WexfordLocal.com

FF new Wicklow Wexford area plans

**Pictured at the Wicklow Wexford Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceantair meeting held in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey**

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and Minister for State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, James Browne TD, were present at the inaugural meeting of the Wicklow Wexford Fianna Fáil Comhairle Dáil Ceantair meeting held in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, on Monday night.

Around 60 attended the meeting that lasted about an hour and a half and consisted of lively debate. The party is formulating its plans for the upcoming Local Authority elections, European Election, a General Election and a Presidential election.

The meeting was chaired by Cormac Devlin TD, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and the officers elected were as follows; Hon. Presidents, Kathleen Gleeson and Dr Bill O’Connell; Chairman, Barry Brennan; Vice-chairman, Anthony O’Connor; Secretary, Alison McCarthy; Assistant Secretary, Padraig Doran; Treasurers, Jack Redmond and Darragh Gregan; PRO, Sean O’Brien; Membership Officers, Fred Roche, Wicklow, and Paul Walsh, Wexford; and Women and Equality Officer, Irene Sweeney.

The attendance included Ministers Donnelly and Browne, Senators Malcolm Byrne and Pat Casey, and Cllrs Pat Fitzgerald, Pat Kennedy, Thomas Annesley, Joe Sullivan, Andrew Bolger, Donal Kenny, Pip Breen and Barbara-Anne Murphy.

BACKGROUND; The Electoral Commission Constituency Review Report 2023, recommended the formation of a new 3-seat constituency called Wicklow-Wexford.

This constituency should comprise 41 electoral districts with a population of 49,743 from north Wexford and 31 electoral districts with a population of 35,708 from south Wicklow. The Wicklow-Wexford constituency would have a population of 85, 451.

To facilitate the new constituency of Wicklow-Wexford it was decided to reduce the two 5-seat constituencies of Wicklow and Wexford by one seat each and added an additional seat to create this new 3-seat constituency.

Three constituencies are now contained in the counties of Wexford and Wicklow and will be operable for the next General Election. The new boundary between the Wexford constituency and the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency will follow the north electoral divisions to include Kilmuckridge, Wells, Monageer, Ballycarney, Castledockrell, Ballindaggin, Rossard and Bunclody.

Major milestones at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Europort has announced two major milestones in the Co Wexford port’s progress towards becoming Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub.

Port Authority Iarnród Éireann yesterday (Monday) made a formal application to the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) for Marine Area Consent (MAC).

Additionally, it was announced that the contract for the design of an ORE hub at the port was awarded to Nicholas O’Dwyer (NOD) and partners Gavin and Doherty Geosolutions Consultants (GDG), renowned for their expertise and specialisation in civil engineering and marine projects.

Rosslare Europort envisions becoming the (ORE) hub to service Ireland and Europe’s wider emerging offshore wind industry. This progressive initiative from Rosslare Europort aligns with the government’s ambitious offshore wind targets, which includes the delivery of 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030, and an additional 2GW of capacity for non-grid uses to be in development by 2030.

With an estimated completion cost of circa €200 million, the proposed plans for the ORE hub have the potential to revolutionise the Southeast Region’s economy through new local industry, supply-chain development and job creation.

Today’s two milestones follow the recent granting of a foreshore licence from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which has facilitated the commencement of an extensive programme of site investigation works at the port are getting underway.

The successful design team will lead the development of a comprehensive design and progress the various planning and statutory consenting applications. The design will encompass key engineering elements, including quay walls, piling, breakwaters, surfacing, services, a small new boat harbour and ancillary facilities, while the planning and consenting elements include obtaining a Marine Area Consent from MARA and preparation and submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report, Appropriate Assessment and planning application to An Bord Pleanála.

Key project elements of the proposed development include:

Minimum circa 20 hectares of land reclamation
A 330m long heavy lift berth to accommodate ORE installation vessels.
A 240m long Roll-On Roll-Off berth to facilitate component delivery.
Dredging approach channel to an effective depth of -10m Chart Datum with a declared depth of -9mCD
Main berth pocket for Staging and Installation vessels with dredged depth of -12mCD with a declared depth of -11mCD
Small boat harbour with enhanced access from deeper water.
Operations & Maintenance facilities to include warehousing, offices and carparking.
Access facilities to accommodate potential future rail spur connection to site.
New access road to small craft harbour and site access to the ORE facility

In the preliminary design phase, this transformative project is set to progress to public consultation in 2024. Following participatory engagement with the public and wider stakeholders, the project design will be finalised, with a planning application intended for submission to An Bord Pleanála in 2024. Construction is scheduled for 2025/26, with project completion anticipated in 2027.

Enniscorthy in Christmas market mode

At the launch of the Enniscorthy Christmas Market were Cllr Cathal Byrne, Minster Paul Kehoe, Claire Comiskey, Le Mo Lamh and Cllr John O’ Rourke (Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, (Pic; Pat O’Connor).

Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The Enniscorthy Municipal District Christmas Market was officially launched in Market Square, Enniscorthy, last weekend and already it is proving a popular choice with plenty of visitors and a distinct seasonal atmosphere.

Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke said that “Enniscorthy Municipal District is delighted to be bringing this new market to Enniscorthy this Christmas along with free family entertainment. It is hoped that the market can increase the footfall in the town and encourage people to shop locally.”

The talented entertainer ‘Juggler Brendan’ was up to his usual tricks and magic gestures, and he gave two live performances on the day. Free family entertainment over the weekend was provided by Giggles the Clown and Craft Central.

The market is stocked with a variety of local arts and crafts, festive treats hot food and lots more.

The market continue will run over next weekend on December 15^th, 16^th and 17^th from 12 noon to 6.30pm. You will have a chance to see the hilarious Giggles the Clown again next Saturday, December 16^th from 1pm to 3pm and there will be free children’s face painting from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday.

Free Christmas Parking is available in public car park only from 11am on Saturday, December 16^th and Monday, December 18^th to Saturday, December 23^rd, inclusive. The local message for Christmas 2023 is as follows; “Join the festive cheer in your town and remember to Shop Local this Christmas.”

Adamstown adopts Safe School Scheme

**Students of Adamstown National School embracing the new Safe Route to School Scheme which has been completed and officially opened. (Pic; Mary Browne, Brownes Photography).**

By Dan Walsh

The Safe Route to School Scheme was officially opened at Adamstown Primary School marking the completion of construction works as part of the Safe Routes to School Scheme.

The project had an initial allocation of €80,000 in 2023. This was increased upon application by Wexford County Council to increase the project scope to €400,000 and include further safety enhancements at the main village junction.

Cllr. Anthony Connick Cathaoirleach, New Ross Municipal District performed the official opening of the scheme supported by local representatives, Cllrs John Fleming, Bridin Murphy and Pat Barden, Rev. Robert Nolan PP, Adamstown, and representatives of the Safe Routes to School Section of An Taisce.

Cllr. Connick said that the project “has been a great improvement to the village as a whole” and he complemented and congratulated all involved.

School principal Mrs. Claire Kickham said that “it was an absolute pleasure to work collaboratively with representatives from An Taisce, the National Transport Authority and, of course, Wexford County Council.

John Nolan, Principal of Coláiste Abbáin Secondary School also offered his support for the scheme saying that the scheme is of huge benefit to the students of Coláiste Abbáin.

The Adamstown scheme includes distinctive street furniture and crossing points to emphasise school location. The design also includes new footpaths and pedestrian crossings to facilitate the safe movement of pedestrians to school, shop, housing estates and church. Re-surfacing and drainage upgrades were also carried out at the main village junction.

Works were completed by contractor Paddy McGee (Wexford) Ltd. The project was designed and managed by the Active Travel Dept. in Wexford County Council.

Liam Mellows twice remembered today

**A lone piper plays the National Anthem at the grave of Liam Mellows in Castletown this morning.**

By Dan Walsh at Castletown

The annual Liam Mellows Commemorations took place at St Patrick’s Church and graveyard at Castletown Gorey, this morning. Speeches were delivered and wreaths laid in memory of Liam Mellows (1892-1922).

Lorcan Allen was master of ceremonies at the Fianna Fail committee commemoration where a decade of the rosary was recited ‘as Gaeilge’.

The keynote address was delivered by James Lawless TD, Kildare, who has roots in Courtown, he also laid a wreath on Mellows grave. A piper played the National Anthem.

The attendance included Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Cllrs Andrew Bolger and Joe Sulivan.

In the afternoon, Liam Mellows was again remembered and commemorated at the graveside in a separate annual ceremony organised by Sinn Féin. A wreath was laid on Mellows’ grave. The keynote speaker was Deputy Johnny Mythen from Enniscorthy.

The attendance included Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaourleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, who acted as master of ceremonies.

There was a Colour Party present and members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society also participated and added a traditional atmosphere to the respectful occasion.

Wexford winners at Cork today

By Dan Walsh

Two point-to-point meetings today (Sunday) at Tattersalls and Boulta but no Wexford winners at the Meath track and three winning Wexford connections at the Cork track at Boulta was the outcome.

**SEAN STAPLES in winning form on Sunday.**

First timer Lady Rose Hackett in the Blackhall Stables partnership colours brought success to Paul Martin Pierce’s Killurin stables with a two and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Sean Staples, Duncormick, was in the saddle and the impressive mare will be destined for the sales ring.

Another newcomer Rosscahill owned by Caitriona Goff and handled by her husband, Michael Goff, at Clondaw, Ferns, had five lengths to spare at the end of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Mickey Sweeney was the successful rider and Rosscahill is also sales bound.

Cleariestown rider Barry Stone teamed up with Waterford handler Paul Power on Gentleman Bill in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and it ended well with a one length victory for owner Fionan O’Driscoll from Tramore.

Courtown mourns for Declan Dunbar

By Dan Walsh

The coastal region of Courtown/Riverchapel is in mourning following the sad passing of Declan Dunbar, Courtown Post Office, who was a community activist and stalwart for the betterment of North Wexford. He was aged 87 years.

Declan was long time energetic Chairperson of Courtown Community Council and in 2015, with the support of the Wexford Arts and Gorey Historical Society, he led a visual art and social history project that resulted in the publication of a wonderful booklet entitled A View of Courtown.

Writing in the introduction, Declan noted; “While there is an amount of history in the booklet, it is perhaps more about memories than the history of the area. Residents will be amazed at a lot of the photos and how places have changed. They will also bring back fond memories of bygone days.”

When I worked as a journalist with the defunct Gorey Echo and stories emerged from Courtown, Declan was always just a phone call away and “the man to go to.” He always called it as he saw it! He was good friend and will be a sad loss because his contribution to the Courtown/Riverchapel area was always in the best interest of his neighbours and his community and he was dedicated to settling for nothing less than the best he could always achieve.

FAMILY NOTICE; Declan Dunbar Courtown Post Office, Courtown, Gorey. Died 8th December 2023 peacefully at his residence. Beloved husband of the late Lily, loving father of Declan, Noel, Donie and the late Ger and brother of the late Dermott, Brendan, Eamon, Pat, Maureen, Eithne and Ita, deeply regretted by his loving sons, grandchildren Jonathon, Lee, Declan, Kenneth and Ronan, great-grandchildren Jennifer, Ryan, Mia and Ella, daughters-in-law Jacinta and Jennifer, sister-in-law Eileen, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. May He Rest In Peace.

Declan will be reposing at Floods Funeral Home McDermott Street, Gorey, on Monday (December 11^th) from 4pm to 8pm. Removal will take place on Tuesday at 11.15am to Our Lady Star Of The Sea Church, Riverchapel for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Remember Liam Mellows next Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The annual Liam Mellows Commemoration takes place at St Patrick’s Church and graveyard at Castletown Gorey, next Sunday, December 10^th and the public is welcome to attend.

As there is no Sunday Mass people attending should gather outside the church at 11.30am from where the commemorative party will march to the graveyard for 12 mid-day wreath laying ceremony.

The keynote address will be delivered by James Lawless TD. Following the address, commemorative prayers, playing of the Last Post and the National Anthem, everyone present is invited to the nearby Golden Anchor Pub where refreshments will be served.

Courtown Christmas welcome to all

By Dan Walsh

The fundraising committee of Courtown RNLI volunteers is hosting the Christmas afternoon Jingle Mingle on the North Pier in Courtown on Saturday. 2-5pm and everyone in the community is welcome.

This is an opportunity to gather and meet neighbours and friends and enjoy some festive cheer. Christmas carols, homemade mince pies and heart-warming hot chocolate will be on offer and Santa will be arriving at 4pm to greet the children and give them a little gift.
The team will also be hosting the annual Light a Light remembrance ceremony. Candles of love, hope and remembrance are currently on sale in the Taravie at €3 each, with all proceeds going towards the local lifeboat. The candles will be lit at 4.45pm, a lovely way of remembering loved ones.

The lifeboat shop will also be open on Saturday from 11am to 5pm with lots of Christmas cards, calendars, diaries and gifts on sale.

Courtown RNLI fundraising committee and the volunteer crew look forward to welcoming everyone to their Christmas get together on Saturday, December 9^th. All proceeds will go to Courtown RNLI Lifeboat station. The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.

Deirdre from Gorey takes top award

By Dan Walsh

Post-Primary Education graduate, Deirdre Kearney, from Gorey, had double cause for celebration after achieving ‘top of her class’ status at the annual Hibernia College conferring ceremony which was held at Dublin’s Convention Centre recently.

In addition to receiving her Masters qualification, Deirdre was honoured by the College with the award for ‘Outstanding Performance in School Experience and Professional Practice’.

A teacher at Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, Deirdre was one of over 1,190 graduates from all 26 counties to qualify in Primary and Post-Primary teaching, Inclusive and Special Education and Data Analytics at the ceremony which saw the largest ever number of teachers graduate in Ireland.

Congratulating her and other graduates, Dr Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, said all teachers in attendance “hold the key to transformative change in the world by shaping the minds and futures of the next generation, at a time when our country is so short of teachers.”