Five people aboard an angling charter boat were rescued this afternoon after a rope became entangled in a propeller south-east of the Saltee Islands.
KILMORE QUAY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch by the Coast Guard at 1pm today. Under the command of Coxswain Trevor Devereux with four crew members on board and it arrived on scene at 1.30pm. Having checked all on board were safe and well, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay, arriving at 2pm. Weather and sea conditions were described as good at the time.
Speaking on the call out Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace said; “It was great to see all on board wearing life jackets and having followed the correct procedures when they got snagged. Stray ropes or nets floating in the water can be a hazard to any vessel in this way.”
Wilkie Way (Wilkie Slí as Gaeilge) Enniscorthy’s latest tourist attraction.
By Dan Walsh
The ancient steps that link Castle Hill with Church Street opposite Enniscorthy Castle has been renamed Wilkie Way (Wilkie Slí as Gaeilge) and was officially launched recently by Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
WexfordLocal.com has compiled the following information explaining who is Wilkie and what is the significance of his fame and contribution that merits a section of street steps named in his honour.
BIOGRAPHY; SAM ‘Wilkie’ THORPE (1909-2005); Sam Thorpe was one of seven children born to Annie (née Ryan) and Michael Thorpe of The Shannon, Enniscorthy.
He married Mary Donnelly of Ross Road and they had one son who sadly died in infancy, Michael.
Sam served as a gunner in the 3rd Battalion with the Irish army on Spike Island in Cork for seven years. He was always very proud of this achievement and in his later years was a member of ONE (Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel). Following his army career, Sam worked at Armstrong’s general merchants store in Enniscorthy, worked on the railway, and in his later years he travelled the roads working on a lorry for Davis’s Mill.
But it was through his sporting achievements that Sam’s name was most familiar. He played hurling and football for Wexford and Leinster in the early 1950s. Two weeks ago before his sad passing he was honoured for this sporting achievements at a GAA function held Ferrycarrig Hotel. He was also played soccer with Cork United during his years in the army.
In his sporting book, The Greatest Hurling Decade, the legendary historian Nicky Furlong paid tribute and wrote; “Wilkie Thorpe in fact never played for Wexford after the summer of 1953. This colourful crowd entertainer from Vinegar Hill had contributed his rich talents to both hurling and football at the highest inter-county and club level for twenty years.”
North Wexford’s Cllr Joe Sullivan is calling on Minister for Justice Helen McEntee to take up the invitation and attend the GRA Annual Delegate Conference taking place in Westport, Co. Mayo and support An Garda Siochána management and rank and file membership in equal measure.
In a statement issued earlier today, Cllr Sullivan, who served as a member of An Garda Siochána, 1985-2014, said; “I wish to highlight my disappointment in Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s decision not to attend the GRA Conference. This course of action chosen by Minister McEntee clearly sets out the fact that she stands four square behind Commissioner Harris (who is not invited) despite the fact that 98% of rank and file Gardai have no confidence in his leadership.
“I believe that by attending this forthcoming conference Minister McEntee would have a perfect opportunity to meet with the ordinary frontline members of An Garda and have them articulate their concerns in an open and frank manner without the presence of Commissioner Harris who if one is to listen to on the job Gardai is contributing to the current low morale and general discontent amongst Gardai.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN
“I am firmly of the opinion that Minister McEntee’s course of action in this case is effectively taking sides in this case the management side against almost 11,000 men and women who daily put their lives on the line to ensure that we, the citizens, can live a peaceful life in the security and knowledge that they are there to protect us and our rights,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “It goes without saying that An Garda Siochana enjoys more public support than any other law enforcement agency in the world, this has been built up due to good work trust and loyalty between the people and the Gardai over the last 102 years..”
Cllr Sullivan alleges that the current Commissioner appears to be over-zealous and rigid in his application of the rules regulations and disciplinary procedures which appears to be causing unrest amongst the rank and file members.
“Where better for the Minister to acquaint herself with these issues than at the Annual Delegate Conference. I would therefore call on Minister McEntee to take up the invitation and attend the Annual Delegate Conference and support An Garda Siochana management and rank and file membership in equal measure, he concluded.
Rosslare Harbour RNLI were alerted at the request of the Irish Coast Guard after a vigilant member of the public raised the alarm that a 22-ft yacht with one person onboard, appeared to be drifting towards rocks at the mouth of the Boatsafe adjacent to Rosslare Europort.
The volunteer lifeboat crew launched the all-weather lifeboat at 9.15am on Monday morning.
Upon arrival at the scene, the lifeboat crew assessed the situation and decided in consultation with the sailor that as they were unable to make any safe progress, the vessel would be towed to the nearest safe port.
Speaking following the call out, Tony Kehoe, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Launch Authority commended the member of the public who raised the alarm. “The member of the public’s actions was crucial in preventing a possible serious incident this morning and we commend him for his swift actions. We would remind anyone who sees someone or a vessel in trouble at sea, to never hesitate to call for help by dialling 999 or 112,” concluded Mr Kehoe.
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting
The upcoming Local Elections (June 7th) had a lively impact on Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Civic Centre, Gorey, and there is scarcely a community in the huge double district that didn’t figure with members calling on the Council officials for progress and activity on roads, streets, beaches, anti-social behaviour, illegal dumping to mention but a few!
The meeting opened with the chastisement of Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin which could enter local folklore as “the misleading letters episode” that made the headlines in Kilmuckridge district recently, first discussed at the April meeting of Wexford County Council and taken to the top of the agenda by Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen.
Many members joined in the tense discussion, but Cllr Ó Súilleabháin held his defence and admitted that “a mistake was made” before raising safety concerns outside Coolgreany National School. “Children’s safety is my concern,” he concluded. Cllr Anthony Donohoe raised the state of the road from The Gap to Loggin and Cllr Joe Sullivan suggested that businesses in Esmonde Street be supplied with an information leaflet to keep them informed.
Cllr Andrew Bolger was full of praise for Matthew McGrath who campaigned for “the access for all and age friendly improvement works” at Ballymoney beach. Sadly, the Environment Report states that “Ballymoney beach has not reached the water quality standard for the Blue Flag and therefore will not be awarded the Blue Flag in 2024.”
Cahore featured strongly during the meeting from the completion of the controversial new Dryloo toilets – they have been opened more times than they have been flushed! – to some rock armour that is necessary and repairs to weather damage in the car park.
Cllr Mary Farrell was vocal on the dumping of mattresses, dumping household rubbish, questions about CCTV and the dreaded aftermath of dog fouling and the impact on those who must pick it up! A rapid response unit was suggested.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh claimed the roads in the Kimuckridge area are up to standard. He experienced the Derry road in The Ballagh following recent improvements and stated; “it was a pleasure to drive on.”
Cllr Ó Súilleabhain raised the question of “parking on footpaths” and the inconvenience to wheelchair users, the elderly and local residents, with particular emphasis on events at Sean O’Byrne Park, but Senior Roads Engineer Joanne Kehoe suggested that this matter be taken up with Traffic Wardens or An Garda Siochána in future.
“Tell the residents to report it to the warden or contact the Garda station,” said Ms. Kehoe who stated that these complaints arise all the time from housing estates to the Main Street, and if she responded to each complaint the entire streets would be covered in bollards? She declared; “I am not putting a load of bollards around Gorey.”
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, has replaced almost 3km of old water mains with new modern pipes in Redmondstown to provide a more reliable water supply and reduce high levels of leakage.
The completed works took place along the L-7046 and N25 in Redmondstown and ended along the L-3040 in Rathaspeck.
Outlining the benefits of the national Leakage Reduction Programme in Co. Wexford, Joe Carroll, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager, told WexfordLocal.com: “Many of these old, damaged pipes were prone to bursts and high levels of leakage, causing low pressure and supply disruption. Replacing them with modern pipes reduces the amount of drinking water lost through leakage and brings an all-round improvement to the water network for the local community and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.
Mr Carroll; “This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most enabling these communities to thrive.”
“This project was undertaken by the Direct Labour Water Service Team in Wexford in conjunction with Uisce Éireann and is a prime example bringing the local knowledge and experienced skillset of all water services staff together to build a truly national organisation delivering improved and more efficient water services to our communities, supporting housing, economic development and job creation across the country,” concluded Mr Carroll.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
There was a broad range of issues raised at Monday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre. Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke presided.
Cllr Cathal Byrne would like to see the Local Link bus service through Bree and Ballyhogue extended to serve Galbally and he asked the roads engineering department to address potholes at Bellevue Court and the poor condition of the road from Ballymorris to Galbally.
Cllr Aidan Browne raised issues about the forest trail at the Ringwood and the poor conditions endured by residents.
It was confirmed that repairs to the bridge at The Still Pond is to receive attention.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy raised ongoing issues in the Bunclody area, especially at Abbeydown and Coolmeelagh, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan mentioned the traffic management situation at Ballycarney crossroads, and Cllr Jackser Owens suggested the need for a ramp to control the traffic flow at Bohreen Hill in Enniscorthy.
The TANYARD LANE leading onto Rafter Street is to get public lighting. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The roads report gave an insight into District Development Projects 2024 which are dependant on a budget of €150,000. Pedestrian crossings are high on the agenda.
A pedestrian crossing on Church Road, Bunclody, which cost €30,000 is completed and waiting for a power supply; A section of footpath in Kiltealy village is completed at a cost of €15,000 and works have started on the provision of public lighting at Tanyard Yard, between old Dunnes Stores car park and Rafter St., in Enniscorthy at a cost of €5,000.
A €60,000 pedestrian crossing on the R772 at the bottom of Springvally, near the Rafter Bridge, which is earmarked for demolition going forward, at Enniscorthy is “at the design stage,” so too, plans for line marking, signs and bollards at Pearse Road, Enniscorthy, and various schools and the invoice commences at €9,000.
Granite paving at St. Mogue’s Well in Ferns will cost €5,000 and works are expected to commence shortly, May 2024.
€26,000 is earmarked for a pedestrian crossing at St. Mary’s Cemetery at Blackstoops, Enniscorthy, and they are waiting until the contractors finish other works at Bohreen Hill.
The report says that general maintenance is ongoing, such as pothole repairs, gully cleaning and inlet works around the Enniscorthy Municipal District.
Gardai in Wexford are investigating an incident where the body of a woman in her mid-50s was found outside a house at Mill Park, Castlebridge.
Investigators believe a fatal incident involving a vehicle happened between 11.30am and 12 noon.
The body remains at the scene.
Forensic collision investigators are in attendance and a section of the Mill Park estate is closed to traffic.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have camera footage to contact them.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident can contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Group photo on the roof of Enniscorthy Castle at Enniscorthy Forum Buildings Action Coalition Reception.
By Dan Walsh
Enniscorthy Forum hosted the second summit of its Buildings Action Coalition with the theme “Metrics of Success: Securing Real Progress Toward Sustainable Buildings”, bringing together officials and staff from both national and international government, policy experts, and leading building practitioners to explore how to decarbonise buildings and create more resilient livable communities.
The Enniscorthy Forum was established to support the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda, focusing on Buildings and the Built Environment, Energy, Diplomacy, Health, and Education.
In his opening remarks, the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage Darragh O’Brien noted; “The overall objective of the Enniscorthy Forum’s Buildings Action Coalition, to achieve high performance in buildings and the built environment rapidly and at global scale, strikes at the heart of the critical challenges we face. It is essential that all these efforts lead to improved quality of life – that is, improved health, better economic, social, and environmental resilience, social justice, better levels of comfort, affordability, indoor and broader urban air quality. We are pleased to see Ireland take a leading role in advancing these principles globally.”
For various times over the course of three days, 150 participants joined the summit either in person or online to consider issues and opportunities related to buildings and the built environment.
Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, observed that “Nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions are a result of the energy services that buildings require, services such as heating, cooling, and ventilating. We can add to that figure all the embedded carbon in the materials that go into buildings and all of the transport emissions that are a consequence.
Barbara-Anne Murphy CEO, Enniscorthy Forum, Tomas O’Leary and Art McCormack from MosArt signing Letter of Intent with Enniscorthy Forum Buildings Action Coalition.
One of the key objectives under the vision of the Buildings Action Coalition is to change the culture of the buildings industries. Enniscorthy Forum is undertaking to achieve that shift in culture not only through its networks of academia and centres of excellence, but also through engagement with youth organisations and use of the creative and performing arts to both teach and inspire youth on the principles of high performance.
One of the highlights of the summit was a gathering at Senan House, the first high performance commercial building in Ireland, for a presentation of technology innovations emerging from Trinity College of Dublin’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre. Participants then decamped to Enniscorthy Castle for a ceremony signing in new members of the Buildings Action Coalition. In addition to the letters of intent signed with the YSL, new members included MosArt Passive House Architects based in County Wicklow and Centre for Energy Efficiency EnEffect based in Sophia, Bulgaria.
In her concluding remarks, Barbara-Anne Murphy, CEO of Enniscorthy Forum, noted “Getting buildings and the built environment right is the one thing that can deliver important, impactful results in a relevant timeframe. We don’t need to wait for nuclear fusion – we have the technology, we have the capital, and we have the know-how to make a real difference in the performance of buildings.”
Fire crews from Bunclody and Enniscorthy fighting a fire at the old post office in Ballycarney this morning. (Pic; Barry Lacey).
By Dan Walsh
Two units of County Wexford Fire Service from Enniscorthy and Bunclody responded to an outbreak of fire at the Old Post Office in Ballycarney this morning.
The appliances arrived promptly at the scene and succeeded in containing the fire and prevented it from spreading while the interior of the building escaped damage.
In a post on social media, Barry Lacey thanked the efforts of the fire service and added; “We would also like to thank our neighbours and friends and people in the local community. Within 10 minutes of the smoke being first reported people ascended on the scene with ladders, buckets and banded together to help contain the fire from spreading.
“In the following hours more people arrived to help with the clean-up and turned what would have been a day’s work into only few hours,” said Mr Lacey who extended “a huge thank you to everyone who helped today and while this event was unfortunate it certainly showed what a strong community exists here in Ballycarney. The fire slowed us down but didn’t stop us and we’ll see you all for tea and a chat soon!!
Owned by father and son Sean and Barry Lacey, the restored thatched cottage situated on Ballycarney village crossroads served the community as a post office, 1891-1938. Currently, it is used by Ballycarney Development Group for gatherings enjoying songs and stories and available to community groups in a traditional cottage setting beside the River Slaney.
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