Thurles Information

EPA Predicts Significant Challenges In Meeting 2030 Recycling Targets.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yesterday published its waste forecasts providing a future outlook of waste generation and recycling trends for municipal and packaging wastes. The forecasting models provide estimates ahead of the availability of finalised statistics.

The forecasts indicate that waste generation is expected to continue to grow across municipal waste, from households and businesses and packaging waste streams. Recycling rates for municipal wastes are forecast to remain largely stagnant and lag behind the EU average. Packaging waste recycling rates are projected to increase modestly, however the increases are not expected to be sufficient to meet future targets.

Looking ahead, the 2030 targets appear challenging based on current waste generation and recycling trends. Reducing waste generation levels is critical, but increased recycling rates will also be needed.

To meet the 2030 municipal waste recycling target of 60 per cent will require an additional 500,000 tonnes of recycling, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.

Mr David Flynn, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Sustainability, said: “While recycling rates for packaging are improving, these gains are eroded by continued growth in waste generation. The priority now is to implement policy measures in the Government’s Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy, delivering the practical circular economy solutions to incentivise waste prevention and better material recovery along the full supply chain.”

The EPA will continue to update and refine these forecasts as verified waste data becomes available.

Further information on the packaging waste forecasts is available on the EPA website.

Gardaí Investigate Discovery Of Woman & Newborn Baby In Co. Tipperary.

Gardaí are presently investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the bodies of a woman and a newborn baby at a residential property in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, on this Friday afternoon.

The discovery was made shortly after lunchtime when a man attended a house in a local housing estate and alerted emergency services.

Gardaí and emergency personnel responded to the scene, which has since been preserved for forensic and technical examination pending the arrival of the State Pathologist.

Preliminary information indicates that the woman may have been the mother of the infant, who appeared to have been recently born.
Investigators have confirmed that all lines of inquiry remain open at this stage. However, sources indicate the incident is currently being treated as a personal tragedy and is being handled with sensitivity and care.

An incident room is being established, and a Family Liaison Officer will be appointed to support relatives and assist with ongoing investigation.

Death Of Michael Lyons, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

It was with a great sadness that we learned of the death, on Thursday 7th May 2026, of Mr Michael Lyons, “Quarry Lodge”, Lower Mitchel Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

Pre-deceased by his granddaughter Saidbh, brother Tommy and parents Nell and Tommy; Mr Lyons passed away peacefully while in the exceptional care of the staff at Milford Hospice and the Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving and devoted wife Josephine, son Tom, daughters Susan and Helena, grandchildren Milo, Fionn, Thaddeus and Rowan, daughter-in-law Rachel, sons-in-law Paul and Chris, sister Mary, brother Johnny, sisters-in-law, niece, nephews, extended relatives, good neighbours and many friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, loyalty and good humour.

Requiescat in Pace.

Funeral Arrangements.

The earthly remains of Mr Lyon’s will repose at Ardeen Nursing Home, Abbey Road Garryvicleheen, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CY91), on Saturday, May 9th from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.

His funeral cortège will be received into the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 A528) on Sunday morning, May 10th at 10:30am, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Lognafulla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

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

The extended Lyons 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 flowers only please, donations if desired to Unit B, Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, Co. Tipperary in memory of Mr Michael Lyons.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Sir David Attenborough Celebrates 100 Years As World Honours A Voice For Nature.

Legendary British broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough marked his 100th birthday, today Friday, May 8th 2026, receiving an extraordinary wave of tributes from around the world, after more than seven decades spent bringing the wonders of nature into millions of homes.
Born on May 8th, 1926 in Isleworth, Middlesex, England, Sir David has become one of the most respected and recognisable voices in broadcasting history.

In a heartfelt audio message released by the BBC, Sir David said he had expected a quiet celebration but was deeply moved by the global response to his milestone birthday. Messages arrived from children, families, schools and care homes, reflecting the affection generations of viewers feel for the man whose storytelling transformed wildlife filmmaking.

Across Britain, celebrations were organised to honour his remarkable contribution to television and environmental awareness. The BBC scheduled a week of special programming dedicated to his life and work, while events including concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall, museum exhibitions, nature walks and tree-planting ceremonies were held nationwide.

For over 70 years, Sir David has documented the beauty, complexity and fragility of the natural world. His groundbreaking documentaries, including Life on Earth, The Blue Planet, Frozen Planet and Dynasties, revolutionised natural history broadcasting and inspired millions to care about wildlife and conservation.

Some of his most unforgettable moments include a famous encounter with playful mountain gorillas during the filming of Life on Earth, dramatic footage of orcas hunting seals in icy waters, and his emotional narration of the story of “Lonesome George,” the final surviving Pinta Island tortoise whose death marked the extinction of his species. These powerful scenes helped audiences understand both the wonder and vulnerability of life on Earth.

In recent decades, Attenborough has become one of the world’s strongest advocates for environmental protection. His acclaimed 2017 series Blue Planet II highlighted the devastating impact of plastic pollution in the oceans and sparked public pressure for action on waste reduction and conservation measures worldwide.

Despite his global fame, colleagues and friends often describe Attenborough as modest and deeply committed to public service. Producer Mike Gunton said Attenborough viewed himself not as a celebrity, but as someone fortunate enough to speak on behalf of the natural world.

Even at 100, Attenborough remains actively involved in filmmaking. One of the latest BBC projects celebrating his centenary is Secret Garden, a series exploring the hidden wildlife thriving in Britain’s gardens and green spaces.

Attenborough’s career began at the BBC in the early 1950s, before he rose through the organisation to become a senior television executive. However, his passion for storytelling and wildlife drew him back in front of the camera, leading to the creation of Life on Earth in 1979 — the landmark series that established him as a household name around the globe.

Today, Sir David Attenborough is regarded not only as a pioneering broadcaster, but also as one of the most influential communicators of science and conservation in modern history. His work has inspired generations to appreciate the natural world and to recognise the urgent need to protect it for the future.

FSAI Provides Advice On Consumption Of Calabash Chalk.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is advising consumers, particularly pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding, not to consume calabash chalk due to the presence of high levels of lead.

Calabash chalk (also known as calabar chalk, calabar stone, la craie, argile, nzu, ndom, eko and mabele) is sometimes consumed as a traditional remedy for morning sickness. However, eating it can significantly increase exposure to lead, which is harmful, particularly to unborn babies and infants.

Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time and can be transferred to unborn babies during pregnancy and to infants during breastfeeding. Exposure to lead is associated with a range of adverse health effects, particularly its impact on the developing brain of unborn babies and young infants.

Calabash chalk may be naturally occurring, composed of fossilised seashells, or artificially produced from a mixture of clay, sand, wood ash and other materials. The product is imported into Ireland and can be found in some ethnic shops, typically sold in blocks, pellets or powders, often with limited labelling or consumer information.

Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI urged pregnant and breastfeeding women not to eat this product.
“High levels of lead in calabash chalk is a serious public health concern. Lead can have harmful effects, particularly for unborn babies and infants, where it can severely affect how a child’s body grows and their brain develops. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. We advise pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding not to eat this product,” said Mr Dempsey.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and have consumed calabash chalk should stop using the product.

Those who feel unwell should seek medical advice.