By Dan Walsh at special meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council
There was a sensational scenario to a special meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the Council Chamber in the Presentation Centre today when all six sitting members of the Council failed to support the proposed planning application for Part VIII of the Civic Spine, Main Street-Market Square Castle Hill package of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First scheme which is worth €10 million in URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) funding.
The meeting commenced with an introduction by David Whitty, Executive Engineer with responsibility for Special Projects at Wexford County Council who explained that the Town Centre First policy aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community.
Mr Whitty said the plan was consistent with local and national policy and it was “a consultation led” plan. He outlined improvements outside St. Mary’s Church, at Castle Street and Wafer Street, and said the net reduction of parking spaces was 43.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne, who told the meeting “There will not be a vote today” led the repetitive list of objections. “I’m disappointed that Templeshannon is not on the table. This is not good enough. It must be a full package,” he declared.
Cllr Cathal Byrne wanted to see a thriving town to stop shoppers from going to Wexford or Gorey but felt this needed “all the plan together” and he felt there was not enough in it to revitalise Market Square. He felt there were ‘for’ and ‘against’ but believed that this plan wasn’t on the table when Part VIII came through and he would like to see the old Murphy-Flood’s site included in the plan.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was also ‘disappointed’ with the €10 million and wanted to “go with the biggest possible”. She wanted a minimum of €20 million be applied for and wanted “full control” when it came to spending it!”
Cllr Jackser Owens was also ‘disappointed’ and predicted a loss of business and a loss of jobs. “I can’t support this plan and we don’t want a library; we have one already”, said Cllr Owens, who added; “I will be voting ‘NO’ and I’m disgusted that Templeshannon is not on the plan.”
Cllr Pat Kehoe didn’t support the application either. He cited pressure from the business people in Market Square and had concerns about parking and the traffic flow.
Cllr John O’Rourke was critical of some who didn’t attend the public meetings – he alleged that only five businesses were represented at some of them – and said he would not support the plan as it is unless they come up with a parking plan. “The current plan on its own is not acceptable. We must be brave,” concluded Cllr O’Rourke.
Senior Planner at Wexford County Council, Diarmuid Houston told the meeting that “the town centre would be a calmer place for everyone” and reminded the members that “43 car parking spaces could be replaced by one bus!”
Mr Houston added that the Part VIII application was “the first stage, the first step”. The application for URDF funding of €10 million was prioritised and is due to go before a full meeting of Wexford County Council next Monday. “The planning permission dies on Tuesday, and we have to start all over again!” concluded Mr Houston.
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin, not for the first time, reminded the members of the need for investment in the town centre and investment was needed in Templeshannon. “We should be brave and take what is in front of us. The town centre is being used as “a rat run”. It is a small part of the Town First project and regeneration brings economic benefit,” added Ms. Godkin.
Other members of the planning team present at the meeting attempted to persuade the members to change their minds and support the application – which they pointed out is one of three packages (see below), but to no avail and it looks like there will be no support for the Enniscorthy Town First Plan (Part VIII application) when it appears on Monday’s agenda (amendments are acceptable), the funding will go elsewhere and the project will fall behind for many years to come.
PACKAGE ONE; Civic Spine, Main Street-Market Square Castle Hill. This is an integrated regeneration package involving different stakeholders in partnership to deliver redevelopment, refurbishment, and improvement of urban space. This package will be the critical early catalyst to the rejuvenation of the function, fabric and image of the Town Centre.
PACKAGE TWO; The Castle Heritage Quarter. The Quarter will provide a focal point for the rich heritage of the Town. It will draw on the diversity of urban heritage in this important urban block. Including the Castle, the Athenaeum and the rich fabric of street buildings. The Quarter will be the focal attraction and orientation space for tourism in Enniscorthy.
PACKAGE THREE; Templeshannon Hub and Link. This package aims to intervene decisively to counter the worrying decline of the heart of Templeshannon, and its disconnection from the Town Centre. It aims to be a catalyst in the restoration of vitality and vibrancy through redevelopment, refurbishment and a radical improvement of its public spaces. It will explore the potential to redevelop a substantial leisure and recreation hub to complement the existing Waterfront Pool and Leisure Centre.
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