Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, has announced the completion of significant upgrades to the sewer network in Enniscorthy.
The upgrades involved the construction of over 110 metres of new sewers on Mary Street and at the Promenade Pumping Station, along with the decommissioning of the existing outfall pipe into the River Slaney, which will ensure compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
These essential upgrades will improve the capacity and operational performance of the sewer network for homes and businesses on Mary Street and surrounding areas and enhance water quality in the River Slaney by eliminating the discharge of untreated wastewater into the river.
In correspondence with WexfordLocal.com David Shalloo, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, said; “I would like to thank all our stakeholders including local residents, commuters, business owners, elected representatives, and the media for their support while we worked to complete this crucial project for the people of Enniscorthy. We know from previous experience that the short-term impacts experienced during construction will be outweighed by the benefit that these wastewater upgrades will bring to the community.”
The works were carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward & Burke Ltd.
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting
Santa Claus has been a regular visitor to Gorey, always promising to come back, and he will be the celebrity in the town for the Big Switch-On at 7.30pm on Saturday evening on Main Street which kick starts the Christmas season in Gorey and North Wexford.
Details were unveiled at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting held in the Council Chamber at the Civic Offices, Gorey. Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen was in the chair.
There will be entertainment from shortly after 6.30pm from the local music group, The Gorey Ukes and members from St. Aidan’s Services, Gorey. The Grinch will make an appearance, carol singers, performers from school groups and community will also be in seasonal voice. Also look out for snowmen and Christmas trees. Dave Redmond will be master of ceremonies.
GOREY looking splendid under the Christmas lights. December 2020 (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com
Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council has plans for the inaugural Christmas market on the three Saturdays and Sundays of December on the Plaza Area in front of Gorey Civic Offices and at the entertainment centre adjacent to The Avenue. 15-20 stalls trading each day featuring arts, crafts, gifts, food and more.
And news of Christmas parking arrangements in Gorey is that free off-street parking is available from 11am on Saturday, December 2nd, 9th and 16th and Monday to Saturday, inclusive, December 18th-23rd.
On Sunday, December 3rd, Kilmuckridge welcomes the Santa Truck or Santa’s Grotto Lorry from 3.30pm and all proceeds from this event are donated to the Laura Lynn foundation.
A man in his 70s has died in an accident on a farm at Ballyfad, a few miles north of Coolgreany in North Wexford.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene after the accident which happened around 11am this morning (Wednesday). Emergency services were quickly on the scene.
The body was removed from the scene and taken for a post mortem examination. The coroner has been notified.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was also called to the scene and an investigation is now under way.
In a media statement issued today to WexfordLocal.com Wexford County Council wishes to provide clarification and an update in relation to the proposal to develop a Direct Provision Centre at the former Great Southern Hotel on St. Martin’s Road in Rosslare Harbour.
The Council carried out inspections of the work being carried out at the site and identified a number of modifications to the building which were not consistent with the planning permission granted.
The Council then issued a Warning Letter to the developer pursuant to Section 152 of the Planning and Development Act. The Council’s legal advisors advised that this was the appropriate response, and that the Council had an obligation to act reasonably and proportionately and on the basis of the evidence available to it. The Council fully intends following through the enforcement process underway.
A second and more involved issue has arisen in relation to whether the proposal to convert the building into accommodation for persons seeking international protection is classed as exempted development.
This is a complex issue and Wexford County Council on 10th November made an application to An Bord Pleanála under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requesting a determination by An Bord Pleanála in relation to exempted development status and the proposed intensification and increased occupancy of the building.
A decision from the referral to An Bord Pleanála is awaited.
In these circumstances the Council has been advised that there is currently no reasonable basis upon which it could commence injunction proceedings against the developer under the Planning legislation.
Separately, Wexford County Council received a Section 5 application from Deputy Verona Murphy on 15th November quoting similar grounds on which Wexford County Council made its application to An Bord Pleanála.
The Council has a statutory role to ensure compliance with Planning and Building Control legislation and wishes to make it clear that it intends to use its powers to ensure compliance with the above legislation where non-compliances are identified.
The Council also has a duty to follow due process and to act in a manner that is fair, appropriate, and proportionate and failure to do so could undermine the Council’s ability to perform its statutory enforcement role.
Gardaí investigating a shooting incident which occurred in Carlow on December 5th 2022 have made a number of arrests as part of their investigation. Searches were carried out earlier this morning in Carlow, Wexford and Waterford.
A total of five men were arrested by Gardaí. Three of the men are aged in their 20s, one in his 30s, and the other in his 50s.
They are currently detained at a number of Garda Stations in the South East under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.
Legendary Comhaltas stalwart PADDY BERRY, who is President, speaking at the Public Information Fleadh Cheoil event in Wexford.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Buildings
Fleadh Cheoil 2024 hit the headlines last night (Monday) with a very well attended public information event in ‘the Street’ at Wexford County Council buildings, Carricklawn, Wexford, The purpose was to provide information and outlined the huge planning and logistics necessary to bring the event to a successful weekend of music and culture.
Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty said “it is a really exciting time in Wexford to have the leading Irish traditional and cultural event taking place in Wexford in 2024, and hopefully again in 2025, and it is important to hear your views and make it the most successful Fleadh ever.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr John Fleming was thrilled at the news that the Fleadh is coming, and he commended Comhaltas and Wexford County Council who made it happen. “The Fleadh is by far the single biggest attraction Irish cultural event. We expect over 500,000 visitors to Wexford between 4-11th August. The county stands to benefit from a €50 million boost – that’s an awful lot of money – it is wonderful, and it is coming,” he concluded.
Josh O’Connor from Wexford Credit Union also addressed the large attendance. “Music is not just a collection of music and melodies. It represents our culture and heritage, our history along with the essence of our community. Sponsoring this festival is not just a financial commitment for Wexford Credit Union, it’s an investment in our identity and the preservation of our traditions.”
Inspector Graham Rowley from An Garda Siochana said he attended Mullingar this year and promised “what is coming to Wexford is phenomenal. It is definitely going to be fun. It is a family event and a really magic event to showcase what Wexford is all about.”
Inspector Rowley said meetings had already taken place with the fleadh committee and a lot of planning is required. “We (An Garda Siochana) plan for all kind of events but we haven’t planned for anything as big as this and we are really looking forward to the challenge. We want the event to be safe, secure and enjoyable. Safety is a priority,” he concluded.
Chairperson Eddie Taaffe outlined the many aspects of planning for the Fleadh and commended the volunteers, however, the public information event was important for distribution of information and answering any queries that businesses and the community may have. Regular public information updates and progress reports will be published in the coming months.
Anthony Bailey acted as master of ceremonies.
Wexford Fleadh Cheoil 2024 Team; President, Paddy Berry; Chairperson, Eddie Taaffe, Vice-Chairperson, Barbara Walsh; Treasurer, Paudie Berry; PRO/Branding/Marketing, Cllr George Lawlor; Accommodation, Cllr Maura Bell; Voluntary Emergency Services, Cllr Ger Carthy; Venues, Brian Byrne and John Roche; Gig Rig, Senan Lillis; Sponsorship, Madeleine Quirke; Secretary FEC, Fiona Bennett; Seachtain na Gaeilge, Darren O’Callaghan; Comhaltas, Sinead Tobin-Broughan; Street Sessions, Jennifer Byrne and Church Services, William Considine.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright addressed today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District held at the Presentation Centre where he briefed members on several projects planned for the town and district.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE TOM ENRIGHT addressed Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting.
Mr Enright said the Council has been working in partnership with the GAA for the development of sporting and community facilities at Bellefield that will incorporate a playground, car parking and a market garden and he acknowledged a significant financial investment of €500,000 from local businessman Sam McCauley towards this proposed development.
There was information on a new amenity area and a site for a new Community Playground for 0–12-year-olds at Springvalley, on the Shannon side of the town and €25,000 is available for the Turret Rocks development, The Fairgreen playground is also to receive attention. Facilities at the athletics track and other sporting facilities are in the mix.
A playground and public park for Bunclody is being explored. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy asked for the Council to consider the sites at Hospital Hill and the Bunclody Parish Field.
Mr Enright stated the commencement of the planning process for a new playground, car park and public space in Bunclody.
Senior Executive Engineer Rory O’Mahoney gave a progress report of the proposed 600-metre loop at the Urrin Bridge on the country walk, efforts will be made to address the crossing of the river and suggestions to link the riverside country walk with Borodale via the Ringwood and discussions will take place with local landowners.
Enniscorthy’s beautiful riverside walk.
Director of Services, Carolyne Godkin also participated in the presentation.
In a summary, Mr Enright said “there is a huge amount of work going on in Enniscorthy and Bunclody. Projects that will make a real difference”, however, he added; “These projects will take time, so please be patient.”
Cathaoirleach John O’Rourke thanked the Chief Executive for his attendance at the meeting and his presentation on a range of projects. The members pledged their support for Mr Enright and looked forward to bringing the projects to fruition.
In conclusion, Cllr O’Rourke was critical of “Enniscorthy getting a lot of negativities in recent weeks”, but pointed out that the works are going on in the background and joined with members to support the Chief Executive in bringing forward Enniscorthy, Bunclody and Ferns.
FRANKIE MURPHY (Rider), JOHN MURPHY, breeder and owner and LUKE MURPHY (Handler) with NEAT LOCALITY following success at Fairwood.
By Dan Walsh at Fairwood, Tinahely
Champion handler Colin Bowe and leading trainer on the track Gordon Elliott each saddled three winners and champion rider Barry O’Neill added a treble to his tally over the weekend with racing at three tracks.
Elliott dominated at the Wicklow Hunt races at Fairwood, Tinahely, today (Sunday) with three winners; Kisk Bank (Harry Swan) won division one of the maiden race for four year olds by 30 lengths, Barry O’Neill was given the leg up on Big Stage who did the business by three and a half lengths in the maiden race for five and six year olds, while the popular Samcrow (Tom Hamilton), a winner of the Open Race by 35 lengths last year at Fairwood, settled for a front running all the way easy success by two and a half lengths this time.
The second division of the ‘divided’ maiden race for four-year-olds was won by Hawthorn Street for the Bowe/O’Neill partnership. Three and a half lengths the verdict.
Luke Murphy from Inch, Gorey, saddled his first winner as a handler with Neat Locality, running in the colours of his parents, John and Miriam Murphy, who also bred the winner, who had four lengths to spare in the mares’ maiden race. The winning rider was Frankie Murphy (no relation) from Skibbereen, Co. Cork, aboard his second career victory.
JAMES MURRAY enjoyed victory at Fairwood, Tinahely, today.
Ferns rider James Murray rode his third career winner on Freemans Bay for Sean Byrne, Castledermot, by six lengths in the maiden race for six-year-olds confined to novice riders. Runner-up was Haggard from Colin Bowe’s stables ridden by Sophie Carter.
Also racing today (Sunday) at Turtulla, Co. Tipperary, where Colin Bowe saddled newcomer Star Walking who scored by ten lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares to give Oulart rider Bertie Finn his 20th career winner.
Yesterday’s point-to-point at Quakerstown, Co. Clare produced one Wexford winner in an all-Wexford finish to the maiden race for four-year-old geldings where Colin Bowe’s newcomer, Country Park with Barry O’Neill up, got home by ‘a head’ to defeat Donnchadh Doyle’s newcomer Maximum Offers ridden by Rob James.
Next Sunday’s point-to-point is the Killinick Harriers fixture at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, where there is a six-race card including a race over the Banks Course. The action begins at 12.30pm.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting
Wexford County Council members have approved Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) to develop public realm space in Wexford town at Crescent Quay between Harpers Lane and Oyster Lane and to construct a temporary multi-function venue.
“the proposed structure is not a replacement for the Dun Mhuire”.
Approval was given at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council. The venue with a footprint of approximately 1,200 square metres and 10 metres in height will be located parallel to Oyster Lane.
Demolition and the clearance of the site is nearing completion and was subject to a separate planning permission.
The development seeks to develop a temporary public amenity building with a translucent façade with Corteen Steel features and the structure will be a 400 plus seat multifunctional area including outdoor public realm space.
The public realm will be predominately hard surface with a range of different materials with sections planted and soft landscaped especially around the edges with strong public pedestrian links to the Crescent Quay and to South Main Street. The public realm will have public lighting, street furniture and access to toilets in the new proposed venue at Oyster Lane.
21 submissions were made in relation to the proposed venue and its capacity to be used as an entertainment venue following the demolition of the Dun Mhuire Hall.
A Senior Executive Architect (unnamed) made the following response; “While we understand the concern raised in relation to the use of the venue as a theatre, we wish to clarify that the proposed structure is not a replacement for the Dun Mhuire. It is a stand-alone, temporary venue on an adjoining site. Wexford County Council are working to a tight timeframe to deliver a public civic space and venue for use for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, 2024 and 2025. We would reiterate that it is not proposed to be a purpose-built theatre.”
JUSTIN CODD at the opening of his photographic exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle today.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
A colourful ‘must see’ photographic exhibition opened at Enniscorthy Castle today (Saturday) with the title ‘Our Town – Urban Photography Exhibition. It runs until January.
The exhibition is the work of amateur photographer Justin Codd and the photographs in the collection were taken in the early morning hours of 12 Sundays between June and October this year.
“They reveal the raw, unfiltered beauty of Our Town (Enniscorthy), focussing on the streets, corners, vibrant colours, hidden quirks and architectural elegance that often go unnoticed in our busy lives, “said Justin, who added; “They show the major changes Our Town is currently going through and the unspoken stories embedded in the town’s nooks and crannies.”
With major changes anticipated in the coming years with the redevelopment of Market Square and the new landscape earmarked for the old Murphy Flood’s site, each photograph serves as a testament to the town’s unique character, its history and sense of community that binds its residents.
The exhibition is open to the public daily in accordance with Enniscorthy Castle opening hours and it is collection well worth a visit. Sales available. All are welcome.
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