By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Although the old Murphy Flood’s site at Main Street, Irish Street and Barrack Street has been cleared it is “highly unlikely” that it will serve as a car park this Christmas according to information brought to the table at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre.
Executive Engineer Neville Shaw said the site was progressing, but a few issues need to be addressed including the discovery of old drains on the site. He said there needs to be a topographical survey, a drainage survey, a detailed design drawn up and contractors to be appointed. “There is unlikely to be car parking on the site before Christmas!” he outlined.
Cllr Pat Kehoe acknowledged that the car parking solution was “only temporary”, but he expressed concerns about keeping down costs in the budget! He felt that because it is “a temporary site” expensive works and expensive materials should not be the cause of the delay.
Director of Services Carolyne Godkin said that while it could be a temporary site for the next 10 years (or more) while waiting for investment she emphasised that “construction and service work are paramount for the site.”
The plan for car parking on the old Murphy Floods site was presented to the October Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting by David Whitty from the Special Projects department at Wexford County Council. It was adopted 4-2 by the members.
It comprises of 28 car parking spaces – three are accessible – and includes a realm comprising of bench seating, planter boxes and an embankment with planted vegetation. A 2.8metre flight of steps will take pedestrians to and from Market Square.
In another development Cllr Jackser Owens suggested moving the Saturday morning farmer’s market at Abbey Square to the old Murphy Floods proposed car park site! Cllr Owens said that Cllr John O’Rourke had campaigned to bring the farmer’s market to Rafter St and he supported bringing the weekly market to the town centre!
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