., Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform. Your email will be reviewed and a response will issue in due course, should one be required. Le gach dea-ghuí, Malcolm Noonan Office of the Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform
Our dealings with Mr Eamon Ryan TD have been equally ignored. Again we were sent 1 Automatic reply on Wed, 6th April 2022 and 4 on Mon, 11th April, despite being contacted only once, on each of the afore mentioned dates by myself. (So 4 staff opened it and decided to ignore the content.)
Automatic reply: Destruction of Thurles Heritage A chara, Many thanks for your email. As I am sure you can appreciate, I receive a large volume of emails on a daily basis. Your issue is important to me and myself or one of my team will be back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you have a query relating to the below areas, you might find the following email addresses helpful: Matters related to Dublin Bay South constituency: eamon.ryan@oireachtas.ie Matters related to the Dept of Environment, Climate, Communications networks: minister.ryan@decc.gov.ie Eamon Ryan TD Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport.
Despite our email communications being civil, we have never spoken or received even one, single, reply from staff at Mr Eamon Ryan’s department. We did explain our problem on one occasion to a member of Mr Malcolm Noonan’s, Kilkenny Staff, who confirmed that they had received my emails in the past, but could not explain why they were not replied too.
Meanwhile, our dealings with staff at National Parks and Wildlife Service were equally disappointing. Early communications stated from NPWL stated, “Please note that if these works are part of development covered by planning permission then they are exempt from Section 40 of the Wildlife Act. John will update you on his findings in due course.”
Then NPWS service claimed they granted verbal permission to Tipperary Co. Council in late February on the grounds it was a road or other structure. Quote “However, it should also be noted that the clearance of vegetation in the course of road or other construction works or in the development or preparation of sites on which any building or other structure is intended to be provided is exempted under Section 40.”
The truth is, there was No Road; No new ConstructionWorks; No other new structures; just a small, yet valuable piece of 176 year old Thurles Heritage.
National Parks and Wildlife Service have further confirmed that because of “work stress”, they had forgotten to recognise the Mill Road address we had reported and identified in relation to breaches of Sect 40 of the Wildlife Act. Thus when asked for documentation they then confirmed, quote: – (A) “Communication between Tipperary County Council and a named Wildlife Ranger was only verbal, there is no written documentation.“ (B) “Any written communication between Tipperary County Council and the builder is in their possession, National Parks and Wildlife Service do not have same.” (C) “Furthermore any request for such information needs to follow the AIE process.“ [Latter AIE referred to is “Access to Information on the Environment”]
“Our heritage is what we have inherited from the past, to value and enjoy in the present, and to preserve and pass on to future generations. In helping shape our identity, our heritage becomes part of what we are. Our expression of this identity shows others what we value; it highlights our values and priorities. Our heritage provides clues to our past and how our society has evolved. It helps us examine our history and traditions and enables us develop an awareness about ourselves. It helps us understand and explain why we are the way we are.”
The above are not my words but the words of the Irish Heritage Council, See HERE .
Then this evening, April 20th 2022, out of the blue, we received an email in pdf format. Yes, readers I fool you not, after almost two years of waiting, it arrived from staff at Minister Malcolm Noonan’s Office, set in the form of a standardised letter, sent with the permission of Ms Danielle McDonnell, (Private Secretary to Minister Malcolm Noonan T.D.); signed by a person in his constituency office in Co. Kilkenny, latter yet another member of staff authorised to act on behalf of the same Ms Danielle McDonnell.
Mr Noonan’s almost two year old delayed communication read. Dear Mr. Willoughby, On behalf of Mr. Malcolm Noonan, T.D. Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, I wish to refer to your emails regarding the removal of a hedgerow by Tipperary County Council at Mill Road, Thurles. The works in question were carried out to facilitate the upgrade of an existing pathway. In this instance the National Parks and Wildlife Service are satisfied that these works did not constitute a breach of Section 40 of the Wildlife Act. Yours sincerely, P.P. Danielle McDonnell (Private Secretary to Minister Malcolm Noonan T.D.).
Remarkably, Minister Malcolm Noonan’s dictated communication, failed to explain in his long awaited communicated, why Tipperary Co. Council and builders were given permission to destroy irreplaceable Thurles history, which as we previously stated, was a certain sure attraction for foreign and domestic tourism.
Same has been destroyed despite every Irish Government department; Elected Tipperary Politician and double jobbing Local Councillor, being warned exactly what was going to happen, since 2019.
So, Minister Noonan, I totally reject your recent delayed communication. I continue to seek your explanation as to why, based on historic evidence (See page 6) and a falsified Archaeological Impact Statement, that two Green Party politicians; namely you Sir and Mr Eamon Ryan failed to communicate; to fully investigate this piece of Thurles heritage and now choose to protect the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Service?
According to the Heritage Council,Quote “An important part of their work is to encourage local communities to take responsibility for and participate in the development and conservation of their heritage. Such projects help generate a greater sense of pride and belonging in the local area through increased participation…and sheer enjoyment! Cultural tourism and activity holidays on our natural landscapes and countryside continue to grow, outperforming all other tourism sectors.”
Both of you gentlemen must now reply to the question being asked, WHY?
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.
Horses of Hope.
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.”
“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 theClonmel 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.
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.
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
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.
Helen McEntee
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.
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