Community unites to ‘breathe life back into Courtown’

By Dan Walsh

At a pivotal meeting convened by the Courtown Regeneration Partnership and held in Riverchapel, residents and businesses addressed the multi-faceted challenges plaguing Courtown, including issues of degeneration, the loss of tourist accommodation, and the delay in progressing critical infrastructure projects.

The meeting commenced with a candid acknowledgment of the serious issues faced by Courtown. Linda Sinnott of Courtown Community Council summarised the frustrations of those gathered; “Courtown stands at a critical juncture, grappling with an extraordinary burden that necessitates urgent and targeted Council investment and support. The success of any tourist area depends on its beauty, its allure and the public’s perception of safety and enjoyment.”

In a sobering moment, a local resident articulated the stark reality faced by Courtown, describing the once vibrant resort as being in its ‘death throes’ and in dire need of development and investment.

Deirdre Robinson said; “Supporting a beach re-nourishment project for Courtown not only revitalises the shoreline and reinstates our central tourist amenity but potentially also opens the door for other attractive, appropriately scaled development – for example a potential new marina that fits well with the local landscape and enhances the coastal area. 

Labour candidate for the forthcoming local elections, Lorna Fitzpatrick called for more transparency and proactive communication from Wexford Council. “The community yearns for a clearer understanding of the path forward on these projects, meaningful engagement with them and a tangible commitment to turning these aspirational projects into concrete realities,” she stated. 

The meeting also heard that plans have yet to be submitted for the proposed large-scale hotel on Courtown’s public carpark – the site of the recent controversial ‘land swap’ between developer Thomas O’Loughlin and Wexford County Council. Mr O’Loughlin confirmed before the meeting that plans would be submitted soon to Wexford County Council, and it was agreed that the CRP (Courtown Regeneration Project) would appeal to Mr O’Loughlin to convene a special meeting to facilitate the presentation of these plans directly to the community in advance of their submission. 

The meeting also heard a proposal by Courtown Community Council to establish a new “Harbour Tourist Hub” on the site of the old Tara Hall. The ambitious plans outlined a much-needed dynamic space that would not only cater to tourists but also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth and community engagement. 

Attendees voiced their enthusiastic support for this initiative, with Cllrs Joe Sullivan and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin saying they would support the Council investing in it “one hundred per cent”. 

Linda Sinnott stressed the importance of this kind of Council investment in Courtown’s regeneration and she concluded; “With a history marred by neglect, Courtown’s community development remains stifled. Council investment is not merely an economic imperative; it is a moral obligation to uplift a community that shoulders a disproportionate share of challenges. We need to see decisive movement now to get things done. We’re now uniting as a community to breathe life back into Courtown, steering it away from decline and towards a vibrant, sustainable future. We ask Wexford Co Council and our elected representatives for their full support and co-operation in confronting these challenges and transforming Courtown’s trajectory.”