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Hydroelectric Energy Project For Tipperary Takes A Step Forward.

An Bord Pleanála has confirmed that proposed plans to establish a €650m hydroelectric pumped storage power project, to be located at the former mine site at Silvermines, Co. Tipperary, has been now been deemed developed enough to enter the permit granting process for ‘Projects of Common Interest’, latter an essential infrastructure project regarded as aimed to strengthen European energy markets, thus assisting EU energy and climate goals.

The appeals board will now evaluate the project under an EU procedure which aims to streamline the consenting process for trans-European energy projects.

This Silvermines Hydroelectric Energy Storage Project, when eventually operational, is expected to store as much as 296 Megawatts (MW), with a daily storage capacity of up to 2,175MWh of electricity, same sufficient to power 185,000 households or 21,000 small businesses daily in Ireland.

Not a new idea, but like the existing ESB Turlough Hill (292 MW) Power Plant in Co. Wicklow, first commenced in 1968, this project will see water pumped from one source, starting at ground level and delivered to a reservoir higher up, which in turn will then be released through turbines that in turn generate electricity.

The 148-hectare (366 acre) site, chosen for the project, in Co. Tipperary is situated on the Northern ridge of the Silvermines Mountain range and was first proposed initially some 9 years ago.
The project, when first made public in January of 2016, suggested that wind energy, from a wind farm on the site would be deployed at night time, during periods of less demand, to pump the water from the downhill lake to the uphill storage area.

This Silvermines Hydro project is being developed and managed by Siga-Hydro Limited, an Irish company based in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, working with the Foresight Group, a global infrastructure investor.

Accounts for a connected firm, Silvermines Tipp Hold Co Ltd, shows that it received a capital injection of €14.5m in 2023. It is estimated that the project will create some 400 jobs during its construction phase and employ as many as 50 qualified personnel in the pumping hydro station, during its operational phase.

Following the announced permit granting procedure, An Bord Pleanála will now make a final decision on the project.

Death Of John Curran, Formerly Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, today Thursday 6th March 2025, of Mr John Curran, St Flannan’s Drive, Ennis, Co. Clare and formerly of Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his baby son John David (1980), his parents Rody and Margaret, brother Fergus (Ballinasloe); Mr Curran passed away peacefully, while in the care of Cahercalla Community Hospital, Ennis, Co. Clare.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Nancy (nee Cahill), son Gerard, daughters Sarah (Cahill), Siobhan (O’Keeffe) and Mary (Fahy), grandchildren Emily, James, Niamh, Ailbhe, Beibhinn Curran; John, David and Micheal Cahill; Annie O’Keeffe; Amy & Molly Fahy, brothers Billy, Malachy, Pat, Rodge and Albert, sisters Sarah (McManus), Peggy (Coughlan), Mary (Scanlon), Anne (Ward) and Noreen (Sooter), daughters-in-law Christina Regan, Amy McEnnis, sons-in-law Fergal Cahill, Barry O’Keeffe and Paul Fahy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Curran will repose at Daly’s Mortuary Chapel, Stamer Park, Francis Street, Ennis, (Eircode V95 AE63) on Saturday evening from 6:00pm until 7:00pm same evening.
His remains will be received into the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, O’Connell Street, Clonroad Beg, Ennis, Co. Clare on Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm to further repose for Requiem Mass, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in Drumcliffe Cemetery, Drumcliff, Co. Clare.

For those persons who wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Curran, but cannot; same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE

The extended Curran and Cahill families 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.

Death Of Austie O’Brien, Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Wednesday 5th March 2025, of Mr Austin (Austie) Maurice O’Brien, Ballydonnell, Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his parents Mary and Edmond (Ned) and nephew Thomas Moher; Mr O’Brien passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at Cork University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving and devoted partner Julie, sons, daughter, grand-children, sisters Jodie (twin), Lilly, Mary and Nelly, brothers Terry, Tommy and Edmond, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr O’Brien will repose at Brett’s Funeral Home, No. 6 Kickham Street, Mullinahone, Thurles, on tomorrow afternoon, Friday March 7th, from 5:00pm, with recital of vigil prayers at 8:00pm, same evening.

His remains will further repose for Requiem Mass on Saturday March 8th, at 12:00 noon, in nearby St Michael’s Church, Mullinahone, Thurles, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in Kilvemnon Cemetery, Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

For those persons who are unable to attend Requiem Mass for Mr O’Brien, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended O’Brien 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: House Strictly Private

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all those who cared for Mr O’Brien throughout his past illness”.

Three Upcoming Events During Mná Month At Cashel Library.

A reminder from Ms Maura Barrett, (Cashel Library):

Friends,

Three Upcoming Events Taking Place During Mná Month At Cashel Library

(No. 1) Saturday 8th March at 11:00amCircle Dancing on International Women’s Day with Ms Tracey Tobin (only 3 spaces left).
Circle Dance is a gentle, healing way to bring body, mind and spirit together. This workshop helps to relieve daily stress and release creative energy. Let your mind learn from your body.
Booking is essential to this FREE event by Telephoning 062-63825.

(No. 2) Monday 10th March at 11:00amComhrá sa Leabharlann/Conversation as Gaeilge. A film discussion Ag Siúil le Sceilte with Mr John G. O’Dwyer
All are welcome to attend.

(No. 3) Tuesday 11th March at 7:00pm“Petronell Grubb was a little girl from Cashel….”.
On October 13th 1919 a young girl from Cashel died of Typhoid. The museum displays many emotive personal items belonging to Petronell, her leather gloves, silver cutlery set and locks of her beautiful hair. Many local singers, poets and artists have been moved to respond creatively. We showcase these artefacts and audiences are invited to listen to songs and poems.
Promises to be a memorable event. (A Hidden History joint Library and Museum Project).
All are welcome to attend.

Visitors can locate the Cashel Library building; situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).

Death Of Denis Quinlan, Formerly Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday, Wednesday 5th March 2025, of Mr Denis Quinlan, Artane, Dublin and formally of Curreeny, Kilcommon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his son Gerard, his sisters Patricia, Biddy and brothers Fr. Phil, Jack, Mick and Paddy; Mr Quinlan passed away peacefully at his place of ordinary residence, while in the care of his family and the St Francis Hospice community team.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving wife Maura (nee Boyle), daughters Marie, Kathleen, Freda and Denise, son Martin, sisters Mary and Sr. Winnie, father-in-law of Paul, Johnny, Shane, Kath and Winnie, grandchildren Oran, Jack, Milo, Cáit, June, Louis, Aoife and Oisin, sister-in-law Brenda and brother-in-law Mick, nephews, nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Quinlan will repose at his home on tomorrow, Friday afternoon, March 7th from 5:00pm until 8:00pm same evening.
His remains will be received into the Church of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 51 Gracefield Rd, Harmonstown, Artane, Co.Dublin on Saturday morning at 9:30am, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 10:00am, followed by internment immediately afterwards, in St Fintan’s Cemetery, St Fintan’s Cresent, Sutton North, Co. Dublin.

For those persons who are unable to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Quinlan, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.

The extended Quinlan and Boyle families 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.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to St Francis Hospice Dublin.