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Fixing Septic Tanks That Fail Inspection Is Priority, says EPA.

  • Over half (54%) of septic tank systems failed inspection in 2020.
  • Three quarters of systems failing inspection since 2013 have been fixed, but failure to resolve older cases is a concern.
  • Grants of up to €5,000 are available to fix systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the report Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Inspections 2020.

Waste Water Entering River Suir in Thurles

This is a review of 809 inspections of septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems in 2020. Fifty-four per cent (433) of the systems failed inspection because they were not built or maintained properly.

Twenty-three per cent (182) of systems inspected were a risk to human health or the environment, as faulty systems can contaminate household wells and pollute rivers.


Commenting on the report, Dr. Tom Ryan, (Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement) said,
“Householders should ensure effluent from their septic tank is not ponding in their garden, going to nearby streams or contaminating their drinking water well. Householders should visually check their septic tank and get their well tested at least annually to satisfy themselves that their septic tank is not posing a risk to the health of their families, their neighbours and the environment.”

Local authorities issue advisory notices to householders when septic tanks fail inspection. The report found there were 468 cases open more than two years at the end of 2020. The septic tank grant scheme, which was expanded in 2020, offers grants of €5,000 to assist in addressing malfunctioning systems.
Mr Noel Byrne, (EPA Programme Manager) said,
“It is important that householders fix septic tanks where problems are detected. There is a grant scheme available to assist householders to fix failing septic tanks. Local authorities should focus their efforts to resolve open cases to ensure human health and the environment are protected.”

The report, Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Inspections 2020, is available on the EPA’s website.

JYSK Chain To Open New Furniture Outlet In Thurles.

An international expanding retail chain, JYSK, is expected to open a new furniture outlet here in Thurles, possibly in November or early December of this year.

The JYSK store currently have plans to open this new retail outlet on Abbey road, taking over the building shortly to be vacated by Lidl, latter who are moving to new premised on the site of the former Erin Foods factory on Slievenamon Road in the town.

The company, which currently operates 9 stores across Ireland employing some 140 staff, is expected to take on approximately 12 staff initially, with recruitment set to begin in August 2021.

JYSK (meaning “Jutlandic”) was founded in Denmark and is owned by the Lars Larsen Group; selling household furniture and other associated furnishings including, office and garden furniture, linen, curtains, while boasting some 3000 outlets globally.

Planning approval for change of use for the current Lidl building on Abbey Road in the town and for the installation of appropriate signage and parking, has received full approval.

Man Receives Jail Sentence Following Firearm Burglary Near Thurles.

A man who was caught attempting to bring a stolen shotgun into a Tipperary Rehabilitation Centre has been jailed for three years for robbery.

Mr Darren McDonnell, aged 38 years, had for 2 days been resident at the Rehabilitation Centre when he was discovered missing from the grounds. On his return an employee noticed that he had a shotgun concealed inside his trousers. When confronted, Mr McDonnell admitted he had been involved in a burglary nearby and handed over the shotgun, together with ammunition and a tablet he had stolen during his crime spree.

The pastor at the Rehab Centre later drove Mr McDonnell to a local train station and then contacted Gardaí, after the accused had taken himself off.

Mr McDonnell was later arrested a few days later in Co. Dublin, having carried out a robbery at knife-point; stealing some €280 from a Spar Shop in Coolock, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was informed.

Mr McDonnell, with an address at Macroom Avenue, Coolock, Co. Dublin, pleaded guilty to burglary of a residence in Curraheenduff, Coalbrook, Thurles, Co Tipperary, on November 4th, 2020, and to robbery and possession of a knife at a Spar shop, in Tonlegee Road, Coolock, Dublin, some 5 days later. Gardaí confirmed that the defender was declared unfit for interview, following his arrest due to the amount of drugs in his system.

The court heard that Mr McDonnell had over 40 previous convictions for robbery and the unauthorised taking of a vehicle.

Judge Ms Elma Sheahan stated that the victims of the burglary in Tipperary were an older couple who previously had been nervous having the Rehab Centre close to their home. Indeed numerous residents living in the area had complained about the presence of the centre which was being partially funded by a second hand furniture store in Thurles. The Court heard that the victims of the burglary were since afraid of returning home for fear they could encounter further intruders.

Judge Sheahan sentenced Mr McDonnell to five years in prison but suspended the final two years on strict conditions, that Mr McDonnell remain under the supervision of the Probation Service for three years.

Death Of Margaret Brennan, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It is with the deepest regret that we learned of the death, today Monday 28th June 2021, of Mrs Margaret Brennan (née Fryday), Coalbrook, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly of Ballinamona, Golden, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.

Predeceased by her husband James; the passing of Mrs Brennan is most deeply regretted by her sons Damien, James, John, Paul, Noel & Declan, daughters Cora, June and Martina, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The funeral cortége, bearing the earthly remains of Mrs Brennan will leave the residence of her son James [New Birmingham (E41 EY66)] on Wednesday morning, June 30th, to be received into the Church of the Assumption, Ballingarry Thurles, for Requiem Mass at 11:30am, followed by interment in Ballintemple Cemetery, Dundrum, Co. Tipperary.

[NB: Due to Public Health Guidelines, regarding C-19 virus restrictions; those attending (limited to 50 mourners) will continue to observe strict adherence to social distancing and face covering.]

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

The extended Brennan 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.

Man Dead Following Two Car Collision Near Thurles.

A male, understood to be aged in his 80s, has died following a two-car collision on the M8 in Co. Tipperary, late this afternoon.

The collision occurred shortly before 4:00pm on the M8 southbound between junction 6 Thurles and junction 7 Cashel North.

The deceased man was the sole occupant of the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has since been brought to the mortuary at South Tipperary Hospital, where the local coroner has been notified.

The sole occupant of the second car, a woman believed to be in her late 30’s, was brought to Cork University Hospital, while her injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening.

Warning: Gardaí have stated that they are fully aware of video footage and images of the collision currently circulating online. They have therefore requested that out of respect for the family of the deceased man and those involved in the collision, that people should not publicly share this material.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information, particularly road users who were travelling on the motorway at this time and who may have dash-camera footage.

Anyone with such information is asked to contact Thurles Garda Station Tel: 0504-25100 or the Garda Confidential Line Tel: 1800 666 111.