Ballytegan says; “Council is not taking this seriously”

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council

A delegation from Ballytegan Tara Rocks Community Group were invited to address the members at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Gorey, but the session ended in disappointment with spokesperson, Jim O’Connor, summing up with the words “you are not taking this seriously?”

Following a welcome from the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pip Breen, the guest community group distributed detailed copies of their aims and demands to the elected members and officials at the meeting and presented their main concerns.

Following on from a public meeting, attended by some of the councillors in the chamber a few weeks ago, the community group outlined a number of issues, including the main road leading to the Gorey-Arklow road, a proposed roundabout off the Coach Road, widening the road from Gorey to Greens Berry Farm and footpath/cycle lanes in the Rock area.

CLLR PIP BREEN, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge District Council

The group felt that making the development and road system right from the start in an area catering for an increased population in housing estates and 1,300 to 1,400 people “if left to developers will be an absolute sham.”

Cllr Anthony Donohoe said he was well aware of the call for a roundabout for a very long time and claimed that €8 million in planning fees and €45 million in total is collected by Wexford County Council in Gorey and he felt it was time that more of that finance was returned to Gorey and used for projects such as the Ballytegan Tara Rocks Community Groups were calling for.

Cllr Donal Kenny said he had attended the public meeting, and the people were very concerned about safety in the area. He mentioned the “money going out of Gorey” and talked about “very narrow” and “very dangerous” roads in the area and recalled difficulties of 14-ft combine harvesters using the roads.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin promised his “100 per cent backing” for the community demands and noted the need for “speed controls” in the area.

Cllr Joe Sulivan pointed out that this is the fifth year of Wexford County Council owning the St. Waleran’s site and he questioned; “What has Wexford County Council done for road infrastructure?”. He said the group “had come in here for a solution” and he suggested the roads section draw up a road plan. Cllr Sullivan said there are 300-400 people in Gleann an Gáirdín and there will be three times that number going forward. “Putting in a road infrastructure for what you (Ballytegan Group) are trying to achieve must be achieved first. You need a plan,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.

There was also support from Cllr Andrew Bolger, who asked for an update on funding as discussed at the November meeting. “Without funding we go nowhere,” he stated.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux referred to “technical difficulties at the railway bridge” and said what is needed is “a major traffic management plan for Gorey.”

Cllr Willie Kavanagh thanked the group for coming to the meeting and outlining their concerns. “We done,” he concluded.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen thanked the delegation and stated that “a commitment from County Hall to do a review on a major traffic plan” was imminent and assured the group that “you are being listened to. We will look for a solution.” He felt the population growth must be addressed.

In reply, Jim O’Connor, spokesperson for the group, expressed disappointment. “You are not taking this seriously?” he concluded.

2,500 trees for Enniscorthy Tech Park

CLLR JOHN FLEMING, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, leading the way at the plantation of 2,500 natives trees at Enniscorthy Technology Park.

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy Technology Park at Salville, south of the town, is now planted with 2,500 native trees as part of ‘The 100 Million Trees Project’.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming welcomed the attendance and said: “It is great to see another site planted with native trees as part of the 100 Million Trees Project and thanked Richard and David Mulcahy for choosing County Wexford to launch their project.”

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke thanked the many local volunteers for their commitment and dedication in keeping Enniscorthy beautiful and stated that this project will provide so many benefits to the local community and for biodiversity.

Richard Mulcahy said; “We are absolutely thrilled to meet our launch objective of planting 20,000 trees in year one, but by this April, we aim to have 200,000 to 250,000 new young native tree varieties planted in the ground at over 75 different sites around the country.”

Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District and local Cllrs Aidan Browne and Cathal Byrne were all in attendance. Enniscorthy Tidy Towns and Sustainable Enniscorthy were represented by local volunteer Billy Murphy. Richard Mulchay and representatives from Forestry Services were also in attendance.

‘The 100 Million Trees Project’ was launched in late 2022 in Co. Wexford and is a national community-driven initiative developed by brothers, Richard and David Mulcahy. The project’s aim is to plant 100 million native Irish trees throughout the next decade to reverse the environmental damage caused by the reduction of forests worldwide. 

Man (30s) arrested at Rosslare

A man in his 30s has been arrested by Gardaí in connection with the discovery of 14 individuals concealed in a shipping container at Rosslare Europort on Monday, January 8th.

He was arrested yesterday afternoon, (Wednesday), at Rosslare for an alleged offence under the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act, 2021, and is currently detained at a Garda Station in the southeast of the country under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The investigation is ongoing.

Fatal air crash at Duncormick

PETER TAWSE, Newbawn, Co. Wexford and JOHN FINNAN, Naas, Co. Kildare, both died in Duncormick air crash on October 6th 2019.

By Dan Walsh

Air Accident Investigation Unit has published details of a thorough investigation following an aircraft crash which occurred on the evening of Sunday, October 6th 2019 and claimed the lives of pilot John Finnan, 52, from Naas in Co Kildare and flying instructor Peter Tawse, 61, of Raheen, Newbawn, Co Wexford.

They had taken off on a two-seater Rollason Condor light aircraft from Taghmon Airfield that afternoon, before crashing in the Gibletstown area of Duncormick in south Wexford at about 5.40pm.

At approximately 4.10pm on 6th October 2019, the aircraft, a Rollason D.62B Condor, registration EI-BDX, departed ILAS Field (EIIF) near Taghmon, for a flight which was planned to last approximately one hour. There were two persons on board the aircraft: the pilot, who was seated in the left seat, and an instructor, who was seated in the right seat.

The airfield from which the aircraft was operating is located two Nautical Miles (NM) southwest of Taghmon, Co. Wexford. There is a single, grass runway, 600 metre (m) in length, designated Runway (RWY) 18/36.

The aircraft taxied to the northern end of the airfield and, at approximately 4.10pm was observed to take off to the south, before turning right and circling back around, while climbing. The aircraft crossed to the north of the airfield, turned right and continued to climb to at least 3,000 ft and proceeded in a south-easterly direction until it went out of sight. It was described as a ‘completely normal take-off – a completely normal climb’.

Witnesses reported that at approximately 4.40pm the aircraft, while operating over the Duncormick area, emitted a loud noise and broke up in the air. Local persons proceeded to the scene and the emergency services that had attended determined that both occupants had been fatally injured. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was destroyed and that there was no fire.

The wreckage from the aircraft was spread over a wide area spanning four agricultural fields. The largest section of wreckage comprised the instrument panel forward to the propeller; the entire right wing complete with main undercarriage leg and the inboard section of the left wing including the main undercarriage leg. This section of wreckage came to rest, inverted, in the boundary hedgerow of an agricultural field.  

AAIU report on aircraft landing near Gorey

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

The Air Accident Investigation Unit has published the final report on a Cessna 150M EI-HJX light aircraft that successfully made a precautionary landing in a field at Ballinglen, Gorey, at 17.15 hrs on May 12th 2023.

“While flying at an altitude of approximately 2,500 feet, north-east of Gorey, Co. Wexford, with a student and instructor on board, the instructor observed hot engine oil flowing from the instrument panel of the Cessna 150M aircraft, and that the engine oil pressure gauge had no pressure indication. A precautionary landing was completed into an agricultural field. The occupants evacuated the aircraft unaided. Subsequently, it was identified that an unapproved repair had been carried out on the engine oil pressure gauge supply pipe, and that this repair had failed. There were no injuries or fire.

“The AAIU was notified of the event by the aircraft owner at approximately 17:35 hrs on the day of the occurrence. Two Inspectors of Air Accidents deployed to the site, arriving there at approximately 19:30 hrs, and an Investigation was commenced.

“The aircraft, with an Instructor and a Student on board, departed Newcastle Airfield (EINC) in Co. Wicklow at 14:55 hrs and completed a touch and go at Waterford Airport (EIWF), at approximately 16:50 hrs. Following the touch and go at EIWF, the aircraft routed north to return to EINC. The Investigation was informed that there were no abnormal indications until the aircraft entered an area north-east of Gorey, Co. Wexford, at an altitude of approximately 2,500 feet (ft).

The aircraft shortly after landing at Ballinglen. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

“The Instructor stated that at this time a ‘pungent engine smell’ was noticed and that the aircraft doors were unlatched to ventilate the aircraft. The Instructor said that moments later, as he was attempting to confirm that there was nothing wrong with the aircraft, hot oil started to flow from the instrument panel and the area at the Instructor’s feet. The Instructor also noted at this time that the oil pressure gauge was indicating ‘no pressure’.

“The Instructor informed the Investigation that he briefed the Student that it would be necessary to carry out a precautionary landing and that he was going to select one of a group of fields into which he would land. Having selected what was judged to be the best available field, the Instructor stated that he began his approach while completing the Emergency Landing memory items as well as briefing the Student.

“The Instructor stated that a Mayday call was broadcast and that the field selected was located just to the west of Tara Hill near Gorey. The Instructor stated that the precautionary landing was completed without incident and that his familiarity with practice forced landing drills, from his instructional duties, was advantageous to him in dealing with this event.

“He estimated that the time taken for both occupants to evacuate the aircraft, once it had come to a stop, was between five and ten seconds. There was no fire.

“The aircraft was not damaged during the landing, and came to rest in an agricultural field, the surface of which was covered in long grass. The aircraft wheels made curved track marks (approximately 55 metres (m) in length) on the grass surface before the aircraft came to rest on a magnetic heading of approximately 350 degrees.

When inspected in the field, the Investigation noted that the instrument panel was open and that oil had pooled on top of the aircraft’s transponder unit. Examination of the area behind the instrument panel identified that a pipe supplying engine oil from the engine to the oil pressure gauge had fractured and allowed engine oil to discharge into the aircraft cockpit.

The Cessna 150M is a high-wing aircraft, equipped with a fixed tricycle landing gear and, electrically actuated wing-flaps. It is powered by a single, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed reciprocating engine. The fuselage and empennage are of an all-metal semi monocoque design. The wings are externally braced and have two metal fuel tanks. The aircraft was equipped with dual controls. The accident aircraft had a certified maximum take-off weight of 726 kg.

Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service, was asked to provide details of the estimated weather conditions prevailing in the Ballinglen area at the time of the incident.

“A ridge of high pressure, extending from an anticyclone to the south-west, covers Ireland generating a light to moderate northerly airflow. Surface Wind: Wind at 2,000 feet (ft): Surface to 300 ft: North to north-east 8-10 knots (kt). Northeast 10-15 kt. Similar to surface. Visibility: 30 + kilometres (km). Weather: Sunny, with some fair-weather cloud.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit “Having identified that the aircraft had developed a significant oil leak, a field was selected, and a precautionary landing was carried out without further damage to the aircraft and with no reported injuries to personnel. The Investigation identified that the cause of the oil leak was the failure of an unapproved repair that had joined two sections of metal pipe butted together using a plastic sleeve secured with tie-wraps and locking wire.”

€12,985 for Fethard RNLI annual Christmas swim

Presentation of cheque for proceeds of Christmas swimming activity at Fethard RNLI. (Pic; RNLI/Liam Ryan Photography).

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI fundraising committee members, joined by some of Fethard’s volunteer crew, gathered last week to receive funds amounting to €12,985 raised by the Hooked On Swimming Group and two businesses with local links.

In its third year, the dedicated group of local swimmers took part in their annual 12 Swims of Christmas, taking to the chilly December waters surrounding the Hook Peninsula, whenever conditions allowed. The group also organised a much looked forward to coffee morning, with delicious home baked treats and a monster raffle. Every December, they create a fantastic community atmosphere, a social outlet during the winter months, all while raising vital funds for their local lifeboat. This year’s total also included the generous donation of €3,500 from the Greenlink project, and a separate donation of €2,500 from Scurri, a locally owned delivery management software company.

Volunteer fundraising committee representative, Sarah Bates, accepted the cheques on behalf of the RNLI and expressed a huge ‘THANKS’ and said: “The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard, and the government, and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As we enter in to our 200th year of lifesaving, donations like we received today, are just as important as ever for us to continue saving lives at sea.”

Wexford Macra charity dance on Friday

Wexford Macra are holding a dance in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, next Friday, January 19th, in aid of two great causes – Little Blue Heroes and Talk to Tom. With music by award-winning country star Stuart Moyles.

As a grassroots organisation, Wexford Macra are committed to engaging with, and improving, the wider community around them.

Founded in 2012, Talk to Tom is a South East-based charity, working towards suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and bereavement support and its supports the region’s mental health services, and in the last twelve years, they have provided support to over 2,000 people struggling with suicidal ideation and mental illness.

The mental health of young people in rural Ireland is a priority for Macra, both locally and nationally. Little Blue Heroes, established in 2017, is a charity voluntarily led by Garda members, retired Garda members and civic minded people from communities. “We chose these two charities because they are local”, says County Macra Chairperson, Ronan Finn. “Talk to Tom is a great charity, especially for the younger generation, in terms of mental health, and mental health is so important to us all. Little Blue Heroes do amazing work for children, and we would love to be able to help them out in any way we can.”

This event is open to the public, with people of all ages and abilities welcome. Doors will open at 9pm, with music starting at 9.30pm. Entry is €10 on the door (cash only), with proceeds going to the two selected charities.

Double success for Rob James

By Dan Walsh

ROB JAMES … a point-to-point double today in Tipperary.

Killanne rider/handler Rob James travelled to Turtulla, Co. Tipperary, today (Sunday) where he recorded a double success on a fine afternoon in heavy ground conditions.

Newcomer Old Tom Morris in the Matchmaker Syndicate colours gave James a rider/handler combined success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Now bound for the sales, the well named Old Tom Morris had two and a half lengths to spare over Millforce in the Orphan Girl Syndicate colours, handled by Liam Kenny at his Craanford stables, and ridden by the handler’s son, James Kenny.

Rob James made it a double success on the day when given the successful mount on Now So Jake for handler David Harry Kelly, from Fethard, Co. Tipperary, in the adjacent maiden race for five-year-olds plus. The wining margin was eight lengths.

Next Sunday’s point-to-point action happens at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, where the Ballingore Harriers stage a six race card. First race starts at 12.30pm.

Seas off Wexford” safer for the birds

By Dan Walsh

New Special Protection Area (SPA) covers over 305,000 hectares of marine waters off the coast of Wexford to improve protection for twenty species of birds and Seas off Wexford increases the percentage of protected marine waters around Ireland to almost 10%, in line with European commitments.

This announcement by the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD marks the largest SPA in the history of the State.

The new Seas off Wexford Special Protection Area (SPA), which is to be designated under the EU Birds Directive, will cover more than 305,000 hectares of important marine waters for a range of bird species throughout the year.

Surpassing the Northwest Irish Sea SPA that was designated as the largest site for marine seabirds just last year, the Seas off Wexford SPA, at more than 3,000 square kilometres, becomes the largest Special Protection Area in Ireland.

The new SPA adjoins eight existing SPAs already designated in this area, four of which are designated for breeding seabirds, and the publication of detailed information and maps for the site brings certainty and clarity to a long-mooted proposal for protections for marine birds in this area.

Minister Noonan said; “At 305,000 hectares, the Seas off Wexford SPA is bigger than County Wexford itself and the largest ever area to be protected for birds in the history of the State. I’m delighted to be able to announce this significant step forward for nature, and particularly for marine seabirds.

This Government is working hard to ensure robust biodiversity protections, just as we are working hard to deliver on our offshore renewable energy objectives. Biodiversity action and climate action must go hand in hand, and we must continue to work together to protect nature while delivering a swift transition to more sustainable and renewable forms of energy.”

Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Niall Ó Donnchú, said: “This designation of the Seas off Wexford is another determined step by Ireland to protect our marine birdlife. The 20 species protected at this site are some of our rarest and most threatened birds, and these waters are a valuable feeding resource for the seabirds that return every spring to Wexford’s coastal and island colonies to breed. Outside of the summer months, these relatively shallow coastal waters provide safe feeding and roosting opportunities for a range of marine birds overwintering here or on passage.

These protections are vital in a time when the pressures on our nature and biodiversity have never been greater, and the challenges of the climate emergency have never been more pressing.”