Odour and Noise Complaints accounted for 90% of all complaints to the EPA in 2023.
The EPA carried out over 1,200 inspections at 535 licensed industrial and waste facilities. 91% of these were unannounced.
The Licence & Enforcement Access Portal (LEAP) launched in 2023 giving the public enhanced access to environmental information.
The EPA identified 11 sites as National Priority Sites for enforcement in 2023. Most were in the food and drink sector (five sites) and waste sector (three sites).
Enforcement activities by the EPA have resulted in a decrease in complaints, down 36% from 2021. Odour and Noise Complaints accounted for 90% of all complaints received by the EPA in 2023.
22 prosecutions were concluded in 2023 resulting in fines of €137,750 and costs of €245,047 being imposed.
2023 saw the first successful District Court Prosecution for the extraction of peat without a licence from the EPA.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today published its Industrial and Waste Licence Enforcement Summary 2023. The report gives details of enforcement activities across the 889 licensed facilities in 2023.
In 2023, the EPA carried out over 1,200 inspections at 535 licensed industrial and waste facilities. Of these, 91% were unannounced. Enforcement action by the EPA has resulted in a decrease in complaints to the EPA about these sites, down 36% from 2021 from 1490 to 960. Odour and Noise complaints remained the most common in 2023, accounting for 90% of all complaints received.
Commenting on the report, Dr Tom Ryan, (Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement) said: “The increased focus on the improvement of odour and noise management at EPA licensed sites has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of complaints received. The EPA will maintain a focus on nuisance arising from licensed sites and will take enforcement action, where appropriate. The launch of the Licence & Enforcement Access Portal (LEAP) has transformed the way in which the public can access environmental information concerning licensed sites with already almost 100,000 page views in 2023. 2023 saw the first successful District Court Prosecution for the extraction of peat without a licence from the EPA, and 22 prosecutions were completed last year.”
The EPAs National Priority Sites List is another important tool assisting the EPA in targeting its enforcement effort at the licensed operators with the poorest environmental performance. This helps drive improvements in environmental compliance. Since its launch in 2017, fifty sites have been identified as National Priority Sites, with 11 sites on the list in 2023. These were mostly in the food and drink sector (5 sites) and waste sector (3 sites). Industrial and waste compliance information and further details of the National Priority Sites scoring system and the list of sites can be found online.
Enforcement information on all sites can be found on the Licence & Enforcement Access Portal (LEAP) LEAP Online (epa.ie) Complaints about licensed sites can be made on-line or by contacting the EPA at Tel: 053-9160600.
Today, on TippFM local radio we learn, through an interview with local elected Independent Cllr. Mr Jim Ryan, that a major upgrade of the road surface and footpaths on Kickham Street, Thurles are likely to start maybe next August 2024.
Kickham Street this evening after the ‘Pothole fixer’ came and went.
According to Cllr. Mr Ryan, some residents of the area have complained of loose chippings, latter flying up into their houses and gardens. He failed to mention the double glazed window broken by flying gravel; the rotting door timbers on houses; school pupils and adult pedestrians being struck by flying gravel and their wet clothing, same soaked by the torrents of water flowing past blocked shores. Truth is Cllr. Mr Ryan resides just one mile from this area, same easily the busiest entrance and exit in and out of Thurles town centre.
Footpath evidence today, proving that pedestrians are being assaulted by stones from disintegrating tarmac, fired from the wheels of passing trucks and motor vehicles.
So, how many times has Thurles.Info contacted Tipperary Co. Council, Mr Joe MacGrath (Chief Executive) and Thurles Municipal District Council, Ms Sharon Scully (Thurles Administrator) together with locally elected councillors? Note: Dates that Thurles.Info highlighted this issue before reading the published links, shown hereunder, starting in 2021, with video and undeniable photographic evidence provided. Note Also: You are going to be asked to vote; to return some of those who have neglected our community, back into office again in the coming weeks.
Cllr Mr Ryan failed to state that Thurles Municipal District Administrator Ms Sharon Scully(twice invited to view this area); and Director of Services Roads/Transportation and Active Travel, Mr Marcus O’Connor, both failed/refused to correspond to numerous emails forwarded to them, between February, 23rd, 2021and January 3rd, 2024.
Kickham Street, Thurles, this evening.
Under the guidance of Local engineer, Mr Thomas Duffy, his staff, in a way observed by locals as being foolish, unreasonable and even amusing, (using what appeared to be a Stihl TS420 14in Cut-Off Consaw), cut a 3.81 centimetre (1.5in inch) wide channel to allow water to flow from one pothole into another. View Here to observe the undeniable evidence and see picture immediately hereunder.
Engineer Mr Thomas Duffy’s pothole irrigation solution.See channel cut to run water from one crater to the next crater.
Interior of front hall of one house on Kickham Street, as water is splashed freely against outer wall, the damp rotting interior timberwork.
Residents in the area can now email customerservices@tipperarycoco.ie to express their total dissatisfaction with Tipperary Co. Council, We ask those corresponding with the customer service desk to please use the reference T-241140-T0G1, latter set up by Thurles.Info, in any future correspondence. See email hereunder, sent from Customer Service Desk
Dear George Thank you for your e-mail (Received March 14th) regarding ” Kickham Street Thurles “ I have forwarded your e-mail to the Thurles District Office for their attention and direct reply to you. (Got no replyfrom Thurles District Office). Should you wish to follow up on this case, please contact Customer Service Desk, quoting reference number T-241140-T0G1 Regards, Customer Service Desk, Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Clonmel / Civic Offices, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
Fianna Fáil TD Mr Jackie Cahill, who uses this road at least 4 times each week, in criticizing his own Political Party, may just be right. “Fianna Fáil have stopped listening to the ‘Ordinary People’,”(whoever they are). Mr Jackie Cahill, readers will be aware, is the TD who recently brought a deputation to meet Mr Jack Chambers TD, (Minister of State at the Department of Transport), and failed to get even a future committment to build a ‘Thurles Ring Road‘, first sought 50 years ago. Independent TD and government supporter Mr Michael Lowry also uses this roadway, and both TDs, who reside in Thurles, should be thoroughly ashamed, and embarrassed, because of their total inaction on this matter.
In an email forwarded to the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Mr Eamon Ryan, (eamon.ryan@oireachtas.ie), and the Minister for Finance, Mr Michael McGrath, (michael.mcgrath@oireachtas.ie), Thurles.Info has now asked how residents in this area can appeal against their Local Property Tax, same forcibly removed from the incomes of persons residing on Kickham Street, and whose homes, which have been continuously damaged over the past three years, due to a lack of basic road repair. The request, sent 12 days agoon March 14th last, we now eagerly await a response.
We can be forgiven for believing that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) now govern this troubled country, which is totally lacking in governmental leadership.
Mr McLoughlin, sadly, passed away suddenly at his place of residence.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his heartbroken family; loving partner Marian, children Wayne, Hayleigh, Adam and Tadhg, brothers, sisters, grandchildren Livvie-Lee and Vogue, his in-laws and partners, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
The extended McLoughlin 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.
The ever popular Co. Tipperary, Holycross Drama Festival, (under the administration of Director Mr Donal M. Duggan and his experienced committee), now in its fortieth year, saw participating groups playing nightly to packed houses, of loyal drama fans and not surprisingly, many new faces, all attracted by the talent performing in this year’s week-long festival.
This year’s adjudicator was Mr Michael Poynor, (A.D.A), whohails from Derry, and holds an impressive curriculum vitae, including Artistic Director for the Lyric Theatre, Belfast; Harrogate Theatre, Yorkshire; Stage ’80 Theatre company, Belfast; Ulster Youth Theatre; The National Youth Theatre Of Wales; and currently Artistic Director at the Ulster Theatre Company. Chief Executive of the Millenium Forum, Derry, and Head of Culture and Arts at Queens University, in Belfast; Mr Poynor is an award winning Director and Lighting Designer having directed over 150 productions; designed ‘Sets’ for 120 and ‘Lighting’ for over 250, as well as ‘Fight Directing’ for some 100 productions.
Final Results.
Pic. L-R: Adjudicator Michael Poynor, (A.D.A), and Holycross Drama Festival Director Donal M. Duggan.
Overall Competition:
Hannifin Cup: (Awarded to ‘Most Entertaining Play’) – “The Ferryman” – Ballyduff Drama Croup, Waterford (D.G.). Gallagher Award: (Awarded to ‘Most Promising Actor/Actress’) – Shane Foley ”The Ferryman”, – Ballyduff Waterford D.G. Dr. Morris Memorial Cup: (Awarded to the ‘Best Tipperary Group’) – Brian Friel’s “Dancing at Lughnasa”, – Holycross/Ballycahill, D.G.
Josie Slattery Award: (Awarded to ‘Overall Best Set’) – Joanne Bannon ”Stolen Child”, Moyne, Thurles, D.G.
Best Lighting: – Conor McGowan, “The Ferryman“, Ballyduff, Waterford, D.G.
1st Adjudicator Award: – The Wild Dance ”Dancing at Lughnassa”, Holycross /Ballycahill, D.G. 2nd Adjudicator Award: – Trio of Young Sisters, “The Ferryman”, Ballyduff, Waterford, D.G.
Confined Competition:
Joe Boyle Award for Best Actor: – Ken murphy as Mick Tracey in ”Stolen child” Moyne, Thurles D.G. The Maudie Bourke Award for Best Actress: – Geraldine Delaney as Angela in “Stolen Child”, Moyne, Thurles D.G. Best Supporting Actor: – Norman skillen as Mooney/Mr.Mullen in “Same Old Moon”, Sliabh Aughty, D.G.
3rd – “On Rafferty’s Hill”, – Wayside D.G. 2nd – “Now and Then”, – Harvest Moon D.G. 1st – Tipperary Star Cup – “Stolen Child”, – Moyne, Thurles D.G. Best Producer: Joanne Bannon – Moyne, Thurles D.G.
OpenCompetition:
Best Actor (Matthew Bourke Trophy): – John Stack as Quinn Carney in “The Ferryman” Ballyduff, Waterford, D.G. Best Actress: – Grainne Kenny as Caitlin Carney in “The Ferryman”, Ballyduff, Waterford, D.G. Best Supporting Actor: – James Lenane as Teiresias in “Antigone”, Bride-view D.G.
Best Supporting Actress : – Mary Colbert as Aunt Patricia Faraway in “The Ferryman”, Ballyduff 3rd – “Dancing at Lughnasa” – Holycross/Ballycahill D.G. 2nd – “The Lonesome West” – Kilmeen D.G. 1st – Tipp FMm Radio Trophy: – “The Ferryman”, Ballyduff, Waterford, D.G.
Best Producer: –(Frank Gleeson Award) – Ger Canning, Ballyduff, Waterford, D.G.
This week, for Christians across the world, is ‘Holy Week’, latter the most sacred week in the Christian liturgical year. (View Holy Week Religious Services – Thurles Parish 2024, Here.) Holy Week, each year, begins with the commemoration of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on ‘Palm Sunday’, which this year began on March 24th. During the week ahead, Christians will mark the betrayal of Jesus on Wednesday, known as ‘Spy Wednesday’. The week will climax with the commemoration of the ‘Last Supper’ on ‘Holy Thursday’, followed by the Passion of Jesus, on ‘Good Friday’. Holy Week for Christians will conclude with the commemoration of Christ’s crucified death on ‘Holy Saturday’, and here in Thurles at least, the celebration of his resurrection will take place at an ‘Open Air Sunrise Service’, beginning at dawn (6:30am) on Easter Sunday, March 31st, in Killinan Cemetery, Nenagh Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. (R498).
There Was Jesus.
Vocals: American Christian rock artist musician Zach Williams and American singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist MsDolly Parton. Lyrics: Zach Williams, Jonathan Smith, and country music songwriter Casey Beathard.
There Was Jesus.
Every time I tried to make it on my own, Every time I tried to stand and start to fall, And all those lonely roads that I have travelled on, There was Jesus. When the life I built came crashing to the ground, When the friends I had were nowhere to be found, I couldn’t see it then but I can see it now, There was Jesus. In the waiting, in the searching, In the healing and the hurting, Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces, Every minute, every moment, Where I’ve been and where I’m going, Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it, There was Jesus. For this man who needs amazing kind of grace, (Mmm) For forgiveness at a price I couldn’t pay, (Mmm) I’m not perfect so I thank God every day, There was Jesus. (There was Jesus). In the waiting, in the searching, In the healing and the hurting, Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces, Every minute, every moment, Where I’ve been and where I’m going, Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it, There was Jesus. On the mountain, in the valleys, (There was Jesus), In the shadows of the alleys, (There was Jesus), In the fire, in the flood, (There was Jesus), Always is and always was. No I never walk alone, (Never walk alone), You are always there, In the waiting, in the searching, In the healing and the hurting, Like a blessing buried in the broken pieces, Every minute, (Every minute), every moment, (Every moment), Where I’ve been and where I’m going, Even when I didn’t know it or couldn’t see it, There was Jesus. There was Jesus. (There was Jesus.) (There was Jesus.)
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