Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has announced that eight Wexford schools have been shortlisted for an energy retrofit programme as part of an €81 million EU funding package.
The Wexford schools shortlisted are Clonroche National School, Scoil Naofa Mhuire, Danescastle, Carrig-on-Bannow, Scoil Naofa Clochar Mhuire, Rosslare, Scoil Naofa Chaomhain Torrchoill (St. Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill, Gorey, Scoil Naofa Seosaimh, Hilltown, Ballymitty, St. Mary’s National School, Parnell Avenue, Enniscorthy, Our Lady of Fatima Special School, Carrigeen St., Wexford, and Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, Rosbercon, New Ross.
NORMA FOLEY TD, Minister for Education
Schools selected for inclusion in the programme will be given a deep retrofit to achieve a Building Energy Rating (BER) of at least B by installing heat pumps, LED lighting and mechanical heat recovery ventilation. The fabric and airtightness of the schools will also be upgraded, and electric car chargers will be installed.
Minister Foley told Wexford Local.com; “I welcome that eight schools in County Wexford have been shortlisted for inclusion in this Programme. The schools approved for an energy retrofit will enjoy significantly better energy performance and a more comfortable teaching and learning environment.”
An innovative Certified Water Stewardship Workshop has been launched in partnership with Uisce Éireann, County Wexford Chamber and the Sustainable Enterprise Skillnet to support small to medium Irish businesses and facilities in Wexford as they seek to improve water stewardship practices and become more sustainable, introduce water stewardship and opportunities for quick wins on site, and to outline the pathway to Water Stewardship Programme certification.
The workshop, which will be delivered by Uisce Éireann on Monday July 22nd at 2pm, aims at equipping businesses in the Model County with the knowledge and tools to lower water consumption, reduce operating costs and protect the environment.
Highlighting the benefits of water stewardship training Dave McCann, a graduate from Uisce Eireann’s Water Stewardship Programme from the Clayton Hotel Whites commented; “Sustainability and protecting the environment is a key policy at the Clayton. We have seen significant reductions in our water consumption following our participation in the Uisce Éireann Water Stewardship Programme and. In counties like Wexford where hot summers can impact water availability, we are delighted to be playing our part.”
Pictured are Lorraine Gaston Uisce Éireann, Jim Fitzgerald Uisce Éireann, Fionnuala Callery Wexford County Council, Paula Roche County Wexford Chamber, and Dave McCann Clayton Hotel Whites.
Paula Roche from County Wexford Chamber added; “The Water Stewardship Programme gives easy to follow steps on how businesses can conserve water, protect the environment, and enhance their sustainability credentials. These practices can also bring financial benefits to the businesses taking part as reduction in water usages can also mean lower bills and lower energy costs. We are encouraging all businesses in Wexford to sign up to this initiative and to play their part in conserving this precious resource.”
Jim Fitzgerald, Regional Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann said; “We all have a role to play in conserving water especially during the summer. Water demand always increases with an influx of tourists and visitors. This year more visitors are expected for the Fleadh as people are set to enjoy a week of traditional music and street activities. We are looking forward to working with the business community on this initiative and are very grateful for their support, and the support of County Wexford Chamber and the Fleadh committee.”
A Boil Water Notice has been issued to protect the health of approximately 1,723 customers supplied by Ferns Public Water Supply following the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply.
The notice was issued this evening (Friday) following consultation with the Health Service Executive and Uisce Éireann.
All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.
Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices. Customers are reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.
Updates are available on water.ie, on Twitter @IWCare and via the customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
Pictured at the launch of the naming rights at Samaritans St Patrick’s Park last Wednesday
By Dan Walsh at Samaritans St Patrick’s Park
Wexford GAA has teamed up with Samaritans and the suicide prevention charity has secured the naming rights of the second county ground, which will be known as Samaritans St Patrick’s Park for the next three years.
The new name and signage at the Enniscorthy ground was officially revealed this week by Michael Martin, Cathaoirleach, Wexford GAA, Sarah O’Toole, Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, and Jonathan Neville, volunteer and Regional Director for Samaritans Ireland.
Wexford county stars Eoin Porter and Kevin Foley and senior football manager John Hegarty also attended, and they were joined by Samaritans volunteers from Arklow and Waterford, as well as others representing Wexford GAA.
Micheál Martin said; “Samaritans is one of the leading mental health charities in Ireland, and Wexford GAA is delighted to offer them naming rights of our second county ground to Samaritans free of charge. We want to create awareness of their work and highlight the support they offer to people of all ages who need emotional support.
“St Patrick’s Park is the most used county ground in Wexford, with more than 300 matches there last year, and more than 30,000 people through the turnstiles, for inter-county games, club finals, schools games, and LGFA and camogie matches. It is also the training base for the county minor and U20 teams,” added Mr Martin.
Wexford native Sarah O’Toole said the charity was delighted to be chosen by Wexford GAA for the naming rights at St Patrick’s Park. Samaritans has been the mental health partner of the GAA for the last 10 years and this initiative cements that partnership even more, making sure we are there at grassroots,” she said.
Ms. O’Toole concluded; “It is amazing that now our name and number can be seen by anyone attending a game at Samaritans St Patrick’s Park over the next three years. “We want everyone to remember that no matter how big or small a problem may seem, our trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or email joe@samaritans.ie”
HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK’S PARK; “In 1956, St Patrick’s Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society took charge of the running of the Boys’ Club in Enniscorthy. One year later, St Patrick’s Boys’ Club invested in two fields at Pearse Road, one converted into GAA pitch known as St Patrick’s Park, forever referred to locally as the New Park or simply the Boys’ Park. “August 1957 brought the glad tidings for local Gaels of the commencement of development of a new playing pitch for the youth of the town on a nine-acre site involving two fields at Parnell Avenue, following its purchase earlier that year. The fields, bought for £1,500, are parochial property and the new park is under the supervision of the local St Vincent de Paul Society. “Development work entailed considerable expenditure and at the time the considerable sum of £600 had been contributed by the people of the town, with the hope that further moneys would be raised for the project.” SOURCE; ‘The Ghosts of Bygone Days’ (1998), by Sean Whelan.
Launch of the CPE Open Call at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy
Artists and community groups gathered in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, yesterday (Thursday) for awarding nine projects through the recent CPE Open Call officially launched by Cllr John O’Rourke for Creative Places, Enniscorthy.
Deryn O’Callaghan, CPE Co-Ordinator told WexfordLocal.com; “We are so excited to see the start of projects in Enniscorthy for Creative Places and we are looking forward to seeing how these projects will engage and inspire our community.”
Speaking directly to all the artists and community groups who put themselves forward and applied for these awards, Ms. O’Callaghan said; “All or most of these projects will be based in places and spaces not always thought of as places for creativity and art. A lot of the artists are linking in with community groups that haven’t linked in before for this sort of project. This is an opportunity here for these artists and groups to start working within their community and to listen to what the community want and bring these ideals to the project.”
Ms O’Callaghan mentioned a number of brilliant partnerships already established such as the Presentation Arts Centre, Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford County Council Arts Office, and Enniscorthy Municipal District with SETU, the socially engaged arts projects that started CPE projects in February out across in Templeshannon with many community groups.
Ms. O’Callaghan said CPE have started a project with Red Moon Creative Arts Theatre – Tempest over Templeshannon – in Templeshannon, of course, and she recalled last Saturday’s “spark of colour on Vinegar Hill” and acknowledged the artists and participants.
The attendance at yesterday’s launch included Elizabeth Whyte, Chief Executive Wexford Arts Centre, Liz Burns, County Arts Officer, Larry Dune and Conor Gibson at the Presentation Arts Centre, councillors and staff from Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
CLLR BRIDÍN MURPHY Cathaoirleach of New Ross District Council climbs the ladder of success as she bids for a seat in Dáil Éireann.
Cllr Bridín Murphy (Fine Gael) was elected Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council on Wednesday and celebrated the occasion with the announcement that she is seeking a Fine Gael nomination to run as a candidate in the next General Election.
A married mother of two young children, the social worker from Clonroche was elected on her first attempt in 2019 focuses on community issues and advancing projects in the New Ross district.
The Leas-Cathaoirleach is John Dwyer (Independent) who has returned to take a seat for New Ross district on Wexford County Council. He ran for the Dáil on two occasions for two different parties -Eirigí and Sinn Féin – he lost his seat in 2014 and narrowly missed out on a seat in the 2019 local elections.
NEW ROSS Municipal District (6 seats); Pat Barden (Non-Party); John Dwyer (Non-Party); John Fleming (Fianna Fáil); Bridín Murphy (Fine Gael); Marty Murphy (Non-Party) and Michael Sheehan (Fianna Fáil).
CLLR JIM CODD (Cathaoirleach) and CLLR GER CARTHY (Leas-Cathaoirleach) exchanged congratulations following Rosslare Municipal District Annual Meeting. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
Cllr Jim Codd (Aontú) was elected Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District at the Annual Meeting held on Wednesday. The Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr Ger Carthy (Independent).
A teacher at Bridgetown College, Cllr Codd was poll topper for the Rosslare district at the recent local elections where he stated; “It is an honour to represent the people of Rosslare district,” and he promised “to continue to address issues such as road maintenance, flooding and welfare.”
Elected as a first-time candidate in 2019, Codd was famous for his election slogan “Give Codd the Nod” and many times in the chamber called for remedial action on the treacherous potholes on roads in south Wexford that he claimed; “are the worst in Ireland.”
The Leas-Cathaoirleach position goes to Cllr Ger Carthy from Our Lady’s Island, who is one of the longest serving members of Wexford County Council following in the footsteps of his late father, Leo Carthy.
In 2015, Cllr Carthy became the first person from outside the town to be elected Mayor of Wexford and in 2020 served as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.
ROSSLARE Municipal District; (5 seats); Ger Carthy (Non-Party); Jim Codd (Aontú); Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fáil); Aoife Rose O’Brien (Sinn Féin) and Frank Staples (Fine Gael).
MAYOR OF WEXFORD CLLR GEORGE LAWLOR pictured at the Count Centre in Wexford earlier this month when he topped the poll in the Wexford Borough Council District. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Multiple poll topper Cllr George Lawlor (Labour Party) has been elected Mayor of Wexford for the fifth time in his 20-year career. He was elected at the General Meeting held on Tuesday evening.
Mayor Lawlor was first elected to Wexford Borough Council in 2004 and served as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, in 2022.
Speaking afterwards, Mayor Lawlor asserted his unwavering support for the SETU (South East Technical University) Campus and delivering investment and promotion of community facilities.
The position of Deputy Mayor has gone to Cllr Garry Laffan (Fianna Fáil) from Glynn, a member of the 1996 Wexford All-Ireland senior hurling winning team, and first elected to Wexford Borough Council in 2019.
WEXFORD Borough District (7 seats); Tom Forde (Sinn Féin); Leonard Kelly (Non-Party); Garry Laffan (Fianna Fáil); George Lawlor (The Labour Party); Raymond Shannon (Non-Party), Robbie Staples (Fine Gael) and Catherine Biddy Walsh (The Labour Party).
CLLR AIDAN BROWNE is the new Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy District Council Chamber
Cllr Aidan Browne (Fianna Fáil) who was first elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in 2022 is the popular choice of fellow members and was presented with the chain of office by Cllr John O’Rourke (outgoing) at the General Meeting held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, this afternoon.
Cllr Browne was nominated for the chair by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and seconded by Cllr Jackser Owens. There was no other nomination or dissenter, and Cllr Browne was duly elected and congratulated by all in the chamber.
Cllr Jackser Owens (Non-Party) is the new Leas-Cathaoirleach on the proposal of Cllr O’Rourke and seconded by Cllr Murphy. There were no other nomination and consequently Cllr Owens retains the position he was elected to in 2023.
Cllr Browne claimed the Council has been given a mandate to renew commitments and work for the benefit of all. “I want us to work together for the betterment of the town and district,” added Cllr Browne.
District Manager, Claire Lawless congratulated those who were re-elected, made special mention of Cllr Pat Kehoe, the new member to the chamber and said; “The officials are looking forward to working with you for the next five years.”
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin, formally congratulated everyone and reiterated the positive desire; “looking forward to working with all of you going forward.”
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke said he enjoyed working with everyone over the past year, congratulated Cllr Kehoe as the new member and acknowledged the contribution of Kathleen Codd-Nolan, who was a public representative for 20 years and recently retired.
All members contributed to endorsing the sentiments of the meeting and a pleasant atmosphere prevailed. Newcomer Cllr Pat Kehoe in his maiden speech expressed his delight at being elected and promised to “do my best as a representative of the people.”
The Press were complimented for their coverage of Council events over the past five years, but there was a special ‘happy retirement’ message for popular Enniscorthy Guardian photographer, John Walsh, who has retired after long and dedicated service to the local media community.
ENNISCORTHYMunicipal District (6 seats); Aidan Browne (Fianna Fáil); Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael): Pat Kehoe (Fine Gael); Barbara-Anne Murphy (Fianna Fáil); John O’Rourke (Non-Party) and Jackser Owens (Non-Party).
WexfordLocal.com 