rent - Thurles Information

RTÉ Investigates Tipperary Co. Council.

First, there are the problems with Dublin city councillors. It seems that current and former Dublin city councillors, together owe more than €146,000 to Dublin City Council in overpaid travel expenses. Same was discovered in an investigation by the Local Government Auditor, (Nosy interfering Busybodies).

**Inner Relief Road, Archaeological Survey, Click HERE**

This 2021 audit identified that councillors, for this Dublin local authority, had been overpaid their annual travel rate, by €48.42 every month, but only as far back as January 2018, amounting to €581.10 a year and a total of €2,324.40 for politicians who had served on Dublin City Council since 2018.

Sure, for God’s sake it was only taxpayers money, and sure taxpayers couldn’t give a f..k. I mean if taxpayers had been fooled into voting “them’s individuals” into office in the first place, they must have expected they would be taken advantage of; lest you forget the F.F. brown envelope planning era.

It has been a tough few days for Tipperary Co. Council this week also. On Wednesday last “RTÉ Investigates” journalist Con Corrigan, “deliberately picked on”, our beloved Tipp authority, daring to accuse them of ‘Project Costs Over-runs‘, [ See HERE ].

Well as all our readers are aware Thurles.Info, were the first to highlight the waste by Tipperary Co. Council engineers.

It appears that a project known as the Suir Blueway, stretching from Clonmel to Carrick On Suir (Not to be confused with the Thurles River Suir Brownway); the former, incorporating a walking and cycling trail along the River Suir in south Tipperary, was initially budgeted for €1.3, then (like the National Children’s Hospital), it became €2m, but ultimately costs eventually closed at €3.7m.

The final costs increased a mere 84% only, on the original budgeted amount; that’s according to documents released to RTÉ Investigates, under freedom of information.

Anyway, the RTÉ Investigates episode didn’t upset Tipperary Co. Council’s Chief Executive Mr Joe MacGrath, who went missing from work on Friday last.

(I should explain that we at Thurles.Info have a habit of sending emails to those we write about – well they might want to accuse us of telling ‘porkies’).

Well Holy God, shock of shocks, the night before last, after 3 years and numerous emails sent, didn’t we actually get a reply, for the very first time, (despite no intervention by the Standards In Public Office Commission), from Mr Joe MacGrath. Well I nearly died.

He stated, quote “Please re-send your email to evelyn.harty@tipperarycoco.ie or contact her at Tel 0818 06 5000. I am away from my office with limited access to emails.”

Then it struck me, this was one of those “Automatic Replies”, latter being doled out normally from every government office in Dublin, but same rarely replied to after that. [Sure you know yourself, in the Public Service half are still working from home and the other half are not working at all, at all].

Anyway, my first thoughts were, why don’t they buy Joe one of those new-fangled Mobile Phone contrivances; called ear phones or eye phones, whatever.
My understanding is that they can now be put to vibrate silently in your trousers pocket, and when activated they can read, and let you see your emails off of a screen, on one side of the device.

Well to cut a long story short, on the same Friday, I had to go over to Cashel and Cahir; (NCT Business in Cahir, then off to buy a 3 scone and tea at Mikey Ryans in Cashel). On the way didn’t I get a call from an old school friend of mine, Charley. Hadn’t seen him in years and he was over visiting here, having brought the wife Camilla on a junket.

Listen, anyway as I’m chatting to Charlie, who did I spy out of the corner of my eye, but some one, the spitting image of Joe, edging in to have a selfie taken with Camilla. Still I can’t be totally sure it was him and since he doesn’t answer his emails, its a waste of time trying to find out.

Anyway, what I really want to talk about and show all our readers, is the pdf of the Thurles Inner Relief Road which ended up destroying the only remaining piece of visible great faminr history in Thurles.
Same document failed to highlight the Great Famine Double Ditch; Public Right of Way; Mass path and Great Famine connection in its regurgated survey info, undertaken by Mr F. Coyne, BA MIAI, despite having surveyed the sections of land on both sides of this 5ft in width, Great Famine, 176 year old Double Ditch.

So Mr MacGrath, if you are reading this email, the Archaeological Impact Statement for the inner relief can be found HERE, by you, Mr Ger Fogarty and indeed the rest of the interested world.

[Mr Ger Fogarty will note that the survey was undertaken in 2013, while Lions Club survey was undertaken in 2018.]

We have already sent this and other documents to “RTÉ Investigates”, then again they might not use the information, but not to worry, we will.

I think the time has come for raised Thurles voices and the digging up of discarded, hidden bodies.

Death Of Geraldine Cummins, Formerly Thurles Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, on Thursday 24th March 2022, of Ms Geraldine Cummins, No.7 Honors Grove, Bangor Erris and Ballycroy Co. Mayo, and formerly of Dunsany County Meath and Mitchel Street, Thurles Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her parents Martin and Mary, brothers Fintan and TJ; Ms Cummins sadly passed away while residing in Co. Mayo.

Her passing is most deeply regretted by her loving children Shane, Gearoid and Megan, their father Kieran, Geraldine’s former partner and loyal friend Wolfgang, sisters Norma, Imelda, Angela, Aideen, Vivienne, Cora, Gabrielle, brothers Martin and Kevin, brothers-in-law Michael, Andrew and PJ, nieces, nephews, grand nephews, grand nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends.

The earthly remains of Ms Cummins will repose at Daly’s Funeral Home Bangor Erris, Co Mayo from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on tomorrow evening Sunday, March 27th.
All friends and family are invited to a Humanist Celebration of Life ceremony, which will take place at Shannon Crematorium, Illaunmanagh, Shannon, Co. Clare, [V14 PV30] on Monday afternoon, March 28th at 2:00pm.

[NB: Due to Public Health Guidelines, regarding C-19 virus restrictions; those attending will continue to observe strict adherence to social distancing, face covering, with no hand shaking.]

Note Please: All planning to attend cremation ceremony are encouraged to wear some colour. Donations to SVP.ie in memory of Geraldine.

The extended Cummins 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.

In ár gcroíthe go deo.

Last Morsels Of Thurles Towns Rich History Lost In Shadows Of Tar & Cement.

“If the Government is to restore public confidence in its ability to stop abuse or misuse of power, it needs to accelerate efforts to promote transparency and accountability in public office.”

**Approximately, half of the Great Famine Double Ditch, the last morsels of Thurles Towns rich history is now gone for ever, courtesy of** **“cute hoorism”** **by local councillors and their attempts at self promotion.**
**Picture shows the base for the new inner relief road being installed.** **You can see from this picture that this new housing, in no way, impeded on this piece of national heritage.**
*Pic. G. Willoughby*.

Before I discuss the current situation regarding the loss of the Great Famine Double Ditch now and over the coming days and weeks, I would like to make the following statement known, to a shocked 5 to 8 thousand daily readers of Thurles.Info.
I, George Willoughby, as a former proud member of the hugely respected Thurles Lions Club, wholeheartedly continue to support Thurles Lions club and their magnificent organisation in every possible respect, both in their past charitable efforts and in any future ventures.
Thurles Lions Club are an organization comprised of members that give selflessly to Thurles town and its environs. They are collectively motivated simply and solely by a desire to do good and to genuinely help others.
They are not currently and never have been, motivated by self promotion like our current local councillors, and millionaire chasing local politicians.
They never have and never will use and abuse causes which seek only self promotion.

Tar & Cement – Author Verdelle Smith.
“Many years later, tired at last
I headed for home to look for my past
I looked for the meadows, there wasn’t a trace
Six lanes of highway had taken their place
Where were the lilacs and all that they meant
Nothing but acres of tar and cement.
Yet I can see it there so clearly now
Where has it gone?
Yes I can see it there so clearly now
Where has it gone?”.

How Councillor Mr Seamus Hanafin [See last paragraph on Mr Hanafin’s Facebook page, dated February 20th 2022], went on to, quote, “acknowledge and thank Thurles Lions Club, who have been to the fore in this project” remains a total mystery to the Lions Club members with whom I spoke.

This evening March 25th, 2022, I wrote/sent the following email to the editor of the Tipperary Star, Mr Noel Dundon.

The text reads as follows:-
“To Mr Dundon,
It is with regret that I must now insist that no further photographs (being my intellectual property) either taken in the past, or photographs from my current social media pages and websites, are to be used in any of your publications.
As you will be aware 99% of pictures taken and published in the Tipp Star in the past 40 years, were given to your publications totally free of charge.

However, recently you promoted Councillor Seamus Hanafin in an article which I find totally untrue. It claimed that Thurles Lions Club was involved in the Thurles River Walk path project, suggesting that the club were involved in the loss of the Great Famine Double Ditch.
In publishing this article you used my picture/image of Thurles River Walk, firstly without crediting the author and secondly using details in your text that I regard as untrue.
This picture must now be removed from all on line publications immediately.

From recent talks with Thurles Lions Club members, no funding came from the Lions club organisation, for these projects and as a former Lions Club member and strong supporter of International Lionism, I find that their name is now being used incorrectly in relation to recent lost heritage; lost to the business people of Thurles, its residents and Thurles Tourism.

It is with regret therefore that I can no longer commit to allowing any of my work to be used in your local papers/editorials.
Previous permissions granted are now fully rescinded.
It is also disappointing to note that at no time over the past 3 years did any of your publications, despite being approached, attempt to support Thurles people in retaining now defunct heritage; instead deciding to churn out the effluvium sent to you by local councillors and politicians.
From next week I personally will no longer purchase your weekly publication, in protest.

I remain,
Yours Sincerely
George Willoughby.

In the next few days Thurles.Info will be discussing my dealings over the past 3 years with our Government Departments; that of Heritage, National Parks & Wildlife Service, latter in their failure in protection, granted by Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, while under the governance of Green Party Minister for State Mr Malcolm Noonan, and finally the National Monument service, and Tipperary Co. Council’s Heritage Office, all of which are no longer fit for purpose in modern Ireland.

Increased Funding For Organisations Supporting Victims Of Crime.

€4.6 million in funding across more than 60 organisations providing supports and services across the country.
Funding will provide support, information and advice on the rights of victims, as well as counselling services, court accompaniment and other accompaniment.
Training and awareness raising of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence also funded.

The Minister for Justice Mrs Helen McEntee TD has announced funding totalling €4.6m for more than 60 organisations to support victims of crime.
The €4.6m is an increase of over 20% on the previous total fund of €3.8m which was made available in 2021.

It also builds on separate, additional funding announced last November under the ‘Supporting a Victim’s Journey’ plan for areas of the country or categories of victims not currently fully covered by support services for victims.

The allocations cover:
National and larger organisations such as Barnardos, Women’s Aid and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

A range of local organisations working with victims across the country, such as Women’s Aid in Dundalk, Wexford Rape Crisis and Letterkenny Women’s Centre, General victims support organisations such as the Crime Victims Helpline, Specialist organisations including the Irish Tourist Assistance Service and Dignity 4 Patients.

Minister McEntee TD, said:
“So many organisations across the country are doing outstanding work for victims. I am pleased to announce this funding to increase their ability to provide supports and services as victims engage with the criminal justice system.
I am working to build a victim centred criminal justice system where victims know they will be treated with respect and dignity when they come forward to report what happened to them.
A fear of the system, or how someone in it might treat you, should never stop a victim seeking justice.
I believe that many of the reforms I am introducing, such as preliminary trial hearings and training for frontline staff in the legal system, will help victims.
But increased funding for organisations that offer services such as court accompaniment and helplines for victims, as announced today, is also vital.”

In particular, €250,000 has been allocated to a number of organisations including Doras and Men’s Development Network for training and awareness raising of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

Late last year, the Department of Justice invited applications for funding from registered charities, voluntary community groups, and other organisations which provide services – or plan to provide services – supporting victims in the criminal justice system.

Applicants included organisations that provide support, information and advice on the rights of victims, as well as counselling services, court accompaniment and other accompaniment.

Budget 2022 includes €4.9m allocated to the Department of Justice specifically for Victims of Crime, and other projects will be funded later in the year.

Minister McEntee added,
“This week, we also held our inaugural Victims’ Forum, which will provide further opportunities to engage closely with frontline organisations who support victims.
I have established the Forum to facilitate information exchange and examine avenues of improvement in relation to victims’ rights, and I think it will be another important element in improving the system.”

New Covid-19 Cases Reach 23,367 On Irish Mainland In Past 24 Hours.

Ireland is currently experiencing, once again, a Covid-19 surge, possibly of the Omicron Plus variant, but sadly people are reluctant to recognise this obvious fact.

The most recent statistics in the Irish Republic, sadly, confirm 26 more deaths over the last 7 days and as of Monday, March 21st, last, this brings the total number of Covid-19-related deaths, since the start of the pandemic to 6,664, despite a total of 7,826,231 vaccines for Covid-19 (excluding boosters) having been administered.

Also, as of Monday last a total of 3,825,475 people have had their first vaccine dose and 3,760,953 have had their second dose, while 239,803 single-dose vaccines have been administered.
A total of 2,881,870 booster jabs have also been administered as of same date.

The Department of Health in the Republic of Ireland has confirmed 7,038 PCR-confirmed cases of Covid-19, as well as at least 14,060 positive antigen tests, latter logged through the HSE portal, bringing the total number of virus cases to 21,098, within the past 24 hours and bringing the total number of infections on the Irish mainland to 23,367.

As of 8:00am this morning, there were 1,395 Covid-19 patients in our Republic’s hospital; latter an increase of 57 on yesterday’s tally. Of these, 55 patients are being treated in ICU, a decrease of 6 on yesterday.

In Northern Ireland a further 2,269 cases of coronavirus were reported today, down from 2,899 cases reported on yesterday.
There were are 527 people with Covid in northern hospitals, up from 519 confirmed yesterday, with 7 of these in intensive care units.

Sadly, 3 new Covid-19-related deaths have also been reported in Northern Ireland today, bringing the total number of deaths linked to Covid-19, since the start of the pandemic to 3,285.

If you’re going to an indoor area wear your mask again, if you’re in a large populated area outside and there’s a lot of people around, wear your mask.