At the Tidy Towns’ Appreciation Evening at Enniscorthy Castle were (left to right; Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, Jutta O’Meara, Bree Tidy Towns and Cllr Cathal Byrne.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
Representatives from Ballindaggin, Bree, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Ferns, Marshalstown and Kiltealy were special guests and presented with ‘ goody bag’ packs at the Tidy Towns Appreciation Evening held in Enniscorthy Castle last evening.
Speaking at the event, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council called for “a zero-tolerance approach to be put in place to stop those that are out doing the litter louting on a regular basis.”
AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, speaking at the Tidy Towns Appreciation Evening.
The principal speaker was Christy Boylan, Jury Chair for Entente Floral Europe and adjudicator at the National Tidy Towns competition who offered valuable tips on many aspects of planting and arrangements and signage that assist improvement on the approach to towns and villages. Many of the examples used were scenes from Co. Wexford.
There was also a presentation on biodiversity, sustainability and guidelines and information useful to tidy town’s groups presented by Frank Burke, Climate Action Co-ordinator at Wexford County Council.
Claire Lawless, District Manager, welcomed everybody and acted as master of ceremonies for the pleasant event hosted by Enniscorthy Municipal District and she thanked Enniscorthy Castle for the facilities. Music was provided by talented Úna May Walsh playing the harp.
Rosslare Europort’s Port Authority, Iarnród Éireann, has begun a non-statutory consultation on the provision of on Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub at Rosslare Europort.
A public engagement evening will be held for members of the public at Rosslare Europort on Thursday, May 30th from 3pm to 8pm. The public consultation period will run until June 23rd.
Speaking at the launch of the public consultation, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Glenn Carr said; “This is an important milestone for the development of Rosslare Europort. The ORE hub will play a pivotal role in providing the necessary infrastructure for the growth of the Offshore Renewable Energy Industry and will provide skilled jobs for the people of the South-East.”
Ireland’s strategic location in Europe, with a sea area of 490,000 square kilometres makes it one of the best ORE resources. With several significant offshore wind projects planned nationally, Rosslare Europort is ideally positioned within 50 to 100 nautical miles of several planned developments in the Irish and Celtic seas.
At Rosslare Europort, port access and key infrastructure can be provided to serve the different stages of offshore wind projects, including marshalling, assembly, staging, and load-out of key components, as well as the ongoing operation, maintenance, and crew transfers that will take place when the industry is up and running. This will create diverse jobs, from skilled technicians and engineers to administrative and support staff, providing sustainable and inclusive economic growth for the region.
The proposed plans for the ORE Hub at Rosslare Europort will include the expansion of the existing site and the upgrading of existing port infrastructure to facilitate and accommodate the construction and operation of offshore wind farms. The proposed works will include:
ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic).
Circa 20 hectares of land reclamation; A new lift berth to accommodate ORE vessels.
A second berth capable of handling Roll-On Roll-Off activities and Load-On Load-Off of components; Dredging of an approach channel.
A new ‘small boat’ harbour with enhanced access: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) facilities to include warehousing, offices and parking.
Potential future accommodation of a rail spur connection to site; New access road to small boat harbour and site access to the ORE facility.
Rosslare Europort has been working with specialist ORE experts and advisors on feasibility and concept designs. Further improvements to the initial designs have been completed and will be presented to stakeholders during this public consultation period.
Following this period of consultation, the project design will be finalised. A planning application is expected to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála in late 2024. Subject to planning being granted and funding being allocated, it is expected that construction will commence in late 2025 or early 2026. Details can be viewed at www.rosslareorehub.ie
Elected representatives pictured at the final meeting of the current session held in the Civic Centre, Gorey, last Tuesday. (Back Row); Cllrs Oliver Walsh, Joe Sullivan, Andrew Bolger, Donal Kenny and Willie Kavanagh. (Front Row); Cllr Pip Breen, (Cathaoirleach), Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Leas-Cathaoirleach), Cllrs Mary Farrell, Anthony Donohoe and Diarmuid Devereux (who is retiring from local politics). Pic; Wexford County Council.
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting at Civic Centre, Gorey
Described as “the forgotten district” and making up almost one third of Wexford County Council elected representatives, Gorey Kilmuckridge held its final meeting in the Civic Centre, Gorey, on Tuesday, and reported general satisfaction at events over the past five years, while looking forward Director of Services said there were good projects waiting to be progressed including St. Waleran’s, the Fringe Fleadh and the Market House Festival in July.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said the high point was the official opening of the Gorey District Town Park and the low point was the tragic death of Council employee, Billy Kinsella, who lost his life while at work during a storm and the Cathaoirleach passed sympathy to his family.
Other highlights, according to Cllr Breen, included the Market House Festival, two years of the Rose of Tralee visitors and the Boolavogue Sensory Garden. He recalled the difficulties of zoom meetings and restrictions during the Covid 19 pandemic, felt the members would rather be out on the hustings and he wished them all well in the June local elections.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh said thanks for delivering bus shelters at Oylegate, a playground for the children and thanked Joanne (Kehoe) for the footpaths in Ballymurn village.
But the most emotional part of the meeting was bidding farewell to Cllr Diarmuid Devereux, who will not be a candidate in the next local elections and is looking forward to a well-deserved holiday in France very soon! Cllr Anthony Donohoe led the tributes saying “all the best at whatever the next chapter brings” and he also complimented the staff over the past 10 years in Gorey and at County Hall.
Cllr Mary Farrell said Cllr Devereux was “a pleasure to work with and always the voice of reason.” Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain described Cllr Devereux as “very co-operative and always worked for the common good.” Cllr Joe Sullivan said Cllr Devereux “brought a commodity to the table that is getting scarce – it is called commonsense.”
Cllr Donal Kenny reminded the meeting that Cllr Devereux was Leas-Cathaoirleach the year that he was in the Chair and he associated himself with the sentiments and good wishes. Cllr Wilie Kavanagh said that “some of the best councillors are retiring and I am sorry to see Cllr Devereux go.” Cllr Oliver Walsh also concurred and hoped “we will all be working together in the future.” Cllr Andrew Bolger wished Cllr Devereux well, thanked the Press and the members themselves and stated; “I have respect for every single one of you.”
Cllr Devereux said thanks to everybody, the officials and the executive who were afforded the courtesy to do their job, and the Press. “We were frustrated because of the Covid, but all members and executives should hold up their heads,” he said proudly.
Enniscorthy Civil Defence and Enniscorthy Red Cross volunteers have amalgamated to establish a Community First Responder (CFR) Group for Enniscorthy town.
The group consists of trained volunteers from both organisations who will respond to cardiac arrest and choking incidents in Enniscorthy town. The group is made up of volunteers who are first aid trained and is a joint initiative of the two organisations who are working closely with the National Ambulance Service (NAS).
Jonathan Lynch said; “The National Ambulance Service is delighted to work with Wexford Civil Defence and Enniscorthy Red Cross to bring
a Community First Responder scheme to the town. We are grateful to the volunteer members who have given so freely of their time in preparation for this and upon activation will join over 260 other first responder schemes nationwide in responding to cardiac emergencies within the community in support of the Ambulance Service”.
The volunteers will be alerted to calls by National Ambulance Service (NAS) via a mobile application, once two volunteers are available, they will respond utilising the existing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) which are located around Enniscorthy town and where installed by the Enniscorthy defibrillator initiative group.
CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy District Council.
Speaking at the Launch Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr. John O’Rourke said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Enniscorthy Town CFR group. It is a welcome step towards helping communities to take immediate action in emergency situations. This early attendance could literally be the difference between life and death where every minute counts. I would encourage members of the community to join the group to help save more lives and foster a sense of community resilience.”
The CFR group will utilise existing AEDs which have been located at various locations around the town, and will go ‘LIVE’ from next Monday, May 27th, and will respond to calls received from the National Ambulance Service.
If anyone is interested in joining the Group, please contact Peter O’Connor, Civil Defence Officer, email cdo@wexfordcoco.ie or Paddy Redmond, Enniscorthy Red Cross, email adu.wexford@irishredcross.com.
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting at Civic Centre, Gorey
With the summer season attempting to settle despite flash flooding and a thunderstorm that severely damaged several roads in the Ballycarney and Ferns area of the county today (Tuesday), at the monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council the members were firmly focussed on tourism and promoting the seaside attractions along the east coast.
Cllr Anthony Donohoe expressed his disappointment that Ballymoney North Beach has lost its Blue Flag status, and he called on the relevant Department to rectify the situation. WexfordLocal.com understands that no application was made by Wexford County Council this year due to the poor quality of the water.
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said the water quality failure at Ballymoney is an issue for Uisce Éireann and stated that the blame lay with the Arklow wastewater treatment facility and was affecting beaches in North Wexford. “Some of the best beaches in Ireland are in Co. Wexford,” concluded Cllr Devereux.
There was a warm welcome for the new dryloo toilets facing into their first summer season at Cahore where the carparking area is soon to get a fresh surface and new markings.
Cllr Mary Farrell called for ‘bigger bins’ at Morriscastle. She claims the existing bins are overflowing as day trippers leave so much rubbish behind them and she wondered if bigger ones that closed in when full could be secured?
Cllr Oliver Walsh made a case for dog poo bins in the Balyconnigar and Knocknasilloge coastal areas.
Cllr Devereux asked about ‘vandal proof’ bin bags from Courtown to the barrier heading towards the North Beach. This would also reduce the activity of the bird’s helping to spread the rubbish.
Cllr Joe Sullivan supported Cllr Devereux. He said the Courtown bins are always overflowing, and he felt they needed to be emptied on Sunday afternoons. Regarding the suggestion that people should pick up their rubbish and take it home with them, Cllr Sullivan quipped; “When did you ever see anyone bringing home an empty pizza box?”
Cllr Willie Kavanagh pointed out that shop owners and food outlets were responsible for maintaining litter bins outside their premises and that they should do more.
However, it was pointed out that whatever about people leaving rubbish and litter behind them, Wexford County Council has a responsibility to clear up the rubbish and dirt left behind and maintain hygienic and clean communities.
NB;The Blue Flag awards for 2024 were presented at a ceremony in Galway on Monday and Wexford’s Blue Flag beaches are Morriscastle, Ballinesker, Curracloe, Rosslare Strand and Carne.
Pictured at the final meeting of the five-year term of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the Presentation Centre (left to right, Back Row; Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services), Neville Shaw (Senior Engineer) and Claire Lawless (District Manager). (Front Row); Cllr Jackser Owens, Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Edel Nolan, (Administration Officer).
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting in the Presentation Centre
There was a typical ‘end of an era’ atmosphere at yesterday’s (Monday) May meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council where tributes were paid to the retiring Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, others wished each other well in the June 7th Local Elections, while the standard reports and general information was also under scrutiny.
Cllr Codd-Nolan is the only sitting member not seeking re-election after 20 years’ service and there was, perhaps, an emotional farewell as she paid tribute to many people, including Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke, Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Jacker Owens and Cllrs Aidan Browne, Cathal Byrne and Barbara-Anne Murphy; she also thanked the officials, the Press, and especially her own family members who allowed her the space to work on behalf of the people.
Cllr Codd-Nolan said being a public representative is “a tough job attending functions and giving your time to public service” and she added “Enniscorthy is a lovely little town to shop in” and she spoke of “a great ambition for the town.”
The tributes flowed for Cllr Codd-Nolan. Cllr Owens described her as “a personality person”, Cllr Byrne described her as “determined, dignified and respectful”, Cllr Browne admired her “fairness and honesty”, Cllr Murphy wished Cllr Codd-Nolan “a happy retirement with her family and friends.”
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin joined in the discussion on behalf of the officials and thanked the Cathaoirleach, Leas-Cathaoirleach, and members for their “no nonsense approach” to serving the town and district. She said it was a strange 60 months when the Council withstood Covid when “we were all on zoom”, severe flooding episodes, Brexit and the war in Ukraine. She also added congratulations to Cllr Codd-Nolan.
In conclusion, Ms Godkin stated that the biggest challenge over the next five years is investment in the town (Enniscorthy) centre, while District Manager, Claire Lawless described the outgoing Council as “a pleasure to work with, always efficient and punctual.”
Seventy-two candidates have declared to run in the Local Elections on Friday, July 7th and contest 34 County Council seats across six Local Electoral Areas (LEA).
Wexford (7 seats), New Ross (6 seats) and Gorey (6 seats) have the highest number of candidates – 14 each – followed by Enniscorthy (6 seats) and Rosslare (5 seats) with 12 candidates each and Kilmuckridge (4 seats) have six candidates.
The state of the parties is as follows; Independent (24), Fianna Fáil (14), Sinn Féin (11), Fine Gael (10), The Labour Party (6), Green Party (2) and one each for Aontú, Ireland First, People Before Profit-Solidarity, The Irish People and The National Party.
The list of candidates is as follows and are order of the receipt of nomination which closed last Saturday.
WEXFORD LEA; CATHERINE BIDDY WALSH (The Labour Party), VICKY CLANCY BARRON (The Labour Party), GEORGE LAWLOR (The Labour Party), LEONARD KELLY (Non-Party), ROBBIE STAPLES (Fine Gael), STEPHEN POWER (The Irish People), GARRY LAFFAN (Fianna Fáil), DAVE RYAN (Non-Party), RAYMOND SHANNON, EMMET MOLONEY (Fianna Fáil), MICHELE O’NEILL, LORRAINE SMYTH (Sinn Féin), TOM FORDE (Sinn Fein) and DAVY HYNES (Sinn Féin).
KIMUCKRIDGE LEA; OLIVER WALSH (Fine Gael), MARY FARRELL (Non-Party), PADDY KAVANAGH (Non-Party), PIP BREEN (Fianna Fáil), WILLIE KAVANAGH (Fianna Fáil) and DECLAN KENNY (Sinn Féin).
NEW ROSS LEA; BRIDÍN LYNG MOLONEY (The Labour Party), BRIDÍN MURPHY (Fine Gael), HARRY TWOMEY (Fine Gael), MICHAEL WHELAN (Fianna Fáil), MARTY MURPHY (Non-Party), ANTHONY CONNICK (Non-Party), JOHN FLEMING (Fianna Fáil), PAT BARDEN (Non-Party), ANNE FLYNN (Non-Party), MICHAEL SHEEHAN (Fianna Fáil), KAYLEY GOODISON (Sinn Féin), JAMES FURLONG (Non-Party), JOHN DWYER (Non-Party) and RAYMOND FORTE (Non-Party).
ROSSLARE LEA; DAMIEN CORISH (The Labour Party), GER CARTHY (Non-Party), WILIE FITZHARRIS (Fine Gael), JACK BARDEN (Non-Party), JASON MURPHY (The National Party – An Páirtí Náisiúnta), LISA McDONALD (Fianna Fáil), SIMON BOYSE (Fianna Fáil), AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN (Sinn Féin), MICK ROCHE (Sinn Féin), JIM CODD (Aontú), JOE DRUHAN (Non-Party) and FRANK STAPLES (Fine Gael).
GOREY LEA; ASHLING HUDSON (People Before Profit-Solidarity), LORNA FITZPATRICK (The Labour Party), DARRAGH McDONALD (Fine Gael), ANTHONY DONOHOE (Fine Gael), DARREN McGOVERN (Ireland First), CILLIAN BYRNE (Non-Party), JOE SULLIVAN (Fianna Fail), DONAL KENNY (Fianna Fáil), ANDREW BOLGER (Fianna Fáil), JIMMY FLEMING (Non-Party), NICKY BOLAND (Non-Party), ANN WALSH (Green Party/Comhaontas Glas), KEVIN MOLLOY (Sinn Fein) and FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN (Sinn Fein).
Independent candidates are denoted by Non-Party or blank beside their name.
A single victory at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, point-to-point races today (Sunday) brings Barry O’Neill onto the 39-winner mark, and he is now level with Rob James at the top of the national point-to-point rider’s championship. O’Neill had an eight lengths success on Backonthegoagain for Colin Bowe in the Winners of One.
Johnathan Fogarty saddled newcomer La Dolce Dolly in the maiden race for mare’s five-year-old plus and the outcome was a ten lengths victory in the hands of Barry Stone, Cleariestown.
MICHAEL GOFF …two wins at different tracks this afternoon.
The five and six-year-old geldings maiden was divided and both divisions were won by Wexford stables. After three runner-up efforts Millforce got his victory in division one for Liam and Jimmy Kenny, Craanford, by 15 lengths, and division two was won by Newton Tornado owned and handled by Harley Dunne. The winning distance was four lengths and the 45th career winner for Tiernan Power Roche.
Caitriona Goff, Michael Goff and Mikey Sweeney enjoyed a victory with Red Acres Georgie by 14 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds at Ballindenisk and an hour and a half later made it a double on the day with a 15 lengths success for Peggys Rock in the mare’s open race at Stradbally!
Also at Stradbally, handler Kieran Roche, Adamstown, had a one length victory for owner Michael Kenny with Clearisthewater in the maiden race for five year old geldings. James Murray, Ferns, was the winning rider.
Rob James (39) and Barry O’Neill (38) is the latest from the top of the national point-to-point riders’ championship tonight (Saturday) after both riders recorded doubles. There were also doubles for the handler brothers from Ballindaggin, Donnchadh Doyle and Sean Doyle and riders Jack Hendrick and Jamie Scallan.
It was a long day with a 9-race card and three ‘divides’ at Stradbally where Rob James took both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-olds on Klub De Reve by a head for Donnchadh Doyle in the first division and Ultimate Survivor for Sean Doyle in the second division by two and a half lengths. This was the second success of the day for Donnchadh Doyle who also took division one of the maiden race by one length with Golan Loop ridden by Alan Harney.
Jonathan Fogarty from Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, marked his best season so far with eight victories and gained his 20th career winner when newcomer Local Derby won division two of the maiden race for four-year-olds ridden by Ross Sugrue.
The five-year-old maiden race also divided; division one was won by Onyerbike, owned and bred by Jimmy Devereux and trained by his son, Vincent at Rostoonstown, Tomhaggard by three and a half lengths for Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke and division two was the first leg of a double for rider Jack Hendrick on Denis Moore’s Mr Gower. Hendrick’s double came on Jay Bee Why for Antrim handler Warren Ewing.
A second point-to-point fixture took place today at Taylorstown, Co. Down, and two Wexford stables fought out the finish of the four-year-old geldings maiden. There was only a ‘head’ in the difference as Orderoftheday prevailed for Donnchadh Doyle and rider Jamie Scallan beating Colin Bowe’s newcomer Smokeringinthe dark and Barry O’Neill. Later Jamie Scallan scored a double on Ronnies Rules for Sean Doyle in the maiden race for five-year-old plus geldings, and it was another close finish – a head wins it!
Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe got back on the winning track in the maiden race for five-year-old mares plus with newcomer Natus Vincere and O’Neill made it a double on Winged Leader for David Christie by two and a half lengths in the Open Race.
Plenty more action on Sunday with a second day at Stradbally and more divides as there is a huge entry and Ballindenisk also races.
Sean Flanagan gave the local crowd plenty to cheer about at well-attended Wexford races this afternoon where the Robinstown, New Ross jockey registered a double success on an extended 8-race card.
Flanagan teamed up with Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan with Kiltealy Park, (100/30) who won her maiden over the same course and distance 23 days ago, and the combination scored by ten lengths for brothers Colm and Niall Browne from Waterford the mare’s handicap hurdle.
Speaking afterwards Paul Nolan’s brother James said; “She was good today. Sean said she jumped better than she did the last day. She nearly threw it away the last day with a mistake at the second last, We were slightly worried about the ground because we felt better ground the last day brought out an improvement.”
Flanagan’s second winner of the afternoon came on Mahler Appeal (9/2) for Kilkenny trainer Garrett Power in the handicap chase with a dozen lengths the margin.
Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell was also in winning form. He saddled Plain Or Battered (5/1) who won a photo-finish verdict with Carlow jockey Conor Owens up in the handicap hurdle.
Cork jockey Darragh O’Keeffe enjoyed a double in successive races A Nod To Getaway (4/1) for Paul O’Flynn and Junot (9/2) for Cork trainer Michael Winters.
Next day’s racing at Bettyville Park takes place on Wednesday, May 29th and it’s an evening fixture.
WexfordLocal.com 