Celebrating 10 years of LEO in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at Wexford County Council marking a decade of growth, innovation, and unwavering support for the local business community. This vibrant event showcased some of the best of local talent and enterprise in County Wexford.

The celebration featured a festive market and craft fair, bringing together products from client companies, many of whom are members of the Wexford Food Producers Network, local craft producers and students participating on the Student Enterprise Programme. The Wexford Presentation Choir opened the event with a beautiful performance of carols, setting the festive tone for the day.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen reflecting on the significance of LEO Wexford’s journey, remarked; “In recent years, the increased focus on economic development within the Council has added a new dimension to the work of LEO. By aligning economic development strategies with planning and other Council services, we have streamlined processes and delivered positive change. This integrated approach has enabled us to identify opportunities, address challenges, and create a more conducive environment for businesses to flourish.”

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise at LEO Wexford, said; “this celebration is a moment to reflect on the incredible achievements of our local businesses and the LEO team. We look forward to the next decade and remain committed to supporting innovation, fostering growth, and providing the tools and resources our businesses need to thrive.”

Over the past decade, LEO Wexford has played an instrumental role in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting local businesses. The office has helped create 2,895 new jobs across various sectors, boosting the local economy.

LEO Wexford has provided critical financial support to local businesses, administering over €6.58 million in grant aid to 234 manufacturing and internationally traded service companies. Additionally, 18 businesses have been transferred to Enterprise Ireland for further export support. LEO Wexford’s Trading Online Voucher Scheme has helped 990 local businesses secure €2.11 million to develop new online revenue streams, a vital shift accelerated by the pandemic.

Businesses have had to navigated challenges such as Brexit, the Ukrainian war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and adaptability.

As the anniversary celebrations come to a close, the message is clear: LEO Wexford will continue to be a pillar of support for local entrepreneurs, driving innovation and economic growth in the years ahead.

Man released without charge

By Dan Walsh

A man who was arrested in relation to the death of a 32 years old woman in Gorey, has been released without charge. 

PAULA LAWLOR

Paula Lawlor was found unresponsive at a residence in Baile Eoghain, Gorey shortly after 3am on Thursday. 

Gardaí said a post mortem examination has been completed by State Pathologist Dr. SallyAnne Collis. The results of the post mortem are not being released for operational reasons.

A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested in relation to the incident and detained at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region. He has since been released without charge. 

A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to any witnesses to come forward. They are also seeking dash cam footage from motorists who were in the vicinity of Baile Eoghain at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 094 30690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Paula Lawlor, Gorey, Wexford / Tallaght, Dublin. Lawlor Paula, 19th December 2024, Gorey, Co. Wexford, and formerly of Aylesbury, Tallaght; suddenly, at her home. Beloved daughter of the late Sheila and Brendan and adored granddaughter of the late Eamon and Kathleen. Paula will be forever loved and very sadly missed by her heartbroken family especially her adored daughter Layla Rose, all her aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and wide circle of friends. May Paula rest in peace.

Reposing at the Brian McElroy Funeral Home, The Square, Tallaght (opposite Tallaght Stadium) on Friday (27th December) from 2pm to 6pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday (28th December) in St Marks Church, Springfield at 10am followed by cremation in Newlands Cross Crematorium at 12pm.

Chris Black speaks from the Poet’s Room

Poet Chris Black with Kristyna Simko and an appreciative audience at the Enniscorthy launch of his CD, Poetry from the Poet’s Room Vol.1 at Creative Grounds, Irish St., Enniscorthy, on Friday morning. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Poet Chris Black was a special guest at Creative Grounds in Enniscorthy this morning where he introduced his latest work – a spoken-word CD titled Poetry from the Poet’s Room Vol. 1 – fresh off the presses and ready for readership appreciation.

Welcomed by Kristyna Simko and Alfie O’Sullivan at Creative Grounds Chris’s latest work, a suite of 28 new poems from the Dubliner who has made Wexford his home was unveiled. The presentation is quite unusual in that all poems are in spoken-word form read by the poet himself!

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Chris believes that poetry has a lot to offer in this fast-paced instant world. “Reading or listening to poetry allows the opportunity to relax and explore ourselves and to switch off from the horrors of the outside world, for a brief time at least,” stated Chris.  

AUDIO ADDITION; Chris Black reads his poem A Place Called Solitude, one of 28 poems on his CD Poetry from the Poet’s Room Vol. 1.

Chris Black is well known for his poetry and has two books to his credit, and copies may still be available – Same Train Different Track (pub. 2016) and Down on the Farm (pub. 2023)

Poetry from the Poet’s Room Vol. 1 produced and recorded by Diarmuid Comerford in Creagh Studios, Gorey, is spoken-word poetry on a CD and is available to purchase at Creative Grounds, 3 Irish St., Enniscorthy. Would make a nice Christmas present for anyone who appreciates freshly composed poetry with a local flavour!

Chris Black’s written and spoken-word poetry can also be found on Istagram @purpleandgoldpoetry.

€6m to demolish ballroom and restore castle garden!

The main roof and stage roof of the Castle Ballroom is to be demolished to make way for a garden and public realm. This view from the roof of Enniscorthy Castle. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District December meeting

Wexford County Council has purchased the former Castle Nite Club, will demolish it, and replace it with a garden and public realm at the rear of the castle, suggest a café/coffee dock and provide an elevated walkway terrace at the rear of Slaney Place, and of course, the provision of public toilets.

Details, which are at the earliest stage of the design process, were revealed by Executive Engineer David Whitty at last Tuesday’s December meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre. Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, presided.

The Castle Quarter is the middle tier in the 3-way Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan which also features Market Square and Templeshannon.

Using a map from the 1860’s it is proposed to reclaim part of the original gardens at the rear of Enniscorthy Castle and recreate the garden recreation area enjoyed by the Roche family up to the early 1960’s that was replaced by the Castle Ballroom (later renamed the Castle Nite Club) which had a 2,000 sq.ft. dance floor and first opened with music from Mick Delahunty and his Band on October 16th 1964.

Mr Whitty told the meeting that it is an extremely import project. “There is potential for a new internal courtyard which would provide a base for cultural and heritage activities for the Athenaeum Hall and the castle,”said Mr Whitty, who added; “We want a development that would be appropriate for the status of Enniscorthy Castle, which is a national monument.”

And the estimated cost? Mr Whitty did not have an exact figure for the meeting, but estimated that the Castle Quarter development would cost, but it will be between €5 and €6 million! The project is not possible without URDF (Urban Rural Distruct Funding)!

Councillors were against the installation of a coffee dock as many felt “it is a waste of resources given the number of nearby cafés and restaurants.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne wants the 1798 artefacts to be brought back. Chair of the 1798 Rebellion Centre, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy also made a contribution to the brief debate and Cllr Jackser Owens was relived that public toilets would be provided on site and that there will be no cable cars!

Director of Services Carolyne Godkin stated that “the plan is already technically difficult as it involves demolition and extensive renovations, and suggestions made by councillors  could make the cost excessive.”

The current plan will take many months to come to public consultation.

Take a dip for a cause

St. Helen’s Bay (FilePic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice invites people from Wexford to brave the icy waters next Saturday, December 22nd and make a splash for a great cause by signing up for Dip In for LauraLynn. 

From Kilpatrick Beach in North Wexford to Dollar Bay, near Duncannon, LauraLynn is asking supporters to raise funds through sponsorship and take the plunge at a swimming spot of their choice. The challenge is an important annual fundraiser for the Children’s Hospice supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.  

To take part participants register on the LauraLynn website where they will receive a free blue Santa hat, as well as their own sponsorship page. 

Funds raised from the Dip In for LauraLynn challenge will help LauraLynn provide essential care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families from across the country. 

LauraLynn Fundraising Executive Cathy White commented; Dip In for LauraLynn is a wonderful opportunity for people to come together, have fun, and support a cause that truly makes a difference. Whether you are a seasoned sea swimmer or a first-time cold dipper, we would love to see you out in your blue LauraLynn Santa hat. The funds raised will allow us to continue supporting children with palliative care needs and their families all over Ireland.” 

LauraLynn is calling on supporters from all over Ireland to take part in this exhilarating event. Participants are encouraged to dip into the chilly waters just before Christmas for this very important fundraiser. 

For more information, FAQs, and to register for the event, please visit LauraLynn.ie or contact Cathy at challenges@lauralynn.ie. 

Gardai investigating death of woman in Gorey

An incident room has been established at Gorey Garda Station (File Pic; Wexfordlocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí in Gorey are investigating the death of a woman in her 30’s following an incident in the early hours of this morning (Thursday). The deceased has been named locally as Paula Lawlor.

Shortly after 3am, Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at a residence in Baile Eoghain, Gorey, where the woman was found unresponsive. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A man in his 30’s has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently detained at a Garda station in the Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

The scene is preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The Office of the State Pathologist and local Coroner have been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Gorey Garda Station. A family liaison officer (FLO) has also been assigned to support the family.

Gardaí are appealing to witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are seeking dashcam footage from motorists who were in the vicinity of Baile Eoghain at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 094 30690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Investigations are ongoing.

99.9% safety at Enniscorthy Parish School

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Safety concerns outside St. Aidan’s Parish School on Nunnery Road, Enniscorthy, was on the agenda at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council where it was revealed that a survey of parents unanimously returned a verdict of ‘no complaints’ and they believe that the new crossing completed by the Safe Routes to Schools scheme is “safer now than ever.”

Director of Services at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, attended the meeting chaired by Cllr Aidan Browne, and outlined details of three separate safety audits involving a number of agencies including the RSA, An Garda Siochana, Safety Officer at Wexford County Council David Codd and representatives of the Parents Committee at the school concerning a 200-metre stretch with controlled crossings provided under the Safe Routes to School application costing over €300,000.

Parents Committee representative John Roche told the meeting that “They had monitored arrival and dismissal at the school over the past two months and the vast majority of parents and pupils use the dedicated pelican crossings. A small number are jaywalking!”

Mr Roche said 99.9% of parents are satisfied with the safety measures, the ramps are working well, average speed is 5-10kms, traffic flows well and there are no tailbacks.

School Principal Frank Murphy said the school’s job is to teach the children of parents who are not always with them, agreed that the new system is “a major improvement” and his only concerns are the HGV’s and commercial traffic. He concluded by urging to “make sure everything is working properly and to keep the markings up-to-date.”

Cllr Aidan Browne felt “uncomfortable” as a parent as he felt there was nothing to stop the traffic – no red light – but he felt it is “safer” and a “great system” but there is nothing to stop the traffic.

Cllr Jackser Owens said “it was a massive mistake” taking away the school warden – there used to be three wardens in the 200-metre space. “It is an accident waiting to happen. I want that on the record!,” insisted Cllr Owens.

Cllr Barbara-Ann Murphy referred to the experience of Mr Roche with over 40 years experience – he was a member of An Garda Siochana and retired Chief Superintendent – recalled the 5-10kms speed readings, belived that red lights only “speed up and slow down” traffic, she didn’t agree with the school warden returning, she felt the children are learning and pointed out that “the road markings set it out as a school zone.”

Cllr Pat Kehoe said that child safety is paramount. He pointed out that “€300,000 was spent to make it safe.”

Cllr John O’Rourke referred to the data and the voice of the parents. “We don’t have the power or the voice to reverse the decision, “said Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “The system is working well, but when the plan was first brought to us here at the Council there was no mention of the school warden.”

In conclusion, Mr Hore said; “This is the safest system and the children are getting used to the system,” and he promised that the matter would be kept under review.  

Verona Murphy is new Ceann Comhairle

VERONA MURPHY speaking in the Dáil today ahead of her election as Ceann Comhairle of the 34th Dáil.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Independent TD Verona Murphy has been elected Ceann Comhairle of the 34th Dáil and becomes the first woman ever to hold the office.

She will also chair the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, overseeing the running of Leinster House and the Dáil and the Seanad.

Speaking in the Dáil earlier, Ms Murphy said: “If you choose to elect me as the first female Ceann Comhairle in the State, it will signify a very diverse, inclusive and forward-looking 34th Dáil.

“If elected, I will execute the office of Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann without fear or favour,” she promised.

On the first count Ms Murphy was ahead with 76 votes but got no transfers when the 21 votes for Fianna Fáil’s John McGuinness were distributed on the second count.

At that stage Aengus Ó Snodaigh of Sinn Féin was on 54 votes and Mr Ó Fearghaíl was on 42. Ms Murphy picked up 13 votes from Mr Ó Fearghaíl on the third count, which put her over the line.

Ms Murphy’s selection is endorsed by the leaders of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and paves the way for a new government comprising Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Regional Independent Group.

Prior to entering politics, Ms Murphy, who is a native of Ramsgrange, was a businesswoman, haulage company owner and representative for the haulage industry.

She was elected president of the Irish Road Haulage Association in 2015 and led that organisation as she took her first foray into politics in 2019.

Verona Murphy ran for Fine Gael in the 2019 Wexford by-election

Mick Wallace’s election to the European Parliament caused a by-election in Wexford that year and Fine Gael announced Ms Murphy would be the party’s candidate.

However, her campaign was soon engulfed in controversy over comments she made about migrants and Islamic State, Fine Gael became uncomfortable with its candidate’s views, party leader Leo Varadkar avoided campaigning with her and she ultimately failed to get elected.

She was subsequently deselected by Fine Gael from running in the 2020 General Election, and ran as an Independent, taking a seat in the then five-seat constituency.

Last month she topped the poll in the 2024 General Election for the new four-seat Wexford constituency.

As Ceann Comhairle, her seat is assured after the next election as the holder of the office is automatically returned to the Dáil.

She is also set to get a massive pay increase on top of her existing TD salary.

TDs earn €113,680 a year but her new position attracts an additional €141,513 annually, bringing her salary to €255,000 for as long as she stays in the job. The pay packet exceeds that of the Taoiseach by €12,000. There is also an additional perk of a State car and driver.

Wexford County Council Gender Pay Gap Report

By Dan Walsh

WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS AT CARRICKLAWN.

Wexford County Council has published its Gender Pay Gap Report, highlighting the percentage difference between what men and women are paid on average in the organisation, irrespective of roles or levels.

The 2024 report shows a Gender Pay Gap of -1.32 mean and -9.18 % median.

Employers with more than 150 employees in Ireland are required to publish their gender pay gap data before the end of 2024 and within six months of their reference date. Wexford County Council and all local authorities in the country chose June 30th 2024 as the reference date.

Commenting following the publication of the report, a Council spokesperson said: “Publishing our gender pay gap data helps to reinforce our focus on supporting an open and inclusive workplace at Wexford County Council. Our organisation is a place where all employees have the same opportunities for recognition and career development and are treated fairly and equitably at work.

“We continue to be committed to addressing workplace barriers to equality and creating an open and inclusive workplace community. Many equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and supports are already in place, and we will continue to work in this area.”

Working in local government gives people the opportunity to play a key role in the positive development of their county and community. As an employer, Wexford County Council is committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for employees. The Council offer flexible and family friendly arrangements, blended working, and great career progression and education opportunities.

The local authority is encouraging anyone looking for a job to visit the website www.wexfordcoco.ie to find out more about the work they do.