Gorey to stump up a public sculpture?

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

Cllr Nicky Boland raised concerns about tourism promotion for Gorey and North Wexford following the recent closure of the visitor centre or tourist office on Gorey’s Main Street at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in Gorey Civic Centre. Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach, presided.

Cllr Boland recalled the recent closure of the visitor centre which he claimed was important to Gorey as a tourist town, it also facilitated local artists and exhibitions, he wanted to know if there was anyway tourist information could be facilitated and he even suggested possibly via an electronic billboard?

Cllr Boland also told the meeting about the remaining stump of a healthy tree that was demolished by a passing truck, opposite Malocca’s Fast Food outlet on the Main Street and he wondered if it could be converted into a public sculpture?

In reply, Philip Knight, District Manager said the Tourist Office was under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce who took a decision to close it. “It has nothing to do with Wexford County Council,” he said.

Mr Knight confirmed that Wexford County Council took a short-term let and facilitated a small grant to run the tourist office. He said that tourist promotion was online via websites such as VisitWexford and LoveGorey and the Council is pro-active in promotion. He felt that having a tourist office was not sustainable.

Regards Cllr Boland’s suggestion of turning the stump into a piece of public art, Mr Knight said they would talk to a wood sculptor, examine the suitability of the wood for the suggested purpose, and take the matter from the there.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com afterwards, Cllr Boland said; “The members and the officials were warm to my idea about the public sculpture. I thought it might be something different for Gorey, so we’ll see how that goes. And if any members of the public have any ideas on the proposal, or suggesting a name etc, I would love to hear from them,” concluded Cllr Boland.