Thurles Information

Covid-19 Cases At 3,750 In Past 24 Hours On Mainland Of Ireland.

The Department of Health has confirmed 2,427 new cases of Covid-19 here in the Republic of Ireland within the past 24 hours.

There remain 449 people in hospital suffering from the virus, which is down 8 on yesterday’s reported figures. The Department has confirmed 93 people are being treated in ICU; same figure up 3 from yesterday.

An Taoiseach Mr Micheál Martin has warned that up to 150 people could be in intensive care units with Covid, by the end of November and same could lead to a necessary annual vaccine against the virus into the future. He further added that he could not predict when Ireland would return to normal, following the current pandemic.

The 14 day incidence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the 8 Local Electoral Area (LEA), here in Co. Tipperary, between October 5th and October 18th reads as follows: –

Thurles Electoral Area 56.
Roscrea Templemore Electoral Area 47.
Nenagh Electoral Area 161.
Newport Electoral Area 76.
Cashel – Tipperary Electoral Area 94.
Clonmel Electoral Area 96.
Carrick-on-Suir Electoral Area 60.
Cahir Electoral Area 84.

In Northern Ireland, yet another 1,323 cases of coronavirus were reported over the past 24 hours, down slightly from the 1,355 cases reported yesterday, with, sadly, another 10 Covid-19 related deaths reported also today.

Northern Ireland’s Covid-19 restrictions are due to ease further next week after decisions made at the NI executive meeting on Thursday evening last.

It is a move which has been criticised as “stupid” and “madness” by the Dr Tom Black (Chairperson of the British Medical Association) (BMA) in Northern Ireland.
Right now, across Northern Ireland there are about 180 more patients in hospitals than there are available beds. From the end of July until the middle of September, Northern Ireland has had the worst Covid death rate in the UK, with Northern Ireland also having the lowest vaccination rate in the UK.

Choosing to get vaccinated is an act of protection for yourself, as it may save your life; but it is also an act of solidarity with others; the more of us that get vaccinated, the safer we all will be.

Extended Legislation For Pub & Restaurant Outdoor Seating Areas

Regulations to clarify outdoor seating hours, as normal trading hours resume.

Minister for Justice Ms Heather Humphreys has moved to clarify the operation of outdoor seating areas, as licensed premises return to full trading hours from yesterday.

Earlier this year, Minister Humphreys brought in legislation to allow relevant outdoor seating areas to operate lawfully. This legislation is due to expire on November 30th 2021, but can be extended for six months and Minister Humphreys has announced her intention to introduce such an extension.

**Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.**

The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 introduced changes to allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol in relevant outdoor seating areas.

This applied where those outdoor seating areas have been permitted by the relevant local authority on public land, such as a path, or where they are on private land abutting the licensed premises, such as an abutting yard, as provided for in the Act.

These outdoor areas, by virtue of the Act, were subject to the same trading hours as applied to the licenced premises itself – which, until now, have been Covid restricted trading hours. From today, however, the restricted hours no longer apply and normal trading resumes.

The Minister is conscious the extension of the licensed premises to private land outdoor seating areas was not made in the application for the licensed premises.

Given the emergency nature of the legislation introduced earlier this year, and with trading hours returning to normal, Minister Humphreys therefore considers it appropriate to regulate the opening hours of outdoor seating areas which operate on private land abutting the licenced premises.

This is being done in the interests of communities and with the principles of fairness. The Department has been in contact with industry groups to inform them of these measures.

The regulation sets out that alcohol cannot be sold or consumed any day after 11 p.m. in the outdoor seating areas on private land abutting a licenced premises. The regulation will come into effect today, 22 October 2021.

This regulation is not intended to apply to:

The trading hours permitted by local authorities for the authorised outdoor seating areas in public lands. The emergency legislation of last summer already provides for the adherence to the conditions of the permits granted by the local authorities (which include restrictions on trading hours).

The existing conditions for trading hours attached to the licensed premises, which already includes an outdoor area within that license, and where such areas are not benefitting from the emergency Act.

Minister Humphreys stated:

“I brought in emergency legislation to allow for outdoor seating areas to operate lawfully. This Act remains in place until 30 November 2021, but can be extended for up to 6 months at a time, with a positive resolution of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
We want to ensure there is certainty for business and work is underway to proceed with an extension.
As trading hours return to normal in line with the easing of certain Covid restrictions, I have introduced a pragmatic regulation for outdoor seating areas for private land abutting the licensed premises that are covered by the emergency legislation.
This sets out that alcohol cannot be sold or consumed any day after 11:00 p.m. in the private land outdoor seating areas, which benefit from the emergency legislation.
This is in line with similar trading hour restrictions on the outdoor seating areas authorised by local authorities. It does not impact the trading hours attached to outdoor areas that are within the existing licensing arrangement as part of the licensed premises.”

Second Level Students Back On Campus For First TUS Open Day.

The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS) is inviting second level students back on campus for the first time in over 18 months, for an Open Day with a difference.

This first TUS on campus open day will take place at the Digital Campus in Clonmel on Thursday October 28, 2021 as students with an interest in pursuing a career in Game Art & Design and Digital Animation Production are invited to come along and receive expert advice on preparing their portfolios for the CAO.

As well as the CAO Portfolio Preparation Workshop for the BSc (Honours Degree) in Digital Animation Production or the BSc (Honours Degree) in Game Art & Design course, the Clonmel event also offers students an opportunity to research other courses and chat to TUS staff, face to face.

Head of Department, Digital Arts and Media, at Limerick School of Art and Design, TUS, Mr James Greenslade said, “We are delighted to be back holding on-campus information events to assist students making important CAO decisions over the coming months. The event in Clonmel will be the first of four open days to be held across TUS campuses between now and December. The Clonmel campus event will be held during the mid-term break so to facilitate students wishing to travel.”

“We hope the Clonmel campus open day will also give secondary school and indeed PLC and mature students the opportunity to find out more about the types of jobs available within the game artistry, design and animation industry. We pride ourselves in supporting students to become work ready graduates in this growing sector.”

For further information about the B.Sc in Digital Animation Production programme see HERE.
For further information about the BSc in Game Art & Design see HERE. For Media Enquiries please contact Ms Claire Gallagher Tel: 087 6749195

TUS will host four on campus open days this semester:

TUS Thurles Campus – Date: December 4th 2021 – Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
TUS Clonmel Digital Campus – Date: October 28th 2021 – Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
TUS Athlone Campus – Date: November 13th 2021 Time: – 11:00am – 2:00pm
TUS Moylish and LSAD Clare Street – Date: November 27th 2021 – Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

18 Dogs & 3 Cats, Seized During Planned Tipperary Garda Operation.

On October 21st last we here at Thurles.Info highlighted the poor enforcement of existing laws by the Department of Agriculture and Local Authorities in relation to Ireland’s multi-million-euro puppy trade, which was exposed on BBC’s “Spotlight” programme on tuesday last,

Clonmel Gardaí and Members of the Detective unit stationed at Clonmel Garda Station; together with ISPCA Inspectors yesterday seized 18 dogs and 3 cats, during a planned operation within the district.

***Pictures Courtesy Tipperary Gardaí***.

This planned operation was aimed at targeting serious breaches of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013 and all these animals have now been taken into the proper care of the ISPCA.

Breeds seized include Chihuahuas, Pugs, Bichon Frise and Terriers some of which appear to be in pup.

The seizure was made shortly after 11:00am yesterday and one male was arrested by Gardaí at the scene for obstructing the Gardaí in their planned search.

Death Of Bridie Cronin, Formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday, Friday 22nd October 2021, of Mrs Bridget (Bridie) Cronin (nee Butler, Coumnagella, Kilcommon, Thurles, Co Tipperary), Nenagh and late of Southgate, London.

Predeceased by her much loved husband Donal, her brothers Nicholas and Matthew and her sister Nora; Mrs Cronin passed away peacefully at University Hospital, Limerick, while in her 97th year.

Her passing is most sadly missed by her brother P.J., sisters Sr Mary Raphael and Margaret, her nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, companions at Nenagh Manor Nursing Home, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Cronin will repose this evening, Saturday October 23rd, at McCormack’s Funeral Home, Kilcommon Cross, Thurles from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.
On Sunday afternoon, Oct 24th, her body will be received into the Church of the Little Flower, Curreeny, Lacken, Co. Tipperary to further repose for Requiem Mass at 1:00pm, followed by interment immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

For the many persons who would have liked to have attended the funeral service for Mrs Cronin, but are unable to do so, due to current virus restrictions; funeral Mass can be viewed online HERE.

[NB: Due to Public Health Guidelines, regarding C-19 virus restrictions; those attending will continue to observe strict adherence to social distancing and face covering.]

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

Suaimhneas síoraí dá h-anam dílis.