Nondescript mood at Council meeting

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting

Today’s January meeting of Wexford County Council held in County Hall, Carricklawn, had a kind of New Year nondescript atmosphere about it with many local issues raised, many for the umpteenth time, and the Chief Executive and the officials were busy answering questions. Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, presided.

Cllr Paddy Kavanagh complimented Deputy Verona Murphy on becoming the first Wexford person to become Ceann Comhairle in Dáil Éireann. “It is a great achievement from a county, personal and family viewpoint,” he stated.

Cllr Michael Sheehan supported Cllr Kavanagh but lamented the fact that Deputy Murphy’s appointment has reduced the Wexford constituency in the Dáil from four members to three! He alleged “No Presence. No Power. No Passion” which drew laughter from the chamber, but nobody else addressed the matter.

Cllr Jim Codd congratulated the staff salting the roads and keeping the New Line open during the cold snap and he didn’t forget the staff at the Cornmarket Centre who opened it up and gave great assistance during the cold weather.

However, Cllr Codd wasn’t too pleased about the water being off in the tourist centre that is Carrig-on-Bannow district for the past two Sunday’s. “The pumphouse needs a few fuses,” said Cllr Codd who also raised coastal erosion difficulties along the south Wexford coastline.

Cllr Oliver Walsh also raised concerns about coastal erosion in the east of the county and he complimented the road staff for gritting during the recent cold snap. Cllr Walsh asked if the Kilmuckridge, Blackwater, Curracloe coastal road could be included in plans for future weather events? Cllr Pat Barden also raised concerns about coastal erosion.

Cllrs Paddy Kavanagh and Pat Kehoe raised insurance matters that prevented local farmers and contractors from voluntary helping in the rural communities during times of snow or harsh weather conditions.

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe and the officials took on board all the views expressed by the councillors. Mr Taaffe promised a coastal survey overview of coastal issues and strategy to be brought to a future meeting.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen welcomed Deputy Brian Brennan, newly elected TD for the newly established Wicklow-Wexford constituency in the November General Election, who was attending his first meeting of Wexford County Council.