WexfordLocal.com

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

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.

Friends Barry and Rob are sharing champions

By Dan Walsh

The national point-to-point season 2023-’24 ended today after eight months and a pleasant outcome is that friends and neighbours, Barry O’Neill, (35), and Rob James, (30), entered “a gentleman’s agreement” and didn’t ride on the final weekend, and consequently they share the 2023-’24 The Irish Field National Point-to-Point Riders’ Championship with both ending the season on 39 winners each.

Barry said; “Rob and I have worked together for nearly 20 years at this stage. Rob was one of the Best Men at my wedding, so we have been friends for a long time, and we have travelled up and down the country together going racing.”

It is Barry O’Neill’s eighth time being crowned champion point-to-point rider having taken his first title from Jamie Codd on the final day at Ballingarry in 2017, but it is a first for James, who last weekend also sealed a share of the Eastern regional title. Both will receive their awards at a special function taking place in Kilkenny in a few weeks’ time.

On the final day of the season at two tracks today, the Wexford winners kept flowing. Champion handler Colin Bowe enjoyed a double at Inchydoney to bring his seasonal total to 38 winners; Devilskin by eight lengths in the Winner of Two race and Doyen Evening, running in the colours of Owen Murphy, Galbally, scraped home by ‘a head’ in the maiden race for five-year-old mares plus. Both were ridden by Oulart rider Bertie Finn.

Newcomer Dippedinmoonlight scored by 40 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds for handler Darragh Berry and young Kilmore rider Josh Berry, riding his second winner in two days.

Denis Murphy saddled a five lengths winner in newcomer Berkenshtaap in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings ridden by the new under 21 champion rider, Sean Cotter from Cork. Another newcomer Freddies Back, running in the colours of Áine Dagg, scored a two lengths victory for the Tinahely father and son, handler and rider partnership of John Edward Walsh and James Walsh. That was in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Today’s other fixture was at Ballingarry where Cleariestown rider Barry Stone enjoyed double success in the first two races; Cocovic for Butlerstown, Co. Waterford handler Paul Power in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and Eager Eyes for Mark Scallan, Cleariestown, and running in the colours of Shane Roche, by two lengths in the maiden race for six-year-old mares.

Cormac Doyle, Ballindaggin, saddled Diese Des Bieffes in the Open Race confined to Lady Riders at Ballingarry. Seven lengths the winning verdict and a second career success for Kilmore rider Joanne Corish.

Colin Bowe saddles three winners

By Dan Walsh

A treble for pending 12-times champion handler Colin Bowe and a double for Oulart rider Bertie Finn at Ballingarry today (Saturday) plus more Wexford trained winners at Ballingarry and Tralee were the highlights on the penultimate day of the 2023-’24 point-to-point season.

**BRENDAN WALSH and COLIN BOWE** (*File Pic).*

Bowe and Finn struck form in the opening maiden race for four-year-old mares with newcomer The Great Nudie, running in the colours of Leo McArdle, scoring impressively by 18 lengths. The partnership secured the double with Stuntman Steve in division two of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Two lengths the verdict. And Bowe completed a treble and took his seasonal total to 36 when Haggard, running in the colours of Thomas Coleman, scored a 12 lengths victory under Sophie Carter in the Winner of One race confined to novice riders.

Handler Garreth Murphy from Ballymitty saddled To The Wire with Barry Stone up in the four-year-old auction maiden race and they came home first, two and a half lengths to the good!

The first division of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings concluded in a 15 lengths success for Roaring Conquest from Denis Murphy’s Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, with Sean Cotter taking the mount.

At Tralee, James and Vincent Devereaux, Rostoonstown, Tacumshane, enjoyed a two and a half lengths success with home-bred newcomer Onlymammycanloveme with Shane O’Rourke riding in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Some Front, running in the colours of Shirley Berry, and handled by John P. Berry from Tomhaggard, and ridden by their 19 years old son Josh Berry, having his third career winner, got the verdict in a tight finish – half a length the winning margin – in the maiden race for mares of five-year-old plus.

Millie Supreme was another Wexford winner. Ridden by Brian Lawless for the Monbeg Syndicate and handler Donnchadh Doyle in the Winners race.

The point-to-point season ends tomorrow (Sunday) with two fixtures; a second day at Ballingarry and a fixture at Inchydorney.

Road crash on N11 near Oylegate

By Dan Walsh

Three people were removed to Wexford General Hospital this afternoon following a road traffic collision involving a truck, a van and a car, which happened around 3pm on the N11 at Tinnahask, about one kilometre on the Wexford side of Oylegate village.

Ambulances, the Fire Service and the Gardaí were quickly on the scene. The injuries suffered in the incident which occurred in dry conditions at the time are described as “serious, but non-life threatening.”

A stop-go system was put in place and traffic was delayed with tailbacks to Ferrycarrig on the Wexford side and for several kilometres north from the M11 roundabout at Scurloughsbush.

Expressway is the best way to Dublin Airport

By Dan Walsh

Holidaymakers travelling to Dublin Airport this summer are being encouraged to ditch their cars and opt for coach travel, with Expressway, Ireland’s largest commercial inter-regional coach service, offering 7 routes nationwide, including Route 2 from O’Hanrahan Station in Wexford town direct to the door of Dublin Airport.

The Route 2 service commences in Wexford town via Enniscorthy and Gorey and also serves county Wicklow – with the first journey leaving at 2am so you can make your early morning flight!

This year, Dublin Airport expects more than 10 million passengers between May and August, Expressway is advising customers to opt for coach travel rather than taking the car.

Andrew Yates, Head of Expressway told WexfordLocal.com; “Coach travel is a great option for holidaymakers across Ireland travelling to Dublin Airport to enjoy some rest and relaxation without having to worry about tolls charges and the stress of airport car parking. By choosing the coach when travelling to Dublin Airport this summer, passengers can start their holiday early knowing that they will get to the airport in comfort and on time.”

All of Expressway’s services drop-off right outside the front door of Terminal 2 and all return services depart from Zone 12 or 13 on the Atrium Road. If your travel plans change you can always amend your ticket online and you can stay up to date, tracking your bus by using Expressway’s Real Time Passenger Information service at: www.expressway.ie/rtpi