By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting
Despite a complimentary remark from Cllr Mary Farrell that “women from all over Leinster come shopping in Gorey” a discussion on the future of Esmonde Street made very little progress at yesterday’s (Tuesday) meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. It looks like “accept the cycle lanes or no funding!”
A presentation by Sean Meyler, Senior Executive Engineer at Wexford County Council outlined two alternatives; one is to engage with Uisce Éireann and the ESB and carry out the necessary developments on the street, and two, is to repair footpaths and make the street safe which can be done relatively quickly and is more cost effective.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen favoured working with Uisce Éireann to go ahead with the entire job, get the ESB to put the cables underground, and he felt the work of Uisce Éireann would also alleviate flooding at the railway bridge. He lyrically described Esmonde Street as “the cash cow of Gorey.”
Director of Services Liz Hore favoured proceeding with the regeneration of Esmonde Street with a nice green landscape and she stated its importance as a retail offering.
Cllr Donal Kenny was in favour with spending the €2 million all together and said “the footpath was no longer a priority” and suggested “to concentrate on the street.”
Cllr Joe Sullivan expressed concerns about mobility (cycle lanes) and said he was taking his cue from the residents and businesses, but he felt one attack (completing the work) is the way forward. He agreed with footpath safety but stated that the residents were not in tow with cycle tracks and taking traffic out of the town was not in keeping with the wishes that the majority of residents and business people of Gorey would want.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh felt the HGV’s should be taken out and suggested deliveries early in the morning.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain envisaged people mingling, public seating, attractive lanes with cobblestones and a prime car parking facility off Esmonde Street which is privately owned.
Cllr Andrew Bolger felt that the regeneration programme should be “done once and done right”, while Cllr Anthony Donohoe felt that “the only thing that Wexford County Council is doing for Gorey is taking out car parking spaces.”
Mr Meyler summarised that “funding assures cycle lanes in the town and we have heard from pro-cycling advocates and got the views of the wider community.” He suggested “a shared experience” and envisaged “a big wide plaza for a young vibrant town.”
It was agreed that a transport plan is needed in Gorey. Cllr Willie Kavanagh felt that “Gorey is the shopping Mecca of the south-east” and he suggested they show leadership and move on.
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