Pictured at the signing of the Ramsfort Park dwellings contract; (Back Row L-R) , Shay Howell, Acting Director of Service Special Projects, Leonard Daly, Commercial Director Mythen Construction Ltd, Keith Mythen, Chartered Contracts Manager, Mythen Construction Ltd. Carolyne Godkin, Director of Service Housing.(Front Row L-R); Cllr. Jim Codd, Chairperson Housing SPC, Cllr. Pip Breen Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Billy Mythen Managing Director Mythen Construction Ltd and Cllr. Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council has signed contracts with Mythen Construction Ltd for the delivery of the ambitious 20 Affordable Homes Scheme at Ramsfort Park, Gorey.
Ramsfort Park (Radharc na Beannóige), will be the first affordable housing scheme for Co. Wexford with funding secured to develop this pilot project via the Affordable Housing Fund under the Governments ‘Housing for All’ Programme and will make homes available at a reduced price for buyers who are seeking to purchase a newly built home but need to bridge the gap between their mortgage and deposit to cover the full price of the home.
The development will consist of a total of twenty homes, available for sale via Wexford County Council’s ‘Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme,’ providing A rated dwellings which are designed to meet the needs of eligible families and individuals in the Gorey area.
Chief Executive, Eddie Taaffe stated; “We look forward to working with the Mythen Construction team to deliver this project. Wexford County Council is dedicated to working with delivery partners to enhance housing availability through innovative projects. Ramsfort Park underscores our commitment to delivering affordable solutions that meet the needs of today’s families.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen welcomed the contract signing, saying “I am very pleased to see this project moving forward, this development will see 20 much-needed affordable homes provided in Gorey for first time buyers and fresh start applicants”. Construction is set to commence in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
By Dan Walsh at special meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council
There was a sensational scenario to a special meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the Council Chamber in the Presentation Centre today when all six sitting members of the Council failed to support the proposed planning application for Part VIII of the Civic Spine, Main Street-Market Square Castle Hill package of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First scheme which is worth €10 million in URDF (Urban Regeneration and Development Fund) funding.
The meeting commenced with an introduction by David Whitty, Executive Engineer with responsibility for Special Projects at Wexford County Council who explained that the Town Centre First policy aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community.
Mr Whitty said the plan was consistent with local and national policy and it was “a consultation led” plan. He outlined improvements outside St. Mary’s Church, at Castle Street and Wafer Street, and said the net reduction of parking spaces was 43.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne, who told the meeting “There will not be a vote today” led the repetitive list of objections. “I’m disappointed that Templeshannon is not on the table. This is not good enough. It must be a full package,” he declared.
Cllr Cathal Byrne wanted to see a thriving town to stop shoppers from going to Wexford or Gorey but felt this needed “all the plan together” and he felt there was not enough in it to revitalise Market Square. He felt there were ‘for’ and ‘against’ but believed that this plan wasn’t on the table when Part VIII came through and he would like to see the old Murphy-Flood’s site included in the plan.
CLLR AIDAN BROWNE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was also ‘disappointed’ with the €10 million and wanted to “go with the biggest possible”. She wanted a minimum of €20 million be applied for and wanted “full control” when it came to spending it!”
Cllr Jackser Owens was also ‘disappointed’ and predicted a loss of business and a loss of jobs. “I can’t support this plan and we don’t want a library; we have one already”, said Cllr Owens, who added; “I will be voting ‘NO’ and I’m disgusted that Templeshannon is not on the plan.”
Cllr Pat Kehoe didn’t support the application either. He cited pressure from the business people in Market Square and had concerns about parking and the traffic flow.
Cllr John O’Rourke was critical of some who didn’t attend the public meetings – he alleged that only five businesses were represented at some of them – and said he would not support the plan as it is unless they come up with a parking plan. “The current plan on its own is not acceptable. We must be brave,” concluded Cllr O’Rourke.
Senior Planner at Wexford County Council, Diarmuid Houston told the meeting that “the town centre would be a calmer place for everyone” and reminded the members that “43 car parking spaces could be replaced by one bus!”
Mr Houston added that the Part VIII application was “the first stage, the first step”. The application for URDF funding of €10 million was prioritised and is due to go before a full meeting of Wexford County Council next Monday. “The planning permission dies on Tuesday, and we have to start all over again!” concluded Mr Houston.
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin, not for the first time, reminded the members of the need for investment in the town centre and investment was needed in Templeshannon. “We should be brave and take what is in front of us. The town centre is being used as “a rat run”. It is a small part of the Town First project and regeneration brings economic benefit,” added Ms. Godkin.
Other members of the planning team present at the meeting attempted to persuade the members to change their minds and support the application – which they pointed out is one of three packages (see below), but to no avail and it looks like there will be no support for the Enniscorthy Town First Plan (Part VIII application) when it appears on Monday’s agenda (amendments are acceptable), the funding will go elsewhere and the project will fall behind for many years to come.
PACKAGE ONE; Civic Spine, Main Street-Market Square Castle Hill. This is an integrated regeneration package involving different stakeholders in partnership to deliver redevelopment, refurbishment, and improvement of urban space. This package will be the critical early catalyst to the rejuvenation of the function, fabric and image of the Town Centre.
PACKAGE TWO; The Castle Heritage Quarter. The Quarter will provide a focal point for the rich heritage of the Town. It will draw on the diversity of urban heritage in this important urban block. Including the Castle, the Athenaeum and the rich fabric of street buildings. The Quarter will be the focal attraction and orientation space for tourism in Enniscorthy.
PACKAGE THREE; Templeshannon Hub and Link. This package aims to intervene decisively to counter the worrying decline of the heart of Templeshannon, and its disconnection from the Town Centre. It aims to be a catalyst in the restoration of vitality and vibrancy through redevelopment, refurbishment and a radical improvement of its public spaces. It will explore the potential to redevelop a substantial leisure and recreation hub to complement the existing Waterfront Pool and Leisure Centre.
Last year’s champion, Donut the English Mastiff from Mountrath, Laois, captured hearts nationwide. Her owner, Jacinta Parkinson, fondly recalls the experience: “Winning Puppy of the Year was an unforgettable experience for Donut and me,” says Jacinta.” (Pic; Petmania)
By Dan Walsh
Ireland’s most adorable pups are invited to compete for the coveted title of Petmania’s Puppy of the Year 2024, a celebration of the nation’s much-loved pets, culminating in a grand, ‘furry’ finale ceremony.
Now in its 9th year, this popular annual competition has grown in popularity, with last year’s event attracting a record-breaking 1,600 entries from proud pet parents across Ireland.
Puppies up to 12 months old can enter and entries are open from September 2nd to 22nd. Every entrant receives a free puppy pack, courtesy of BETA. The grand prize, valued at €1,500, includes 12 month’s grooming at Petmania Grooming Studios, a year’s supply of Beta dog food, a two-night dog-friendly hotel stay from Blue Book, a professional photoshoot, and a brand ambassador contract.
The winning pup will be selected based on a combination of their personality, coat and appearance, obedience, and any special talents. In the initial rounds, communities and customers will vote for their favourite puppy to advance to the final stages.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s Puppy of the Yearcompetition, Petmania’s spokesperson Emily Miller, says; “This competition goes beyond just winning; it’s a heartwarming celebration of the unconditional love and companionship dogs bring to our lives. It’s also a chance for Petmania to unite our customers and communities in a fun, light-hearted event that offers a break from the everyday. We’re excited for this year’s competition and wish all participants the very best!”
Petmania has 16 stores across Ireland – including Clonard Retail Park, Wexford town – with over 260 employees and the largest dog grooming business in the country. For more information about Petmania and to enter the Puppy of the Year competition, visit www.petmania.ie/poty.
Once owned by the international singer/songwriter Elton John and located not far from Greater London in Hertfordshire, Watford FC have announced the signing of Republic of Ireland international Festy Ebosele on a season-long loan from Italian side Udinese and the news is celebrated amongst soccer enthusiasts in Co. Wexford.
FESTY EBOSELE, the Enniscorthy-born international football star.
Ebosele, who turned 22 last month, began his early football journey in his hometown of Enniscorthy, where he played for local club Moyne Rangers before moving to Bray Wanderers.
At 16, he joined Derby County, where his promising performances eventually led to a transfer to Udinese.
He featured in 38 matches for Derby in the Sky Bet Championship, scoring two goals during the 2021/22 season. In the summer of 2022, he moved to Serie A with Udinese, where he played 36 times over two seasons.
On the international stage, Ebosele has represented the Republic of Ireland at various youth levels, including Under-16, Under-17, Under-19, and Under-21. He earned his first senior cap in September 2023 against France and has since made two more appearances for his country.
The new late night 21.25hrs train service from Wexford to Gorey has been welcomed by South East on Track, who say “this connection provides public transport within Wexford later in the evening, while also facilitating rail travel to Dublin and Wicklow on the Gorey-Connolly service launched last year.
The new service is testament to the public engagement from Wexford in recent Iarnród Éireann consultations, which have seen services increased.
Iarnród Éireann CEO Jim Meade met with South East on Track late last year and assured them that the late night service was being looked at, and that there will be further increases in service when more staff come onboard. It’s great to see the first part of his pledge delivered this week. As well as providing a commuter option for those working later in and around Wexford Town or Enniscorthy, this service can also serve the hospitality sector in both towns.
South East on Track told WexfordLocal.com; “The 21:25 departure is the perfect chance to take in a meal or an evening out in the town and leave the car at home. We hope that local businesses will make their patrons aware of this new service. Further, the new timetable now provides for a slightly later last departure from Rosslare Europort in the evening at 17:55.
This allows for those arriving on Stena Line’s 17:30 arrival at the port to take the train. Stena Line already offers Sail and Rail via Rosslare and we are calling on them and Iarnród Éireann to work together to promote and facilitate the growing numbers of tourists who wish to access the region without flying.”
During Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024, increased rail services between Dublin/Arklow and Wexford facilitated thousands of patrons. We are calling on the Fleadh 2025 organisation team and Iarnród Éireann to facilitate visitors from the UK and further afield via rail and ferry by facilitating some form of rail connection from Rosslare to a point south of the quays in Wexford Town.
It has been an underwhelming year from a weather viewpoint, however, as we connect with September this weekend has experienced a fine spell with good temperatures and the farming community is working every hour it can to save the harvest and bring the crops in safely.
From my travelling experience today (Saturday) in the Gorey and Enniscorthy areas the harvesters are full throttle in the fields and the trailer loads of grain are being rushed to the depots. This activity will continue overnight and for the next few days, so the message for road users is to be alert and patient and be ready for busy back roads used by heavy machinery. Normality will be resumed in a few days, but it is weather dependent.
Meanwhile, North Wexford-based Cllr Joe Sullivan has been in contact with WexfordLocal.com regards some other rural matters. Cllr Sullivan says; “It has been brought to my attention recently by the school transport and agricultural sectors that our secondary and local roads have become difficult to drive due to overhanging branches and the growth of vegetation on the roadside verges. As a rural dweller I am acutely aware of this issue. The problem is at its worst at this time of year due to the return of children to school which puts extra cars and buses on these roads along with the harvest which puts a great number of heavy goods vehicles and lorries on roads that just about have capacity for them.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN has concerns around safety on rural roads in Co. Wexford.
“I would appeal to the roads section of Wexford County Council to engage meaningfully with roadside landowners to address this problem and have it dealt with as a road safety issue. By meaningful engagement I don’t mean to prosecute or threaten landowners but to perhaps outline to them the dangers of not attending to their responsibility under the various legislation around this issue.
Cllr Sullivan continued; “Indeed some type of incentive could be considered perhaps a reimbursement of a small percentage of the cost of the work provided the work is done prior to a specified date and the necessary proofs are in place. I would consider this money well spent as it would have the effect of improving road safety and with the spiralling road fatalities situation we have at the moment everything should be considered. I would therefore call on Wexford County Council to become more proactive in relation to this issue.”
Participation in the FEAST sports programme at Pairc na gCon, Enniscorthy. Pic: Courtesy of Cluid Housing Association.
Up to 30 children aged from 5 to 15 years of age from Pairc na gCon in Enniscorthy recently participated in a sports programme which introduced them to GAA sporting activities. Organised by Ray Harris, Wexford GAA Games Development Manager and Garret Kavanagh from Rapparees/Starlights GAA Club the event ran ever Wednesday in August on the green area in the estate.
The idea for the programme came from the newly formed Enniscorthy Community Inter Agency Team with Wexford County Council’s Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Sports Active Wexford, Wexford Local Development and Clúid Housing working together with the GAA.
Ray Harris from Wexford GAA told WexfordLocal.com that; “Wexford GAA, as part of our strategic plan, aim to offer GAA activities to as many children in the county as possible. The FEAST programme in conjunction with Rapparees Starlights GAA club and its expansion into Pairc na gCon offered our coaching team an opportunity to bring GAA to the doorstep of children.”
Anna Flynn, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Sports Active Wexford added: “Having an integration programme like this is wonderful for children to experience- especially if they are apprehensive about trying a new sport or joining a new club. In some circumstances likes this – bringing the activities to their door can be a great approach to encourage young children to live a happy and healthy life.”
Speaking on the success of the project, Ann Marie Laffan, Slaintecare Health Communities Programme Manager thanked everyone involved in making these events such a success. She told WexfordLocal.com; “It was a fun packed four weeks and there was a great feel-good factor to the activities thanks to the GAA coaches who really engaged so well with the children. Through sport there is a great opportunity to engage with young people and help them improve their health and wellbeing.”
Feedback from both parents and the children has been extremely positive with many children hoping to pay a visit to Bellefield. To welcome them Rapparees/Starlights GAA Club and Sacre Coeur Boxing Club extended an invitation to all Pairc na gCon children and parents who had participated in the FEAST activities to games, music, dancing and a BBQ last Saturday.
The new Dunbrody Famine Ship visitor experience in New Ross, was officially opened on Friday by Taoiseach Simon Harris TD. This enhanced visitor experience follows an investment of €1.6million from the Department of Rural and Community Development, Fáilte Ireland, and Wexford County Council.
The attendance included Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District Council, Minister James Browne and Paul Kehoe TD.
Fáilte Ireland estimates that over a ten-year period, the Dunbrody Famine Ship experience has the potential to attract over 211,000 additional local, domestic and overseas visitors, generating over €9million in visitor expenditure for the local economy and supporting 36 jobs.
AN TAOISEACH SIMON HARRIS TD.
Taoiseach Simon Harris TD said; “The €1.6 million investment in this immersive experience not only helps to preserve the memory of the Great Famine but also strengthens our cultural heritage and local tourism economy. The Dunbrody Famine Ship experience will connect visitors with the human stories that shaped our past, while generating jobs and supporting the future prosperity of New Ross and the wider Wexford region.”
Heather Humphreys TD said; “As Minister for Community Development, it was a great honour to approve funding of €880,000 towards this phase of what is a larger commitment I have made of €5,560,000 to the wider New Ross Tourism Transformation Project. I think it’s fair to say this project absolutely fits that bill – it will be a game-changer for New Ross, and I cannot wait to see the full tourism transformation project completed.”
Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD said: “This new visitor experience will serve to engage and educate visitors from at home and abroad while also preserving the human stories of The Great Famine.”
Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland said; “Fáilte Ireland is proud to contribute €295,000 in capital investment to the overall €1.6million Dunbrody Famine Ship upgrade, delivered in collaboration with Department of Rural and Community Development and Wexford County Council. This attraction was already a key part of the tourism offering in Wexford and Ireland’s Ancient East and these upgrades offer a new immersive visitor experience that tells the important story of our emigrant past, while also boosting the local economy.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council CLLR PIP BREEN speaking at the opening of the new Famine Ship experience in New Ross on Friday.
Seán Connick, CEO of the JFK Trust, which manages the Dunbrody Famine Ship, said; “We are thrilled with the investment in the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, which has elevated the attraction to a world-class level. The enhanced exhibition and immersive experience will help to position us as a must-see destination in Ireland’s Ancient East, significantly raising our profile internationally. We extend our gratitude to the Department of Rural and Community Development, Wexford County Council, and Fáilte Ireland for their support.”
Eamon Hore, Deputy Chief Executive at Wexford County Council said; “We in Wexford County Council are delighted to be associated with the launch of this project. The Dunbrody Ship and Visitor Experience has been a very important part of the tourism offering in New Ross and in County Wexford for many years and this investment will consolidate and support its position in our local economy.”
The Dunbrody investment project is part of a wider tourism and economic development plan for New Ross, funded through the RRDF: The ‘New Ross Tourism Project’; which includes the High Hill Norman Gardens, completed, and opened in 2022; and the proposed Norman Visitor Centre which is at design stage. The delivery of this plan continues to establish the town as a destination that visitors want to come to.
Runners taking the final bend into the straight at Wexford Racecourse in brilliant sunshine (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford races
The eight-race card at Wexford races yesterday was saturated in sunshine, but while the good attendance and the punters basked in its rays, low sunlight caused problems for the final four races and all three steeplechases required jumping only three obstacles instead of six! The decision was taken in the interest of safety, but the racing was completed without any disappointments.
World Of Fortunes (9/4) who won his bumper at Wexford in May 2023 returned to form after nine months off to make a winning debut over obstacles in the Brendan Cullimore Electrical Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Trained at Craanford, Gorey, by Liam Kenny for Michael Broderick, the six-year-old chestnut mare won by four and a quarter lengths under a confident ride from jockey Jordan Gainford from Caim, Enniscorthy.
Speaking afterwards the trainers’ son, James Kenny said; “She hadn’t run in nearly 290 days. She had a couple of little niggly injuries and her owner has been very patient. He gave her all the time in the world. She’ll keep hurdling now and we’ll look for a race in three or four weeks.”
Cleariestown conditional jockey Conor Stone-Walsh was in the winners’ enclosure following a one and a quarter lengths success on Duty Bound (16/1) for Tramore Trainer John Flavin in the handicap chase.
Afterwards Flavin said; “Then they took all those fences out and it worked in his favour. I said to Conor that if he was going well over the last down the back to set sail for home because he won around Sandown and he is tough and hardy.”
It was a good day for leading Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead who saddled a double on the card – Chutzpal (1/2 fav.) ridden by Ethan O’Sullivan in the handicap hurdle and Gorgeous Tom (4/5 fav.) in the novice chase ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe.
Just two remaining fixtures at Wexford Racecourse for 2024 on the October Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday, October 27th and Monday, October 28th.
The popularity of the Wexford races is expanding within the industry and for the second meeting in succession the entry has been above average, thus necessitating an eight-race card and that takes place tomorrow (Friday) with the first race off at 3.20pm.
The track is in excellent condition with the going expected to be ‘yielding’ and following 28mm of rain yesterday (Wednesday) there is a mainly dry forecast with passing showers (3mm approx.) which is the latest update tonight thanks to Horse Racing Ireland.
The card consists of four hurdle races and three steeplechases and due to the large entry the visitwexford.ie handicap hurdle will be run in two divisions providing an 8-race card instead of the standard 7-race card.
Top trainers and jockeys will be in action, plenty of local trainers have entries and some local jockeys have good rides, this is the end of summer racing at the track and it would be great if the celebrations concluded with a large attendance to witness top class jump racing.
WexfordLocal.com 