Enniscorthy launch for SICAP programme

At the launch of the SICAP programme; (left to right); Mr. Brian Kehoe, CEO Wexford Local Development, Ms. Dymphna O’Connor, Chief Officer Wexford LCDC, Cllr. Aidan Browne, Chairperson Wexford LCDC, Cllr. John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Ms. Clare Ryan, SICAP Manager Wexford Local Development, and Deputy Paul Kehoe TD. (Pic; Pat O’Connor/Wexford County Council)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Development (LCDC) held an event hosted in Templeshannon Community Centre, Enniscorthy, to mark the official launch of the SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) 2024-2028 programme.

SICAP is a National Programme, and it is the governments primary social inclusion intervention, supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals including the unemployed, people living in deprived areas, people with disabilities, single parent families, people on low income, International Protection Applicants, Refugees, members of the Traveller and Roma communities and other disadvantaged groups.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Aidan Browne, Chair of Wexford LCDC said; “Wexford County Council and the LCDC are committed to supporting our partners in delivering on agreed objectives, and I look forward to the continued collaboration in delivering this key inclusion programme across Co. Wexford.”

“I’m delighted to see this level of resources being allocated to the county to ensure social inclusion continues to be delivered to a high standard to those areas, communities and individuals where the need is highest,” said Cllr. John Fleming, Chairman of Wexford County Council, who added; “Wexford continues to experience significant deprivation in specific areas and programmes such as SICAP ensure that every effort is made to reach those most in need of additional supports”.

Mr. Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council added; “I would like to convey special thanks to all the staff and officials of Wexford County Council for their input into the management and oversight of the SICAP Programme over the past number of years, and to Wexford Local Development for their implementation of the programme, and I look forward to our continued efforts in the future.”

The CEO of Wexford Local Development, Brian Kehoe said; “We are working to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion at a local level, in practical ways; helping those in need to find work or to upskill, assisting many with accessing a tailored personal development course or gaining access to workplace skills or educational opportunities. SICAP helps to connect to those who are more marginalised, helping to point them towards a pathway of opportunities that might otherwise be missed or out of reach.”

Programmes Manager with Wexford Local Development, Clare Ryan, spoke of the vital importance of SICAP in addressing inequality and improving outcomes for the most disadvantaged groups and individuals in the county and SICAP is making a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged people and communities in Co. Wexford.

Martin Collins, Co-director of Pavee Point Roma and Traveller Centre, spoke about the impact of poverty and exclusion on the Traveller and Roma communities. He spoke about the ongoing racism experienced by the Traveller Community and the importance of raising awareness and addressing the devastating impact of racism and discrimination on people’s lives.

Sharon Murphy Pre-school home liaison officer with FAB shared her experience of poverty experienced by the children and families in the FAB area who access the community childcare facilities there. “We are working with many families who have experienced intergenerational unemployment, substance misuse and educational disadvantage,” she said, and added “Resources urgently need to be invested in early years services to support children and families who are experiencing multiple challenges. Many children accessing our services are hungry; food poverty is a very real issue”.

Seamus Whitney from Enniscorthy East Side Development group spoke about his experience of using community development approaches to address inequality in his community in Templeshannon and the importance of people coming together to have their voices heard and working together to be part of the solutions to some of the issues locally. “Over the past year a new youth group has been established in Templeshannon which has already won a national award, but both youth and community work rely on a huge commitment from both volunteers, as well as agencies and community workers,” concluded Mr Whitney.

Over the past five years the SICAP programme has provided individualised supports to over 5,000 individuals and worked consistently with over 200 community groups.

Two lifeboats rescue a lone sailor

By Dan Walsh

In a joint sea operation crew members from Rosslare Harbour and Kilmore Quay RNLI came to the aid of a lone sailor early on Tuesday morning after an 8.5 -metre yacht developed engine failure and got into difficulty one mile south-east of Carnsore Point.

Responding to a request from the Irish Coast Guard the all-weather lifeboat from Rosslare Harbour was launched under Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke and with six crew members onboard at 7.20am.

Arriving on scene, the crew assessed the situation and with the vessel found to be without power and drifting, it was decided to establish a tow to bring the sailor to safety.

The yacht was then towed towards the nearest safe port at Kilmore Quay where the Kilmore Quay lifeboat crew took charge and towed the yacht to safety at 9.55am.

ROSSLARE HARBOUR RNLI Lifeboat (File Pic; Rosslare Harbour/RNLI).

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com following the call out, Jamie Ryan, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said; “We would like to commend the sailor for raising the alarm when they knew they were in difficulty, that is always the right thing to do and we wish them well. We also want to thank our colleagues from Kilmore Quay who completed the call out and brought the sailor safely to shore. This was a good example of an effective joint operation with our flanking lifeboat station.

“As we approach the summer months, we encourage anyone planning a trip or activity at sea to always go prepared. Check weather and tides before venturing out, carry the right equipment for a safe journey including a means of communication. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Hand bin collection back to the Council

By Dan Walsh

Labour Candidate for Rosslare Municipal District, Damien Corish, has backed a joint Local Elections document endorsed by the trade unions, SIPTU, Forsa and Connect to allow Local Authorities to resume household waste collection,

Wexford County Council exited from waste collection over 15 years ago along with other councils as the waste collection business was privatised. There are 20 operators nationally with four collecting domestic waste in Co. Wexford. 

DAMIEN CORISH Rosslare District candidate in Friday’s Local Elections.

Mr Corish told WexfordLocal.com “that regardless of there being a market there is very little competition between operators. Customers are poorly served by an inefficient system where bin collecting trucks follow one another down narrow country lanes blocking traffic.” 

Mr Corish also said “Ireland is an outlier when it comes to waste collection in that we have handed over waste collection to the private sector completely. Consequently 23% of households now have no domestic waste collection, Fly tipping is on the rise in rural areas. Cleaning up this mess is a cost that is picked up by the County Council. “Why shouldn’t councils be able to develop a revenue stream from collecting domestic household waste for further processing?” he asks.

“In order to allow councils return to municipality of the collection of waste the 1996 Waste Management Act needs to be amended,” said Mr Corish, who added; “If elected to Wexford County Council I will campaign for the council to resume domestic waste collection in Co. Wexford.

€396,000 for two Co. Wexford schemes

By Dan Walsh

It was ‘Good News Tuesday’ on the rural funding front for Co. Wexford with €396,000 shared equally between two communities.

Funding to the tune of €198,000 has been approved to build 700 metres of roadside paths from Tara Vale to Kitts Lane as part of the Tara Hill to Ballymoney Trail Improvement Scheme.

This will complete the trail from Courtown to Tara Hill and it is envisaged that this trail will eventually go onto Castletown/Kilpatrick and meet with the Wicklow Way at Kilmichael in North Wexford.

Local Cllr Joe Sullivan has congratulated all involved and pledged to work to have this excellent facility completed within the next number of years. “This grant is from ORIS funding for trails greenways and other outdoor walking and cycling infrastructure. Thanks also to Eamon Hore and Rory O’Mahony from Wexford County Council for their work and drive to see this project completed, stated Cllr Sullivan, who added; “Locally the Development Committees at Ballymoney and Tara Hill worked tirelessly on this project and put in the hard yards and should now be congratulated on a job well done.”

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN is delighted at the funding news for Co. Wexford announced today.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com this afternoon, Cllr Sullivan while delighted with today’s announcement stated that he is seeking similar ORIS funding for a number of other projects. He highlighted the provision of a footpath from Coolgreany village to Ballyfad Wood as a priority with an application pending for when the window for applications opens within the month of June.

There was also good news for the Blackstairs Mountain Trail with €198,000 approved to develop 13 kilometres walking trail along existing Coillte wood extending from Killanne, Rathnure, Templeudigan and to Ballywilliam providing car parks at each end of the linear trail.

And €1,077.15 has been approved for the enhancement of the Min Ryan Playground in Wexford town under the Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation.

Wexford success in the English Derby

By Dan Walsh

AIDAN O’BRIEN when he saddled his 4,000th winner. (File Pic).

The 245th Epsom Derby took place this afternoon and a 10th success in the famous classic for Wexford-born trainer, Aidan O’Brien, (54), who is widely regarded as “the greatest trainer of flat racehorses ever.”

The Poulpeasty, Clonroche, native saddled City of Troy (3/1 fav.) with Ryan Moore up and they chased a loose horse to the line for a thrilling victory in front of packed stands and a worldwide television audience at Epsom racecourse on the outskirts of London city.

Unfortunately, the loose horse was Voyage who stumbled and unseated his Enniscorthy-born jockey Pat Dobbs leaving the stalls.

Aidan O’Brien has been the Master of Ballydoyle, Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary since 1996 and has broken racing records with phenomenal consistency every year at the great racecourses of Ireland and England, Curragh, Leopardstown (and he has trained winners at his native Wexford), Epsom, Ascot, Newmarket, York, Chester and Newbury, to name a few, and also in France and the United States.  

Ballymoney beach goes ‘Matthew’s Way’

Taking in the rare burst of sunshine at Ballymoney beach for the launch of Matthew’s Way this morning.

By Dan Walsh

It was an early morning on Ballymoney beach today (Friday) where the Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Pip Breen said he was “delighted to open Matthew’s Way”, a new disability access point for the beach funded by Wexford County Council.”

Cllr Breen stated that “this project would not have happened without the drive and determination of Matthew McGrath, an inspirational young man,” and he congratulated everybody involved.

Amongst those in attendance were Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllrs Andrew Bolger and Joe Sullivan, Senator Malcolm Byrne, local Green Party candidate in the local elections Ann Walsh, Philip Knight, District Manager and Gerry Forde, Senior Engineer at the Environmental Section of Wexford County Council.

It is named appropriately Matthew’s Way as a tribute to Life with No Limits champion, Matthew McGrath who started a campaign to get access to his local beach in Ballymoney, Gorey, because, as a wheelchair user, he had no access to it.

“I am surrounded by beautiful beaches that I cannot access in my wheelchair. My family and friends are sea swimmers, and I cannot join them on the beach because there are no accessible paths or trails,” Matthew told WexfordLocal.com, and added; “I hope this will be the first of many access projects that I will work on to make our beaches accessible for everyone. We need more access to our local beaches. I go to Ballymoney every weekend so I should be able to get onto the beach here like everyone else.”

Access for all at two Wexford beaches

Launching the Beach Strollers on Curracloe Beach including Mayor of Wexford Cllr John Hegarty, Cllr Gary Laffan, Cllr George Lawlor and members of Wexford County Council Environment & Access Departments. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has announced that a new beach stroller service will be available free of charge until August and will be operating in Curracloe and Rosslare Strand from tomorrow, Saturday, June 1st. The beach stroller is a mobility aid equipped with wheels designed for the sand and can be easily converted into a seat if the user wants to take a break and enjoy the view.

The pilot project was launched by the Mayor of Wexford Borough District, Cllr. John Hegarty who said; “I am delighted to launch the first beach strollers in Co. Wexford. It is widely accepted that here in Wexford we have some of the best beaches in Ireland and these beach strollers will improve access to these wonderful beaches for people with mobility issues. I hope that this initiative will be a huge success and progress to include more beaches all over the county into the future.”

Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services, stated that “the beach strollers are just the latest project that underpins Wexford County Council’s dedication to accessibility. “As the first county to introduce beach wheelchairs, we hope the beach strollers will be a great complement to the existing service and that access to our beaches is inclusive with access for all.”

Wexford County Council was the first in Ireland to introduce beach wheelchairs, which now operate annually at Ballinesker, Ballymoney, Carne, Curracloe, Duncannon, Kilmore Quay, Morriscastle and Rosslare Strand. It is hoped that the beach strollers will build on the existing service to ensure the beaches of Wexford remain accessible and open to as many as possible.

Weekend history at Festival of Ferns

By Dan Walsh

As we head into the June Bank Holiday weekend there is plenty of choices for leisure and entertainment across the county, but an event not to be missed is the ‘all events free’ two-day Festival of Ferns taking place in the historic north Wexford village on Sunday and Monday.

This year’s Festival of Ferns centres around Diarmait MacMurrough, his inauguration as the King of Leinster and his followers and his Norman allies will lead the Parade – a visual spectacle of colour and fun to take place on Monday, June 3rd. 

The Parade will set out at 12 noon from St Edan’s Cathedral and will include a Samba band, medieval costumes, giant props and more. The Parade disbands at Ferns Castle where the inauguration and reenactment will be followed by performances on an outdoor stage. 

A mix of contemporary dance, the Chord On Blues choir and Wexford music duo, Rag Doll are sure to be a crowd pleaser. A great family day out – keep an eye out for face painting and The Snail’s Tale around the Castle grounds.   

The main event scheduled for Sunday at 7 pm features a Celtic Jazz concert on an outdoor stage on the grounds of Ferns Castle. A specially commissioned piece entitled the ‘Marriage of Two Cultures’ will be performed by award winning vocalist/composer Melanie O’Reilly and her Celtic Jazz Ensemble. The performance will also feature renowned choreographer Karine Saporta, one of the most prominent figures in French dance, and her dancers from Normandy. 

Scene from last year’s Festival of Ferns parade (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Fringe events on Sunday, June 2nd from 2pm – 6pm include a busking competition with a prize fund of €200, family fun activities at the Community Park located at the back of Ferns Community Centre. Activities for kids include the Bemusement Games with Fuinseog Woodland crafts; the Setanta Challenge; and you can even spend some time in medieval stocks. An exhibition of Coats of Arms researched and designed by pupils in both local schools will be displayed in Scoil Naomh Maodhóg. Following workshops on Gaelic and Norman names and their meanings, pupils were invited to research their own Coat of Arms and even to design their own.

And a first for Ferns – guided walking tours to key medieval sites in four languages – Japanese, French, Irish and English. Other tours on offer are a Rebel Tour of Ferns focusing on 1798 Rebellion, the 1916 Rising and the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, a guided tour of the Ferns Tapestries in the Ferns Castle Visitor Centre, and local beekeeper Joe Kelly will give a talk and display on the local bee colony. The tours offer a great variety to those interested in connecting with their heritage.

Follow Festival of Ferns on social media and visit www.festivalofferns.com for details on all events. 

Gorey launch of ‘The Boy Who Kicked The Nun’

By Dan Walsh at Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey.

Congratulations and celebrations were lively and pleasant in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, last night for the launch of Mick O’Callaghan’s first book with the magic title The Boy Who Kicked The Nun.

It was a huge occasion with almost 200 people present and the launch consisted of an entertaining occasion with stories, song and music and the author enjoyed himself and was thrilled to see so many of his old friends present and he acknowledged their presence and basked in the celebrity status of book signing and standing in for selfies.

The foreword is by Anne Ireton who points out that Mick manages to outline the development from blackboard and duster to Laptops, from projectors to whiteboards to AI bridging the two eras. “He also shows how teaching has changed and now provides greater facilities for children with autism and children who may have emotional issues,” said Ms. Ireton, who added; “He describes how principals had to organise school extensions and improve facilities in the school.”

Keelan and Hugh Swinburne assisted their adorning grandad Mick O’Callaghan to launch his first book, The Boy Who Kicked The Nun at the launch in Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, on Thursday night.

John Connor, Chairperson of the Retired Teacher’s Association said the book “is an amazing account of life’s journey for a man who followed his star, embraced life, accepted all its challenges and in the end can look back with a great sense of achievement and a greater sense of fulfilment.

“Mick provides us with a very personal account of his life and experiences. He treats all his subjects with great respect and in doing so we get an invaluable social commentary on life in Ireland and beyond over the last century,” concluded Mr Connor.

There were tributes from Wally O’Neill (publisher), Álanna Hammel (editor), Tim Murphy, Patricia Joyce and good wishes from the large audience. There was a chorus tribute from Holyfort Writers’ Group with Bernie Walsh in the role of conductor and blues and jazz supremo Frank Gallagher entertained on the guitar.

Mick’s greatest supporters, his enthusiastic grandsons, Keelan and Hugh Swinburne assisted with the official launch that drew huge applause from the floor. AnneMarie O’Byrne Hammel acted as master of ceremonies.

Michael ‘Mick’ O’Callaghan was born in Tralee, Co. Kerry, spent his adult working life in counties Wicklow and Wexford and retired from teaching in 2009. He is a member of both Hollyfort and Wordsmiths writers’ groups, has had previous work published, but The Boy Who Kicked The Nun is his first book. Every bookshelf should have a copy!

The Boy Who Kicked The Nun by Mick O’Callaghan, 350 pages, lightly illustrated, edited by Álanna Hammel, published by Red Books.

23km greenway from New Ross to Waterford city

At the signing of the South East Greenway in New Ross, (left to right); Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District, Beren De Hora, Fehily Timoney; and Cllr Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach Kilkenny County Council. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council is Lead Authority for the delivery of the South East Greenway Project with project partners, Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City and County Council and is developing 23km of fully segregated off-road greenway between New Ross and Waterford City.

The project is being fully funded via the government’s Greenways Programme through Transport Infrastructure Ireland and is being managed through Wexford County Council’s Special Projects Office.

The contract has been signed for the appointment of Fehily Timoney and Company as new technical advisors for the completion of the project. Fehily Timoney has extensive experience of greenway developments, having worked on the Limerick Greenway and South Kerry Greenways, and they are also currently acting as technical advisors for Wexford County Council on the Wexford to Rosslare greenway projects.

“This is a really good news story in the delivery of the South East Greenway”, stated Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming, who added; “We can now look forward to the timely delivery of remaining sections of the greenway, and in particular, the section linking Rosbercon to the R700 over the Red Bridge and through the Mount Elliot tunnel.”

Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, Cllr Anthony Connick said; “I look forward to working with Fehily Timoney and the project team in the completion of this critically important project for New Ross town and district and the broader county.”

Cllr. Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council welcomed the appointment of Fehily Timoney adding the completion of the South East Greenway has the potential to be a real economic driver for not just Kilkenny but the wider south east region.

Wexford County Council has acknowledged the contribution of Malachy Walsh and Partners, prior technical advisors, who designed and oversaw the completion of 9km of greenway to date and designed the 5.5km section currently under construction in South Kilkenny.