Thurles Information

Launch Of ‘Ireland Against Racism’ Fund Announced.

Ireland Against Racism Fund now open to applications from non-government and community organisations.
Up to €1 million will support projects that combat racism and promote racial equality.
Fund is key part of the National Action Plan Against Racism.

Applications are open for the 2025 Ireland Against Racism Fund. The fund, which is a key part of the National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR), will enable non-government and community organisations to provide projects and local initiatives that combat racism and promote racial equality.

Announcing the fund, Minister of State for Migration, Mr Colm Brophy said: “I am pleased to announce that applications can now be made for the 2025 round of the Ireland Against Racism Fund, with up to €1 million being made available for local and national projects to combat racism in Ireland.
There is no place for racism in our society. Every person who lives in Ireland has a right to live free of racial discrimination. This funding underlines the government’s commitment to tackling racism and making life better for people who may be subjected to racist discrimination.
The National Action Plan on Racism was informed by the experiences of people who have been directly affected by racism and we recognise that solutions to tackling this problem lie across society and not just within Government. That is why we would like to invite applications from local and community organisations who are working hard to develop initiatives to combat racism and make Ireland a better place to live for all.”

There are two streams of funding:

Scheme A will provide grants, ranging from €40,000 to €100,000, to organisations for national and regional projects.
Scheme B will provide grants, ranging from €5,000 to €10,000, to organisations for local projects.

All applications must be submitted electronically.

Applications for funding will remain open until noon on Wednesday 27th August 2025. Groups can access a detailed guidance document and complete an online application form at the following links:

Scheme A
Scheme B
Guidance_Note_2025_IARF.pdf

In recent years, funding from government departments has supported a wide range of initiatives that have successfully promoted racial equality in Irish society.

Some examples of those initiatives are listed below:

Gorm Media’s Wideshot programme aims to equip young adults from underrepresented and ethnic minority groups with essential tools to amplify their voices through film and creative media. The programme provides pathways into the film and creative industry via workshops, training, and events in digital storytelling and creative media.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions’ Stronger Together programme highlights how everyone, regardless of background, race or religion, deserves a decent job and respect at work.
The Football Versus Discrimination project by Sports Against Racism Ireland sends coaches to schools across Ireland to deliver an interactive workshop addressing issues of discrimination and promoting inclusive practices with students.
In Laois, a programme by Portlaoise Educate Together National School called Being Together created and delivered equality-based and anti-racism events including workshops, seminars, talks and training for the staff, parents, board of management and students of the school.
In Dublin, the Phibsboro For All project set up an English language teaching programme customised to the complex needs of people applying for international protection. As part of the programme, a buddy system was developed to partner newcomers to Ireland with local volunteers to share culture, interests and activities. A series of community awareness events were also held to challenge stereotypes around racism.

The National Action Plan Against Racism represents a national level, State-led, coordinated approach to eliminating racism in all its forms here in Ireland. The plan proposes actions to help Ireland to become a place where the impacts of racism are acknowledged and actively addressed.

Community Recognition Scheme Provides €50,000 For Thurles Playground.

We learned this week, that some 6 weeks ago, that Tipperary County Council received €50,000 in funding from the Government’s Community Recognition Funding Scheme, to repair, yet again, the local skateboard park positioned in the playground in Thurles Town Park.
The skateboard park has remained closed for the second time for over the past 12 months, thus depriving some 10 skateboard owners of weekend fun.

Hopefully, a sign will now be erected informing other individuals that abandoned supermarket trollies are no longer permitted within this skatepark park area.

This Community Recognition Fund was first introduced back in 2023 and is a government initiative here in Ireland that provides funding to local communities to support the development of infrastructure and facilities in recognition of their efforts in welcoming and supporting people arriving from Ukraine and other countries.
The fund, which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, is allocated to local authorities, in this case Tipperary Co. Council, based on the number of new arrivals in each area. Projects include the development of community swimming pools, sports facilities, playgrounds, and community halls.

Regrettably, the filling of potholes is not included in this same Community Recognition Funding Scheme, which means that the Thurles streetscape must continue to remain looking like the much cratered, far side, of the moon’s surface. So our major pothole problem must remain in abeyance. Interestingly the word “Abeyance” comes from the Old French word “Abeance” meaning “gaping”; which aptly describes our Thurles pothole increasing epidemic.

The long promised, 40 year old, continuously sought “Thurles Ring Road” is not included in this funding scheme either. This is despite a 2024 report which confirms that traffic movement through Thurles, (depending on the day), averages between 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles, required to pass daily through our medieval streets, before entering unto Liberty Square; latter being our much restricted Thurles town center.

Rural Tipperary, it appears, must continue to eat the crumbs that fall from this government’s table. [My apology to St Matthew Ch15:V27].

One piece of good news however; the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has confirmed that the OPW will hand over the development of modular homes erected at Heywood Road, Clonmel, to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration shortly, thus providing much needed accommodation to those seeking temporary protection as a result of the war in Ukraine.

A spokesperson has stated that, from next week colleagues with the Ukraine team at the Department will work with the International Organisation for Migration, to place families in this new accommodation.

Thurles Planning Updates.

Thurles Planning Alerts from Tipperary County Council.

Application Ref: 2560668.
Applicant: Laura Purcell.
Development Address: 1 Dallcassian Terrace, Kickham Street, Thurles.
Development Description: the removal of steel railings and low support wall to facilitate off street parking for two cars and to install matching paving brickwork in place of wall.
Status: N/a.
Application Received: 09/07/2025 and 11/07/2025.
Decision Date: N/a.
Further Details: http://www.eplanning.ie/TipperaryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2560668/0.

Application Ref: 2560661.
Applicant: O’Ceallaigh Westfield Ltd.
Development Address: Brittas Road , Thurles , Co. Tipperary.
Development Description: the development will consist of the construction of 52 X No. residential dwelling units, comprising of 3 X No. house-type G (4 bed 7person two-storey semi-detached house), 15 X No. house-type H (3 bed 5person two-storey semi-detached house), 18 X No. house-type K (3 bed).
Status: N/a.
Application Received: 10/07/2025.
Decision Date: N/a.
Further Details: http://www.eplanning.ie/TipperaryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2560661/0.

Application Ref: 2560656.
Applicant: Coffitz Limited.
Development Address: Thomond Road , Thurles , Co. Tipperary.
Development Description: change of use of existing ground floor area from retail/commercial use to veterinary clinic with all associated siteworks.
Status: N/a.
Application Received: 09/07/2025.
Decision Date: N/a.
Further Details: http://www.eplanning.ie/TipperaryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2560656/0.

Application Ref: 257.
Applicant: Rossa Drinks Ltd.
Development Address: Part Of 8 and 9 and all of 10 To 13 Parnell Street , Thurles , Co. Tipperary
Development Description: 1) revisions to the internal layout of the public house at the dining area, associated kitchen facilities and toilet facilities, 2) shopfront design on the Parnell Street facade fronting the dining area of the public house, 3) revised layout of the 1st floor.
Status: Conditional.
Application Received: 22/01/2025.
Decision Date: 01/07/2025.
Further Details: http://www.eplanning.ie/TipperaryCC/AppFileRefDetails/257/0.

Application Ref: 2460955.
Applicant: Harry Langley.
Development Address: Archerstown , Thurles , Co. Tipperary.
Development Description: a) the construction of a new dwelling house and access road; b) the use of an existing entrance; c) the construction of a secondary treatment system and soil polishing filter with all associated site works. This proposed development is within the curtilage.
Status: Conditional.
Application Received: 07/11/2024.
Decision Date: 01/07/2025.
Further Details: http://www.eplanning.ie/TipperaryCC/AppFileRefDetails/2460955/0.

FSAI Warn Of Allergens – Bao Long Soup Seasonings.

Update to undeclared allergens in specific batches of various Bao Long Soup Seasonings

Alert Summary dated Wednesday, July 16th 2025.

Allergy Alert Notification: 2025.A27 (update 1)
Allergen: Soybeans
Product Identification: (1) Bao Long Pho Ga Soup Seasoning; pack size 75g,
(2) Bao Long Hu Tieu Nam Vang Soup Seasoning; pack size: 75g
Batch Code: All batch codes and all best before dates.
Country Of Origin: Vietnam

Message: Further to FSAI food allergen alert 2025.A27, the above additional batches of Bao Long Soup Seasonings contain soya which is not declared on the label.
This may make the implicated batches unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of soya. Therefore, these consumers should not eat the implicated batches.

The affected batches are being recalled.

Death Of Jimmy Sweeney, Formerly of Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with sadness that we learned of the death, today Wednesday 16th July 2025, of Mr Jimmy Sweeney, No. 918 Glenshane Road, Carn, Dungiven, Co Derry and formerly of Templetuohy, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Mr Sweeney passed away suddenly, but peacefully, while in the care of staff at Altnagelvin Hospital, Northern Ireland, surrounded by his loving family

Pre-deceased by his parent Patrick and Bridget and brother Joseph; His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Margaret, daughters Maria (Murray) and Ursula (Mullan), son Paul (Leon), sons-in-law John and Harry, grandchildren James, Liam, Eoghan, Joseph, Maranna, Brenda, Clare, Mary, Sarah, Senan, Eva and Esmae, brothers Michael, John and Thomas, sisters Bridget and Statia, Celine and Mary (Decanniere), brother-in-law Andy Rogers, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Sweeney will repose at his home (BT47 4SB) on Thursday morning July 17th from 11:00am until 10:00pm same night and on Friday morning July 18th from 11:00am until 10:00pm same night.
His remains will be received into the Church of St Patrick, Dungiven on Saturday morning, July 19th, with his funeral cortège leaving his home at 9:15am to further repose for Requiem Mass at 10:00am followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the adjoining graveyard.

For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Sweeney, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Sweeney 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.

Note Please: Family home strictly private on Saturday. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired to Saint Vincent De Paul Society (SVP)

Saint Joseph, patron of departed souls pray for him.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.