Thurles Information

Thank You, Thurles Businesses – Now We Need Your Voice.

County Tipperary Chamber is calling on every business in Thurles and the surrounding area to complete the Thurles Bypass Business Impact Survey before Friday, 7 August 2026.

For decades, the people and businesses of Thurles have heard proposals, commitments and political assurances regarding essential road infrastructure. However, the town is still waiting for the completed Inner Relief Road and the long-promised Outer Ring Road or Thurles Bypass.

As recently highlighted by Thurles.info, announcements and expressions of political support are not the same as approved funding, a binding construction programme or a completed road.

Thurles businesses need delivery, certainty and measurable progress.
Traffic congestion is not merely an inconvenience. It imposes real and continuing costs on local employers. It delays deliveries, wastes staff time, disrupts logistics, restricts customer access and makes it more difficult for businesses to plan, invest and expand.
Every delayed journey affects productivity. Every customer discouraged by congestion represents a potential loss to the local economy.
Every infrastructure project that remains uncertain can influence future investment and employment decisions.

This aforementioned survey provides businesses with an opportunity to transform those daily experiences into clear, credible and representative evidence.
County Tipperary Chamber recently welcomed Thurles native Mr John O’Shaughnessy CDir MBA LL.B (Hons) Dip IOD, Managing Director of Clancy, as its new President.
Mr O’Shaughnessy has taken on the presidency at a critical time for business confidence and regional competitiveness. His focus on delivery, effective advocacy and ensuring that the voice of Tipperary business is heard consistently at local and national level is particularly relevant to the infrastructure challenges facing Thurles.

Under his leadership, the Chamber is determined to ensure that the concerns of local businesses are supported by strong evidence and presented directly to Government and other decision-makers.

That effort now requires the support of the Thurles business community.
Whether you operate a retail shop, hospitality venue, professional practice, manufacturing company, transport business or family enterprise, your experience matters.

The survey is open to Chamber members and non-members and to businesses of every size and sector.

Government departments require more than general expressions of concern. They require evidence showing how congestion affects operating costs, staffing, deliveries, customer access, competitiveness, investment and future growth.

The greater the response, the stronger the Chamber’s case will be.

This is not about creating another report that sits on a shelf. It is about establishing a compelling business case for action and demonstrating that Thurles cannot continue to compete effectively without modern, dependable transport infrastructure.

A sincere thanks to every business that has already participated. Your time and first-hand knowledge are all helping to build the evidence needed to secure meaningful progress.
To those who have not yet responded, please do not assume that another business will speak for you. Every completed survey adds weight, credibility and urgency to this campaign.

Thurles deserves roads, investment and delivery, not more uncertainty or political promises.

Please complete, by linking here, the Thurles Bypass Business Impact Survey by Friday, 7th August 2026.

Add your experience. Support your business community. Strengthen the case for Thurles.

Together, we can ensure that the voice of Thurles business is clear, united and impossible to ignore.

Opening Date Confirmed For Controversial McDonald’s Restaurant In Thurles, Tipperary.

McDonald’s has confirmed that its new drive-thru restaurant in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, is scheduled to open on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026.

The opening will come almost one year after An Coimisiún Pleanála issued its final approval for the controversial development, bringing a lengthy planning process and months of local debate to an end.
The new restaurant is being constructed on a former industrial site at the junction of Slievenamon Road and the now once again delayed “Thurles Relief Road“, close to the Lidl supermarket and approximately 700 metres from Thurles town centre.

Plans provide for a single-storey restaurant measuring almost 479 square metres, together with a drive-thru lane, customer-ordering points, digital menu boards, car parking, accessible spaces, electric-vehicle charging bays and bicycle parking.
The development will also include outdoor seating, landscaping, lighting, signage, an electricity substation and changes to the existing vehicle entrance from the relief road.

Recruitment Begins Ahead of August Launch.
McDonald’s has begun recruiting full-time and part-time staff members for the new Thurles restaurant.
The recruitment advertisement confirms the August 19th opening date and states that successful applicants will receive paid training at other nearby McDonald’s restaurants during the weeks leading up to the launch. Advertised hourly pay for some adult employees is up to €14.25, depending on age and the terms of the new positions.
The recruitment drive is expected to create a significant number of new low paid hospitality jobs in the Thurles area, although the company has not publicly confirmed the restaurant’s total anticipated workforce.

Plans Attracted More Than 20 Objections.
McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland submitted its planning application for the Thurles development in September 2024.
The proposal proved controversial from the beginning, attracting more than 20 objections from residents and other interested parties.
Concerns raised during the initial planning process included the location of the outlet, traffic levels, road safety, litter, noise, opening hours and the proximity of the proposed restaurant to residential properties and childcare facilities.
Some objectors also raised public-health concerns relating to fast food and childhood obesity.
The development was originally intended to operate around the clock. However, permission ultimately restricted its opening hours to between 6am and 10pm, meaning the Thurles restaurant will not be permitted to trade on a 24-hour basis.

Tipperary County Council initially sought additional information from the applicant, including further details concerning traffic and the proposed operation of the development.
Documents submitted during that stage included an analysis indicating that the site would have space for a queue of approximately 32 vehicles, before waiting traffic would potentially reach the adjoining public road.

Council Permission Was Appealed
Tipperary County Council granted permission for the restaurant, subject to conditions, on April 9th, 2025.
That decision was subsequently appealed to the national planning authority by a third party, while a number of additional observations were submitted for consideration.
An Coimisiún Pleanála examined issues including traffic and pedestrian safety, flood risk, residential amenity, visual impact, town-centre development and the site’s proximity to the River Suir and the Lower River Suir Special Area of Conservation.
The Commission issued its decision on August 26th, 2025, upholding the council’s decision and granting permission with revised conditions.
In its formal order, the planning body determined that the development would not seriously damage the amenities of nearby properties or create unacceptable risks in relation to public health, flooding, traffic, pedestrian safety or visual amenity.
It also considered the mixed-use zoning of the former industrial land, Thurles’s status as a key regional town and the planning policies applying to the area.

Construction Work Underway
Site-clearance activity began in early 2026, allowing construction of the restaurant and associated infrastructure to proceed.
Information published locally indicated that the principal works were expected to take place between February and July, leaving several weeks for completion, staff training and final preparations before the planned August opening.
The development represents the latest chapter in efforts to bring a McDonald’s outlet to the former Erin Foods lands. A previous application connected to a proposed drive-thru restaurant at the wider site was submitted as far back as 2020 but was deemed incomplete shortly afterwards.

While the current project has continued to divide opinion locally, the August opening will introduce one of the world’s largest fast-food brands to Thurles and hopefully provide new employment opportunities for the town
For supporters, the development represents investment, additional consumer choice and the productive reuse of former industrial land.
For critics, concerns about traffic, litter, public health, late-evening activity and the effect of drive-thru development on the character of the area remain.

Barring any construction or operational delays, the first customers are expected to be welcomed through the doors of the new Thurles McDonald’s on August 19th.

Fire Crews Prepare To Resume Battle Against Slievenamon, Co. Tipperary Wildfire.

Emergency services are continuing efforts to contain a wildfire burning on Slievenamon mountain in County Tipperary.

Slievenamon is one of County Tipperary’s most important natural and cultural landmarks, rising prominently above the surrounding plains and serving as a valued destination for walking, recreation and appreciation of the county’s landscape. Its importance extends far beyond scenery: the mountain contains prehistoric burial remains, is deeply connected with Irish mythology and the stories of Fionn mac Cumhaill, and inspired Charles Kickham’s song “Slievenamon,” widely regarded as Tipperary’s unofficial county anthem. As a place where nature, archaeology, folklore and local identity come together, protecting Slievenamon is essential for preserving biodiversity, heritage and a powerful symbol of belonging for generations to come.

Firefighters withdrew from the mountain overnight because darkness, difficult terrain and limited visibility made operations unsafe. Crews maintained a presence in the area and continued monitoring the fire throughout the night.

Overnight fog helped subdue the blaze, while firebreaks established during Monday’s operation limited its spread. However, the fire remains active, and officials say there is still considerable work to be done.

Crews from Clonmel, Cahir and Carrick-on-Suir are assessing the affected area and developing a plan to safely return to the mountain. Aerial assessment is also being used to establish the extent of the fire and any possible impact on nearby forestry.

Emergency services have said there is currently no imminent threat to residential properties. Members of the public are being asked to avoid the affected area, follow all instructions from emergency personnel and exercise extreme caution during the continuing warm and dry conditions.

People should not light fires or disposable barbecues grills in or near forests, grasslands or upland areas. Any sign of fire should be reported immediately by calling 112 or 999.

Death Of Sonia Griffin, Formerly Of Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, (Published on Monday 20th July 2026) of Mrs Sonia Griffin (née Kelly), Lenham, Kent, England and formerly of Ballynonty, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her father Kevin, brother Kristian, grandparents John and Bridie Kelly, uncles Jim, Michael and Jackie and aunt Sally; the passing of Mrs Griffin is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving husband Peter, children Alex, Mia and Harry, mother Marian, sisters Wendy and Sarah, brother Adam, in-laws Ashlee, Mike and Jason, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Rest in peace.

Funeral Arrangements.

A Service of Cremation highlighting the life of Mrs Griffin will take place on Tuesday afternoon, 28th July 2026, at 2:00pm in The Secret Garden Venue, Mersham Le Hatch, Hythe Road, Kent, England, (UK Postcode TN25 6NH), service which can be viewed by video link/live stream, (Link to follow)

Burial of ashes will take place in Glengoole, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, at a later date.

The extended Griffin and Kelly families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Death Of Breda Moloney, Formerly Of Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, on Tuesday 14th July 2026, of Mrs Breda Moloney (née Cleary), West Kensington, London, and formerly of Innisfallen Avenue, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her husband Robert, brothers Peter, Joe, Thomas, Jackie and Dermot, sisters Peg, Essie and Kitty; Mrs Moloney sadly passed away suddenly.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family;, loving son Robert, Breda’s partner Mike, grandsons Aaron and Billy, great-grandchildren Olivia-Jo, Mia, Esme and Parker, sisters Noreen and Anne (McCormack), brothers Eddie and Donie, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Rest in peace.

Funeral Arrangements.

Funeral arrangements will be published later as soon as final details are confirmed.

The extended Moloney family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.