Yes we are aware that the Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment, but they are most certainly a strong indication of Urban and Rural trending.
Live Register by Age Group, Sex, Social Welfare Office and Month – North Tipp.
Within the last two weeks 700 jobs were announced by Tipperary’s Mr Alan Kelly TD, Minister for ‘Privatising our Irish Water’. Some 400 construction jobs were announced in Silvermines village and 300 at US multi-national First Data in Nenagh town.
It has taken this government almost 5 years to create not even one job and now 6 weeks before a General Election the sky has opened and it’s raining jobs, with more extensive flooding expected.
When will these Tipperary jobs materialise?
Silvermines:
This Silvermines Hydro Electric Power Station project employing 400 construction workers will begins with a detailed feasibility assessments and consultation programme with the local community before moving to an 18 month to two year planning process later this year. Jobs therefore not expected before 2019 with most of the skilled workforce needed already employed by the European construction and technology companies involved. Nenagh:
The US multi-national First Data premises is expected to open around March 2017 and to employ 300 workers, but obviously not before their opening date 2017, despite the promise that recruitment will start late this year in 2016. Like most long term promises made by multi-national companies the numbers expected to be employed rarely meet their forecast targets or indeed those who dream of a secure job in the future.
By the time any of these jobs are available or even at the recruitment stage, another flock of graduating students will be ready and available in the Tipperary market place.
Live Register by Age Group, Sex, Social Welfare Office and Month – South Tipp
For those of our readers who feel that I write from a negative or political prospective, let’s examine the facts, but first examine the figures shown above. 652 Jobs announced in South Tipperary last year (2015) as follows:- September 2015 – 200 new jobs for Clonmel at Eishtec. August 1st 2015 – 300 new jobs long term in Cashel at US generic drugs giant Amneal Pharmaceuticals; July 2015 – 152 jobs at ABP Food Group in Cahir.
What “Recovery” has Labour & Fine Gael to date introduced into Ireland?
Yes “Recovery” is under way if you are prepared to ignore that half of our economic growth is pedestalled on very questionable profit shifting by Multinational Companies.
Yes “Recovery” is under way if you are prepared to ignore that some 105,000 of our children have been pushed into long term poverty and deprivation, and yes numbers continue to grow for those forced to live in emergency homeless accommodation.
Yes “Recovery” is under way if you are prepared to ignore the fact that at least 300,000 people were forced to emigrate since 2010 to date.
Yes “Recovery” is under way if you are prepared to ignore that funds in relation to housing Regeneration Projects were abandoned; Public spending was cut on Community Development Organisations; Public Rural transport; Education; Flood Defences and you surely can’t ignore our present Health Care Services.
Even if 2,000 jobs were to be announced tomorrow for Co. Tipperary; thanks to TD’s Mr Kelly, Mr Coonan, Mr Hayes, the IDA and other government agencies, the truth is infer-structurally, we do not have even a shed to offer them, nor a pot for them to piss in.
Yes Ireland and rural Ireland in particular, are both definitely in “Recovery Mode”.
Mr Alan Kelly, the well known Tipperary Minister for Privatising Irish Water was not present yesterday to announce the decision by C&C to obliterate and demolish the rural village of Borrisoleigh, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
As our readers are aware some 120 employees of the former Gleeson’s bottling plant in Borrisoleigh village were informed yesterday – not by their employer C&C – but by members of the national press, that they would find themselves on an ever increasing Tipperary dole queue, by the summer of 2016. (C&C made generated revenue of €684m in the 12 months to the end of February last year and reported an operating profit of €115m.)
Ah yes how true of the poet Oliver Goldsmith, in the lines from his poem ‘The Deserted Village’.
“Sweet smiling village, loveliest of the lawn, Thy sports are fled, and all thy charms withdrawn; Amidst thy bowers the tyrant’s hand is seen, And desolation saddens all thy green.”
Mr Kelly yesterday was still rubbing his chubby little hands after his previous day’s announcement of a proposed €650 million hydro-electric plant for the rural hamlet known as ‘Silvermines’ in Tipperary, just a mere 14 miles from Borrisoleigh and just weeks before a General Election.
Not yet at the planning stage; this proposed hydro-electric plant would, sometime into the future, offer to create 400 construction jobs, not to mention 50 permanent maintenance posts, while using a disused mining site. Hailed as being one of the largest infrastructural projects in Irish history; the news came conveniently fronted by Mr Kelly, prior to the Irish General Election, due in the next few weeks, possibly Feb. 26th. (Latter, according to a fly on the wall in Dáil Éireann’s Cabinet Room, was reportedly delayed by Mr Kelly’s Labour Party, against the wishes of their glorious leader Mr Enda Kenny, who had hoped for an early election in November 2015, following on from a budget that gave Irish Old Age Pensioners a €3 weekly increase and increased their box of fags by 50 cents.)
The partnership behind this €650 million hydro-electric zero-emission plant proposed for a rural village, where buses no longer run, are understood to includes Irish developer Siga Hydro, Irish construction company Roadbridge, construction groups Sisk, and Austrian construction and technology companies named Strabag Group and Andritz Hydro.
Project Director and Nenagh-based businessman Mr Darren Quinn, managing director of Siga Hydro stated that he had identified the need for such a development some six years ago and had now chosen the Silvermines area because of its mountainous location; the existence of a 70-metre deep reservoir present since its mining days in the 1990’s, together with the areas proximity to an existing electricity network.
The very mention of an announcement of a €650 million investment for Tipperary ensured national press coverage for Minister Kelly. Silvermines residents were immediately jumping up and down flag waving, but the flag wavers turned out to be local publicans. Let’s be honest 400 workers, like others of the even-toed ungulate species, will always need to gather at a nearby watering hole for drinking purposes.
We read every available press release and glued our eyes to the TV. Dublin people don’t understand why rural people in Tipperary bother to watch RTE, since we are rarely included. But, believe it or believe it not, we are always anxious to know where all of the jobs are materialising on a daily basis, hence our dedicated addiction.
Seeing reports of a €650 million investment bound for Tipperary being announced by Minister Kelly, latter a politician who in the last five years has achieved absolutely nothing for the towns in his constituency, in itself attracted unbelievable major pre-election attention. Was it an early April fool’s prank many of our residents pondered? What is this hydro-electric plant thingamajig, those unable to afford the cost of a university education asked?
What is this Hydro-Electric Plant?
If planners give it the go-ahead, the Silvermines hydro-electric plant project will be the second pump-storage hydro-electric generator to be built in the Irish Republic, the other being the ESB’s Turlough Hill plant in Co Wicklow, which has been operating for more than 40 years producing 292 mega watts (MW) of electric power. The new Silvermines proposed plant will have the capacity to generate 360 mega watts (MW). (Nothing small ever undertaken here in Co. Tipperary you understand.)
How will it work I hear you ask? This is not a new idea, but like the existing Turlough Hill plant, water will be pumped from one source, starting at ground level and delivered to a reservoir higher up, which in turn will then be released through turbines that in turn generate electricity. [In the old day before electricity we used a similar principal on our flowing rivers, to turn a water wheel, using sluice gates. This water wheel ground our flour, hops and other feed stuffs in our corn mills of the late 18th and early 19th century.]
Now here is the problem, where does the hydro-electric plant get the electric power to pump the water from ground level to a reservoir high above ground level. Yes, pumped storage systems, like what is proposed, does use cheap night electricity to shove water from a downhill lake to an uphill lake, but it uses some two thirds of the power it previously generated.
Here however now ‘the devil may be in the detail’ as according to Irish News, “The project would also allow wind energy to be deployed at night time during periods of less demand”.
Are these words written on paper from a journalist in command of an over imaginative biro? Does this so called new project open up the prospect of yet another wind farm being built in an area of immense, wild, natural scenic beauty in Co. Tipperary?
Be careful Silvermines, you may just get what you did not request, finding that more than the noise of a westerly wind will be heard screeching around the corner of your home. (Watch Video above ensuring your speakers are turned down). Presently there has been a surge in such projects in Ireland, as companies rush to take advantage of lucrative consumer subsidies, doled out by our present Government who strive to ensure that Ireland’s energy needs are met from renewable sources by 2020.
Build Wind farms out to sea, preferably off the coast of Dublin, instead of destroying our natural rural landscapes.
Our advise for young people residing in the Borrisoleigh area, sadly ‘Check that your passports are not out of date’.
“Wind turbines may not be a big issue in the centre of Dublin.” – Westmeath TD Robert Troy.
Dublin we understand has spent one million Euro re-branding itself from ‘Dirty Aul Town’ to, despite its unprecedented current daily carbon emissions, ‘Dublin – A breath of Fresh Air.’
Perhaps now is the time to attach a Wind Turbine to the ‘Stiletto in the Ghetto’, – the ‘Nail in the Pale,’ – the ‘Pin in the Bin,’ also sometimes known as the ‘Millenium Spire’, rising above Dublin’s O’Connell Street. This Spire, were such wind equipment to be installed, could then be re-branded ‘The Gale in the Pale’.
Certainly the introduction of a wind turbine would grant Dublin’s visiting overcharged tourists a more deceptive view of our green, clean, modern environment; its blades permanently spinning, aided by never ending hot air being exhaled by certain elected representatives in our present Cabinet.
Down here in Tipperary, where the buses no longer run; which is also home to the emotional Minister for ‘Waterworks’, Mr Alan Kelly, increasing public frustrations are being regularly expressed on five major pre-election issues, identified as currently destroying our rural economy.
These issues refer to; (A) The most cost-effective way we introduced Irish water charges; (B) The proposed construction of a 165km water pipeline to be located south of Lough Derg on the Tipperary side of the Parteen Basin, to suck water across Ireland for seriously dehydrated Dublin residents; (C) The unwarranted introduction of Property Tax on people regardless of their ability to pay; (D) Absence of rural GP care, due to the removal by this government of the Rural Practice Allowance for doctors; (E) and finally Wind Turbine Farming ventures, one in particular proposed for scenic ‘Keeper Hill’ in the Silvermines Mountains, by ESB Wind Development Ltd and Coillte. Keeper Hill, by the way, marks the highest point of rural North Tipperary and is one of Ireland’s highest scenic inland mountains; but who outside of Tipperary gives a ‘Tinkers Curse’?
Issues (A), (B), (C) and (D) we will leave alone just for the moment and deal exclusively with issue surrounding (E); Wind Turbine Farming close to Keeper Hill.
I believe it was Charles Stewart Parnell who once prophesied that when Irish men got ownership of land, the boundaries of their farms would become the boundaries of their country. The high lease payments being offered by developers to poorer upland farmers for permission to erect destructive unsightly wind turbines on their properties, now confirms Parnells worst fears and identifies a major problem for rural Tipperary. Those offered leases by developers are not taking into account the natural beauty of the landscapes they own, the views of their neighbours or the future real destruction of a slow growing Irish tourism industry.
Minister Kelly stated publicly last week that ‘he is confident’ (well he would say that, wouldn’t he) that the Government will produce details of a new ‘set-back’ distance for future wind turbines, prior to the Spring 2016 General Election. Question is; will his proposed changes to current rules governing wind turbine farming make any difference to Ms Edel Grace, Grouse Hall, Milestone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary or environmental consultant Peter Sweetman, Bunahowen, Cashel, Co Galway? Will changes make any difference to Tipperary in attracting tourism or to the other current residents and rare wildlife who share our planet, presently residing in the full view of picturesque Keeper Hill, Co. Tipperary?
This past week Tipperary’s Edel and Galway’s Peter lost their High Court case, brought in their lonely attempt to highlight the catastrophic adverse impact wind turbines will have on the locale of the Hen Harrier population. The High Court was made aware that some 400 acres of this rare bird’s natural foraging habitat would be irrevocably destroyed by the presence of such wind turbines. [To Hell with Hen Harriers, we can live without them, can’t we?.]
The couple also argued that a proper environmental impact assessment had not been carried out and this planned, proposed development; would significantly detract from the protected view of Keeper Hill, Co. Tipperary. [To Hell with environmental impact assessments, more EU red tape. Who invited them to stick their noses into Irish affairs – just keeping sending us the eco-innovation and biodiversity cheques?]
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and an inspector on behalf of An Bord Pleanála had both recommended that permissions regarding this wind farm should be refused. [To Hell with governmental and independent bodies, what right have they to be interfering in our greedy grabbing financial affairs, just hand over the grant aided funding?]
Despite the Court applicants both claiming that the original permissions granted breached the EU Habitats Directive and the EU Environment Impact Assessment Directive, Mr Justice Raymond Fullan refused to refer a decision permitting the development of this planned wind farm to the European Court of Justice. He also refused to certify that the case raised points of law of such exceptional importance that it was in the public’s interest that same be further determined by a Court of Appeal.
This decision now clears the way for the planned unsightly development of this wind farm, which comprises; 16 turbines each 127 meters high; together with access tracks; an electrical transformer station; control buildings and a substation close to Edel Grace’s private home in Co Tipperary.
The contentious issue of erecting rural wind turbines dominated ‘Leaders Questions’ in our national parliament, Dáil Éireann, last Thursday, leading to angry exchanges and as usual no answers. From these exchanges the general public did glean that the facts around wind turbines was a ‘bone of contention’ between Labour Minister Alan Kelly and his Cabinet Labour colleague, Dublin-Rathdown Communications Minister Alex White. It appears that an urbanised Minister White is adamant that the development of more onshore wind turbines must be strongly supported within rural Ireland; warning that overly rigorous rural planning guidelines could result in Ireland missing EU renewable energy targets, thus leaving our country liable for massive fines. It appears that a Rural Ireland must continue to suffer to ensure ‘Urban Progress’ and ‘Urban Job Creation’.
Robert Troy, Fianna Fáil’s Children’s spokesperson argued strongly that such turbine development may not be a big issue in the centre of Dublin city, but that rural Ireland are deeply and understandably worried over the continuous impact of such wind farm developments in rural areas. Some rural groups, which are understood to include major figures involved in Ireland’s equine industry, have been demanding that the Government immediately introduce significant ‘set-back distances’ and rightly regulate future turbine construction.
Any new rules if introduced are expected to increase the minimum distance between these noisy, ground vibrating, eye-sores (which are currently supposed to stands a mere 500m from a private home), while continuing to destroy natural areas of scenic beauty and drastically reduce the market value of existing private residences. Wind energy companies are also expected to be halted in the construction of Mega-Wind Turbines into the future, from reaching heights of higher than 170m.
Alan Kelly made promises, also prior to the 2011 General Election, in relation to rural Ireland and his native Co. Tipperary; e.g. Employment, Industry, Tourism. Now five years on and despite his own personal elevation to the post of Deputy Labour Party Leader, not even one of his promises have ever materialised.
No doubt the posters for 2016 will again read; VOTE NO 1 – Alan Kelly – Labour Party.
The community of Bansha, Co Tipperary and those residing in the surrounding hinterland are expected to converge on their local GAA village hall in large numbers tonight, to discuss serious concerns over the imminent departure of their local General Practitioner (GP).
The current GP presiding over the health clinic at Bansha, which has over 2,500 patients, is due to retire in the New Year; however to-date no replacement applications, to take over the duties of this rural vacant practice, have been received by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The reason for lack of interest by GP’s in applying for this post, is the removal of a ‘Rural Practice Allowance’ by the former failed TD and Health Minister, Mr James O’Reilly. This ‘Rural Practice Allowance’ prior to the ascendency of this government was paid to offset the high costs naturally incurred in attempting to run a rural surgery situated outside of larger urban areas.
We understand that those organising this emergency meeting have been criticised by local TD Mr Tom Hayes, who claimed that the meeting was unnecessary and who also stated that the issue was resolved. We understand this matter in fact, to-date, has not been resolved as per Mr Hayes’ own Facebook, uploaded by him on Nov. 25th 2015 and which states “I will be meeting with the Health Minister Leo Varadkar later today to discuss the current situation in Bansha. I understand there are fears regarding the future of the service, but I am confident that the situation can be resolved.” One cannot help but wonder what kept him from approaching Mr Varadkar prior to Nov. 25th.. Was he not aware of the plight of his local constituents or perhaps he was ill himself and had been forced out of the area and thus out of earshot, while in search of a resident GP in Dublin’s Blackrock Clinic?
However we now understand from locals that Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry has intervened in this most serious of health-care issues and has placed a common sense plan of approach on the table which is currently being carefully examined. While no details of the ‘Lowry Plan’ were forthcoming from his office today, we understand that if his proposals are agreed the ‘Rural Practice Allowance’ may be returned to the areas of not just Bansha, but also to Cappawhite and Glengoole, Co. Tipperary, where similar serious rural GP replacement problems also currently exist.
One must ask the question “What has Co. Tipperary done, to so offend this present Fine Gael / Labour government, which over the last 5 years has done absolutely nothing to support our ailing rural communities, except in the last few days to attempt to steal our ‘Shannon waters’ for an over inflated Dublin economy?”
No offence intended, but are Irish people mathematically illiterate?
“Take care of the pennies, George, and the pounds will take care of themselves”, warned my now late Grandmother, Eliza Jane; using, as only she was wont to do, a well-known pithy saying which acknowledged general basic truth.
Recent happenings in relation to our day to day financial spending now beg the question; “Do our primary schools actually teach basic mathematics to our children anymore?”
So called ‘Copper’ coins holding values of one and two cent are now on their way out in seven EU countries, with Ireland the latest to drop their circulation, using a system known as “Rounding up or Rounding down”.
From the end of last month, (October 2015), our countries retailers are required to ‘Round Up or Down’ to the nearest five cent; in our present governments effort to phased out the daily use of small coinage. Now ask yourself; “Who will most benefit from this decision?” These coins (generally referred to as Coppers), are composed of just copper-covered steel. This ‘glorified shrapnel’ referred to as coinage have been in use since 2002, though some are dated 1999, which is the year the Euro was first created as a currency, but never placed into general circulation.
Some 3 cents in every Irish Euro are now being stolen, yes stolen, from the pockets of consumers by this Irish Fine Gael /Labour led government decision. Same represents €3 in hidden taxation in every €100; the equivalent of €30 in hidden taxation on every €1,000 earned annually.
Based on an unemployed persons income, (under the age of 21), same persons who currently only receives €100 from the Irish State weekly, thanks to the Labour Party; they stand to lose annually, €150. It follows therefore that Old Age Pensioner in receipt of €200 per week now stand to lose some €300 annually. The recent Fine Gael /Labour Vote buying election Budget for 2016, which so generously granted old age pensioners an increase of a meagre €3.00 per week or €3 x 52 weeks = €156 annually, has actually reduced their annual existing pension by some €144 per year. (The imposition of €0.50 cents added to a packet of ‘fags’ had already cost these pensioners some €3.50 per week, based on the purchase of one packet per day.)
So what will this estimated annual €3 million saving, gained by no longer manufacturing these one and two cent coins; not to mention the extra hidden taxation imposed on daily consumers, be used to support? Will it be handed to Irish Water; used to solve issues in Homelessness, Social Housing, Education, Hospital Services, the Nation Debt, or will it go to pay for endless Independent Enquiries, Government Consultants etc.; surely taxpayers are entitled to some basic information from the Minister for Finance, Openness and Transparency, Mr Michael Noonan?
Remember our last efforts in January 2002 to “Round up and Round Down”; when a previous government-made decision to dump the Irish pound, was introduced, to favour the introduction of our present weak Euro, was “Rounded Down”?
Maybe it is now time to update and re-write this age old English proverb to read; “Get rid of your pennies and the government will take care of your pounds.”
Maybe we could have a Referendum and when we agree on a correct wording, if passed, add it into the Irish Constitution to assist government theft into the future.
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