Paul Kehoe leaves Dáil after 22 years

By Dan Walsh

DEPUTY PAUL KEHOE is not running in next General Election

Party leader and An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has wished long standing Wexford TD Paul Kehoe “the very best in whatever he decides to do next” after he announced tonight (Monday) at a meeting of the Fine Gael Party in Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford, that he will not be contesting the next General Election.

Deputy Kehoe told the meeting that “this has been a very difficult decision to make but I feel that now is the right time for me and my family”.

“The Wexford Fine Gael organisation put their faith in me by selecting me to run in the 2002 General Election and I hope that I have repaid that faith over the past 22 years as a TD for the constituency,” said Deputy Kehoe.

From Bree, Deputy Kehoe, was first elected to Dáil Éireann in the 2002 General Election, when he succeeded Ivan Yates, has served as a TD for Wexford for 22 years and served as Government Chief Whip and as Minister of State with Responsibility for Defence.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said; “I wish Paul the very best in whatever he decides to do next. He is a man not to be under-estimated, is a good judge of character and understands how politics is done.”

US Ambassador visit to Gorey and North Wexford

By Dan Walsh

The United States Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency, Claire Cronin, was formally welcomed to Civic Offices, Gorey, today (Monday) by Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Pip Breen and Philip Knight, District Manager, where she signed the distinguished visitors’ book, addressed the Council and met informally with local elected representatives.

Ms. Cronin held a brief meeting and posed for photographs with representatives from the Wexford Eagles, Wexford’s only American Football team, established in 2015 and the current National Division Two champions.

Her Excellency, CLAIRE CRONIN, United States Ambassador to Ireland was in Gorey today. (Pic; The Boston Globe).

The Ambassador travelled to St. Mary’s National School, Ballygarrett, where she was welcomed by the Principal, Niall Madden and students from the school.

Here the Ambassador recalled links between Ireland and the United States and the many families that left Ballygarrett in the 19th century and founded the town of Refugio in Texas. It was also recalled that a number of those emigrants fought at the Battle of the Alamo.

The itinerary included a visit to IWP Pallets at Wells, the largest pallet manufacturing company in Ireland, and a meeting with founder and joint Managing Director, Mary B. Walsh.

Irish Country Meats at Camolin was also visited. This is the largest lamb processing plant in Ireland and the company is now looking to export into the United States.

Then the CSC Global Financial Markets, M11 Business Park, Gorey. A Delaware company that opened in Gorey in late 2020 and is planning significant expansion. Managing Director, Paul Whelan, briefed the Ambassador on their work and US links and introduced Ms. Cronin to members of staff.

The tour concluded with a brief tour of Gorey Hatch Lab, the business incubation unit in the M11 Business Park, where CSC are based, and an introduction to GrandPad, a San Diego company.

Tributes to Chief Executive Tom Enright

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Tom Enright attends his final meeting of Wexford County Council at Carricklawn Council Buildings this afternoon (Monday) as he bows out from the position of Chief Executive after ten years dedicated service and many tributes will follow in the days and weeks ahead.

AUDIO ADDITION; MINISTER JAMES BROWNE speaking in tribute to Chief Executive Tom Enright in Enniscorthy last Tuesday.
TOM ENRIGHT Chief Executive Wexford County Council

The tributes have already started, Last week at the sod turning of the Sam McCauley Bellefield Park Minister James Browne paid tribute to Mr Enright on his final official visit to Enniscorthy.

Minister Browne thanked Mr Enright for taking risks on behalf of the county and he wished him well going forward.

In reply, Mr 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,” he concluded.

Council fails to invest in North Wexford

By Dan Walsh

The latest round of Active Travel Investments based on the Council’s submissions to the Government has just been announced. Wexford County Council has been awarded €3.750,000, which is a welcome amount for the county.

CLLR ANTHONY BOLGER

However, Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Cllr. Andrew Bolger is disappointed and angry when it comes to projects in the North Wexford district.

“Looking at the total figure awarded combined with the population you would expect that approximately €1 million would be coming to North Wexford,” said Cllr Bolger, who added; “When in fact €50,000 has been awarded to the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District for an existing project in the safe routes to school at Gorey Central School. That’s 1.3% of the total allocation.”

Cllr Bolger points out what was made on the last round of funding that “the allocation to this area was simply not enough and it has happened again. “There is a continuing failure by the Council to invest in North Wexford. It’s clear now in black and white, there is no urgency to carry out and complete projects in North Wexford.”

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Four Wexford ‘points’ winners today

By Dan Walsh

Ferns handler Michael Goff who yesterday saddled his 80th career winner at Kirkistown, Co. Down yesterday (Saturday) continued in winning form at Comea, Co. Tipperary, today (Sunday), when Doyles Hill brought him further success in the maiden race for five-year-olds.

Ridden by Adam Leahy, it was a tight finish with Doyles Hill scoring by ‘a neck’ from the Harley Dunne handled Line Em Up ridden by Tiernan Power Roche. It was handler Goff’s second success in as many days and his seventh victory of the season.

There was also point-to-point action in Tallow, Co. Waterford, today where three Wexford stables won half of the six races run.

ELLEN DOYLE enjoyed success in Tipperary today.

Ellen Doyle from Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, had her first four-year-old runner of the season, Idaho Valley running in the Baltimore Stables Syndicate, and with Brian Dunleavy in the saddle won the battle on the finish line by ‘a short head’. The winner goes to the sales.

Half an hour later and Cormac Doyle, Ballindaggin, was celebrating following the four lengths success of Fancy Prospect in the Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership and ridden by Jack Hendrick in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares.

Newcomer Koori Star (Ross Sugrue up), a first runner of the season for Kilmore handler John C. Byrne pulled off a two lengths victory in the maiden race for six-year-old and older geldings. Koori Star is now for sale.  

Michael Goff reaches 80!

By Dan Walsh

MICHAEL GOFF saddled his 80th career winner at today’s point-to-point in County Down.

Victory for Karma Police in the maiden race for four-year-olds at today’s (Saturday) point-to-point at Kirkistown, near Newtownards, Co. Down, provided Clondaw, Ferns, handler Michael Goff with a milestone 80th winner as a handler in a successful career that began 11 years ago.

Colin Bowe’s Knockduff (Barry O’Neill up) lead for most of the race, but Karma Police, sporting the colours of Caitriona and ridden by Mikey Sweeney took the lead approaching the final fence and galloped to a six lengths victory.

Other Wexford stables were represented, but only the Michael Goff stables were successful on this occasion.

Refurbishment plans welcomed in New Ross

An artist’s impression of refurbishment projects planned for New Ross town.

By Dan Walsh

New Ross Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Sheehan has welcomed the submission by Wexford County Council and the New Ross Municipal District, which will result in the complete refurbishment of the John Street Grain Store in the town.

Cllr Sheehan said: “The project is beyond my expectations and sets out our ambitions for the next generation of New Ross,” and he added; “This is a flagship project for New Ross and for our county, and if it is granted planning permission, this will be a landmark building for New Ross – a beacon of light and hope.”

The project will be developed in two phases: the grain store and the public realm area outside by the river. It is expected the grain store will be five stories: three above and two below ground connecting Bridge Street, North Street and the North Quays. 

The Public Realm has to be screened for environmental protection but once completed, will connect the North Quays (which are due to be upgraded) the Greenway, John Street Carpark, the Town Centre and the Active Travel Route out onto the Ring Road.

CLLR MICHAEL SHEEHAN

The first phase includes: A new restaurant inside and pavilion outside for dining by the river in a public square; A suite of hot desks and professional offices for people to work; A new art and community open exhibition space with state of the art features on the street level access; A range of rooms for community and Council usage; An internal gallery for usage with coffee docks and public toilets; A mezzanine garden and sitting area overlooking the river; A beacon that will be casting a light over the whole area, and the development will use materials that reflect the historic nature of the building and the stonework to reflect the quayside nature of the area

The second phase which will go for planning concurrently, may take a little more time due to the Riverside nature of the park, which have public realm seating and dining areas with natural heading and plants that will connect the North Quays, Town Centre, Goat and High Hill and lead up into the car park and the Active Travel route. 

Cllr Sheehan said; “I, like my colleagues, have be pushing to get this project over the line since 2017. As County and District Chairman I kept it high on the agenda and I’m delighted to see it proceeding to planning”. This will be an amazing feature for New Ross and shows what can be achieved when our expectations and ambitions are aligned.”

“At the recent meeting where it was passed unanimously, I congratulated all the officials involved and pledged now to ensure its success in the forthcoming rounds of funding. This is the future of New Ross,” concluded Cllr Sheehan.

Council launches Affordable Housing Survey

Pictured at the launch of the Affordable Housing Survey, (L to R): Carolyne Godkin, Director of Housing Services, Wexford County Council; Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council; Cllr Joe Sullivan, Chairperson of the Housing Community SPC, and Anita McLoughlin, SEO, Housing Section. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has launched an Affordable Housing Survey where first-time buyers and other applicants who feel they may be eligible to buy or rent an affordable home are invited to complete the survey.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming welcomed the survey and said; “The survey provides a real opportunity to assess affordable housing need in County Wexford, I would encourage everyone who may be interested in an affordable home to take five minutes to complete the survey.”

Cllr Fleming was supported by the Chairperson of the Housing and Community Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr Joe Sullivan, who stated; “In order for us to plan for future affordable housing demand we need to establish the types of housing and the locations where they need to be delivered.”

Following the publication of an ambitious Housing Delivery Action Plan in 2022, Wexford County Council is progressing plans for the supply of affordable housing in County Wexford for the coming years.

As part of this process, Wexford County Council is seeking to establish the level of interest in potential affordable housing in areas throughout the county.

An Affordable Housing Survey has been launched, inviting those who meet the affordable housing criteria to have their say on their preferred needs. The information will be used to inform the Council on the level of demand, locations preferred, and the house prices that people might be able to afford. It will help the Council to formulate its plans for Affordable Housing Options.

Any affordable housing schemes progressed by the Council in the future will be advertised separately, and a formal application process will apply in accordance with the legislation in place at that time.

The online survey is open now and will close on April 10th.

View and complete the survey on the council website; http://www.wexfordcoco.ie/housing/affordable-housing or simply scan the QR code. For all queries, please contact affordablehousing@wexfordcoco.ie

Civil War exhibition opens in Wexford

Pictured at the launch of the War of Independence and Civil War exhibition at Wexford Library tonight (Thursday) were; Barry Lacey, historian-in-residence, Celestine Murphy, Eileen Morrissey, County Librarian, Hazel Percival, Senior Executive Librarian, Susan Kelly and Caroline Barry.

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Library

An exciting exhibition recalling the War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford was officially launched by the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy, in Wexford Library tonight (Thursday).

Cllr Carthy said; “I’m delighted to launch this exhibition,The War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford here at the County Library. This local knowledge and family held records provides new evidence to add to the historical record of County Wexford. And as important, it also given us the opportunity to put on record the contribution made by families whose ancestors were directly involved in events which led to the formation of our state.”

Hazel Percival, Senior Executive Librarian, County Librarian Eileen Morrissey, who acted as master of ceremonies, addressed the large invited attendance and Barry Lacey, historian-in-charge at County Wexford Public Libraries services outlined some historical details.

This exhibition commissioned by Wexford County Council Library Service and scripted by Celestine Murphy, historian, traces the progression to this War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford.

This exhibition charts the breakdowns that ultimately led to the outbreak of hostilities in County Wexford following the declaration of the War of Independence from January 21st, 1919, to January 11th 1921. During the truce period from July 11th, 1921, to July 28th 1922 and in the Civil War from June 28th 1922 to May 24th 1923.

In this exhibition for the first time, locally held records, medals, memorabilia, photographs and documents held by families of several of the Wexford people involved are used to tell the history of County Wexford in this period. This data was collected at community archive days held in Wexford and Gorey libraries in 2021 and 2022 where people were invited to bring in their family treasures and tell their stories.  

The exhibition can be viewed daily at Wexford Library during library opening hours until Friday, March 15th. All are welcome to attend.

For further information, visit the exhibition at Wexford library or contact the Local Studies Librarian at 053 919 6330 or libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie

Call for ‘gender balance’ in 2024 Local Elections

By Dan Walsh

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.