The quality of Ireland’s bathing water is very high overall with 97 per cent (144 of 148) of sites meeting or exceeding the minimum standard.
Of these, 117 bathing sites (79%) had excellent water quality which is an increase from 115 in the previous year.
This is attributed to on-going management of bathing sites by local authorities and investment in urban wastewater infrastructure in recent years.
However, localised issues remain and 3 beaches have poor bathing water quality, where swimmers are advised not to swim.
Swimmers and other water users’ health would be further protected by local authorities officially designating more bathing sites and providing better information for those who wish to swim year-round.
The EPA has today published the ‘Bathing Water Quality in Ireland‘ report for 2022, which shows that water quality at the majority of Ireland’s bathing waters meets or exceeds the appropriate standards. 79% of bathing sites have ‘Excellent’ water quality while 97% meet the minimum standard.
In particular, the EPA highlights two beaches that have improved from Poor to Excellent quality over recent years: Portrane, the Brook Beach in Co. Dublin, and Trá na bhForbacha, Na Forbacha in Co. Galway. This shows that with investment and a strong focus by the local authorities in finding and fixing the issues, water quality can and will improve.
Commenting on the report, Dr Eimear Cotter, (Director of the Office of Evidence and Assessment), said: “The on-going improvement in our bathing waters is very welcome and shows that good management of our bathing areas can give a high level of health protection for swimmers and other water users. Year-round swimming continues to be popular and the EPA looks forward to the outcome of the work, led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is investigating how to protect bathers’ health year-round. Unfortunately, there were no new bathing waters identified in 2022. The EPA urges local authorities to designate more official bathing sites to protect swimmers’ health, which includes designating the large number of beaches and popular swimming spots that they monitor but which haven’t been formally identified as bathing waters.”
The number of beaches with poor bathing water quality increased to three, compared with two in 2021. These will have a swimming restriction for the 2023 season. They are Balbriggan(Front Strand Beach), Co, Dublin; Lady’s Bay, Buncrana, Co. Donegal and Trá na mBan, An Spidéal, Co. Galway, with different issues including wastewater discharges, run-off from urban and agricultural lands as well as dog and other animal fouling, playing a part.
At some beaches, heavy rainfall can lead to wastewater overflows or run-off from urban and agricultural lands which can lead to a temporary deterioration in bathing water quality. Further information on bathing water and updates on monitoring results during the bathing water season (1st June to 15th September) is available HERE.
For further information: Contact Ms Emily Williamson, EPA Media Relations Office, Tel: 053-9170770(24 hours) or media@epa.ie
The Irish High Court has been requested to grant orders, directing unnamed persons; latter occupying four caravans, to immediately vacate the grounds of the historic Knocklofty House, latter situated outside Clonmel in Co. Tipperary.
The main block of Knocklofty House was first erected for the 1st Earl of Donoughmore, (circa 1790), before receiving additions to the original structure in the 19th and 20th centuries; yet retaining its Georgian style appearance.
Sadly, back in 1974, the house became the focus of world attention when Lord and Lady Donoughmore were both kidnapped by an IRA gang, as part of a contrived ransom plan. Both the persons kidnapped were subsequently released in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, having being held captive for some five days.
It is believed that because of this kidnapping, the house ceased to remain in family’s ownership, after 1980.
The historic building is situated approximately 6.5 kilometres from Clonmel town; best viewed while travelling route R665. In 2021, it was reported that copper fittings and lead roofing materials had been stripped from the building, by persons unknown, leading to severe water damage to the interior. In more recent years, the building had operated as a hotel, but currently, the house remains vacant and sadly is viewed today in a derelict condition, despite €10,000 being granted by the Irish taxpayer under the ‘Built Heritage Investment Scheme’, to undertake minor repairs, back in March of 2022.
Mr Justice Brian O’Moore at the High Court, was informed yesterday, Tuesday, that currently an unknown number of unwelcome visitors, residing in caravans, have been illegally occupying same property having set up a makeshift camp on the property and are presently grazing up to 20 ponies on the lands surrounding the main house. The Court was further informed that those found trespassing had no permission to be there and were now causing a nuisance, while refusing to vacate the property when requested to do so.
The orders yesterday, were being sought by chartered accountant Mr Ken Fennell, latter appointed by the New York firm of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., [Latter in 2015 appointed receiver to Knocklofty House and surrounding lands, of businessman owner Mr Denis English, of Marlfield House, Clonmel].
Read first, HERE, an extract from Tipperary County Councils Corporate Plan (2020- 2024). Their unkept promise, to “Continue to enhance and protect the built, heritage in Tipperary and to work in partnership with key stakeholders, to deliver a high quality heritage service that will serve the people of Tipperary and attract visitors to our count.”
The above statement is yet another commitment which Tipperary Co. Council has successfully been allowed to weasel out of and row back on. And no, I am not further raising the issue of the now completely destroyed, historic Great Famine, Double Ditch. However, local people should be made aware that yet again, another piece of Thurles history has been, eradicated, without any consultation with the people of Thurles.
I refer of course to the 170 year old Victorian Turnstile Gates, [known locally as the Swinging gates], once found positioned beside and south of Lidl supermarket, on Slievenamon road (N62); same leading east on the river Suir pedestrian walk way.
My attention was drawn to its absence on meeting several motorcycles and numerous silent electric scooters travelling at speed on what was supposed to be a pedestrian footway.
Thurles Victorian Turnstile Gate Gone. Pic. George Willoughby.
On questioning a member of the local districts council’s workforce, I learn that this Victorian Turnstile gate is not, as I had foolishly believed, stored in the Parnell Street, County Council storage shed, but has been simply given away by as yet an unnamed senior official within Tipperary Co. Council, without any consultation whatsoever with local people.
Does this mean that the Turnstile Gate (Swinging Gates), on the junction between Emmet Street and Thomond Road will also be removed?
MatchingThurles Victorian Turnstile Gate at Thomond Road Junction. Pic. George Willoughby
We now have a situation, where parents walking with young children, need to take great care and control when coming out onto the N62 thoroughfare, as there is nothing to protect either pedestrians or small unsupervised children.
Obviously, ignorance now hopes to “Position Tipperary as a holiday destination for domestic and international markets”, latter yet another promise in Tipperary Co. Council’s Mission Statement which the latter has successfully been allowed to weasel out of and row back on.
It had been hoped that this Victorian Turnstile gate would have been returned to its opening with a robust pedestrian-safe, self-closing, “Ball Fence Swing Gate” at the side, latter to accommodate access for wheelchair users.
Thurles people should note: These gates were unique to Thurles town – find me another image of such gates on the internet. Note, how the capping stones were tied together (See Pic 2) using forged iron staples held in place with lead filling.
Mr Johnny Kenehan, (Thurles St. Patrick’s Day Parade Chairperson), presenting 1st Prize of €1,000 and winners trophy to the overall winner, Thurles Panto Society.
Mr John Tarpey presenting Supermac’s Crystal Bowl to ‘Best Large Float’; the award going to Coolmoyne Moyglass Vintage Club, the Club also received prize money of €500 sposored by Dew Valley Foods.
Cathoirleach Thurles MDC Cllr. Ms Peggy Ryan presenting the Runner Up Large Float Award to Clonoulty Rossmore Vinatge Club together with money prize of €250 Sponsored by Barry’s SuperValu, Friar Street, Thurles.
Thurles St. Patrick’s Day Committee would sincerely like to thank all donors who made the 2023 Parade possible.
List of Donors:
The People of Upperchurch/Drombane, Borrisoleigh, Moyne and Thurles, JYSK Thurles, Thurles.Info (website), Declan Maher Financial Services Ltd, Executive Menswear, Dwans Hardware, Denis Kinane Motors, Sheppard’s Opticians, TUS Thurles, Dew Valley Foods, Barry’s SuperValu, Bowe Travel, Pat Brennans Bar, Vale Oil Co., Thurles Credit Union, Noel Ryans Pub, Thurles Photoshop, The Mall Curios, Dr. Paul Ryan & Dr. David Millman, Centenary Thurles Co-Op, A.I.B. Thurles, Tipperary County Council, Michael Lowry T.D., Eoin Dunne Driving School, Jackie Cahill T.D., The Anner Cleaners, The Anner Hotel, Jennings Opticians, Daly’s Fish Shop, Linnane’s Off-Licence, Hickey’s Pharmacy, Moran’s Menswear, Ryans Cleaning, Sammons Pharmacy, Brennans Bar, Mitchel House, Q Mobiles, The Village Market Holycross, Frank Roche & Sons, E. Cleary Motors, CM Signs, Kennedy’s County Bar, Supermacs Thurles, Thurles Shopping Centre, Michael’s Jewellers, Flynn’s Childrenswear, Grace’s Fashions, O’Dwyer Transport, Sklep Polski Jelonek, Inga Mikelsone, Margaret Skehan, Thurles Irish Country Womens Association, Hanafins Furniture, Roynanes Hardware, Tim Looby Accountants, W.F. Gleeson Solrs, Martin Shanahan Tyres, Kambo Chinese Restaurant, Golden Nails, Stakelums Hardware, Dinans Timber, Thurles Tourist Office, Tipperary Star, Tipperary Live, BC IT, Tip Mid-West Radio, and TippFM.
Two top actresses, currently both in huge demand, and both previously educated at the Ursuline Convent Secondary School here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, were among those who walked the Green Carpet at the Oscar Wilde Awards last night; latter organised by the US-Ireland Alliance.
Seeing both actresses, namely Ms Kerry Condon and Ms Jessie Buckley, ushered in a huge sense of pride for the people of Thurles and Tipperary, through their many achievements to date, within the entertainment industry.
The US-Ireland Alliance is a proactive, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to consolidating existing relations between the United States and the island of Ireland and building that relationship for the future. The Oscar Wilde Awards event is an annual event of the US-Ireland Alliance.
Green Party Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Minister, Ms Catherine Martin, travelled to Los Angeles, with the aim of developing stronger links with the entertainment industry. While many eyes are currently focused on Ireland’s 14 nominations, here was an ideal time to attempt to attract film companies, granting them opportunities to build stronger relationships with Ireland’s scenic locations and its supberb acting talent.
We understand Ms Martin has already met with Sony, Disney, and with representatives from Marvel.
We wish all those nominated for Academy Awards, (latter awards to be announced on March 13th, 2023), the very best of luck.
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