By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting
Upwards of 700,000 are expected to mingle merrily in festive mood across Wexford town next August (4-11th) for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is the biggest event of its kind in the world and plans to ensure a safe and family friendly traditional festival are already under way.
A brief outline of the enormous logistics involved in hosting the Fleadh featured in a presentation before members at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council by Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services with responsible for Special Projects, and Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Committee.
Mr Taaffe said that over 500,000 visitors are expected for the occasion with 20% of them coming from overseas and 7,000 musicians. 4,500 competitors will feature in 180 competitions at 40 venues. There will be All-Ireland competitions, a Gig Rig and TG4 will be the broadcasting partners.
Accommodation, camper van and extended car parking facilities, crowd management, signage and general safety measures will require about 1,000 volunteers. Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Wexford Bus and Local Link will provide extra services to get people in and out of Wexford safety during the days of the Fleadh.
The main sponsors are Wexford Credit Union and Fáilte Ireland, but other sponsorship is likely to be included.
The presentation was welcomed by all members. Cllr Michael Sheehan suggested that the event should also include fringe events in Gorey, Enniscorthy and New Ross. Cllr Michael Whelan asked the committee to consider a Park and Ride facility in Wellingtonbridge and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain welcomed “a festival of Irish culture”.
Cllr Jackser Owens recalled when last Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was held in Enniscorthy (1999 and 2000) and he assured members that the event “will bring benefits to the whole county.”
Cllr Maura Bell made a call for people to make available their homes to accommodate visitors and provide a friendly welcome to Wexford town and ensure than all visitors have a good experience and will spread the word that Wexford is a great town to visit.
Chief Executive Tom Enright described bringing the Fleadh to Wexford as “a major undertaking”, but he felt confident that the town will rise to the occasion and that all necessary arrangements will fall into place with the co-operation of An Garda Siochána, Wexford County Council, National Ambulance Service and Voluntary Ambulance Services, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann, sponsors and supporters, the local Committee and the volunteers, and the message goes out to any groups in Co. Wexford wishing to come forward to get involved in any way, that they should contact the Fleadh Committee and they will be made most welcome.
It will be the fifth time the South-East county has hosted the popular festival, which is the world’s largest celebration of Irish traditional music, language, songs and dance.
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