Thurles Information

Second Thurles ‘Section 5’ Exemption Not Intended To House IPAS Applicants.

We learn today that a second ‘Section 5’ Thurles Planning Exemption, announced by elected representatives, for an address on Friar Street, Thurles, was in fact never intended for use as housing for International Protection Applicants.

Proprietors of this identified Friar Street property have stated that their building will not be used as an IPAS centre and same was never intended to be used as such, in the first place.

The property on Friar Street in the town is currently home to a number of Ukrainians and the owner insists that it was never intended be used for International Protection Applicants.

Meanwhile, it has already been confirmed that Kilbrin Homes Ltd, has now decided not to progress with their plans for an IPAS Centre, scheduled for Mitchel Street in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
This latter decision results in a scheduled public meeting, which was set to be held on Thursday, March 27th next, now will no longer take place, as was arranged for the Anner Hotel in the town.

Immigration issues, which suddenly came to the fore this week in Thurles, does not mean that Thurles people, for the most part, are either racist or against allowing refugees to come into our midst, seeking better opportunities.
The majority of residents believe that everyone should have the chance to improve their lives. However, the current systems are being totally exploited and the present government, supported by all Tipperary TDs; together with Tipperary County council officials appear to grant ‘Section 5’ planning exemption, in secret, to property owners/developers, in areas that are totally unacceptable. In the case of Thurles, not even one job has been created in the past 30 years, despite the fact that two elected TDs, up until the last election, were resident in the immediate area, both achieving nothing for either Thurles town or county. Where are these people to find job opportunities in Thurles?

Ireland continues to grow wealthier and is fast becoming one of the richest countries in the world, but the quality of life for many Irish people is declining. Our towns, and especially our cities, are becoming less safe – not solely because of immigration, but due to multiple factors, including drugs and a failing justice system.

Communities across Ireland are worried, and their concerns are being consistently ignored. When people’s feelings are suppressed, this leads to frustration, driving same toward more extreme beliefs. This breeds distrust in the government thus fuelling racism and extremism.

The immigration issue in Ireland is a complex and often controversial topic, touching on various social, economic, and political aspects. While Ireland has a long history of welcoming refugees and migrants; in recent years there have seen growing concerns and debates around immigration policies.

With regards Thurles and Co. Tipperary; it should be highlighted that while Tipperary County Council officials grant ‘Section 5’ Planning Exemption without any thought as to the area affected, this same Council have dragged a single elderly gentleman (Mr Sean Meehan), through the Irish Court system, demanding that he dismantle an insulated caravan on wheels, by April 4th next, which he positioned on his own land, near New Inn, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Failure to obey this order, will see Mr Meehan spend his 66th birthday in an Irish prison, while his humble abode will be torn down, leaving him homeless when released.
This is despite planning rules for cabins and modular homes in back gardens all set to be relaxed in an effort to support a housing crisis in Ireland.

This is a County Council that lacks humanity; is according to elected representatives, a somewhat dictatorial regime that continuously wastes taxpayers money and fails to consult with local residents, their elected Councillors, TDs, Gardaí and other pertinent stakeholders.

Death Of Johanna Carey, Co. Tipperary.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death, yesterday Friday 21st March 2025, of Mrs Johanna (Josie) Carey (née Kavanagh), Summerhill Drive, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and late of Hollyford Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by her husband Joe; Mrs Carey passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; loving sons John and Michael, daughter Margaret, Mary, Patricia and Joanne, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Mick, nephew,
nieces, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mrs Carey will repose at O’Donoghue’s Funeral Home, Kickham Street, Clonmel (Eircode E91 PK19) on Monday afternoon next, March 24th, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm.
Her remains will be received into the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Gladstone Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, (Eircode E91 YY01) on Tuesday afternoon, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 1:00pm, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Moanmehill, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

For those persons who wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Carey, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE

The extended Carey and Kavanagh 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.

Note Please: Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Friends of Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Grá agus Paidreacha.

Importance Of Thurles One Hundred Million Trees Project.

“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” – Greek Proverb.

It was great to see, once again, biodiversity being restored to the area of the Thurles Double Ditch, latter situated beside Dun Muileann Housing Estate, on Mill Road, in Thurles yesterday and sponsored by Allied Irish Banks (AIB).

In this area, not alone had the biodiversity been totally eradicated back in March 2023, but also a substantial piece of Thurles Heritage had been torn down and obliterated, courtesy of Tipperary Co. Council, led by now retired Thurles Fianna Fáil Councillor, Mr Seamus Hanafin and his known associates.

**Tree planters pictured above are students from Thurles Ursuline Convent Secondary School with Ms Anne Marie Fleming,** *(Tipperary County Council Biodiversity Officer)* **and Mr John Lanigan** *(Refresh Thurles)*.

**Tree planters pictured above are students from Thurles Presentation Convent Secondary School with Mr** **Richard Mulcahy** *(Co-founder of the 100MT Project initiative)*

So, how important was yesterday’s Thurles undertaking?

The two videos, shown immediately hereunder, should assist, greatly, in granting an understanding into the importance of yesterday’s Thurles project.

So what can we expect to see here in just 2 years from now?

Congratulations to all those responsible for yesterday’s undertaking, which, sadly, saw no elected politicians making themselves available to turn sods; however, in mitigation I suppose it wasn’t an election year and the trees were too small to allow the holding up of election posters, using tech screws.

Tipp Co. Council Approves Another ‘Section 5’ Thurles Planning Exemption

It has been confirmed today that Kilbrin Homes Ltd, has now decided not to go ahead with their plans for an IPAS Centre, scheduled for Mitchel Street, in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Meanwhile, news obtained by Thurles.Info today, confirms that Tipperary County Council planning has once again approved, yet another, ‘Section 5’ planning exemption application for a second property in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

This second application once again allows for the bypassing of planning approval regulations for the former Bed & Breakfast establishment known as Rosendale House, on Friar Street, latter situated west of Thurles town.

**Modular Home site for Ukrainian Refugees, Thurles, opened in 2023 last.**

The developer in this case is ‘Rosendale Property Limited’, Carrick-On-Suir, and we were unable to confirm whether this building/address is intended to accommodate Ukrainian Refugees or people who have applied for international protection (IPAS).

In mid 2023 new modular homes were already constructed here in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, latter designed to accommodate fleeing Ukrainian refugees.

Local Cllr. Mr Jim Ryan has confirmed that, yet again, this move has occurred without any consultation with local residents, their elected Councillors, TDs, Gardaí and other pertinent stakeholders.

Supported By AIB – One Hundred Million Trees Campaign Arrives in Thurles.

Mr Peter McCreevy Reports:

Regional Planting of Special Mini Forest Close to Dun Muileann Housing Estate, Mill Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
550,000 Trees to be Planted Nationwide Over Coming Months.

The One Hundred Million Trees (100 MT) Project is delighted to announce a new partnership with Tipperary County Council as part of the next phase of its 2025 national planting campaign. This ambitious initiative, which deploys a novel planting technique perfected in Japan* is well on course to plant 550,000 trees across Ireland at hundreds of sites by May of this year.

The regional planting programme now moves to County Tipperary with a significant event at the Dun Muileann Housing Estate, just outside Thurles undertaken today, sponsored by Allied Irish Banks.
A site has been cleared and transformed into a thriving green space with 5,500 native-variety tree saplings, contributing to the 100MT Project’s mission of fostering environmental sustainability and enhancing biodiversity.

**Pictured above are Ms Clodagh Loughnane**, *(AIB Customer Service & Sales)*, **Ms Nora Doherty** *(AIB Savings & Deposit Advisor)*, **Mr Richard Mulcahy** *(Co-founder of the 100MT Project initiative)* **and Mr Niall O’Gorman** *(AIB Business Customer Advisor)* **who attended, suitably attired for today’s tree planting in Thurles.**

Local volunteers, transition year students from local secondary schools gathered today to participate in this important crusade to create a greener, more sustainable future for the region.

Founded in 2022 by siblings Richard, David, and Tina Mulcahy, the 100MT Project has already passed some impressive milestones with 20,000 trees planted in its first year and 200,000 in its second year across 85 sites in 23 counties. The ambitious goal for the current planting season, is to plant a further 550,000 trees across 230 sites in 29 counties, by May of this year.

“AIB is delighted to support the tree planting at Dun Muileann Housing Estate for this meaningful native Irish tree planting project,” said Mr Nial Hogan, AIB Branch Manager Thurles. “AIB is committed to supporting communities and the transition to a low carbon economy and by combining our efforts, we are creating a lasting impact on the local environment.”

Ms Sharon Scully, Thurles Municipal District Administrator and coordinator, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with the 100MT Project and AIB for this important initiative. It is inspiring to see the response from the local community in Thurles who are coming together to make a small but important positive environmental impact, protecting biodiversity and contributing to the future wellbeing of future generations.”

Mr Richard Mulcahy, (Latter grandson of the late General Richard James Mulcahy TD) co-founder of the 100MT Project initiative, commented, “This event highlights the power of collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and communities in tackling environmental challenges. By working together, we can create lasting change and build a more sustainable future. We are rolling out this campaign at hundreds of locations this year in the knowledge that Ireland was once a densely-forested island with ideal conditions for tree growth. So far this winter season we have planted over 250,000 new trees throughout Ireland. It is ironic perhaps to call it a grassroots campaign when we are actually bringing back hundreds of thousands of native variety trees in to the heart of local communities around the country”

The 100MT invites community members, environmental advocates, and volunteers to get involved in achieving this season’s ambitious goal.

*Japan-The Miyawaki Method.
The project’s ambitious aim is to densely plant between 1,000 and 2,500 native Irish trees at a time across small areas of land using ‘the Miyawaki method’, named after Japanese Botanist, Professor Akira Miyawaki. This method of overplanting trees has been successful in creating over 1,700 forests worldwide, including three established forests in Ireland. By planting excess trees together, they grow considerably faster, denser, are more biodiverse, and most importantly create a very rapid carbon sink. This inexpensive approach requires significantly smaller planting areas and can be conducted on unused or fallow land across Ireland. Dense areas of afforestation can also actually play a role in reducing the impact of forest fires, while at the same time provide excellent areas of biodiversity.