Transport « Thurles Information

Flooding – Lowry Accuses Government Of ‘Crisis Panic’.

Flood

Independent TD Deputy Michael Lowry has described the decision by the present Government not to proceed with a ‘statutory single waterways authority’ as simply disastrous. The government has instead set up a ‘co-ordination group’ to implement flood management infrastructure.

Deputy Lowry stated: “The setting up of a ‘co-ordination group’ instead of a ‘statutory single waterways authority’ is a formula for future confusion with regards to actual day-to-day management of Ireland’s rivers and waterways. For whatever reason best known to this Government, they appear to have panicked under the pressure of recent criticisms regarding their slow response to the unanticipated flooding crisis. In making this decision to set up a ‘co-ordination group’ they have guaranteed that any disagreements between state agencies and other bodies into the future, will only lead to long delays in almost all attempted implementation of future flood prevention measures.”

Lowry welcomed the decision to include aid under the Fodder Replacement Scheme together with Humanitarian Aid and Hardship Recognition assistance.

Lowry stated; “It is now essential that all fodder damaged through flooding be urgently replaced and that the Hardship Recognition Scheme should take into account not just the damage caused to farm buildings but also deflated farm income suffered in association”.

Deputy Lowry acknowledged the magnificent and professional work undertaken by community services, general staff and management at Tipperary County Council.

“I have now contacted Tipperary County Council in relation to recent flooding and the general repairs and works urgently required in mending drains, ditches and culverts as well as roads and bridges across Tipperary. I have insisted that I be kept fully informed of any reports or proposed future works that are to be carried out on all roads, which I have examined and listed. Requests have been forwarded on to the necessary personnel with the instruction that issues be investigated on behalf of residents. It is now essential that Tipperary Co. Council seek funding from Government for all necessary emergency repairs”, concluded TD Lowry.

Single Accident Victim Airlifted To Cork Hospital

garda A man has been airlifted to hospital in Cork, following a vehicle crash on the N24.

We understand that the accident happened on the Tipperary/ Waterford Road, between Cahir and Clonmel, just beyond the Knockagh roundabout.

The single vehicle collision happened at around 7.30am this morning and the road in question has been closed to all traffic, while the scene is being examined.

Drivers with business in the area are requested to use an alternative route.

We understood that the victim sustained head injuries as a result of the accident, when his vehicle left the road, however the full seriousness of his overall condition has not as yet been made known.

Flood Waters Rise On River Suir In Thurles

Pic (1) Tipperary Co. Council Chairperson Mr Seamus Hanafin & Mr Pat Donnelly examine success of flood barriers. Pic (2) Flood Barriers hold back water at Swinging Gates on Thomond Road. Pic (3) One of the Co. Council pumps removing excess water from the Emmet Street / Thomond Road junction area of Thurles.

Flood waters rose over 18ins on the river Suir in Thurles overnight; leading to flooding near the ‘Swinging Gates’ area on Thomond Road. While the roadway itself remains presently closed to vehicle traffic, the area remains, for the moment at least, safely accessible to pedestrians.

This area here-to-fore has always proved to be a major trouble spot during normal heavy winter rain. However thanks to carefully planning by Tipperary Co. Council’s; through the more recent introduction of non return drains and the induction of flood barriers, same this morning remains relatively controlled, despite the best efforts of Storm Frank.

Tipperary Co. Council also have two pumps in operation on the Emmet Street / Thomond Road junction, thus further ensuring this area remains relatively clear of flood waters.

Met Éireann however warn that further heavy rain and winds are likely to continue for at least the next week, which could cause further problems for areas already flooded.

Road Flooding Expected For Thurles Area

Tipperary County Council are advising people to take extreme care when deciding to travel by road over tonight and in the days ahead, with a particular focus on flooding which is most likely to occur in many areas of the county.

River Suir levels – Local flooding expected due to unrelenting rainfall today and expected to continue in the days ahead.

Mr Marcus O’Connor, Director of Services for Roads, Health and Safety, has warned that people should not take unnecessary journeys and should take care not to park motor vehicles in areas where flooding has been known to manifest itself in the past.

Already serious flooding exists on many minor roads around the Thurles area, with extreme care required on Mill Road (Area joining the N62 junction and opposite the Archerstown Industrial Estate) and the back road to Loughmore entering from the Bohernamona Road in Thurles.

Under these weather conditions Aquaplaning or Hydroplaning can easily occur. The tires of a road vehicle or other wheeled vehicle can build a layer of water between the wheels of the vehicle and the actual road surface. This in turn can lead to a loss of traction that prevents the vehicle from responding to normal input, so please do considerably reduce your speed on all minor roads in particular.

The Portumna/Borrisokane road (N65) on the Carrigahorig side of Portumna remains closed due to flooding and there are fears that the road at Portumna Bridge may be also closed, if Met Éireann’s predicted weather forecast truly materialises.

Consistent unrelenting rains over the past 24 hours here in Co. Tipperary have led to water levels rising on both Lough Derg and the River Suir, to the extent that both could prove to be potentially problematic later today and in the days ahead.

Safety Note: Don’t forget to squeeze your brake pedal slowly a few times; having passed through large water puddles.

Storm Barney Hits Thurles

Kickham Street, Thurles, 17/11/2015.

A warning to all traffic entering Thurles, travelling westward via Kickham Street from the Dublin road area presently.

‘Storm Barney’ has taken down Electricity Supply Board (ESB) cables which presently are being treated as ‘live’ and dangerous.

The roadway has now been closed to traffic by Thurles Gardaí and members of Thurles Fire Services, latter who presently are awaiting the arrival of an ESB crew to secure the area.

Pedestrians and traffic are being asked to avoid the area for the time being and traffic entering Thurles Town from the east are being asked to turn left unto the Mill Road, or right unto Borroway before continuing onto Mitchel Street to enter the town.

ESB supplies are also gone in the Collins Park area west of Thurles.