WexfordLocal.com

Cogan’s of Shannon Quay is sold

By Dan Walsh at the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council

Property situated at Shannon Quay, Enniscorthy, formerly known as Sawyers Pub, but better known locally as Cogans, has been sold for €101,000.

The property was acquired by Wexford County Council by agreement, having previously been owned by Remcoll 3 Limited.

The property is to be sold to Mr Cáel Coughlann, of Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.

The property was valued at €120,000, however, the estate agent noted that the flooding in Enniscorthy in January had an extremely detrimental effect on the sales process regarding this property, as the property itself as well as the surrounding area was gravely affected. A best and final offer of €101,000 was accepted in March.

The purchaser is required to substantially complete works on this property so as to render it ‘non-derelict’, within a time period prescribed in the contract for sale and there is a buyback option for the Council should the works not be completed within the required timeframe.

HISTORY; Kildare native Johnny Cogan and his wife, Anne, took charge of this small licensed premises on Shannon Quay in 1968. It was extended over the years and was once one of Enniscorthy’s leading night life spots.

Johnny Cogan acquired the premises from another Kildare native, Tony ‘Bilko’ Nolan and before him, Moses Byrne was the licensee. A modern spacious lounge was extended by Cogan on an adjoining site acquired from the Yates family.

The Old House pub site is sold

**The former licensed premises THE OLD HOUSE at Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, has been sold.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at monthly meeting of Wexford County Council

A prominent property at 6, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, and formerly known as The Old House pub has been sold for €75,000 to MD Custom Electric Limited of Tracystown, Bridgetown, Co. Wexford.

The property was vested in Wexford County Council ownership since last October following a Derelict Sites ACT CPO, having previously been in the ownership of St. Malo International Limited, and Fergus Lowe.

Man (30s) arrested as weapons drugs and cash found in vehicle near Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí on patrol in Enniscorthy observed a vehicle at a roundabout in Scarawalsh in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The vehicle failed to stop when directed by members of An Garda Síochána, and subsequently fled the scene driving erratically in the direction of Enniscorthy.

During the course of this incident, the driver proceeded to ram the patrol car.

The driver, a man in his 30s, attempted to escape on foot and was apprehended by Gardaí at the scene.

He was taken to Wexford General Hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Gardaí seized the vehicle and upon searching the vehicle a .32 auto pistol, four rounds of ammunition, approximately €40,000 worth of controlled drugs and cash in excess of €8,000 was located.

Several other weapons were also seized, along with a number of mobile phones.

The driver of the vehicle was released from hospital and arrested and taken to a Garda station in the Division where he is currently detained under Section 30, Offences Against State Act, 1939.

Investigations are ongoing.

Burst water main in Enniscorthy

**River Slaney flows through Enniscorthy.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a major burst in Enniscorthy and restore water to customers affected. Repairs are expected to be completed by 2pm today.

The burst is impacting customers in Nunnery Road, The Moyne, Moran Park, Old Dublin Road, Sean Browne Court, Coolnahorna, Ballinahallin, Greenville Lane, Bohreen Hill and surrounding areas in Enniscorthy.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned interruption, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.”

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.

Should Public Health Nurses receive parking exemptions?

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Gorey-based Cllr Nicky Boland has called on Wexford County Council to provide on-duty parking exemptions for public health nurses working in Co. Wexford towns. He was speaking at Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council.

**CLLR NICKY BOLAND** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Cllr Boland, who had raised the matter at the May meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting, noted that there are 30 public health nurses in Co. Wexford and one nurse had received a parking summons while on “an end of care” call in Gorey!

Cllr Boland proposed parking exemptions only during working hours at what proves to be “an emergency” be it a newborn, palliative or end of care situation.

He asked that Wexford County Council liaise with the HSE to see if the proposal could be rolled out through the county. Cllr Michael Sheehan said he was 100% in agreement. Support also from Cllr Tom Forde.

But Cllr Bridín Murphy, who informed the elected members that she was a social worker, questioned Cllr Boland’s suggestion and asked “where does the boundary come in place; who should and who shouldn’t” be facilitated?

Deputy Eamonn Hore said that matter should be referred to the HSE. He felt the matter can be complicated and he remarked that “not all calls are emergencies!”

Water troubles in Gorey again!

By Dan Walsh

STORY UPDATE; Water is returning to Uisce Éireann customers in Gorey Town following operational issues at the town’s Creagh Water Treatment Plant earlier today.

Uisce Éireann crews have carried out the restoration works, and the network is currently recharging. It is expected that the majority of customers who experienced a disruption will have a normal water supply within two to three hours.

Uisce Éireann is working to restore normal water supply to homes and businesses in Gorey following operational issues at Creagh Water Treatment Plant, which has led to some customers experiencing low pressure and intermittent disruptions to their water supply.
While Uisce Éireann crews were able to reduce the impact of the interruption by reconfiguring the network, customers in higher areas may be impacted, with supply expected to return by 2pm today.

Alternative water supplies are available at Clonattin GAA Club, Hazelwood, Ashwood Grove, Carnew Road School, Ramstown, Creagh Wood and Tesco Car Park, Gorey.

Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from tankers and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Typically, it takes three to four hours following repairs for normal supply to be restored to all affected customers. However, it may take longer for customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a normal water pressure as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience of a disruption to the water supply, and we thank customers impacted for their support while our restoration works are ongoing. Our crews are working to reduce the impact; however, some customers may experience reduced pressure until the repair work is completed,” said Padraig.

Marine matters between Kilmore Quay and Pembrokeshire

**Sub-sea fibre optic cable system will be located 12 nautical miles of Kilmore Quay.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at the May meeting of Wexford County Council

Calls to ensure that the proposed sub-sea fibre optic cable system at the 12 nautical mile limit to the extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Kilmore Quay be safe for trawlers and fishermen was voiced at today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at Council Chamber, County Hall.

Cllr Jim Codd called for assurances of no interference to the traditional fishing grounds and said; “it would appear not to be the case.”

“It needs to be so deep that trawlers can get over them and the effect on fisherman,” while Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien felt “there is no room for error.”

Executive Planner Diarmuid Houston pointed out that the project had already got planning – “it is outside the foreshore area and outside the planning area” – and a cable twenty years old is being replaced.

The application relates to an area starting 12 nautical miles out to sea and covers the maritime area designated as Ireland’s EEZ and the cable will continue to Pembrokeshire in the UK.

Planning has been granted by Wexford County Council for a development consisting of a cable duct and all associated works above and below the ground on a site of 0.02ha located at Crossfarnogue Beach, Kilmore Quay.

It was stated that the location of the cable will have very limited impact on County Wexford. The onshore element of the development has been agreed, and the applicant, who has been working with the Council, has supported local community projects to the value of €125,000.

“The development is considered to comply with the objectives of the County Development Plan 2022-2028 which seeks to maximise the economic benefits of the marine area and promote the international telecommunications connectivity,” said Chief Executive Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe, who added; “The proposal will provide essential national infrastructure and Wexford County Council welcomes this investment.”

Mary Lou McDonald visits Enniscorthy

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD with Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD and Johnny Mythen TD at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Monday night for a public meeting themed ‘*The Cost of Living*‘.

By Dan Walsh at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy

On Monday night Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald addressed a packed crowd in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on the theme ‘The Cost of Living’.

Accompanied by local TDs Johnny Mythen and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, she set out Sinn Féin’s measures to make life affordable including a permanent cut in the USC for every worker and a range of other measures to get prices under control.

She made particular reference to the challenges facing people with disabilities.
Many contributions came from the floor, beginning with several mothers talking about the lack of supports for parents of children with disabilities.

There were questions about getting rid of the ‘Fianna Fáil tax’ the USC and how to deliver affordable homes at scale. Many young people talked about how many of their friends had already emigrated because of the challenges of finding a home and the lack of opportunity to build a life.
Tachta McDonald concluded the meeting, saying; “I believe we can build an Ireland where hard work is rewarded. Where young people can afford a home of their own. Where families can get ahead instead of merely getting by. Where older people can live with dignity and security. That is our priority.”

Threat to creativity by AI addressed

By Dan Walsh

South Wicklow-North Wexford constituency Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Sinn Féin) addressed the European Parliament meeting during the week speaking on the threat of AI (Artificial Intelligence) to independent artists and musicians.

**DEPUTY FIONNTÁN O SÚILLEABHÁIN in the European Parliament.**

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin told Wexfordlocal.com this morning; “It was an honour to participate in a meeting of Creative Europe and Erasmus+ in the European Parliament this week, in the context of the next round of funding 2028-34.

“Erasmus+ is the European Union’s funding programme supporting education, training, youth, and sport. It provides grants for students, apprentices, teachers, and professionals to study, work, or train in another country, while promoting lifelong learning, social inclusion, and skill-building.

“Artificial Intelligence was also part of the discussion, as well as music, arts and sport funding

“I emphasised how important music, sport and the arts is to Ireland; the need for proper funding for those involved with music and the arts, as well as the threat posed to creativity by AI,” he added.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin is a member of the All-party Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (FHERIS).

Community Garden opens in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Deputy Mayor of Wexford Cllr Raymond Shannon has launched the community garden in Wexford Arts Centre annexe on John’s Gate Street this afternoon.

The garden features Muse, sculpture by Imogen Stafford and mosaic butterflies made by community participants in the Create and Chat workshops last summer, guided and installed by Helen McLean.

Music and poetry events are taking place there this afternoon followed by Creative Youth Lab events from 6-8pm.

The garden will be open after the weekend Tuesday to Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10-4pm.