By Dan Walsh at the reopening of the Captain Wafer Hall
Speaking at the reopening of Enniscorthy’s Captain Wafer Hall last Monday morning, Wexford County Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe praised the local community’s hard work and highlighted what can be achieved when proactive local government is backed by strong ministerial support.
Mr Taaffe said the Templeshanon project “represents just one piece of a much larger investment into Enniscorthy and the wider county.” He stated; “Wexford County Council working hand-in-hand with the Government, is actively reshaping Enniscorthy to ensure that it can sustainably grow to its full potential.”
“The availability of these Government funding streams is the lifeblood of Community Development, here (in Enniscorthy) and throughout the County,” said Mr. Taaffe, who added; “Current supports through the Departments and Local Authority include the Community Recognition Fund (availed of for the Captain Wafer Hall project), the National Civic Fora, the Local Enhancement Programme, the CLÁR programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund and others.
“Just look at our vibrant Enniscorthy town centre. Through the Governments Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, we recently welcomed a landmark €18.3 million allocation for Wexford, which includes €9 million specifically for Phase One of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Regeneration Programme, alongside funding to advance Templeshannon regeneration.
“Construction is almost complete on a new Sports Hub building at the Enniscorthy Athletics Track.
“But a community needs more than just excellent facilities; it needs homes. Housing delivery remains our absolute number one priority; a focus and a plan clearly close to the Minister’s heart. We are incredibly proud to say that our housing team, in partnership with Minister James Browne and the Department of Housing and Local Government.
“Through schemes like the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, we have successfully launched and delivered much needed starter-homes at developments like Cnoc na Greine and Old Forge Road, here in Enniscorthy.
“A major proposed development featuring approximately 50 housing units, community facilities, a skatepark, sports facilities, and outdoor amphitheatre is due to go to Planning shortly for the Turret Rocks (Killagoley).
“Furthermore, through the transformative Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, the Government has backed five major infrastructure projects across the county. This includes €20 million for the Milehouse to Moyne Link Road and €4 million for the Turret Rocks Link Road. This massive funding injection unblocks key constraints, directly fast-tracking thousands of new homes and paving the way for sustainable community growth.
In conclusion, Mr Taaffe said today’s individual result at the Enniscorthy Community Alliance (and the official reopening of the Captain Wafer Hall) is just one example of that strategic approach working, now and for the future.”
