South Tipperary Co. Council is to suffer another major blow to its status by ceding responsibility for the county’s water and waste water services and infrastructure to a new national public utility company over the next five years.

The news was broken to the Co. Council’s elected members at a meeting on Monday where they were given a detailed presentation on the Government’s plans to transfer the responsibility for all aspects of water services from the country’s 34 county and city councils to the public utility company, Irish Water, by 2017.

The new public utility will also have responsibilty for collecting the new domestic water charges the Government is planning to introduce.

The major reform, decided by the Cabinet in December, represents a further significant diminution of the public services South Tipperary Co. Council provides.

Last October, the Council sold its long standing refuse collection service to a private company. On top of this, the Council is being amalgamated with North Tipperary Co. Council.

Water services accounts for 18% of the Council’s annual budget and amounts to €12m a year, excluding annual capital and rural water programme investment.

There are currently 53 staff in the Council’s water and waste water services section and their work is supported by five revenue collectors and 12 town and borough council staff assigned full-time or part-time to water duties.

Water service staff will be transferred to the new Irish Water company, which will operate regionally but it’s expected that there will be some staff reductions as it’s envisaged that the number of employees required for Irish Water will be “significantly lower” than the 4300 staff currently involved in water services across all the local authorities.

Jim Harney, the Council’s Acting Director for Water and Environment Services, said negotiations would be taking place with water services staff and their trade unions in relation to the transfer.

He said staff will have concerns and he imagined the discussions will be difficult. “There will be concerns obviously from a security of jobs point of view and also in relation to salaries. There is going to be a lot of negotiations on this,” he said.

There was widespread dismay and opposition to the proposed reform expressed by councillors at the meeting.

A motion, proposed by Cllr John Crosse (FG) and seconded by Cllr Sean Lonergan (Lab), was passed calling on the Government to retain water services as the responsibility of county councils and calling for other local authorities to do the same.

Councillors were informed that the Government is seeking their views on its plans for reform of the water sector but the closing date for submissions is this Friday, February 24.

Council Chairman Cllr Michael Fitzgerald (FG) said this was the most seismic change to the way local authorities work throughout the country that he had ever witnessed and it would certainly change the role public representatives had in the area of water services.

He questioned what benefit the creation of other centralised bodies like the National Roads Authority and HSE had been to road and health services but echoed Jim Harney’s phrase that the “train had left the station” on this matter, namely that the establishment of Irish Water was going ahead regardless.

Fianna Fail Cllr Sylvia Cooney-Sheehan said the Government’s decision was wrong because she believed there was nothing better than the local knowledge of water services that you get with the Co. Council where leakages reported by the public were dealt with so promptly.

“I would hate to see that standard of service deteriorating and I think it will happen if water services are removed from the councils,” she said.

Independent Cllr Eddie O’Meara from Mullinahone said on the one hand the Minister for Environment was saying the powers of local authorities were going to be increased but on the other hand councils powers were being eroded bit by bit and this was another step in that erosion of powers.

Another Independent Cllr Denis Leahy feared the creation of Irish Water was paving the way for the country’s water services to be privatised where profit will be the main focus.

Cllr Michael Murphy (FG), however, said the fact that much of South Tipperary’s water mains were more than 50 years old was down to lack of investment in water services nationally. He saw some merit in the transfer of the water services capital investment programme to a national utility that would have the capacity to borrow on the international markets as envisaged with Irish Water, but only if it resulted in increased investment in South Tipperary’s water infrastructure.

Cllr Murphy stressed that he strongly believed that routine maintenance of the water infrastructure system should remain the responsibility of the local authorities.

Several councillors criticised the short time frame they were given to lodge submissions to the Government on its plans for reform of the water sector.

It was decided to submit to the Government a synopsis of the views expressed by councillors at the meeting on the issue.

]]> 1.3548911 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:19:45 +0000 http://www.nationalist.ie/cashel_a_vibrant_town_1_3548195

Have you stopped off in Cashel lately? Well if it’s good enough for Queen Elizabeth II to drop in on her tour of Ireland, then why don’t you take some time to visit the local sights, have a leisurely stroll through the pretty town, take your time to peruse the many shops selling wonderful local crafts, produce, the best in fashion and footwear, and maybe even find a bargain before relaxing over a tasty snack, lunch or dinner in one of the many pubs and restaurants that are among the best in the county.

Cashel is now world-famous as home to the stunning Rock of Cashel, but there are also many other places to visit on a tour of the town - Cashel’s rich history is reflected in its built heritage, from prehistoric raths to mediaeval monasteries and fortified town houses, a Georgian Cathedral and a 21st century Library. The town can even boast the Bolton Library where you can find the smallest book in Ireland!

The people of Cashel are very proud of their town, and it’s obvious in the many community and family events that take place in the town throughout the year - most of which are free to enjoy on the Plaza. There are many fun events as part of the Arts Festival, on St Patrick’s Day with the parade, and at many other times of the year.

Eating out in Cashel is a wonderful experience. No matter what mood you are in, or what you would like to eat, you are sure to find the perfect spot. From cosy pubs where you can sit by the fire and warm up with a pot of tea after a walk on the Rock, to a sophisticated evening out with award-winning dining, Cashel offers something to appeal to every pallet!

If you are visiting for a few days or even just for a few hours, here are some of the local businesses that contribute to the vibrant community you will find in Cashel...

AIB Savings

Fancy having around €E5,000 in four years time to spend on the holiday you have always wanted, college fees for the kids or even just as a rainy day fund? This can be a reality by putting away just €E100 every month in AIB’s regular savings accounts. Saving has increased in popularity since the recession kicked in. People want to ensure that they have money put aside for an unforeseen circumstance or to treat themselves some time in the future.

AIB is aware of this and the bank has a range of savings products on offer for anybody looking to put a bit away each month.

AIB is currently offering a variable promotional rate of 4% A.E.R. variable with an underlying promise that the rate will at least match ECB+2.5% for 12 months from the date the account was opened. At the end of the 12 months the account will automatically change to earn the variable rate applicable to the product at that time.

If you want to save between €10 and €500 per month, earn a great rate of interest and withdraw your savings at any time with no penalty, then this AIB Regular Saver Account is for you.

Ursula O’ Donovan, Deposit Champion, AIB Cashel firmly believes when that rainy day comes its nice to know you’re prepared. So why not drop into AIB Cashel and talk to Ursula O’ Donovan and find out how easy saving can be.

Noel Fahy Footwear

Since Noel Fahy Footwear opened its door just over 27 years ago, Ireland has witnessed many highs and lows, but throughout this time they have always striven to provide a service which catered for the demands of the consuming public at any given time. “We would like to think that we have given the choice, value and service to our customers over this period. We pride ourselves on being a family store serving the footwear demands of ladies, gents and children.

“We have managed to provide a balance of brands to cater for such needs with names such as Clarks, Ecco, Rieker, Josef Seibel, Lotus, Naturalizer, Dubarry, Heavenly Feet and last year we broadened our focus and introduced Crocs, Converse, and Jana.”

This season Noel Fahy Footwear are expanding thier brand offering once again with the introduction of the ever popular Skechers and Equity for the wider foot. “Many reasons to visit us this season!”

KOKO

KOKO, 19 Main Street, Cashel opened it’s doors in March 2011. With almost a year in business they are delighted with the response from their customers, complementing them on their extensive range.

“At KOKO we stock a fantastic collection of ladies shoes, brands such as Hispanitas, Geox, Fly London and Mephisto, are high quality leather shoes that will take you anywhere. For that special occasion we have a fabulous range of classy leather shoes by Sachelle, Rorberto Botella, Fiona McGuinnes and Davilona.”

Having started out as a ladies and children’s shoe shop, it was decided to diverse into ladieswear, shoes and accessories for 2012. KOKO currently have a fantastic clearance sale on all children’s Startrite shoes to make way for an exciting new collection of Ladieswear for Spring Summer 2012.

“At KOKO we also carry a fantastic collection of handbags by Olga Berg, Fiorelli and Hispanitas and a beautiful range of jewellery both vintage and contemporary. We have new Spring Summer stock arriving daily. Why not drop in and take a look around, we’re sure you’ll be impressed!”

Supervalu serving people of Cashel since 1989

Supervalu nationwide purchase 750 million of Irish goods a year which supports our economy.

Morrissey’s Supervalu (established since 2006) is one of the major employers of the town supporting 56 jobs and we always strive to ensure that we deliver the best quality, value and service to our customers. We also provide a friendly and efficient environment in which to shop and a free delivery service to your door.

Morrissey’s Supervalu prides itself in supporting local products and supports the local community in many different ways through sponsorship. Morrissey’s Supervalu also plays a major part in the national Tidy Town campaign.

Paddy O’Dwyer Butcher

Paddy O’ Dwyer Butchers established in Cashel five years ago. Customers are assured of the tastiest and best quality meats as O’Dwyer’s source all their beef and lamb locally.

Paddy and Brid would like to thank all their customers for their continued and valued support over the years.

Premier Bathrooms and Tiles

Tipperary’s newest bathroom and tile showroom ‘Premier Bathrooms & Tiles’ is now open at Ashwell Business Park, Cork Rd., Cashel (Beside Lidl).

With over 30 years experience they can provide expert advice on a beautiful, diverse range of timeless bathroom suites and tiles from contemporary to traditional, all at reasonable prices.

Make your house a home whether it is a new a house or updating an existing house, Premier Bathrooms & Tiles have something to suit your budget and taste.

Campion Insurances Ltd.

Campion Insurances Ltd are delighted to be associated with the heritage town of Cashel. They take great pride in serving our local communities through our network of 10 offices nationwide.

“We are particularly happy to be able to support and provide over 140 jobs and be a major employer in County Tipperary – the biggest insurance provider in Tipperary.

“We provide market leading value for all forms of insurance from car, home and health insurance for individuals to a suite of bespoke solutions for our business customers. Our business offering can cater for all forms of small medium enterprises – engineering firms, manufacturing, retail, transport, bus operators, motor traders and farmers. We also provide life, mortgage protection, critical illness, pensions and investments. keep business local and keep locals in business!

The BIGbin is for household rubbish, can be used 7 days a week and is now on forecourts in Cahir, Cashel, Clonmel, Thurles, Roscrea, Nenagh, Carrick On Suir and Tipperary town. It is only €5 to dispose of two 80L bags. No bin tags! No stickers! No special bags! No pulling and dragging wheelie bins! No waiting for specific days of collection.

The BIGbin is simple to use; You just bring your bags of rubbish to nearest BIGbin location, buy a ticket in shop and key in the code on the ticket. This allows you access to the drum of the bin and can hold 2 X 80L black bags. Just place your bags in bin drum and walk away. With the Big bin company you get decide when you want to dispose of your rubbish instead of having to dance to someone else’s tune.

According to John O’Connor of Bigbin, survey by the BIG Bin Company discovered that people on a budget, singles, couples, small households, empty nesters and pensioners were largely forgotten and definitely not catered for by private waste disposal firms and local authority waste schemes.  These were households that produced smaller amounts of rubbish than an average family but yet were still expected to pay fixed charges and were tied to set collection days

Mr O’Connor said - “Obviously we fill a niche in the market but anyone can use the Bigbin and it’s also very handy for excess waste. The BIGbin fills a gap for everyone and it is very cost effective.  We have more locations planned for towns and cities right across the country in 2012 so those working on a weekly budget finally have a real alternative when it comes to managing their waste disposal

However the story is only beginning with plans to position the BIGbin Company as one of the most progressive and environmentally conscious waste disposal companies in Ireland, recovering 45-55% of its waste through Mechanical Biological Treatment.

BIG bin is good for the environment, good for your local garage and great for users. So, don’t waste your time and save money with the BIGbin”.

www.bigbin.ie

Bigbin is available at Clonmel--Topaz Prior Park (beside bus station); Carrick on Suir, Topaz, Clonmel rd;    Tipperary Town Caulfields Supervalue;  Cahir Texaco service station, Cork road; Cashel, Co-Op superstores; Thurles, Castelemeadow stores; Roscrea Texaco, Birr road;Nenagh Texaco (Opp Tesco)

A Cashel student put his thinking cap on and then got all his friends around to his home where he held a fundraising competition in aid of the Niall Mellon Fund, recently.

Evan Hickey, of Camas, Cashel, is a fifth year student at Cashel Community School. Every year the school sends a team to South Africa to help the Niall Mellon organisation build homes for some of the poorest people there.

Currently the school is fundraising for this year’s trip and Evan is one of the students who is hoping to be one of only six fifth year students who will be selected to travel to South Africa with the group.

Last week Evan held a table tennis competition at his home which raised E200 to contribute to The Niall Mellon Fund.

Many of Evan’s friends and neighbours entered the competition which was won by Niall Anglim. The ladies competition was won by Aoife Clancy.

The next step for Evan and the other students is to be interviewed for selection as one of the six who will travel to South Africa. Best of luck to all.

Evan’s proud dad, John, said that selected or not, we should be all proud of the young in our school.

]]> 1.3546263 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:41:33 +0000 http://www.nationalist.ie/laughter_and_tears_at_book_launch_as_conor_s_young_life_is_fondly_remembered_1_3546258

Michael Heverin

The life of a young Clonmel man whose catch phrase changed from ‘what if’ to ‘why not’ was remembered on Friday night at the launch of a new book on his travels throughout the world.

The book on Conor O’Mahony’s young life - he died in 2006 at the age of 32 - was written by his father Brendan and based on hugely popular travel articles he wrote for The Nationalist each week on his treks throughout South America, New Zealand and Australia.

And in addition to Conor’s experiences on his travels, the book contained a second section on a journey undertaken by his father - an emotional pilgrimage on the El Camino Ingles walk in Spain that Brendan took on the fourth anniversary of Conor’s death.

Clonmel’s Main Guard was packed to overflowing for the launch of the book, ‘Forever Young’, by Mayor Darren Ryan.

The proceeds from the book go to CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and the founder of the book Michael Green and his wife Marie were also present for the launch. They also lost their son in similar circumstances to Conor’s death in 2006.

The evening before a packed attendance in the stunning surrounds of the Main Guard gallery contained both laughter and tears.

Brendan, as well as Conor’s brothers Kevin and Fintan, recalled episodes of Conor’s life.

It was Kevin who said that as a child Conor had always asked ‘what if’ - what if the car ran out of petrol, what if the teachers forgot his name in school. But later he asked ‘why not’ as he began a series of adventures that Conor crammed into 32 years but most people couldn’t manage in a hundred.

Before he left on his travels, his parents asked him not to do a bungee jump because it was too dangerous. Instead he decided to do parachute jumps, fly in a microlite plane and climb glaciers which made bungee jumping look safe.

Conor had said he had signed at least fourteen waiver forms when undertaking such adventures.

As Brendan O’Mahony thanked everyone who had been friends to Conor during his life or to those who helped him with the book, he turned to his wife Margaret, and with tears welling in both their eyes, said that without her they wouldn’t have had Conor for 32 wonderful years.

He had earlier said that he had found writing the book ‘sobering, reflective, sad in parts but mostly uplifting and enjoyable’.

“I thought at times that I should have written it when Conor was still with us but I got over that by saying I was now travelling the journey with him - through Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Cuba, Australia and finally New Zealand. His travel exploits were so remarkable”, he said.

Mr O’Mahony said he hadn’t thought about writing a book until some people had mentioned to him about the series of articles that Conor had written for The Nationalist and then he mentioned the idea to Eamonn Wynne from The Nationalist who put him in touch with Thurles archivist John O’Gorman who sourced all the material.

“Of course I had read all the articles at the time but when I read them again I was overwhelmed because it was as if Conor was talking to me. The hairs just rose on the back of my head”, he remarked.

He then told everyone he was writing the book, including the second section on his own pilgrimage in Spain, because then he would have to follow through on the project. Conor had once said to him on a car journey that the family motto should be “I won’t back down’ from the Tom Petty song.

Music was also a huge element of Conor’s life and the title of the book ‘Forever Young’ comes from a Bob Dylan song, the words of which are also inscribed on his headstone.

With proceeds of the book going to CRY, founder Michael Green said the group receives no public funding and depends on ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things such as Brendan and Margaret O’Mahony did’ to help pay its way.

“It is a privilege to be involved with them. Brendan is an extreme example of the lengths people go to help us”, Mr Green said.

He pointed out that CRY helps both the families of those bereaved by sudden cardiac death and in the diagnosis of the condition.

“We started this because there was nothing there when our son died. Now we are in operation for ten years. But we could do so much more with more money. Four young people have died since Christmas”, he told the packed attendance.

Mayor Darren Ryan said it was totally unacceptable that CRY received no public funding for such vital work and he paid tribute to the Greens for all their marvellous effort.

He said it was coincidental that CRY started in 2002, the year that Conor O’Mahony started his travels.

Mayor Ryan said the huge attendance at the launch reflected the high esteem in which the O’Mahony family was held in Clonmel.

“Your family is dedicated to the community of Clonmel and I thank you for all you do. It was not easy for Brendan to write this book but his determination, commitment and courage saw him through and he has done a huge job in bringing Conor’s memory out. It is remarkable that Conor achieved so much in such a short life”, he stated.

The book is on sale at Clonmel Travel.

Tributes were paid at this week’s meeting of South Tipperary Co. Council to former Co. Manager Seamus Hayes, who passed away last week at the age of 82.

Mr Hayes, a native of Cappawhite, died at South Tipperary General Hospital on Monday, February 13.

He served as County Manager of South Tipperary Co. Council for 11 years from 1984 until his retirement in 1995. Prior to securing this position, he was County Manager in Co. Wicklwow from 1979 to 1984.

He began his career in local government as an assistant office clerk in South Tipperary Co. Council and progressed his career while based in Kerry and Longford County Councils.

Among the huge crowd of mourners at his funeral at St Mary’s Church in Irishtown in Clonmel last Wednesday night and Thursday morning were many former local government colleagues he served with during his long career including three former South Tipperary county managers.

County Council Chairman Michael Fitzgerald described Mr Hayes as good, decent, honest person, who always had time for people and time to listen and advise people.

He recounted that Mr Hayes was born into a small farm in Cappawhite and throughout his life he kept a great love for nature, the land and his sense of place.

In his tribute to Mr Hayes at South Tipperary Co. Council’s adjourned monthy meeting on Monday, Cllr Fitzgerald said the former county manager was a man of great vision and courage.

He said there were many great monuments in Clonmel to Seamus Hayes and pointed to the Co. Council’s Civic Offices as his outstanding achievement. He spearheaded the building of the Council’s headquarters in the 1980s at a time when no other local authority was doing this.

Cllr Fitzgerald recounted that he worked very closely with Mr Hayes during the latter stages of the construction of the Co. Council’s headquarters and recalled his three reasons for building the Civic Offices were to provide first class facilities for the Council’s customers and staff and a first class council chamber.

He added that he always liked meeting Seamus Hayes after he retired and recalled the day ten years ago when he met Mr Hayes at the opening of the extension to the graveyard in his native Cappawhite. Seamus Hayes had worked with the late Cllr JP Hanna to achieve the extension and he was proud to see what he had worked so hard for come to fruition.

County Manager Billy McEvoy said Seamus Hayes was a gentleman to his finger tips, who had made a tremendous contribution to this county. The Council staff who served with him had great memories of working with him. He recalled that the deceased had also been a keen golfer, whom it was hard to win a few quid from.

Cllr Michael Anglim, who extended sympathy to the Hayes family on behalf of the Fianna Fail councillors, said Seamus Hayes was a complete gentleman, a genuine, nice man and his death was a big loss.

On behalf of the Fine Gael group on the Council, Cllr Liam Ahearne said Seamus Hayes had served Tipperary well and had been a great ambassador for the county.

“He had a vision for this county when he came back to (be county manager) and this building is a true reflection of that vision,” he said.

Cllr Darren Ryan, on behalf of the Labour councillors, said anyone who had the privilege of knowing Seamus Hayes described him as a true gentleman, who had served the people with dedication.

Representing the Workers & Unemployment Action Group, Cllr Pat English said Seamus Hayes served the people of South Tipperary well over the years and the large attendance at his funeral spoke for itself. “I have never heard a bad word spoken about the man. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Cappawhite Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan spoke of how she and her family got to know Seamus Hayes children when they spent their summer holidays in Cappawhite while growing up. She said he was a man of kindness and humanity and she had great admiration for him.

Seamus Hayes, who lived in Marlfield, Clonmel, was pre-deceased by his wife Una and survived by his children Marcus, Eddie, George, Mary Rose, Kathryn and Seamus, brothers, sister, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and many friends.

He was laid to rest in St Patrick’s Cemetery in Clonmel following the funeral Mass last Thursday, February 16.

]]> 1.3546236 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:37:24 +0000 http://www.nationalist.ie/man_dies_in_clonmel_hospital_following_assault_1_3542437

A County Kilkenny man who was assaulted in Thurles at the weekend has died in South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel.

25-year old James Tynan was transferred to the Clonmel hospital following the incident in Liberty Square in Thurles in the early

hours of Sunday morning.

His death was confirmed early on Tuesday morning. He had received serious head injuries.

A 22-year old man was arrested following the incident and a file has been prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions

]]> 1.3542437 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:25:35 +0000 http://www.nationalist.ie/top_tipperary_chefs_for_demo_and_dine_in_cahir_1_3542311

Some of the best chefs in the Tipperary region are to showcase their skills at the Knockmealdown Active ‘Demo & Dine’ event, which takes place in Cahir House Hotel on Wednesday, February 29th at 7.30pm.

The cooking demonstration and tasting evening will feature a mouth-watering menu of recipes compiled by well known local chefs Dermot Gannon from The Old Convent in Clogheen, Eileen Condon Catering in Newcastle, Noel Coady from The Hermitage in Clogheen and Peter Greene from Cahir House Hotel, as well as Failte Ireland head chef JJ Healy.

The menu will consist of a delicious homemade mushroom soup starter, a trio of main courses including game pie with venison, pigeon and duck, a beer and beef pie and a vegetable tortilla. Dessert will include a berry roulade and a lemon tart.

The Demo & Dine emphasis is on using quality local ingredients sourced from local suppliers, with guests tasting every meal served and taking home recipes from the chefs.

Tickets for the Demo & Dine cost €15 and booking is essential. To book your tickets, contact Knockmealdown Active members Kevin O’Donnell on 086 3541700 or Mark Rylands on 086 8119571.