By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
James Browne T.D. Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, performed the official opening of St. John’s Community Activity Garden at Enniscorthy this evening.
Minister Browne stepped in to perform the opening of the new garden in the grounds of St John’s Community Hospital in place of Minister Dara Calleary which was created with funding of €234,000 granted through the Town and Renewal Scheme.
Minister Murnane O’Connor referred to “a wonderful facility to be used by a wide range of groups for physical and healthy wellbeing across the county.”
Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said; “The garden is a place-making development which has reimagined the green space at St. John’s Hospital into an engaging space for all and is testament to the power of collaboration, vision and community spirit and it marks another significant step in enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of Enniscorthy.”
Cllr Sullivan commended the contractor, Monageer Contracting Ltd, S&N Granite, Camolin, for their very generous donation of granite, the Enniscorthy District team of Neville Shaw, Catherine Fitzpatrick and Claire Lawless and the HSE team of Dr Denise Rodgers, Mick Mahon and Derval Howley.
Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District said; “We have this wonderful community garden and this wonderful amphitheatre that could be such a real benefit, not just for the people of this part of Enniscorthy, but in the entire town and district. We could have concerts, dances and all sorts of events here on this space and we could all enjoy it.”
Other speakers included Mick Mahon, Wexford Mental Health and Sinéad Reynolds, IHA Manager Waterford and Wexford.
Derval Howley, Head of Services St. John’s Campus HSE introduced the various speakers and acted as master of ceremonies.
The attendance included Malcolm Byrne TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Pat Kehoe, Trish Byrne and Aidan Browne, CEO Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services Carolyne Godkin, Neville Shaw, Senior Engineer and staff of Wexford County Council, and special guests; staff and patients at St. John’s Community Hospital.
There was excellent entertainment from members of craobh Comhaltás Iniscóirthe and special assistance from Enniscorthy Men’s Shed.
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