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.”

Support New Ross Community Hospital

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

Progress for €120m Trinity Wharf project

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.

€3.4m cocaine seized at Rosslare today

By Dan Walsh

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. 

Work resumes on Gorey housing site

By Dan Walsh

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.

Garda launches human trafficking investigation

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.