By Dan Walsh
The official launch of the first street in any Irish town to have a retractable roof canopy for its entire lengths has happened at the 80-metres long Monck Street in Wexford town. It cost over €1.5 million.
The Monck Street Canopy is the final part of a major regeneration scheme that has transformed the once congested narrow street into a carefree pedestrianised zone where locals and visitors can chill for a while and enjoy a feast of local hostelries and food offerings.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty welcomed “this unique addition to Wexford town,” and His Worship added, “I hope it is something that will add to the experience for locals and visitors alike as they come to enjoy this vibrant and thriving part of our town.”
Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Interim Chief Executive Wexford County Council said; “This is a new and innovative scheme for Wexford town and hopefully will lead the way in making our town centres even more vibrant and attractive places to come and visit. We are particularly thankful to the National Transport Authority and Fáilte Ireland for the support they have provided in turning this vision into a reality for all to enjoy. The Monck Street area will be a vibrant and popular place during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August and for the next two years”.
Mr. Alan O’Shea, Senior Executive Engineer, Active Travel commented; “The Civil works involved in the pedestrianisation of Monck Street -Wexford’s newest pedestrianised street – was funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Programme to a value of €1,230,099 as part of a multi annual spend.
Head of Ireland’s Ancient East Brian O’Flynn said: “One of Fáilte Ireland’s key objectives is to encourage tourists to explore and stay in the region for longer, increase spend and help to drive revenue for local businesses. Wexford is an important part Ireland’s Ancient East and we’re pleased to further enhance this destination with the newly opened Monck Street Outdoor Dining Infrastructure, funded by Fáilte Ireland’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme and developed in partnership with Wexford County Council. Outdoor dining is now a permanent feature of our hospitality offering and we are committed to supporting businesses to facilitate this for longer periods throughout the year.”
HISTORY OF MONCK STREET; Monck Street takes its name from General George Monck, Duke of Ablemarle, who was granted the land and ferry rights in the 1650’s.
It was previously known as Ferryboat Lane, from where the ferry to the opposite bank of the river departed prior to the construction of the 1794 bridge. It was renamed Monck Street in the late 1700s.
The Borough Council changed the name to McDonagh Street in 1920, but this name failed to be ratified in the plebiscite of 1932.
Would it have been a clever idea to rename it Ferryboat Lane now that it becomes a social hub for tourism and recreation beneath the canopy of everyday social intercourse?
(Source; “The Streets of Wexford” by Nicky Rossiter, first published by Nonsuch Ireland, 2009, ISBN 978 184588 959 3).
WexfordLocal.com 