Thurles Information

Covid-19 Updates: Thur. 3rd June 2021 – 465 New Virus Cases.

The Department of Health this evening has confirmed there have been 465 new additional virus cases reported here within the Irish Republic; with same case numbers subject to future data validation.

There are 84 people with Covid-19 remaining in hospital today in the Republic of Ireland, and of that number 30 are in ICU’s.

As of June 2nd, almost 2.9 million vaccines have now been administered to people residing in the Republic of Ireland, and of these 900,000 have received their second vaccination. Vaccine uptake for persons over the age of 80 is almost 99%.

There continues to be a significant increase in infections among young adults aged between 19-24 over the past fortnight.

With the number of people testing positive for coronavirus in England rising by 22%; (the highest level in six weeks), the total worldwide number of virus cases identified up to 5.30pm this evening, now stands at well over 171.77 million confirmed cases, with global deaths at well over 3.69 million.

Please Do Continue To Behave Responsibly In Order To Protect Each Other.

Death Of John Fitzgerald, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with the deepest regret that we learned of the death, yesterday Tuesday 1st June 2021, of Mr John Fitzgerald, Mellison, Glengoole, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and formerly Crohane, Killenaule, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

The passing of Mr Fitzgeral is most deeply regretted by his loving wife Alice, son Seán, daughter-in-law Cathy, grandchildren Mia & Zach, brother Danny, sisters Joan & Frances, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended relatives neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Fitzgerald will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home, Killenaule, on Friday evening, June 4th, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm, before being received into the Church of St. Patrick and St. Oliver, Glengoole, Thurles on Saturday morning, June 5th, at 11:15am to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11.30am.
Interment will follow immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.

[NB: Due to National 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.]

The extended Fitzgerald 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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Planning For Thurles Drive Through Restaurant Withdrawn.

The heavy work which had commenced just a couple of weeks ago, same relative to the upgrade of street frontage outside Thurles Shopping Centre, on Slievenamon Road, Thurles has now been completed.

**Enhanced Thurles Shopping Centre Forecourt**. *Photo G. Willoughby*.

A new, attractive, wider pedestrian crossing with flashing amber lights has been installed, together with what appear to be flower beds.

Same landscaping should fall into line with the floriculture/groundskeeping currently being undertaken, fronting onto the new Lidl Supermarket site; same in the course of construction just next door.

Planning Application

Meanwhile a planning application for a 24 hour Drive-Through Restaurant, same to be located on the old Erin Foods site, close to the new Lidl supermarket has been declared “Withdrawn” as of April 26th, 2021.
We understand that necessary information, by those applying for the planning, was not supplied within the legal statutory time permitted and as a result the application was declared “Withdrawn” by Tipperary County Council.

Previously Discounted VAT On Non-EU Products To End

There are new tax changes on the way that will make it more expensive to buy goods online, when purchased from outside the European Union.

The Revenue Commissioners have warned that an exemption that previously discounted VAT on non-EU products under €22; will come to an end soon, possibly from July 1st, despite the purchase transaction having occurred before the aforementioned date.

Introduced by the European Commission, this new rule will be applicable in all EU member states to ensure that no products being imported from non-EU countries are given preferential VAT treatment compared with products that are bought from within the European Union.

This means that products that are being purchased online from countries outside the European Union, including Britain, will now be eligible for the same VAT rates regardless of their varied value.

Currently, if the cost of the goods you buy online, including transport, insurance and handling charges, is less than €22, then you do not have to pay VAT.

From July 1st next, people should be aware that these new tax changes could mean you will be liable for extra charges when any purchased products arrives in this country, prior to its delivery.
If you shop online in the future, you need to check carefully whether the advertised price of any goods also include all Irish tax and duty costs due; before a decision to purchase that particular item on your wish list, is contemplated.

“Big Lift” Promises Big Improvements To Thurles Rail Passenger Mobility Issues.

Big Lift Upgrade To Thurles Railway Station.

Some 22 railway stations nationally will see Lifts or Elevators facilities either renewed or upgraded in 2021, as part of an estimated €5.8 million investment plan by Iarnród Éireann.

The Irish rail travel provider are making big changes by replacing and upgrading their elevators for people with mobility issues.
Twenty-two stations across the network will have their lifts upgraded by the end of this year.
This follows upgrades to twelve other stations previously in 2020.
Some 52 stations across the rail network are set to receive similar investment by 2024.

Upgrading of accessibility at Thurles Railway Station is expected to begin on June 7th next and is expected to be completed by July 23rd 2021.
Commuters departing or arriving at Thurles Station and who have mobility issues are advised to contact Thurles Railway Station [Phone: (0504) 21733 or (01) 836 6222. Calling from outside the Republic of Ireland +353 (1) 836 6222] in advance of their journey, so that they can be fully facilitated during the period of this necessary Thurles upgrade.

In order to achieve improvements, there may be some disruptions which will however provide in the longer term, extra reliable station access for commuters going forward.

Work, which began on April 19th last, at Templemore Railway Station Co. Tipperary, is due to be completed on Friday June 4th next, with work then commencing at Thurles.