The River Suir in Thurles has become an eyesore.
That’s the view of local Councillor Jim Ryan who says it is an embarrassment to the town.
The independent representative says the river is completely overgrown with vegetation while littering has also become an issue.
Councillor Ryan wants the council to come up with a plan to tackle the situation.
“Currently the River Suir flowing through the heart of Thurles is in a disgraceful and an embarrassing state and it has been for a number of years now at this stage.
“This issue needs to be tackled as soon as possible – a future plan needs to be drawn up. It’s completely overgrown with vegetation. There’s no flow in the river – I’ve never seen the depth of the River Suir in Thurles being so low. In some cases there is litter in it and also you the problem of raw sewage being pumped into the river as well.”
Councillor Ryan says a combined effort is needed to restore what was once a proud feature of the town.
“It’s the heart of Thurles and something needs to be done about it and I’m calling on the relevant bodies – Tipperary County Council, the OPW, the Fisheries Board and all the local angling clubs – to come together and draw up an action plan for the River Suir in Thurles.
“Get it back to where it was years ago which was something that you could be proud of, something that stood out in the town. And at our next District Council meeting I have tabled a notice of motion looking for an action plan.
“People are fed up of it in Thurles – its disgusting to look at – and its just not acceptable anymore.”
