New Ross Community Hospital Board Directors, Deirdre Caulfield, John O’Shea, and Sean Reidy are planning a gala dinner dance on March 2nd 2024
By Dan Walsh
New Ross Community Hospital Board of Directors are organising a grand gala dinner dance for Saturday, March 2nd.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Sean Reidy said; “The fundraising event will provide us with the opportunity to gather in celebration of our past and to present our outline plans. All our supporters, stakeholders and families can dress up and dance the night away while knowing their participation will provide much needed financial support to evolve into a modern care setting with wellbeing at its core”.
Chairman John O’Shea added; “There’s great excitement for the changes ahead over the coming years in repositioning our services and reinvigorating our health offerings to meet the demands of caring for our residents”.
The hospital’s voluntary sub-committee working together on the event calls on locals, past staff and those across the district to take this chance to connect and enjoy the Joe Davitt Band in the ballroom of the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross.
A full five course table d’hote menu will be served on the night; individual tickets are on sale now at €65 with the option to host a table of ten guests for €650. Contact Kitty in the hospital office directly on +353 (0)51 421305 or by email on info@nrch.ie
At the signing of the Trinity Wharf project with the Engineering and Architectural Design Team. Back row (L to R): Luke O’Connor (Ayesa); Dana Stepanceva , (Ayesa); AJ Browne, (AtkinsReális); Eddie Taaffe (Wexford County Council); Paul McEvoy (ORHT); Ben Mong (AtkinsReális); Gary Smyth (ORHT); Michael Malone (Wexford County Council); Front row (L to R); Tom Enright (Chief Executive, Wexford County Council), Cllr. John Fleming (Cathaoirleach of Wexford County County), Cllr. John Hegarty (Mayor of Borough District of Wexford),and Martin Gohery (Ayesa).
By Dan Walsh
Good news emerged today (Friday) as Wexford County Council appointed Ayesa (formerly ByrneLooby) as the Design and Construction Services provider for the next phases of the Council’s flagship urban regeneration project at Trinity Wharf in Wexford Town with works to start on site in 2024.
The transformational project is being funded under ‘Call 2’ of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which has been established to part-fund projects aimed at enhancing urban areas to make them more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest.
The 10-acre Trinity Wharf project is central to Wexford County Council’s ambitious plans to attract foreign direct investment and high-quality employment opportunities to County Wexford. With overall project investment estimated at €120 million, including more than €24 million of public investment, the huge regeneration project is central to the long-term regeneration and enhancement of Wexford town and environs by creating a new urban quarter for the south of Wexford town with new links to the Crescent and town centre, as well as improving access to the waterfront.
The Council acquired the site in 2016 and prepared a masterplan and preliminary designs for the creation of a high-quality mixed-use development of modern office space, hotel accommodation, multi-storey carparking, a landmark cultural and events multi-use building together with dozens of residential units, a new marina and a boardwalk linking Trinity Wharf to Paul Quay and the Crescent.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Flemming described the appointment as a truly significant milestone in Wexford’s economic development. “The transformation, regeneration, and redevelopment of Trinity Wharf will have a major positive impact in prosperity and economic activity here in County Wexford and beyond, lifting a central part of the town out of dereliction and providing a first-class public amenity,” said the Cathaoirleach.
Mayor of Wexford Cllr John Hegarty also welcomed today’s announcement. “Regeneration projects such as Trinity Wharf are a rare opportunity to take neglected areas and provide more attractive places in which to live, rest, work, visit, and invest, bringing a benefit the whole community,” said Mayor Hegarty.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Mr. Tom Enright described Trinity Wharf as one of the most exciting and ambitious economic developments projects ever proposed in the county. “Trinity Wharf is a prime example of how the local authority has integrated a diverse set of- economic, social, and recreational needs into a generational opportunity to deliver a progressive and modern multi-use development project that can transform the economic and social landscape of the county,” said Mr. Enright.
Commenting on their appointment, Luke O’Connor Design & Build Lead for Ayesa said; “We take pride in being part of this significant development, working in close partnership with Wexford County Council and all stakeholders to ensure positive impacts for generations to come.”
Trinity Wharf is a phased project. Phase 0 is the foundational phase currently under construction. Phase 0 is integrated with the overall project, focused on providing access and utility connections from the existing public realm to the new development. After Phase 0 is complete, the next Phases 1-3 will deliver the main elements of Trinity Wharf.
Ayesa are the Design Team lead and their delivery partners include AtkinsReális and O’Reilly Hyland Tierney & Associates (ORHT), whose representatives also attended the Contract Signing.
Earlier today (Friday) Revenue officers seized approximately 49 kgs of suspected cocaine at Rosslare Europort.
The drugs with an approximate value of €3,430,000 were discovered because of risk profiling. Investigations are ongoing.
This operation is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN is delighted to see work recommence on the Tober Mhuire site in Gorey.
Good news on the housing situation in Gorey where Cllr Joe Sullivan has confirmed that work has recommenced on the Tober Mhuire site at Scholar’s Walk, and he stated; “Once completed it will provide a further 31 social housing units that are so badly needed in the Gorey town area.”
In April 2022, Cllr Sullivan invited WexfordLocal.com to Gorey “where a dozen state-of-the-art units were ready for occupation at Tober Mhuire View, but were lying idle, apparently some snagging issues needed to be resolved to the Council’s satisfaction.”
Cllr Sullivan has campaigned relentlessly to see this site up and advancing towards completion and continuously raised the issue at district and county level over the past year.
“I am looking forward to the new tenants getting their keys as soon as possible,” Cllr Sullivan told WexfordLocal.com this afternoon.
An Garda Síochána at Wexford Garda Station have commenced a human trafficking investigation following the discovery of 14 people in a shipping container arriving in Rosslare Europort at approximately 3am on Monday, January 8th 2024.
Gardaí were alerted by UK authorities in advance and a co-ordinated plan was put in place with emergency services in Wexford in anticipation of their arrival to the port.
ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic).
The nine men, three women and two girls have been assessed by medical personnel and have been deemed to be in good health.
Gardaí attached to Wexford Garda Station, supported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, are investigating all the circumstances of this incident. They are liaising closely with international counterparts through Europol in The Hague.
The ship’s crew are assisting An Garda Síochána with these enquiries.
Anyone with any information in relation to this incident, no matter how insignificant it may appear, is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053-9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 66 11 or any Garda Station.
Last September Wexford County Council hosted the Governor of Jiangxi Provisional People’s Government, Mr. Ye Jianchun, who is one of the most senior government representatives of China and the Governor has now extended an invitation to the Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Fleming to lead a Wexford delegation to a reciprocal visit to Jiangxi province during 2024.
CLLR JOHN FLEMING, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council will lead a delegation from Wexford to China during 2024.
The matter was on the agenda for last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council where Liz Hore, Director of Services, informed the members of the invitation to the Cathaoirleach and stated; “I am seeking approval for a delegation to attend on behalf of Wexford County Council.”
Wexford was the only location outside Dublin visited by the China delegation in September while visiting Ireland, and while in Wexford, included a tour of Danone, employing 380 people, and on a journey of net-zero emissions and of particular interest to the delegation was “Danone as a market leader in sustainability within the food manufacturing industry.”
“In addition to meetings with Wexford County Council and in order to promote economic trade, education culture and tourism activities between the tour regions, there were meetings with senior management of Danone, Rosslare Europort and Wexford CBS Secondary School,” said Ms. Hore, who added; “A letter of intent was signed to progress the strategic linkages and to work towards embracing each regions cultural strengths.”
Approval for the trip to China met with silence from the members although Cllr Jim Codd couldn’t get his head around the “close ties between China and New Ross?” and Cllr Davy Hynes, stopped short of suggesting that the delegation should go by boat, but questioned “the effects of air travel on the environment.” Cllr Fionntán Ó Súillabháin also spoke out strongly against foreign travel.
This reporter has no further information on Wexford County Council’s trip to China, but if you can get the right odds with your local bookmaker – it will probably happen on St. Patrick’s Day! Cllr Fleming’s tenure expires at the end of June!
Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Development signing a “Framework Agreement” worth up to €15.5 million over the next 5 years (Back Row; (left to right); Claire Ryan. Project Manager, Wexford Local Development; Brian Kehoe, CEO, Wexford Local Development and Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Council. (Front Row); Michael Wall, Chairperson Wexford Local Development; Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council and Cllr Aidan Browne, Chairperson Wexford Local Development Committee.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Development has signed a “Framework Agreement” worth up to €15.5 million for “Social Inclusion and Related Services” over the next 5 years.
The Framework agreement will facilitate the awarding of social inclusion contracts to Wexford Local Development within the five-year period of the agreement and includes an initial Call-Off Contract relating to the national “Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme” (SICAP) 2024 – 2028 worth just over €10m.
Target groups are pre-defined nationally and include those who experience multiple inequalities namely; People living in disadvantaged communities, People impacted by educational disadvantage; People living in jobless households or households where the primary income source is low-paid and/or precarious; People who are long-term unemployed; People with a criminal history; Refugees; International Protection Applicants; People with Disabilities; Heads of One-parent Families; Travellers and Roma.
Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) have also chosen three “Local Priority Target Groups” for a specific focus for the duration of this new programme which are: (1), People living in disadvantaged communities; (2), People impacted by educational disadvantage, and (3) Travellers.
Promotion of climate justice, with a focus on facilitating a just and equitable transition to a greener economy and society, will also be a horizontal theme in the new programme.
Speaking at the signing of the programme, Cllr. Aidan Browne said; “As Chairman of the LCDC, I look forward to the continued collaboration between Wexford LCDC and Wexford Local Development, in delivering this key inclusion programme across County Wexford”
Cllr. John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council said; “I’m delighted to see this level of resources being allocated to the county to ensure social inclusion continues to be delivered to a high standard to those areas, communities and individuals where their need is highest.”
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services with responsibility for Community Development added; “We are delighted to continue this relationship with Wexford Local Development for the delivery of these important services to the county. WLD are highly experienced around social inclusion. SICAP is making a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged people and communities in Co. Wexford. Building on the strong foundations already in place, this new programme will ensure continuity of community-based supports where it’s needed most.”
Programmes Manager with Wexford Local Development, Clare Ryan spoke of the vital importance of SICAP in addressing inequality and improving outcomes for the most disadvantaged groups and individuals in the county. “Equality is about securing equality of opportunity, equality of participation and equality of outcome. What this contract effectively means is that it enables us to provide professional community workers on the ground who directly connect and work alongside those communities most marginalised and impacted by poverty and inequality,” added Ms. Ryan.
Fourteen migrants, two children and 12 adults, who were discovered hidden in a refrigerated trailer on board a lorry arriving at Rosslare Europort in the early hours of Monday morning are reported to be “safe and well.”
The lorry had arrived from France and the terminal building at the port was taken over by emergency services following the discovery. They are said to be of Middle Eastern origin.
They were uncovered after one of the people inside the trailer rang the UK police to inform them they were inside the container on board the ferry.
Gardaí and units from the National Ambulance Service were quickly on scene and medical attention was the immediate priority.
A Garda source confirmed that those on board the trailer were primarily Kurdish nationals, and, following medical examinations, they were brought to the nearest processing centre at City West, Dublin.
An Taoisceach LEO VARADKAR TD opening Wexford Festival Opera 2023.
This evening, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD said; “I only have some initial reports from Rosslare so we’re limited in what I can say at this stage.
“My understanding is the 14 people have been found in a container in a truck in Rosslare Europort. Our first response is always a humanitarian one to check that they are alive and in good health. And my understanding is that they are.
“Our next step now is to facilitate voluntary return their return home if they’re willing to go home, and if they choose to apply for asylum, they are legally entitled to do that we’ll try and process the application as quickly as possible,” concluded An Taoiseach.
By Dan Walsh at the January meeting of Wexford County Council
The Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) will meet next month to consider the Ukraine Refurbishment Programme for Co. Wexford and letters of consent have been issued for three properties in Wexford town, three properties in Enniscorthy town and district and a new project for Ryland Road, Bunclody.
This information was announced to elected members today (Monday) at the January meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber, Carricklawn, Wexford. Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach, was in the chair.
It was stated that the LAIT “continues to place displaced Ukrainian families who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection Orders (BTPO’s) in properties across Wexford, in both rural and urban areas.”
Unity Square is the new title for the old Garda Station on Roche’s Road in Wexford town and it is expected to have an occupancy of 57 and a completion date of December 2024.
The site became a vacant building when the new Garda Headquarters opened at The Folly, Mulgannon, in 2017. The OPW-owned property at Roches’s Road which included the station measuring 440 square metres and two semi-detached houses of 75 square metres each along with a yard and outbuildings, and was sold to a County Wexford buyer by auctioneers Sherry Fitzgerald Radford for €150,000 more than the original guide price.
Later, the OPW instructed the auctioneers to place it on the open market with a guide price of €650,000. Last March, the property was sold at auction for €800,000.
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS at Carricklawn, Wexford.
Other Wexford town properties include numbers 94,96 and 98 Main Street, the former Colman Doyle properties with an occupancy of 58, and properties at numbers 1 and 2, Michael Street, Wexford town, has plans to accommodate a total of 19. April and September, the completion dates here!
The old Ulster Bank site at 22, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy (15), and Borrmount Lodge, Borrmount Village, Bree, (37), first recorded here on WexfordLocal.com (see September 14th 2023 report on the website) are expecting completion in April and June
Templeshannon House in Enniscorthy is earmarked for an occupancy of 15, and the completion date is March, while a new project at Ryland Road, Bunclody, will have an occupancy of 21 from April.
While it is anticipated that engagement with the public may improve, the general view is that communications will consist solely of information, but the policies are in place, and it will be no more than a token gesture. Private arrangements! It is going to be a difficult year for our elected representatives and the relationship of support as the local authority elections are just four months away!
Limited visibility due to the fog at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, this afternoon.
By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely
Many of the brave hardy crowd who gathered for the Shillelagh & District Hunt point-to-point at Fairwood Park, Tinahely, today (Sunday), got the better of the bookies, but were deprived of viewing the thrill of success by the complete lack of visibility as a blanket of fog persisted all afternoon.
Commentator Richard Pugh was forced to put aside his binoculars as he could see absolutely nothing through the fog that invaded his commentary position. Punters had to rely on the official results after each race before knowing if their luck was in or out!
Nevertheless, the six-race card went ahead on schedule and safely and for some it was an occasion to remember – even if it will never make an entry to the video archive!
Popular Conna, Co. Cork, rider John Barry recorded his 200th career winner on Locken Lady in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. Ellmarie Holden from Balyhale, Co. Kilkenny was the successful handler.
Jordan Kidd, (21), from Kentstown, Co. Meath, enjoyed his first every winner on Arverne for Gavin Cromwell by half-a-length in the Open Lightweight Race. Kidd, who admits to being ‘a bit heavy to be a jockey’ has been riding out at Cromwell’s stables for about a year and looking forward; “I would like to be a trainer,” he said afterwards.
Christine Worrell, (20), from Monasterevin, also notched up her first winner on her third ride in point-to-points and one spin on the track. She provided a winner for owner/handler Paddy Quinlan on Elusive Touch by one length in the mares’ maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards.
Barry O’Neill rode his 20th winner of the season on Colin Bowe’s Admiral Stewart in the maiden race for five-year-olds with a six lengths front running performance finishing ahead of Skuna Bay (Denis Murphy and Jack Hendrick) with Mount Rinjani (Robert Tector and Jamie Scallan) two lengths further back in third place.
Kyle Vally was a winner for rider Ross Sugrue in the Winners of One for novice riders, who was favoured by the “ground conditions”, sporting the colours of Caroline Doyle of Tullow and handled by Sean Osborne from Clonegal.
Michael Murphy’s Redbridge Stables at Duncormick enjoyed the first success of the season with Class Award in the gelding’s maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards. He scored by ‘a neck’ under rider Darragh Higgins.
The fog never relented although the view changed regularly and there was always the hope that it would drop away but the low temperatures persisted. The track performed well “soft, soft to heavy in places” was the official going and the well wrapped up point-to-point enthusiasts never complained!
WexfordLocal.com 