NEWS: Tipperary councillors to gather in Nenagh on Monday for March meeting

Tipperary’s 40 councillors will gather in Nenagh on Monday at 10 a.m. for their March meeting, where pressing local issues take centre stage. The CEO’s proposed submission on the controversial Eastern Water Supply Project, now under review by An Coimisiun Pleanála, tops the agenda. With strong opposition from several Tipperary councillors and Oireachtas members, the plan to divert water from the River Shannon to the east is set for lively debate. Councillors will also tackle the growing list of uncollected rates for 2025, now subject to interest charges under new legislation.

Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan of Cappawhite, who leads the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), will share insights into the Association’s ongoing work. The AILG, dedicated to supporting and training councillors, is gearing up for its Annual Conference in Clonmel this April, where 250-300 delegates are expected to gather for two days of discussion and networking.

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Two motions will be considered. The first, from Cllr Richie Molloy, requests that the Minister for Finance exclude Family Carers Allowance and Benefit payments from income tax to acknowledge the care provided by family members.

The second motion, brought forward by Cllr Mairin McGrath, urges the Council to call on the Minister for Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to streamline the process for creating Greenways and Blueways. She advocates greater local control over these projects and cites the proposed Cahir to Cashel Greenway as a prime example. Currently, TII rules require consultants to evaluate five potential routes for every Greenway, even when a clear favourite exists, leading to higher costs and frustrating delays.

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