Kickham Street ‘cannot wait until August,’ say Thurles councillors

Thurles councillors have asked the council to move up the start date of the Kickham Street road works. Cllr Jim Ryan raised the issue at this week’s sitting of the Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council, during a discussion of the engineer's report.

Cllr Ryan said that he understands the works are due to begin in August but the road is “crumbling away.”

He asked that the council request the TII move the works up as he is getting complaints daily.

“That road won’t hold until August. Let's call a spade a spade,” said Cllr Ryan. Cllrs Seamus Hanafin, Peggy Ryan and Sean Ryan, all supported their district colleagues’ call. Cllr Hanafin agreed that the road could not wait.

Cllr Peggy Ryan said the road is not only an issue for drivers but also for residents on the road. She said the road is

“overburdened with traffic” and loose chippings are ending up in people’s houses.

Cllr Ryan said this is of particular concern to elderly residents.

“I think people on that street are quite distressed at this point,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Sean Ryan agreed the road would not “hold up” long enough to see the planned works.

He pointed out that it is an arterial route to the town and is especially important for those bringing children to school. It’s a very busy road and it suffers badly,” said Cllr Ryan.

District Engineer Thomas Duffy said he agreed with the councillors.

He said they can change the material they use to repair the road to a more “permanent product.”

Mr Duffy also said they would push for the works to be moved up with the capital office.

“We acknowledge it is not working,” said Mr Duffy. Cllr Jim Ryan pointed out that it does not make sense to start in August as the schools prepare to reopen.

He said it would make sense for the work to start in June. Mr Duffy agreed and said he would follow up.