Government to fully fund ‘eyesore’ Tipperary river clean-up after years of concerns
A Government commitment to fully fund works on the River Suir in Tipperary has been secured following repeated concerns over the river’s condition in Thurles and Holycross.
The commitment follows repeated calls from local residents and councillors, who have described sections of the river through Thurles as “a disgrace”, “an embarrassment” and an “eyesore”.
Off the back of this, Tipperary TD Michael Lowry said that he invited junior minister for public expenditure Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran to the county to see the issues for himself.
“The River Suir is one of Tipperary’s greatest natural assets. Renowned for its outstanding beauty, fishing and amenities, it has been enjoyed by generations of local people and attracts anglers from across Ireland and abroad,” Deputy Lowry said.
“However, many people have raised serious concerns with me about the current condition of the river. In too many areas, the River Suir has fallen into a state of neglect. Overgrowth, pollution and debris are restricting the flow of water, creating stagnant conditions and increasing the risk of flooding.”
Deputy Lowry and the junior minister visited Thurles and Holycross, where “the condition of the river was clear”.
“In Thurles, the overgrowth is so severe that in places the river can barely be seen. The Source building was designed to reflect the beauty of the River Suir, yet today it reflects a river that has been neglected and covered in debris,” he said.
On their visit to Holycross, locals told the politicians that the river is the worst that they have ever seen it, while there is growing concern that the overgrowth of the river is impacting on fishing, one of the area’s greatest attractions.
Cllr Micheál Lowry, Deputy Michael Lowry and junior minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran. © Michael Lowry
“I secured a commitment from Minister Moran that an application from Tipperary County Council for works on the River Suir will be sanctioned and funded in full by Government through the enhanced Minor Works Scheme,” Deputy Lowry confirmed.
Deputy Lowry said the enhanced Minor Works Scheme has increased the maximum funding available from €750,000 to €2 million and provides greater support for clearing river blockages linked to flooding.
“This is a real opportunity to restore the River Suir, protect our communities and preserve this magnificent river for future generations,” he added.
Tipperary County Council is now expected to submit an application under the enhanced Minor Works Scheme, with Deputy Lowry saying the project will be fully funded once approved.