There was a tense confrontation between Thurles ‘traders’ and local councillors yesterday evening after a controversial plan was given the green light.
Members approved the report on the public consultation stage of Phase 2 of the Liberty Square Public Realm Scheme.
It will involve changing the traffic system, reducing the number of lanes and removing some of the parking spaces at the top of the square.
A second protest was held outside the Special Meeting of the MDC calling on the councillors to scrap the plan over fears it will hurt their businesses and could put up to 120 jobs at risk.
A final decision on the report had been delayed for more consultation and a second trial of the traffic system but it was ultimately seconded by Fianna Fail’s Sean Ryan after being proposed by Fine Gael’s Peggy Ryan.
She says she’s confident it will enhance job prospects in the long run – instead of harming them.
The protesters stayed until after the meeting and reacted angrily to the news that the proposal had been passed.
Local Businessman Kieran Linnane and Cathaoirleach of the District Michael Smith clashed at the County Council offices on Castle Street.
