A TIPPERARY councillor has apologised to the people of Moyross, after he compared the Limerick estate to an estate in his own constituency that he described as an “eyesore and an embarrassment”.
Independent Councillor Jim Ryan was quoted as stating that Stradvoher Court in Thurles was “becoming the Moyross of Tipperary and it’s a disgrace” due to people squatting in properties, burnt-out houses and rubbish dumping.
Cllr Ryan’s comments at a meeting of Thurles/Templemore District Council sparked outrage among some in Limerick, including Independent Limerick Councillor Frankie Daly who said he was “appalled” at Cllr Ryan’s reference to Moyross.
‘’I’m appalled that an elected representative could stoop this low when attempting to highlight difficulties in his local area. Moyross is a proud community that has worked tirelessly to break down thethat it has endured for over 30 years,” stated Cllr Daly.
“These reprehensible comments are nothing but a crass attempt by an ill informed councillor to curry favour with his constituents. Moyross is a community that has literally risen from the ashes and is now a beacon of hope on the north side of our proud city.”
He went on to invite Cllr Ryan “to come and visit Moyross where I will introduce him to a community that is going from strength to strength”.
“From the incredible volunteers that run Moyross United to the staff and children of Corpus Christi School, he will see that he should be using Moyross as a template for how a community can be regenerated from within.
Asked for a response to Cllr Daly’s comments, Cllr Ryan said: “I apologise unreservedly, I didn’t mean to cause any hurt or any grievance to anyone. It was an off-the-cuff remark at a council meeting, I wasn’t talking about Moyross, I was talking about an estate in Thurles.”
“It will never happen again and I know now from over the last couple of days the great work that has been carried out in the Moyross community by the residents, committees and various organisations,” he added.
