By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting at Civic Centre, Gorey
With the summer season attempting to settle despite flash flooding and a thunderstorm that severely damaged several roads in the Ballycarney and Ferns area of the county today (Tuesday), at the monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council the members were firmly focussed on tourism and promoting the seaside attractions along the east coast.
Cllr Anthony Donohoe expressed his disappointment that Ballymoney North Beach has lost its Blue Flag status, and he called on the relevant Department to rectify the situation. WexfordLocal.com understands that no application was made by Wexford County Council this year due to the poor quality of the water.
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said the water quality failure at Ballymoney is an issue for Uisce Éireann and stated that the blame lay with the Arklow wastewater treatment facility and was affecting beaches in North Wexford. “Some of the best beaches in Ireland are in Co. Wexford,” concluded Cllr Devereux.
There was a warm welcome for the new dryloo toilets facing into their first summer season at Cahore where the carparking area is soon to get a fresh surface and new markings.
Cllr Mary Farrell called for ‘bigger bins’ at Morriscastle. She claims the existing bins are overflowing as day trippers leave so much rubbish behind them and she wondered if bigger ones that closed in when full could be secured?
Cllr Oliver Walsh made a case for dog poo bins in the Balyconnigar and Knocknasilloge coastal areas.
Cllr Devereux asked about ‘vandal proof’ bin bags from Courtown to the barrier heading towards the North Beach. This would also reduce the activity of the bird’s helping to spread the rubbish.
Cllr Joe Sullivan supported Cllr Devereux. He said the Courtown bins are always overflowing, and he felt they needed to be emptied on Sunday afternoons. Regarding the suggestion that people should pick up their rubbish and take it home with them, Cllr Sullivan quipped; “When did you ever see anyone bringing home an empty pizza box?”
Cllr Willie Kavanagh pointed out that shop owners and food outlets were responsible for maintaining litter bins outside their premises and that they should do more.
However, it was pointed out that whatever about people leaving rubbish and litter behind them, Wexford County Council has a responsibility to clear up the rubbish and dirt left behind and maintain hygienic and clean communities.
NB; The Blue Flag awards for 2024 were presented at a ceremony in Galway on Monday and Wexford’s Blue Flag beaches are Morriscastle, Ballinesker, Curracloe, Rosslare Strand and Carne.
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