Travel « Thurles Information

Irish Government Completes Sixth Charter-Flight Deportation Operation Of The Year.

2025 marks the highest number of deportations from the Irish State in over 20 years.

The Government today confirms the successful completion of a deportation operation from Ireland to Georgia. A charter flight departed from Dublin at approximately 9:30pm on Monday November 3rd carrying 52 individuals subject to removal orders to Tbilisi, arriving at 2:30am Irish time this morning.

Of the 52 passengers, 45 were adults and 7 were minors, with the minors all travelling as part of family units. This marks the sixth charter-flight removal operation carried out out of the State so far this year.

Charter operations, despite their significant cost, have meaningfully enhanced the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce a higher number of deportation orders, forming part of the broader suite of measures to strengthen immigration enforcement and removal pathways.

With yesterday’s operation, the total number of people removed by charter flights this year now stands at 205, with a further 146 individuals removed on commercial flights. This year is shaping up to be the highest number of removals by charter and commercial flights from the State in over 20 years, underscoring the Government’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the Irish immigration system.

A voluntary return programme remains available for persons who have no lawful status in the Irish State or whose applications for international protection have been withdrawn or refused.

The returnees on yesterday’s flight were accompanied throughout by Garda officers, medical staff, an interpreter and a human-rights observer, thus ensuring that all necessary supports and safeguards were in place.

The Irish Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for immigration policy, international protection, enforcement of removal orders and the maintenance of an immigration system that is fair, efficient and respectful of human rights.

Major Funding Secured For New 5 km Thurles Loop Walk.

€447,300 awarded to extend walking route via Mill Road, in Thurles.

It is with great pleasure that the community of Thurles welcomes a landmark advancement in local amenities: a generous fund of €447,300 has now been secured by Thurles Lions Club to realise the long-awaited 5 km looped walk extension, starting from the heart of Thurles town-centre before meandering along the N62 national route to the “Lady’s Well” path stile entrance, positioned some 100 metres north of Thurles Golf Club. By following Lady’s Well main path, the rambler will then join the route at Mill Road (formerly Manor Mill Road, latter the ‘rat run’ or current inner relief road, for vehicles avoiding Thurles town) and the road locally known, affectionately, as “Fat Arse Boulevard”.

This funding is part of a number of Tipperary projects that have been allocated more than €900,000 between them to improve outdoor recreation facilities, is a minor part of a national fund of €16.5 million for 63 projects.

**Footpath plans advance for Mill Road in Thurles.**

Following the first publication of the planning application by Tipperary County Council, on 24th July 2024, same seeking the installation of a footpath on the Mill Road corridor, the project has now progressed significantly. Land access has been graciously granted by local residents along Mill Road, with, we understand Tipperary Council bearing the cost of acquisition. This co-operation paves the way for the looped walk to become a safe, well-designed pedestrian route for the community.

When complete, the new path will link the town centre securely with the outskirts of the town, via an attractive, town-to-country route, promoting greater recreational walking, better access for all ages, and contributing to the well-being and amenity of the Thurles area.
Observers have welcomed the scheme as a vital safety upgrade, especially along Mill Road, where pedestrian access had long been compromised by traffic speeds and inadequate parking provision.

When the local TDs catch wind of this scheme, their press releases will no doubt exclaim with great gusto how utterly thrilled they are to have “secured” this funding, for a project they only discovered existed yesterday via their inbox.

This awarding of funding marks a significant milestone, after one year and three months since the application’s initial publication, and confirms a concrete step towards long-envisioned connectivity for the region. Next steps will include detailed design, boundary works, signage, landscaping (including new native hedging) and final construction of the concrete 1.8-metre wide footpath along the route from the existing built-up path towards the bridge at Lady’s Well.

Residents, walkers, cyclists and families in Thurles now have cause to look forward with genuine excitement, the promise of “Fat Arse Boulevard” becoming a cherished walking loop is now indeed on its way to realisation.

Residents can find, view and download the initial plans and reports HERE. (Scroll to the bottom of the link provided).

Work To Begin On €30 Million Latteragh Bends Project In North Tipperary.

Work on a major multi-million euro roads project, in north Tipperary, is set to get underway in the coming weeks, following the appointment of a contractor to carry out the works.

Tipperary County Council has confirmed that Wills Bros Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor for the Latteragh Bends Road Realignment Project, which will see a dangerous stretch of road between Thurles and Nenagh finally upgraded.

The €30 million scheme will involve the realignment and improvement of a 4.3km section of the R498 regional road, between Nenagh and Thurles, at Latteragh, situated around 7km south-east of the M7 Nenagh Bypass.

According to the council, the contractor is now mobilising and setting up the site compound. Hedge cutting is due to begin next week, with traffic management measures to follow as full construction ramps up.

More than 30 local landowners were involved in compulsory purchase agreements to allow the scheme to proceed.

Funding for the project has been provided by the Department of Transport, which has allocated €20 million towards the works. A further €4 million has been set aside to cover design fees, consultancy, and landowner compensation.

The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow on one of the county’s key regional routes, long identified as a collision-prone stretch.

Hiking, History, Fine Food: Lonely Planet Hails Tipperary As A Must-Visit in 2026.

Tourism Ireland Launches Campaign to Showcase County’s Global Recognition.

County Tipperary has been named one of the world’s top places to visit in 2026 by Lonely Planet, the renowned travel guide publisher. The county features in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026, an annual list highlighting 25 destinations and experiences across the globe that travellers “should not miss” in the year ahead.

Described as “best for hiking, history and fine food,” Lonely Planet praises Tipperary as a place where “the food is remarkable, the landscapes are generous, and the castles are so casually scattered across the county that you’ll probably stumble across one on your way to dinner.” The guide adds that while Tipperary captures the postcard-perfect image of Ireland, it also “holds a few surprises” for those who explore further.

Welcoming the accolade, Elmagh Killeen, Head of Brand and Marketing Communications at Tourism Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled that Tipperary has been recognised among the world’s top destinations for 2026. This is a tribute to the county’s stunning walking trails, rich heritage, and exceptional food scene. It’s a real opportunity to set Ireland apart and to encourage more international visitors to discover Tipperary for themselves. I want to congratulate all the tourism and hospitality providers in the county whose hard work has made this achievement possible.”

Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet, echoed those sentiments, noting: “Tipperary’s inclusion in Best in Travel 2026 highlights its wonderful blend of hiking, history and fine food. From iconic landmarks like the Rock of Cashel to its namesake blue cheese, the county offers an authentic and quietly beautiful slice of Ireland. Its walking trails, village pubs and scenic drives make exploring Tipperary a true pleasure.”

Tourism Ireland plans to capitalise on this international recognition through an extensive global marketing push. The campaign will include:

Global media outreach: a major PR drive targeting leading travel and lifestyle journalists;
Social media promotion: sharing the news with millions of followers across key markets including the United States, Great Britain, Spain and Italy;
Market focus: special emphasis in Spain and Italy, both of which are ‘twinned’ with Tipperary as part of Tourism Ireland’s regional growth initiative;
Digital spotlight: a dedicated feature on Tourism Ireland’s global website, Ireland.com

Thurles Traffic Diversion On N75 To Facilitate Road Resurfacing.

From Tuesday, 28th October 2005 to Tuesday, 4th November 2005 there will be a traffic diversion in place on Kickham Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Traffic diversions will be eastward via Mitchel Street and southwards unto Boheravoroon (Borroway), enabling vehicles to facilitate long awaited road resurfacing operations.

Tipperary County Council apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused.
Any concerns or queries in relation to the works, may be directed to the contact numbers below or alternatively, to the Roads Capital Office of Tipperary County Council at Tel: 0818 06 5000.