Boolavogue ’98 Centre open for business

Pictured at the opening of the Boolavogue Fr. Murphy Cottage project (left to right); Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Mary Farrell, Philip Knight, District Manager, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Oliver Walsh, Deputy Paul Kehoe TD and Liz Hore, Director of Services. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

The renovated Fr. Murphy cottage at Boolavogue Visitors’ Centre which suffered thatched roof damage has reopened with an official ceremony involving Minister James Browne and Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge District.

Speaking about the works, Padraig Sinnott Chair of the Fr Murphy Centre said that the condition of the cottage’s roof had deteriorated to an extent that the building was no longer accessible. Funding was sourced through Creative Ireland’s 225 Commemoration of the 1798 Uprising to complete the restoration. A new timber frame was installed to support the reed thatch that is traditional to county Wexford’s thatched buildings.

Padraig Sinnott thanked those involved in bringing about the renovation with special mention to Catherine McLoughlin, former Heritage Officer with Wexford County Council.

Cllr. Breen paid tribute to the Fr. Murphy Centre Committee and the work that is done on a voluntary basis to keep the Centre open. “I would like to thank the people of my home parish for their support in keeping this wonderful heritage project alive,” he added.

Minister of State James Browne TD also thanked the committee and the local councillors and officials of Wexford County Council their work in bringing the renovation project to completion.

The attendance included Deputies Paul Kehoe and Verona Murphy, Senator Malcolm Byrne, and Cllrs Mary Farrell and Oliver Walsh. The ceremony concluded with a rendition of the P.J. McCall classic Boolavogue.

Craanford opens a community shop

MINISTER JAMES BROWNE and Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District CLLR PIP BREEN cutting the ribbon at the new Community Shop and Digital Hub at Craanford. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Siopa Beag, the Craanford Community Shop and Digital Hub is opened at its location in the Parish Hall and the project was delivered with funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme from the Department of Rural and Community Development and additional funding from the Economic Development Section of Wexford County Council.

The cutting of the ribbon and official opening was jointly performed by Minister James Browne and Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Pip Breen.

District Manager Philip Knight noted that Craanford had been without a village shop, and this meant people travelling to Gorey or Camolin just to pick up a few essentials.

The running of Siopa Beag has been taken on by Eimear Whitty who stocks a wide range of local produce and store cupboard essentials as well as serving fresh coffee and teas.

Local Cllr Donal Kenny praised Liz Kavanagh and the Parish Hall Committee for having the foresight to go ahead with the development of the Shop and Digital Hub to provide much needed services for the community.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Pip Breen thanked those involved and said; “This is a wonderful shop and Digital Hub and I’d like to thank the elected members and officials who worked on this project,” and he added; “We hope that these projects will be well used by the local community to ensure that they continue to provide a service.”

Minister James Browne thanked Minister Heather Humphreys for her continued support of community projects noting that she “had been a good friend to Co. Wexford.”

The Digital Hub is a peaceful office space with generous sized desks, fast broadband, printing, tea and coffee making facilities and even an isolation pod to take any private phone calls or video conferences. Space at the Digital Hub can be booked through the Parish Hall Manager Liz Kavanagh.

Lovely Hurling scores at Wexford races

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

This evening’s race meeting at Bettyville Park went off well with dry overhead conditions prevailing and three locally trained winners on the seven-race card and a strong midweek attendance.

Paul Nolan got the local cheers started with success for Feet Of A Dancer (11/4 fav.) in the opening rated hurdle confidently ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, Taghmon.

The other Wexford trained winner was Lovely Hurling (6/5 fav.) by five lengths in the concluding bumper and trained at Killena by Colm Murphy. This was an impressive performance for the newcomer running in the John P. McManus colours and well ridden by John Gleeson.

The handicap hurdle was run in two divisions – success in the first for Toon Town (10/3) with Darragh O’Keeffe riding for a Cork-based syndicate and trained by Brendan Walsh at Doneraile and division two was won by Future Proof (11/1), trained in Tinahely by Philip Rothwell and ridden by Paddy O’Hanlon. This was a close finish – a neck  was the verdict – and the gelding is owned by Eric Newnham who was watching the race from his home in London.

The Boylesports Maiden Hurdle wen the way of The Flying Spur (10/1) for top Kildare trainer Michael Brassil and partnered by Ricky Doyle.

Antrim Coast (5/6 fav) was a winner for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donohoe and Mark Fahey from Monasterevin saddled Flicker Of Hope (7/2 jt-fav), ridden by Aidan Kelly to victory in the handicap hurdle.

The next fixture at Bettyville Park takes place on Saturday, July 13th, and it is Ladies Day with plenty of fashion and renowned presenter Marietta Doran will be the adjudicator.

Pearse Park Sensory Garden opens in New Ross

At the opening of Pearse Park Sensory Park at New Ross; (L to R); Cllr Michael Sheehan, Cllr Pat Barden, Cllr Michael Whelan, Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District, Minister of State James Browne, Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Cllr Brídín Murphy. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Pearse Park Sensory Garden has opened to the public on a five-acre site in the heart of New Ross town. The multi award winning, green flag park boasts an array of facilities, and now includes this fully accessible, pocket-sized Sensory Garden, nestled in a sun trapped corner of the park.

The official opening was performed by Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne T.D., in the presence of Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross

Municipal District, elected members and invited guests. District Manager Alan Fitzhenry was master of ceremonies for the event, and the children of the Catherine McCauley School in New Ross joined the guests and were the first to use the garden.

Minister Browne said; “The sensory garden is a terrific addition to New Ross town. It’s a wonderful inclusive facility and it was made possible through Government funding, Wexford County Council funding and local businesses voluntarily supporting using time, talent and materials.”

Cllr John Fleming said he was delighted “as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, to see the opening of this wonderful park.” He added; “This will be one of my last official duties as Cathaoirleach and to see the garden finished now to such a high standard brings me great pride.”

Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District said “the Sensory Garden will be a beautiful addition to Pearse Park”. “Thank you to all involved in this project, especially Minister Humphreys’ Department who provided the funding, along with Wexford County Council and my fellow councillors. I want to especially mention the many local businesses who donated their time, skillset, and products to make this a special place. I think this instils confidence, that New Ross town still has a great sense of community,” concluded Cllr Connick.

Contract signed for Wexford Boxing Gymnasium

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council have awarded the contract for the construction of the new Ferndale Boxing Gymnasium in Wexford town to Colm Byrne Civil and Building Contractors Ltd, Ballindoney, Ballywilliam, and the contract signing took place in the Council Chamber of Wexford County Council last Monday.

Squaring up to signing the boxing gymnasium contract. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

The project is being funded under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, Wexford County Council’s own funds and a significant donation from the Neville Group. The project includes the construction of a gymnasium building measuring 330 square metres, including a main gymnasium hall, a secondary gymnasium studio, an office, plant room, toilets, showers and changing facilities. A new entrance, access road, carpark, and all associated landscaping and services complete the external of the building.

The building was designed by Conroy Architects, Glena Terrace, Spawell Road, Wexford, and the building design is complimented by a unique large rooflight at the apex of the roof line which will provide for a light filled space internally. The finished building will provide a space for the Na Fianna Boxing Club, and The Collective sensory Group, as well as other local groups. The building is part of an overall recreational masterplan for the site and will complement the newly constructed MUGA pitches which are due to open in June.

Speaking at the signing of the contact, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council congratulated Colm Byrne Civil and Building Contractors Ltd on being awarded this contract and look forward to the imminent commencement on site.

Adding to Mr. Taaffe’s comments Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. John Hegarty said; “When completed this will be a great amenity for the young people of the area, providing a safe space to take part in physical activity, develop new skills and build new friendships.”

Wednesday evening racing at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Evening racing comes to Wexford tomorrow (Wednesday) with the first of seven races – six over hurdles and the bumper – kicking off at 5.30pm.

Horse Racing Ireland confirmed to WexfordLocal.com just a few minutes ago that the going will be ‘yielding to soft’. 17mm of rain has fallen on the track since last Thursday, and while it will be mainly dry over the coming days there is the possibility of 4mm (approximately) prior to racing.

But the races go ahead, the main sponsor is Boylesports, yours truly will be in the parade ring with the guys from Sky’s Racing TV channel, broadcasting live in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and maybe further afield, and Wexford Racecourse would love to see families, friends and enthusiasts of horse racing fill the stands at Bettyville Park. First race at 5.30pm, last race at 8.30pm.

New home for Gorey Family Resource Centre

Pictured at the opening of the Gorey Family Resource Centre at McDermott St., Gorey, were (left to right); Tom Fortune, Altura Credit Union, Philip Knight, District Manager, Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Emer Hickey, Manager Gorey Family Resource Centre, Cllr Andrew Bolger, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge District, Minister James Browne (partly hidden), Cllr Donal Kenny and Cllr Joe Sullivan. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Gorey Family Resource Centre has re-opened at its new premises in McDermott Street and the formal ceremony was recently performed by Minister James Browne and Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Pip Breen.

When news broke that their former premises in Charlotte Row was to put on the market, District Manager, Philip Knight and Emer Hickey, Family Resource Centre Manager, recalled meeting in the kitchen of the old Family Resource Centre to discuss the future. “It was frustrating, I could see that fantastic work was being done by these amazing people,” said Mr Knight, who added: “Fortunately, Director of Service, Liz Hore came on board and really championed this project from a Council perspective.”

Emer Hickey had found a suitable building in the form of the old Credit Union building and she and the Board took the bold decision to purchase the property with financial support from Tusla, the Department of Rural and Community Development (under the Buildings at Risk and Community Recognition), the support of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District and Wexford County Council and the property has been purchased outright and renovated to provide a much needed community facility in Gorey’s town centre.

Emer Hickey thanked all those who had supported the Family Resource Centre in getting to this stage, TUSLA, Wexford County Council, Tom Fortune and Altura Credit Union, and praised for her co-workers and volunteers who had kept services going throughout the renovation process.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said: “This is a fantastic resource for the people of Gorey and I would like to pay tribute to those who work here to provide a much needed service to the community.” He continued to thank his fellow elected members for the commitment and support they had given to the project.

Minister James Browne reflected on his early meetings with Emer Hickey and her team in his speech. He thanked Minister Heather Humphreys for her continued support of community projects noting that she “had been a good friend to Co. Wexford.”

Sod turns on €19m upgrade for Enniscorthy Water Supply

Pictured at a sod-turning ceremony at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant to mark the commencement of critical upgrade works to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme are;(l-r): Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council; Fionnuala Callery, Wexford County Council; Cllr Cathal Byrne; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy; Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming; Diane Carroll, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager; James Browne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Jackser Owens; Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr Aidan Browne. (Pic; Uisce Éireann). 

By Dan Walsh at Vinegar Hill

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Wexford County Council, has marked the start of construction on a €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme that will benefit over 11,000 consumers, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, and enabling future growth and development in the area.

A sod turning ceremony to mark the start of the works took place on Monday morning at the Vinegar Hill plant led by James Browne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice and supported by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Jackser Owens in the presence of local councillors and representatives from Uisce Éireann and Wexford County Council. 

Diane Carroll, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “We’re pleased to mark the commencement of construction on this critical project for the people of Enniscorthy. It will address water quality and supply issues arising from deficiencies and bottlenecks in the existing water infrastructure. The upgraded infrastructure will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply supporting growth and development of the town.”

Minister of State James Browne said; “I am delighted to be here today to officially turn the sod on these critical upgrade works. This project is pivotal to supporting future growth and development in Enniscorthy and will support the successful delivery of housing. I would like to commend all those involved in bringing the project to this important stage and commend Uisce Éireann for progressing this vital project as part of its going investment in Wexford.”

Critical improvements will include upgrading the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, replacing the raw water intake facility and pumping station at Clonhaston. Approximately, two kilometres of new water mains will also be re-routed to facilitate the transfer of water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill plant.

The project is being delivered by David Walsh Civil Engineering Limited on behalf of Uisce Éireann and is due for completion by the end of 2025. Traffic management will be required at different stages throughout the construction phase of this project and impacted stakeholders will be notified directly.

€997,500 funding for three Wexford villages

Celebrations in Rathgarogue at the news that €500,000 has been granted to the village. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has received a total of €997,500, the highest level of investment in the South East for the fifth year running under the Town and Villages Renewal scheme, that will grant aid projects in three villages at Rathgarogue, Carrig-on-Bannow and Cushinstown.

RATHGAROGUE receives €500,000 for sensory meditation gardens and play areas. CARRIG-ON-BANNOW receives €247,590 for a playground, walking track, sensory garden, biodiversity area and adult gym. CUSHINSTOWN is grant aided €250,000 for a community garden, men’s and women’s sheds, toilet facilities, and repair to existing infrastructure to ensure safe access.

Speaking on behalf of Wexford County Council, An Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Fleming said he is delighted to see further investment from the Town and Villages Schemes which provide a much-needed boost to communities across Co. Wexford. “I want to thank the local communities who brought forward these proposals and worked with our staff in Economic Development Department to develop applications that ensured that they maximise the potential of their bids. We look forward to seeing the fruits of the labours of the various successful community groups in the coming months”, added Cllr Fleming.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme supports small to medium capital projects which enhance the environment of town or villages centres which will encourage more people to return confidently to town and villages to work, shop and socialise.

The 2023 Scheme placed particular emphasis on projects that support bringing vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose spaces, prioritising the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town and village centre economic and social recovery and regeneration projects that support active and vibrant town or village centres, town centre parks, green spaces and community amenities.

Call for more support for staff and delivery of disability services

By Dan Walsh

DARRAGH McDONALD

Gorey-based Local Elections candidate Darragh McDonald is calling on the government and the HSE to put financial supports in place in this year’s budget to properly staff and deliver both needs assessments and disability services for the long-term. “The ambition to resolve the issues in disability services has been missing from local and national government for some time now,” stated Mr McDonald.

Speaking following a visit to St Aidan’s Services in Gorey accompanied by Fine Gael MEP candidate John Mullins, Mr Darragh McDonald said: “We need to urgently address insufficient funding for disability services organisations. At the moment we have several different types of disability services organisations operating in this country. All are providing similar services but have staff on different pay scales and terms.

“Two local organisations may receive different funding from the HSE for a staff member and as a result the organisation receiving less funds will struggle heavily to recruit and retain staff unless they make up the difference through fundraising in their communities.

“Fundraising should be for the future development of services, not to keep the lights on. This pay disparity is unsustainable for the industry and must be urgently addressed by the HSE to ensure service levels are met. Budgets are approved by the HSE yearly. We must move to longer term budget allocations so that organisations can effectively plan,” added Mr McDonald.  

“The number of potential service users that are expected to need disability services are monitored by the HSE, but given the huge delays and difficulty getting needs assessments completed, I find it very difficult to believe that we really have a grasp of the number needing services in the short-medium term. This is something I have also heard on the doorsteps with families incredibly frustrated that they cannot get a place in a day service setting locally or indeed an assessment to figure out what supports they may need.

“The ambition to resolve the issues in disability services has been missing from local and national government for some time now. I am calling on the government and the HSE to put the financial supports in place in this year’s budget to properly staff and deliver both needs assessments and disability services for the long-term. As an amputee, I am aware of the challenges of navigating the HSE and if elected I hope to be a proactive voice for the sector and families effected to ensure those with disabilities in Ireland get the services and supports needed,” Mr McDonald concluded.