By Dan Walsh
The Courtown Regeneration Partnership, along with Courtown Community Council, held a public meeting recently where Mick McCormick from Wexford County Council updated attendees on the Town Centre First initiative for Courtown and Riverchapel.
The government initiative, focused on long-term regeneration in the area, has included a series of meetings over the past year. A Town Centre First Team, chosen by Mr. McCormick and consisting of local business owners and community organisations, has convened nine times since its establishment last May.
A consultant has recently been appointed to develop a comprehensive regeneration plan. While Mr. McCormick could not provide specific details regarding the contents of the draft plan or its anticipated publication date, he emphasised that efforts would be undertaken to gather feedback from the broader community.
Linda Sinnott, facilitator of the Courtown Regeneration Partnership Steering Group said; “It’s vital now that the broader community gets involved. This is our chance to shape the future of Courtown and Riverchapel – everyone deserves a voice.”
Ms. Sinnott also stressed the importance of recognising the work already carried out by the local community: “We sincerely hope that the findings of the Smart Survey undertaken by Courtown Community Council and backed by Wexford Local Development, will be fully considered in the draft plan.”
Discussion at the meeting included the idea of a marina—an idea championed by a small number of local yacht owners. While it has some support, community members emphasised the importance of focusing first on immediate and widely expressed priorities.
“While a marina may be a welcome development in time, the community has spoken clearly about what matters most right now,” said Deirdre Robinson, of the Courtown Regeneration Partnership. “There is strong support for a beach renourishment scheme as a first step – Courtown needs its beach back – and concern about the loss of vital parking and public realm space if the proposed large-scale hotel development proceeds. These are the issues that residents are hoping will be addressed,” she stated.
The draft plan will first be reviewed by the Town Centre First Team, but there is a strong call from the community for greater transparency and meaningful public involvement.
At the meeting, Catherine Kinsella from the Courtown Heritage Group expressed disappointment that her group had been excluded from the Town Centre First Team, despite its long-standing contribution to preserving and promoting the design and heritage of the area—an essential foundation for any future regeneration.
“There’s a huge amount of passion and local knowledge out there,” stated Ms. Kinsella, who added; “We need to make sure that the voices of ordinary residents are not just heard, but central to the plan. Without that, we risk missing the mark.”
The attendance at the meeting included Deputies Malcolm Byrne, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and Brian Brennan and Cllrs Donal Kenny, Joe Sullivan, Craig Doyle and Nicky Boland.
“This process only works if it reflects the will and ideas of the people who live here,” said Ms. Sinnott, who added; “We’re urging everyone—whether you’re a resident, business owner, or simply someone who loves the area—to come forward and contribute feedback when the draft plan is published.”
Anyone wishing to receive updates or view the draft plan when it becomes available is invited to forward their contact details to Linda Sinnott at: courtownregenerationp@gmail.com
WexfordLocal.com 