Wexford County Council and Women for Election recently hosted an introductory session in the Council Chamber, Wexford County Council to launch a training programme to support women who are interested in running for election in 2024 or in future elections.
Over twenty-five attendees enjoyed a programme of speakers which included Cllr Maura Bell, Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition and Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan who shared her experience of being a female councillor for the past twenty years.
CLLR MAURA BELL, Chairperson of Wexford Women’s Coalition.
Wexford County Council Archivist Gráinne Doran gave a talk on Ellen ‘Nell’ Ryan who was the first female councillor elected to Wexford County Council in June 1928. Nell had also been a member of Wexford Board of Guardians (and chairman of same in 1920) in addition to her active participation in the revolutionary struggle, 1916-23.
Brian Sheehan, CEO of Women for Election stated; “We all know of extraordinary women who are the lifeblood of communities and community organisations across Wexford County and this programme will encourage and support many of these women to bring their community knowledge, experience, and skills to where decisions about their communities are made – Wexford County Council.”
The training programme aims to inspire and encourage women to stand in the upcoming Local Elections in June 2024, or in the future and is part of a national programme to achieve gender balance in politics. It also is aimed at the team behind the candidate as there are many ways to support female candidates.
With just six women of the 34 Councillors in Wexford, it is believed there is a distance yet to go and there is a ‘one-in-five-year’ chance in the coming local elections in June to begin to redress this imbalance.
“The launch event showed a huge appetite among women in Wexford to serve their communities by entering local politics and also showcased the great work being done, cross-party, by the Women’s Coalition on the Council,” stated Mr. Sheehan, who added; “This next election cycle carries a great opportunity for the voters of Wexford to reshape their local council, and to make significant inroads in addressing the imbalance on the council, where just 18% of the councillors (6 of 34) are women.”
Further information on the training programme is available from http://www.womenforelection.ie and at wwww.wexfordcoco.ie.
Pictured at the sod turning ceremony for the Bellefield Development Project were; Brian Kehoe, Development Committee, Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, Sam McCauley, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Minister James Browne, Pat Quigley, Project Manager, Ger McVeigh, Chairman Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club, Michael Doyle, Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club (at the back), Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Caoimhe O’Rourke, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager.
By Dan Walsh at McCauley Bellefield Park
Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club, Enniscorthy, Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District held a sod turning event at Bellefield GAA grounds today (Tuesday) on €1.5 million private-public-community investment programme that will transform the community and sporting facilities on offer.
Chairperson of Rapparees Starlight’s GAA Club, Ger McVeigh welcomed guests including Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke and the elected members, Minister James Browne, Chief Executive Tom Enright, project team members and council officials to the facility to officially celebrate the ambitious programme and in particular to mark the commencement of works under phase two.
Cathaoirleach Cllr O’Rourke described the project as “an exciting development for Enniscorthy and an enormous benefit for the entire community of Enniscorthy”. “This project is a testament to collaboration, innovation, and the dedication of everyone involved and as we turn the soil let it be a symbol of shared determination to create an inclusive community space that will benefit generations to come,” concluded Cllr O’Rourke who jointly turned the sod, aided by his niece Caoimhe O’Rourke, with Ger McVeigh of Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Tom Enright spoke of the long-term benefit that the new facilities will bring to Enniscorthy. “Wexford County Council is pleased to be part of this wonderful project that will bring real, long-term health and wellbeing benefits to the wider town of Enniscorthy. These new facilities are a testament to the added value that can be brought to a project when private, public and community investment is aligned and coordinated.
“I wish to thank the Chairperson of the Rapparees Starlight’s and the Club for embarking on such an ambitious project and to particularly recognise the very generous contribution of Sam McCauley, which made this project a reality. Wexford County Councils contribution is focused on realigning and reimagining the entrance to this facility from the public road – by significantly enhancing the safety of the approach and entry/exit of the facility through a new pedestrian crossing and off-street public car parking we will transform the Bellfield Road area. The Council will also support the development of the new playground via the Department of Rural & Community Developments Community Recognition Fund, which we will formally announce soon,” concluded Mr Enright.
SAM McCAULEY speaking at today’s ceremony at McCauley Bellefield Park
Sam McCauley reflected on his long association with the club, commended the project team for the trojan work, stating that “the proposed development of the front entrance will be effectively a shop window to the rest of the club facilities.”
The Project Manager, Pat Quigley, who gave a detailed outline of the entire development, said “this element of the development is in partnership with the Rapparees Starlight’s Club and Wexford County Council and will provide a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Enniscorthy that promotes the health and well-being of the whole community.” Minister James Browne spoke in appreciation for the public private project and expressed the gratitude of Enniscorthy for Rapparees-Starlights GAA Club and Wexford County Council working together for the good of the community.
The overall project will see investment of over €1.5 million, with collaboration from the local community and the Rapparees Starlight’s Finance Committee raising €400,000; Wexford County Council providing funds of €400,000 and a greatly appreciated donation from local businessman Sam McCauley of €600,000.
The first phase, which is approaching completion, included the development of two new pitches, fencing and associated drainage works, main infrastructure for a sensory garden as well as a community walking track complete with lighting. Major ESB works were required with the removal of six poles and cables brought underground to a newly installed ESB pillar station. Funding for this phase was provided by philanthropic donation from local businessman and long-time club member, Sam McCauley, and renamed, McCauley Bellefield Park.
The second phase of the project, which is commencing February 2024, is a public-community partnership and will include the development of a new statement entrance for the Club, together with 25 new public carparking spaces, new footpath with bollards, fencing, public lighting and signage. A new pedestrian crossing on the Bellefield Road will be delivered as part of phase two, as well as a new pocket garden with seating and a playground for young children. Funding for this second phase will be from the Rapparees Starlight’s Club in association with Wexford County Council.
Uisce Éireann has today (Tuesday) announced it will be recruiting for 700 new jobs across the country and are inviting candidates in Wexford to apply for what they describe as “an exciting career with Ireland’s National Water Authority.”
These exciting opportunities will be available in the next year, with positions ready to be filled immediately.
The roles span a range of disciplines, offering a chance for professionals, tradespeople at all levels, recent graduates, and skilled workers to contribute to their local communities while building rewarding careers. Uisce Éireann is committed to providing ongoing training, and attractive compensation and benefits packages to ensure a secure and fulfilling work experience.
Speaking at the announcement, Uisce Éireann’s People and Safety Director, Dawn O’Driscoll said; “As we continue our development as Ireland’s national water authority with responsibility for the delivery of public water and wastewater services nationwide, we are delighted to be announcing 700 new jobs for candidates across the country. We’re filling an exciting range of roles in all counties, including front-line operations, science and engineering, administration, communications, management and IT.
“This is the largest recruitment announcement made by Uisce Éireann to date and reflects the scope and scale of the activities we are carrying out nationwide. These new positions will not only offer a chance to make a tangible difference to your community but will provide plenty of opportunities to develop your career in a growing organisation. We are looking for people with diverse skillsets to play their part in delivering transformative water services that enable their local communities to thrive.
“At Uisce Éireann, we are proud to provide all employees with equal opportunities and we continue to demonstrate our full commitment to creating an open, diverse and inclusive workplace that enables all our people to achieve their full potential.”
Uisce Éireann encourages interested individuals to visit www.water.ie/careers to explore and apply for the exciting opportunities available in their local areas.
Gorey-based Fine Gael election candidate, Darragh McDonald, has made a submission to the Garda Commissioner emphasising “that Garda resources in North Wexford are well below the national average and need urgent review.”
DARRAGH McDONALD Fine Gael election candidate in North Wexford
“Over the last number of months, as part of my election campaign, myself and my team have knocked on over 7,000 doors across North Wexford ranging from town streets to rural farms and there is a universal concern that while the local Gardaí in place are fantastic, overall resources in the areas are not sufficient,” stated Mr McDonald, who added; “I have also discussed the issue with members and retirees of an Garda Síochána and their expert view is similar.”
Mr McDonald. using CSO data, states that the combined number of Gardaí in Gorey and Courtown is 56 and he notes that; “If we look specifically at Courtown Garda Station it operates on a part-time basis with just one Garda resource allocated to the station to cover for a population of over 4,365 people and must be one of the worst resourced Garda stations in the country.
“As many will remember Gorey Garda station was downgraded from a district headquarters in 2013 losing its Superintendent, and since then has been a sub-district of Enniscorthy. I believe this decision was a serious mistake which could not have been supported by statistics and all politicians in the county significantly failed in pushing back hard enough against this at the time,” said Mr McDonald, who concluded; “If the Commissioner cannot rectify the situation immediately, he should clearly outline the criteria for an increase in resources and how often reviews are undertaken so we in North Wexford can clearly understand why we are in the situation we are in.”
John O’Dowd, Tony Black, Bertie Finn (rider), Tara Doyle and Pat Doyle (owner and handler) with Lady Mags following her success in the mares’ maiden race at Ballinaboola, New Ross, today (Sunday).
By Dan Walsh at Ballinaboola
Eighty-four of the 140 entries stood their ground and faced the starter at today’s Wexford Foxhound’s well attended point-to-point at Ballinaboola, New Ross, resulting in a nine-race card and doubles for handlers Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, and Colin Bowe, Kiltealy, and Tomhaggard rider Jamie Scallan.
The first four-year-old maiden race of the year ended in a photo-finish with the Billy Connors owned, Colin Bowe handled, and Barry O’Neill ridden Korkoran securing victory by a head from Let Me Go Boys (Michael Murphy/Darragh Higgins with Seaview Rock (Robert James/Eoin Staples) a head back in third place after a tremendous battle over the last two obstacles.
The first division of the afternoon came in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with 25 declared. Sean Doyle and Jamie Scallan initiated the first of their double success with The Final Word getting home by a neck from Old But Gold (Denis Murphy/Jack Hendrick), while Forty Coats, owned and handled by Andrew Latta at Ballinakill, Ballycarney, had a slightly easier task in winning division two by four lengths with Harry Swan in the saddle. Immediately afterwards, Harry, who is son of former champion jump jockey Charlie Swan of Istabraq fame, hurried away to Leopardstown where he had a ride in the bumper.
The maiden race for five and six-year-old mares was next to be divided. The Go Left Ben Syndicate and handler Benny Walsh from Tomhaggard were in celebration mood after Two Fingers West carried Barry Stone, Cleariestown, to a four lengths victory in division one, while the second division was highlighted by an impressive six lengths victory for Lady Mags, running in the colours of owner/handler Pat Doyle from Courtown and ridden by Bertie Finn, Oulart.
Sean Doyle and Jamie Scallan achieved their double for the day with Willitgoahead in the maiden race for six-year-olds. Doyle also saddled the runner-up Soldier Of Rock (Ross Sugrue) and there was only ‘a head’ between them at the finish. This was Sean Doyle’s 140th career winner as a handler.
Sixteen runners gathered in the paddock for the maiden race for seven-year-olds and upwards when it was realised that the race was confined to novice riders. A division ensued with two races of 10 runners each. The first divide was won by Haggard on his tenth outing, in the colours of Piercestown owner, Thomas Coleman, ridden by Eoin Staples from Duncormick and making a double success on the day for handler Colin Bowe. The second division went to Memories Never Die for west Cork rider Finbar Brickley and handled in Co. Meath by Nigel Slevin.
The final race of the day was the Winners Race Unlimited with six runners where Peggy’s Rock went to the front from flag fall under Michael Sweeney, never looked in any danger and was eight lengths clear crossing the finish line. Afterward handler Michael Goff from Clondaw, Ferns, said of his winner; “She is a good mare. She made it a good gallop and she was quick at her fences,” and the stable hopes to have a good future with her.
There was also point-to-point action at Bellharbour, Co. Clare, today where Donncha Doyle saddled his 265th career winner as Jakar Du Moulin was the one and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and ridden by Rob James.
The first four-year-old maiden contest for 2024 is the first race on the card at Wexford Foxhounds’ point-to-point at Ballinaboola, New Ross, on Sunday. The first race is off at 1pm.
There is a large entry – 140 entries in total – and 28 for the first four-year-old maiden.
The track is in good order. ‘Yielding, yielding to soft in places’ are the ground conditions following an official inspection on Friday.
The weather forecast is described as “favourable”, perhaps a mist of some light rain, but generally a pleasant day with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius.
Ballinaboola is highly regarded as one of the best point-to-point circuits in the country and the local committee would love to welcome a large attendance with adequate parking facilities and a friendly welcome awaiting.
The death has occurred of Fr. John P. Nolan, parish priest of Duncannon for the past 20 years. Many tributes have been expressed and he will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery after Funeral Mass in Star of the Sea Church, Duncannon, on Sunday. He was in his 78th year.
FR. JOHN P. NOLAN, P.P. DUNCANNON (2004-2024).
Born in 1946, Fr. Nolan was a native of Half-Way House, Bunclody, educated at Kilmyshall National School, Rockwell College, Co. Tipperary, 1960-’65, and St. Peter’s Seminary, Wexford, where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 6th1971. He served in the curacy of Clongeen (1971) and Caroreigh (1972) and transferred to Monaseed in June 1977.
Fr Nolan took a Sabbatical from October 1994 to June 1995 after which he did temporary duty in Marshalstown until October 1995. In November 1995 he went to the Diocese of Port Elizabeth in South Africa where he spent eight years.
He returned to the Diocese of Ferns in 2003 and took up duty in Kiltealy but was appointed parish priest of Duncannon in 2004. He celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination in Duncannon in 2011.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Rev Fr John P. Nolan Parish Priest of Duncannon, Co Wexford. Sadly missed by his sister Sr Kate, brothers Peter and Martin, sister-in-law Patricia, niece Siobhán, nephews Martin, Enda, Patrick and Peter, grand nieces, grand nephews, extended family and friends, bishop Ger Nash, fellow priests and parishioners. May He Rest In Peace
Reposing in Ryan’s Funeral Home Wellingtonbridge today, Saturday, February 3rd from 2pm, with removal at 5.15pm to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church Duncannon arriving for Mass at 6pm. Funeral Mass on Sunday at 2pm, followed by burial in Duncannon Cemetery.
The standard bearer of theSt. Brigid’s Cross leading the Parade of Light in Bunclody earlier this evening.
By Dan Walsh in Bunclody
Bunclody was in festive mood this evening for the celebration of Imbolc the Celtic Winter Festival and St. Brigid’s Day in the annual Parade of Light from Carrigduff and along the Mall and organised by the ArtBank.
The parade included lighted up characters in festive mood and although it took place when the town was very busy with passing traffic, including many trucks on the way to the ferry at Rosslare Europort, the event went off safely and was watched by a large crowd.
The purpose of the parade, according to John Renwick from the ArtBank, is “raise people’s spirits during the darkest time of the year and to celebrate the arrival of Spring.”
Schools and community groups were invited to participate creating their own costumes and characters and join in the parade.
The theme of this year’s parade was All the Creatures of Creation with an emphasis on recyclable materials and using the colours of the rainbow and light.
Pictured at the launch of the Enniscorthy Town First Plan at Enniscorthy Castle were; (back row, left to right); Diarmuid Heuston, Senior County Planner, Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Conor Norton, Urban Design and Architecture Consultant, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Mick McCormick, Town Regeneration Officer, Wexford County Council and Liz Hore, Director of Services, Wexford County Council. (front row: Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Aidan Browne and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
“We do need a plan to secure investment for the town (Enniscorthy), but it is also about a vision and set of principles rather than a plan and we need to have a positive conversation regards the future of our town,” Minister James Browne TD said at the launch of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan at Enniscorthy Castle last night (Thursday). Minister Browne was deputising for Minister Heather Humphreys who had another engagement.
Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, also praised the plan and urged the town to get behind the proposed developments and he welcomed the invited guests to the town and thanked them for their support.
MINISTER JAMES BROWNE speaking at the launch of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan in Enniscorthy Castle last night.
Cllr Aidan Browne, who is chair of the team thanked Minister Browne, members of Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Enniscorthy Town First team for their support and he referred to ‘the three town centre projects’ that are highlighted in the report.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, outlined a few plans for Enniscorthy, but he urged Enniscorthy to “be brave, be ambitious” and he described the plan as “a major milestone” for the town.
Conor Norton of Urban Design and Architecture, who addressed the public consultation event in the Riverside Park Hotel last August, and in fairness, views from that meeting are included in the final report, addressed the gathering, but he allowed the plan to talk for itself and hoped that good things will emerge for the future of Enniscorthy.
The vision statement is as follows; “Enniscorthy Town Centre will be a sustainable, thriving, beautiful and welcoming place of unique sense of pride and quality of life. Its regeneration will be for the benefit of the community, for all those working there, and for its many visitors and admirers.
“The Town Centre will be the social and cultural heart of Enniscorthy, where a rich diversity of businesses and activities will flourish and be sustained.
“Enniscorthy Town Centre will be a safe, accessible and attractive place for all, including children, older people and families. The Town Centre will be a model for sustainable energy, the circular economy and climate action at local level. The regeneration of the town centre will be pursued as a collaborative partnership.”
Town Regeneration Officer Mick McCormick also addressed the launch, welcomed the attendance and acted as master of ceremonies.
The Enniscorthy Town Centre First Team consists of Cllr Aidan Browne (chair), Niall Byrne (Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce), Nicky Murphy (Enniscorthy Traders Association), Colm Neville (Visit Wexford Tourism), Mico Hassett (Culture), Dervla Tierney (Enniscorthy Community Forum), Syl Hipwell (Enniscorthy Garda Division), Margaret Nolan (Industry), Kieran Donohoe (FDYS Youth), Clare Ryan (WLD), Maria Nolan (Sports), Mick McCormick (Town Regeneration Officer) and Claire Lawless (District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District).
The attendance at the meeting included Michael Dempsey, Chair of Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, Jimmy Gahan, Communications Officer, Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, and other invited guests.
OPINION; I haven’t been able to read the Plan in full, but perusing though its 60-pages, it looks like a very comprehensive plan and it is interesting that suggestions from last August’s public forum held in the Riverside Park Hotel, have been added to the draft report available back then. It is a vision and a lifeline to sustain the town going forward in changing times while the goodwill is there to preserve the character of the town and build on its history and heritage.
I don’t see it as just focusing on the town centre, although that is the brief, but it includes the whole town and its immediate environs. It is now part of the way forward, the hunt goes on for funding, and a changing Enniscorthy has been launched. Incidentally, copies of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan is freely available to members of the public with an interest at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council from today (Friday).
MARKET SQUARE will be foremost for attention when the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan is published.
By Dan Walsh
The eagerly awaited Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan, one of the first in the country, was completed and collaboratively adopted by members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council last January, details of the plan were explained at a well-attended public consultation meeting held in Riverside Park Hotel last August, and the Plan will be officially launched at Enniscorthy Castle today (Thursday)at 6pm.
RAFTER STREET is responding well to the ‘vacant residential floors’ issue
The draft Plan came to the attention of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council members in December 2022, when it was discussed ‘in committee’ as members insisted on reviewing the content before it entered the public domain. It was adopted by the district Council in January and in February it was given the ‘green light with no objections’ at a meeting of Wexford County Council.
The Plan promises that; “Enniscorthy Town Centre will be a safe, accessible and attractive place for all, including children, older people and families,” and targets include “the reuse and refurbishment of vacant homes and vacant residential floors of mixed-use buildings, and to eliminate the effective vacancy in the housing stock in the Town Centre by 2040.” The Plan also aims to “transition to active travel and eliminate traffic dominance in the Town Centre as a critical condition for regeneration”; “to prioritise pedestrian movement in the Town Centre” and “to develop a sustainable traffic management strategy for the town as a measure to eliminate congestion and car dominance in the Town Centre.”
The Enniscorthy Town Centre First Team consists of the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, Niall Byrne (Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce), Nicky Murphy (Enniscorthy Traders Association), Colm Neville (Visit Wexford Tourism), Mico Hassett (Culture), Dervla Tierney (Enniscorthy Community Forum), Syl Hipwell (Enniscorthy Garda Division), Margaret Nolan (Industry), Kieran Donohoe (FDYS Youth), Clare Ryan (WLD), Maria Nolan (Sports), Mick McCormick (Town Regeneration Officer) and Claire Lawless (District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District).
The launch of the Plan is generating strong interest in the town and tonight we will learn exactly what the Plan contains and then the search for funding will be the real activation of presenting the ‘new image of Enniscorthy town centre.’
WexfordLocal.com 