€85,000 worth of cannabis seized in Wexford

Ten people have been arrested and around €85,000 worth of cannabis seized as part of Operation Thor across Wexford on Good Friday.

A search of a house in the north of the county uncovered a grow house where officers confiscated around €43,000 in cannabis.

Another €42,000 worth of cannabis seized was seized in a separate residential search in the south of the county.

As part of the operation, 10 people have been arrested and charged in relation to a number of offences including burglary, possession of drugs for sale or supply, criminal damage and theft.

Four people, one woman in her 30s and three men, two in their 30s and one in his 40s, appeared before special sittings at Carlow and Kilkenny District Courts yesterday.

A man in his 20’s is due to appear before the courts today. Four men and a woman have also been charged and bailed to appear before the courts later.

Sinn Fein Easter Commemorations

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Féin Loch Garman are holding a series of Easter Commemorations across Co. Wexford this weekend, commencing today (Easter Saturday) with the Riverchapel Easter Commemoration at Ardamine Graveyard and the final resting place of Seán Etchingham. It takes place at 12 noon and the guest speakers are Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and Kevin Molloy, Gorey Local Election candidate. Another commemoration takes place at Ballymore, Camolin at 7pm.

JOHNNY MYTHEN TD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The Wexford Town commemoration takes place on Easter Sunday. Participants will assemble at Crescent Quay Car Park at 12 noon and events will move to Crosstown for 1pm. The main speaker will be Johnny Mythen TD.

Easter Monday events commence at Murrintown where participants will assemble at 12.15pm.

Enniscorthy commemoration is also on Easter Monday, assemble at the Rafter Bridge at 2pm. The main speaker is Kathleen Funchion TD and Ireland South European Election candidate.

Plans to redevelop Enniscorthy town centre

MARKET SQUARE, ENNISCORTHY. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

An update on the Enniscorthy Town Centre Regeneration Project and the redevelopment of the old Murphy Flood’s Hotel site in the town centre were contained in reports presented at the March meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, last Monday. Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke was in the chair.

It was reported that Wexford County Council Planning Department, in collaboration with Special Projects, has developed a strategic plan for Enniscorthy town centre, which was adopted at the Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting in December 2022.

Regeneration works to the Market Square, Enniscorthy Castle Quarter and Templeshannon will form part of a forthcoming Call 4 URDF application.

The Part 8 process for Market Square and town centre street enhancement was commenced on October 4th 2023, which was designed by Moloney O’Beirne Architects & Roughan & O’Donovan Consulting Engineers. Following a public submission, An Bord Pleanála have requested further information from Wexford County Council in relation to the proposed development. This was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on December 18th, 2023.

Preliminary design work on the Enniscorthy Castle Quarter project has now also commenced and it is intended to submit a Part 8 planning application for this in Q2 2024. ODKM Architects have been appointed to undertake concept master planning design services for the Templeshannon Regeneration Project. This masterplan will be completed in time for the forthcoming URDF application.

In other information regards the Murphy Floods Redevelopment Wexford County Council has acquired the former Murphy Floods Hotel site, and adjacent derelict properties, in Enniscorthy Town Centre. The Council now seeks to advance a proposal to redevelop this vacant plot, which has previously secured Part 8 consent in July 2022. O’Connor Sutton Cronin Consulting Engineers were appointed in May 2023 to undertake full stage design services for the demolition and site preparation elements of the scheme.

A tender competition to appoint a works contractor for the demolition works onsite has commenced and tender assessment is nearing completion. Phase 1 works are anticipated to commence on site in Q2 2024, which is in the April-June period.

NOTE; Q2 is a reference to the period April- June. The year is divided into four Q’s (quarters) which is the estimated time scale language used in official reports from Wexford County Council.

Courtown seaside village welcoming and safe

COURTOWN HARBOUR

By Dan Walsh

A North Wexford public representative is urging people to visit, support and enjoy what Courtown Harbour has to offer over the Easter Weekend and the summer months.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Cllr Joe Sullivan said that over the past number of months at various meetings of public bodies such as Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Wexford County Council, Wexford Joint Policing Committee and social media postings by elected and non-elected politicians he has noticed that “Courtown Harbour is been portrayed as at worst as crime ridden place, or at best a place where law enforcement could be enhanced.

“I would have to take issue with the above in my opinion I believe Courtown Harbour is a safe and welcoming place to visit and indeed I would encourage anybody visiting North Wexford over the coming Easter Weekend to include Courtown Harbour and indeed the general Courtown area in their list of destinations to visit during their stay.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN

Cllr Sullivan says Courtown has a number of attractions which are well worth a visit including, Active Tribe Leisure Centre, The Seal Sanctuary, Courtown Woods where one can go on a foraging tour with Lorraine of Gallivanting Tours and get a detailed insight to the plant life that exists in the woods.

While walking in the woods one will encounter the ancient Kilbride Cross and can view the historic Ballinatray Bridge from the level of the Ounvarragh River as it flows to the sea. If you are into walking or hiking the Courtown-Kiltennell trail will bring you three kilometres north on a peaceful journey through woodland.

In Courtown Village itself you will find the usual seaside attractions Amusements, Ice Cream outlets, Coffee Shops, Restaurants, Public Houses, Gift Shops and indeed a turf accountant should you want to have a punt while there. A short walk across the footbridge will bring you to the newly refurbished Plaza Area beside the RNLI Station and Gift Shop. This is a relaxing seaside area with ample seating provided to unwind.

“I believe that Courtown has for far too long been in receipt of far too much negative publicity about policing and crime. It is now time based on facts to send out a positive message that Courtown is a safe welcoming seaside village where tourists to the area are safe and their visit is appreciated and respected,” concluded Cllr Sullivan. 

Iarnród Éireann Easter arrangements

The tunnel at Enniscorthy (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Iarnród Éireann advises customers that a revised timetable will be in place this Easter weekend on all routes.
Customers are advised to check times before travel from Good Friday, March 29th to Easter Monday, April 1st, inclusive for revised schedules, at www.irishrail.ie or at the Iarnród Éireann app.
Customers are asked to note, in particular, the following works taking place over the Easter weekend. Saturday 30th March to Easter Monday 1st April inclusive, Grand Canal Dock to Bray. A series of works including track renewal, overhead line renewal, and train protection system works will take place between Grand Canal Dock and Bray.  As a result, DART services between Grand Canal Dock and Bray will be suspended. Dublin Bus and Go Ahead will accept rail tickets on relevant services. DART services will operate between Howth/Malahide and Grand Canal Dock, and between Bray and Greystones.
Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort Intercity will involve bus transfers between Dublin Connolly and Greystones. Iarnród Éireann apologises to customers for the inconvenience caused by these essential works. Revised times on many routes, including a Saturday schedule on DART and revised Saturday schedule on Commuter services. Check times for all routes at www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app.

Easter Sunday address at Oulart monument

By Dan Walsh

The third annual Mise Éire Easter Address takes place at Oulart on Easter Sunday at 12 noon and will be delivered by one of Ireland’s best-loved historians, journalists, authors, biographers and editor of the defunct newspaper, The Irish Press, Tim Pat Coogan.

TIM PAT COOGAN

Mr Coogan will speak at Oulart Monument on the topic of the Role of The Kennedy Family in the Northern Ireland Peace Process. This is a subject that well deserves to be brought to public notice as the input of Ted Kennedy and Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith were often critical.

Besides, the late Jean Kennedy Smith had a soft spot for Oulart and visited the hill and village twice. In 1995, she planted the Tree of Liberty at the Wake Field, and in 1998 she was principal speaker on Oulart Hill for the Bicentenary Celebrations where she addressed some 15,000 people including up to 2,000 pike people.

On that great day in Oulart she then crossed the hill and turned the first sod for Tulach a’ tSolais. This is now remembered in the Jean Kennedy Smith Walk around Oulart Village and Hill.

Elected local representatives have been invited by new Hon. Sec. Bridget Mythen and Tim Pat Coogan will be officially welcomed on behalf of all by new Chairman, Chris Furlong of Kilnamanagh.

The ceremony will begin at 12 noon and end at or near 12.30. Everybody is very welcome to attend.

Oak tree is planted in Clonroche

At the tree planting ceremony in Clonroche, (left to right); Cliona Connolly, Wexford County Council; Tom Furlong, Clonroche Development Association); Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council); Martin Kelly, Clonroche Development Association; Cllr John O’ Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Diarmuid O’ Sullivan, Clonroche Development Association.

By Dan Walsh

Local public representative and Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming planted an oak tree with members of Clonroche Development Association to celebrate National Tree Week, an annual event organised by the Tree Council of Ireland in partnership with Coillte.

This year’s theme was “Planting Trees for a Greener Future” highlights the importance of planting more trees as a crucial component of addressing biodiversity challenges and fighting climate change.

Cllr Fleming said; “Trees are an essential part of the environment and by doing something as simple as planting a tree, we can all play a part in helping the environment. I would encourage everyone to plant trees so we can help to tackle climate change and provide cleaner air for all.”

To celebrate National Tree Week, Wexford County Council in conjunction with the Tree Council of Ireland and Coilte distributed 500 native saplings to schools and community groups across County Wexford.

Wexford County Council also promote and support local communities with the ‘Trees for Wexford Scheme’ which saw 8,957 trees, saplings, and hedging distributed to voluntary community groups and schools last February,

Traffic plans for Wexford’s Newtown Road

By Dan Walsh

There is important information for road users and the Stop/Go system in operation outside Applegreen on the Newtown Road between Wexford Racecourse and the Maldron Hotel roundabout.

This has opened to a two-way traffic flow from 6.30pm this evening (Wednesday). The Stop/Go traffic management will be reinstated at 9.30am tomorrow (Thursday) morning until 4.30pm. tomorrow evening. Road works will then be recommenced following the Bank Holiday weekend on Tuesday, April 2nd.

Meanwhile, the main contractor, Glas Civil Engineering Ltd, have issued an apology to road users who were subjected to long delays and traffic confusion that occurred this morning at the roadworks on the Newtown Road.

“Completion of our works were unfortunately delayed due to weather and other circumstances which necessitated the works continuing into the morning of Wednesday. The delays were also compounded by an over ambitious night works programme in trying to complete the works as quickly as possible. This will not be repeated,” said the statement, which added; “We would like to apologise for the delays caused this morning and we want to assure that these delays will not be repeated.”

Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day winners

CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council presents the prizes from the St Patrick’s Day Parade Festival. (Pic; Enniscorthy Municipal District Council/Pat O’Connor).

By Dan Walsh

Winners at the recent Enniscorthy St Patrick’s Day Festival parade which involved 700 participants and almost 30 groups have been announced and presentations made by the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke.  

Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Creative Places kindly sponsored and the winners were Martina Leacy Dance Academy (€500), Brazilian Community Group (€500) and Smyths Homevalue (€500) for the best Business Window Display. Philomena Murphy won €100 Hamper Prize from Pettitts SuperValu Enniscorthy for the ‘Best Dressed’ on the day.

Cllr John O’Rourke said; “Enniscorthy Municipal District are delighted to sponsor the prizes for this year’s event. On behalf of the Elected Members, I would like to thank all the participants in the parade and the business owners who entered the Best Business Window Display competition for their creativity and great effort they put into this year’s St. Patricks Day.”

Deryn O’Callaghan, Creative Places Enniscorthy who also sponsored the prizes congratulated all the team new and old and said that the parade was a great success.

Is Ballinatray a bridge too far?

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

Courtown received many favourable mentions at yesterday’s (Tuesday) March meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council; the Courtown /Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan got an airing and so did the 5.6kms that is the incomplete Gorey to Courtown footpath, but crossing the iconic Ballinatray Bridge appears to be a bridge too far!

Director of Services with responsibility for roads and Deputy Chief Executive at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, addressed the meeting and outlined very detailed plans for the completion of the footpath in the wake of a recent topographical survey that focussed on the footpath crossing the bridge.

Mr Hore outlined three options; (1) construction of a new bridge, (2) a cantilever deck (“an attachment to the exterior of the existing bridge”) and (3), a surface traffic control or STOP/GO system on the existing roadway. Then there is the matter of cost which would be estimated at around €2 million and in the region of €300,000 of that would be eaten up by consultants before any physical activity on site!

The councillors were totally against the STOP/GO system, so no change then from the last time the matter had been discussed at last December’s meeting. Cllr Anthony Donohoe stated that a STOP/GO system was, using racing parlance, a non-runner. He suggested maybe a suspension bridge would solve the problem, but Mr Hore reminded the meeting of the exorbitant cost that would involve. Cllr Joe Sullivan felt a 60km speed limit would increase safety measures along the footpath.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux believed “the crowds that people talk about using that footpath don’t exist,” and that is from personal use. Cllr Devereux suggested bringing the existing footpath through the woods “down brickyard hill or to the Ballymoney turn off.” There was some support for taking the Courtown Woods route, but some expressed ‘safety’ fears.

So, definitely no support for the STOP/GO suggestion as it was generally felt that it would cause considerable congestion, particularly at holiday times, however, there was some support for looking at a one-way system and taking traffic out of Courtown and Riverchapel towards Bolaney and directly onto the M11?

Mr Hore suggested to the members that the footpath be completed to the Ballymoney turn-off this year to ensure funding and to explore ways of crossing the Ounavarra River or Ballinatray bridge or explore more alternatives afterwards. This was agreed by the Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen and the members.

HISTORY; A work relief scheme organised by Lord Courtown in 1846 for the benefit of the starving poor consisted of drainage and the construction of a road southwards from Ballymoney crossroads to join Gorey and Courtown Harbour road.
In 1847, the present three-arch bridge at Ballinatray, once known as the Courtown Viaduct and at the time, was the highest stone bridge in the country.
Ballinatray Bridge is a 19th century civil engineering feat designed by James Barry Farrell, (1810-1893), who was the County Surveyor, and other similarly amazing works by him can be admired at Carrigmannon, (1844), near Killurin, and Corbally Bridge (1854) on the Enniscorthy to Oulart Road.