By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
The long running saga regards the Murphy Floods site at Enniscorthy took a positive turn this week when machinery arrived, hard hats and other safety information was posted at the entrance at Barrack Street and works have begun on site. However, traffic disruption is on the way; Under the Temporary Closing of Roads under Section 75 of the Roads Act 1993, Barrack Street will be closed from Monday, September 16th to Friday, September 27th. The alternative route advised is from Island Road to Irish Street and Bohreen Hill Junction.
Irish Street will be closed from Monday, September 23rd to Friday, October 4th. The alternative route advised from Main Street to Abbey Square, and Abbey Quay to Island Road. These alternative routes will be signposted, and local access will be facilitated.
The plan is to demolish the existing buildings and commence the new development consisting of retail and commercial space as well as housing.
This welcome development has been the talk of the town this week and its progress will be eagerly followed with huge interest.
A tender competition to appoint a works contractor for the demolition on site has been awarded to John Tinnelly & Sons based in Newry, Co. Down, and one of the leading demolition firms in Ireland and the UK, and one for the table quiz? – they were awarded the contract for the demolition of the Sugar Factory in Carlow some years ago.
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin informed WexfordLocal.com that the Council will place the site on the market in the 4th Quarter of 2024 to determine development interest. “Proposals for the existing planning permission or alternative use, which would require a new planning process, will be considered.” It is expected that this process will take 6 to 12 months.
“Any interested party who proceeds with a proposal would be subject to a use it or lose it clause, where the site would revert to the Council if no development took place within a specified period of time,” stated Ms. Godkin, who added; “In the interim period the Council will prepare a Part VIII plan for a minimum of 20 spaces and with the intention of maximising the space available, as well as public realm works on the site. The draft drawings will be presented to the members of 2024.”
Murphy Floods Hotel was an internationally renowned family establishment facing onto Main Street since 1923 but was gutted by fire in 2005 and has remained derelict ever since. In March 2023 the site and adjoining property was acquired by Wexford County Council who announced an €8 million plan to develop a new library building, retail units, 18 apartments and underground parking.
WexfordLocal.com is reliably informed that the Library Service may have strong reservations about inclusion on the site as they prefer development on ‘stand-alone’ sites! The search for investors goes on!
WexfordLocal.com 