Thurles not fit to become strategic commuter town, says Tipperary Sinn Féin representative

Tipperary Sinn Féin Cathaoirleach Dan Harty has spoken out against the recent announcement from Irish Rail, planning on transforming Thurles into a strategic commuter town.

Mr Harty believes that the knock-on effects these changes would have would result in a negative impact on Thurles and the surrounding areas.

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In a statement issued this week, Mr Harty said: “Yesterday, Irish Rail’s Corporate Communications Manager, Barry Kenny spoke to Matt Cooper on The Last Word about imminent timetable changes to the Dublin – Cork service.

“These changes will make towns such as Thurles and Templemore extremely viable and attractive options for commuters travelling to Dublin city centre for work to relocate to.

“It is envisaged that train services between Dublin and Cork will double at peak times within the next three to five years and this will include stops at Thurles, not only this but journey times will also decrease.

“At present it takes roughly one hour and ten minutes to travel by train from Thurles to Dublin Heuston. Advances in technology will mean that trains that currently travel at speeds of 160 km/h will be increased to 200 km/h, resulting in shorter journeys.

Commenting on this development, Sinn Féin Dan Harty has questioned if the relevant authorities have considered the potential effects this will have.

Mr Harty stated: “A much improved rail service all but ensures that Thurles will become a hot destination for people looking to live and travel to work in Dublin”.

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“As has been stated, the improved rail service will make commuter times from Thurles similar to that of commuters using the DART from Greystones. The difference is however, average house prices in Greystones now stand at over €500,000, whereas in Thurles average house prices are currently half that. Average rent in Greystones is currently over €2,200 with average Tipperary rents at over €1,400. The sums speak for themselves.”

Mr Harty continued, “This raises a lot of questions, are we prepared locally for an influx of people looking to settle in Thurles? The answer is no. In terms of housing, the Tipperary County Council Local Area Plan doesn’t even cater for the existing population or the pent up demand that exists”.

“Do we have the infrastructure to deal with an increased population? With only one bridging point over the River Suir in the town, GP services at full capacity and a local authority that lack the plans, funding or ambition, the answer is clearly no.”

Mr Harty concluded by saying that this reality is coming down the track at pace and that our local elected representatives, local authority and government need to get up to speed with these facts. Without rigorous spatial planning we will have a free for all that will not benefit local residents, the local area and Thurles will be sleep walking into a mismanaged and truly flawed situation.