WexfordLocal.com

10,000 celebrate Gorey ‘Switch-On’

**SANTA and MRS CLAUS acknowledging the cheers of the crowds on Gorey’s Main Street. (Pic; Joe Dixon Photography).**

By Dan Walsh at Gorey

A massive crowd estimated to be in the region of 10,000 packed Gorey’s long Main Street tonight (Saturday) to witness Santa and Mrs Claus make a special family friendly appearance on stage and perform the annual ‘Switch-On’ of the Christmas lights.

Believed to be the biggest crowd ever to converge on the Main Street for many years, aided by good weather behaviour, the families were arriving long before the big event and were excellently entertained in seasonal style by The Gorey Ukes and members from St. Aidan’s Services, Gorey, and all were in excellent voice.

A procession through the crowds to the stage was carried out safely and the cheers reached a crescendo when Santa and Mrs Claus appeared on stage. They were interviewed by master of ceremonies Dave Redmond before pressing the plunger and Gorey erupted into a feast of light and the official countdown to Christmas is on its way!

On stage were Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Cllrs Andrew Bolger and Joe Sullivan, District Manager Philip Knight, Director of Services Liz Hore, Michael Gleeson, Chairman, other members of the organising committee and LoveGorey.

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 2^nd, 9^th and 16^th and Monday to Saturday, inclusive, December 18^th-23^rd.

On Sunday, December 3^rd, 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.

Lingstown point-to-point on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The going is ‘soft’ for tomorrow’s Killinick Harriers fixture at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, where the first of six races get under way at 12.30pm. There is a large entry of 141 and the feature race is the Open Race over the Banks Course which is always an exciting spectacle.

And more good news for point-to-point enthusiasts, An additional point-to-point has been scheduled for Lingstown next Saturday, December 2nd. Entries close next Tuesday.

**ELLEN DOYLE enjoyed a winner in Waterford today (Saturday).**

Ellen Doyle from Baltimore Stables at Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, saddled her 45th career winner and opened her account for the new season at Boulta in west Waterford today (Saturday) when newcomer Mountain Ash scored by a head in the maiden race for four year old mares. Ridden by Brian Dunleavy, Mountain Ash got the better of Neon Diamond for the Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neil team.

Jonathan Fogarty also found himself in the winner’s enclosure at Boulta after newcomer Mulinas took division one of the maiden race for four year old geldings with Barry Stone up. Operating from Gaynestown Stud, Cleariestown, this was Fogarty’s 15th career winner as a handler and he has made an excellent start to the new season.

Dementia Tour Bus stops at County Hall

**Virtual Dementia Tour and Training for staff on Monday morning in Wexford County Council.** (Pic; Wexford County Council.)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council recently welcomed the ‘Virtual Dementia Tour Bus’ to County Hall. The Tour allows people to experience the lived reality people with dementia can go through daily, allowing participants to gain an insight into what it is like for those who are living with dementia.

Speaking after the training Ann Marie Laffan from the Community Section at Wexford County Council said;” Participants found the training quite overwhelming, thought provoking and a great way to develop an understanding of what people living with dementia might experience.’ She continued; “Our aim in delivering this training was to enable participants to gain a greater understanding and to consider the lived reality of dementia in design and delivery of our services and how we interact with people.”

The initiative was supported by Healthy Wexford, at Wexford County Council. Annette Dupuy, Healthy County Co-Ordinator added; “In our vision for a Healthy Wexford we are working to support the wellbeing of all of our citizens and enabling this type of dementia awareness training with staff and stakeholders is a further step to delivering on this vision.”

Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council who took part in the training said; “This is one of the most powerful things I have experienced, and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to experience this training to fully

understand exactly what is like for someone living with dementia. This training will assist those who attended to understand the needs of those living with dementia better as well as to communicate better with them which is important for us as a local authority.”

Alongside the Dementia Bus, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Mobile Information Service attended County Hall, offering both staff and those visiting County Hall the opportunity to pop in and gather some information on local resources and supports

available.

This training follows on from a series of initiatives that Wexford County Council has delivered over recent years to make the organisation more dementia friendly. These included their involvement in the setting up of the Wexford Dementia Alliance, a

multi-agency group that aims to improve the health and wellbeing for people living with dementia and their families and carers in Wexford as well as the production of a dementia information leaflet and directory of services with information on key services and supports available locally.

Other agencies that attended the training included An Garda Siochana, HSE, WWETB and Wexford Local Development.

Enniscorthy in a brighter light

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

With a gentle flick of a switch from the nimble fingers of Mr and Mrs Claus the streets of Enniscorthy were illuminated for Christmas this evening in Market Square and the crowds cheered loudly across the town.

Performers, cartoon characters and children decorated in seasonal costume gathered in the grounds of Enniscorthy Castle before squeezing though the crowds along Rafter Stret and into Market Square led by a piper and safety was ensured by members of An Garda Siochana.

Market Square was packed with family groups and excited little children as Liam Sharkey entertained the waiting crowds and played seasonal music. The weather was on its best behaviour. The occasion was merry and it was wonderful to see so many happy smiling faces everywhere.

There were no official speeches, but the general message emanating from the festive occasion is simple; “Shop local and keep the business in Enniscorthy this Christmas”.

The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Jackser Owens, Cathal Byrne and Aidan Browne; Claire Lawless, District Manager, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services and Edel Nolan, Staff Officer. Enniscorthy District staff supervised street closures and crowd control duties.

Man (84) dies in Gorey collision

By Dan Walsh

An 84-year-old pedestrian has died in a road traffic collision on the R772 Arklow Road at Aske a few kilometres north of Gorey.

The incident occurred around 7.30pm last night. It is understood the deceased was walking a short distance to visit a neighbour when he was struck by a passing vehicle.

Emergency services attended the scene.

Anyone witnesses to the incident is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on (053) 9430690, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Enniscorthy sewer network upgrade

By Dan Walsh

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.

Santa Claus comes to Gorey again

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*

On Sunday, December 3^rd, 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.

Man (70s) dies in farm accident

By Dan Walsh

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.

Proposed Direct Provision Centre at Rosslare Harbour

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 10^th 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 15^th 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.

Five arrested in links to shooting incident

Gardaí investigating a shooting incident which occurred in Carlow on December 5^th 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.

Investigations ongoing.