€166m Border Control Post for Rosslare

MInister Patrick O’Donovan (with shovel) turning the sod on the new Terminal 7 and Enabling Works project at Rosslare Europort last Thursday.

By Dan Walsh

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., was in Rosslare Europort on Thursday to mark the commencement of works for the Terminal 7 and Enabling Works project that will see a new terminal built and a new Border Control Post set up.

The Terminal 7 facility will facilitate the processing and exit routes from the passenger and freight ferries that use Rosslare Europort. The construction works will cost approximately €166 million.

Works will include the demolition of existing buildings and construction of 28 new permanent buildings totaling circa 9,361 m2.

These upgrade works are necessary to provide permanent Brexit infrastructure at Rosslare Europort to ensure compliance with EU Customs, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and official food controls legislation, thereby providing protection for the EU single market.

Following a competitive tender process, the Office of Public Works (OPW) awarded John Paul Construction the contract and work commenced on site.

These buildings include facilities for a range of activities such as An Garda Síochána Immigration facility, a Revenue Enforcement and Stopping Area, live animal inspection facilities for equine and domestic pets, checks on animal products, regulated plant products and foods of non-animal origin entering the Union. There will also be a new main access road, a roundabout, internal road and freight entrance plaza along with significant hard-standing and truck-set/car-storage facilities to be constructed.

Speaking at Rosslare Europort, Minister O’Donovan said; “I am delighted to see that works have commenced on site now for this critically important State infrastructure in Rosslare Europort. The size of this project is vast – 28 new permanent buildings – and will provide the permanent infrastructure required for a new border control post and improved processing facilities at one of our largest and busiest ports in the country.

“The OPW has worked very closely with all State agencies and the Port Authority, Iarnród Éireann, to bring this project to this important milestone. Rosslare Europort continues to operate as a live operational port and the OPW, together with main contractor John Paul Construction are working closely and collaboratively with the port authorities to ensure that this immense construction project will proceed in tandem with the busy operations of Rosslare.”

Liam Kenny, Managing Director, said his company are delighted to have been awarded the contract. “This is not just a significant project for John Paul Construction, but for Ireland as a whole, given the role the upgraded port will play in a post Brexit euro economy. We look forward to working collaboratively with the OPW, the Port Authorities, and our local supply chain to deliver this nationally and regionally important infrastructure project.”

Wexford overnight water restrictions

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann advises customers in Wexford Town and surrounding areas that essential overnight restrictions will be required from 10pm to 7am each night to allow water levels at Coolcots Reservoir to recover.

The restrictions are required due to a combination of factors, including high demand, poor raw water quality, and upgraded works at the Newtown Water Treatment Plant.

To improve reservoir levels and maintain a sufficient water supply to homes and businesses during the daytime, customers in the following areas will experience low pressure and/or outages from 10pm until 7am the following morning: Coolcots, Ard Carman, Clonard, Townparks, Mount Prospect, Mulgannon and The Green in Clonard Village.

These areas may also experience low pressure and temporary intermittent outages during the day due to decreased reservoir levels, especially those on higher such as The Green in Clonard Village. 

Uisce Éireann advises customers not to use appliances that use a constant water flow while the water isn’t running from the cold kitchen tap (e.g., dishwashers). As per best practice, most homes and businesses will have on-site water storage to provide a backup source of water for sanitation purposes. 

Alternative water supplies with clean drinking water are in place at Belvedere Grove, Ferndale Park, Ard Charman, Cluain Dara, Clonard Village and Clonard Church until normal water supply returns. Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure as per Health Service Executive (HSE) advice.

Dedicated water services crews continue to work around the clock, 24/7, to restore normal water supply to customers as quickly as possible. 

The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also make contact on X (formerly Twitter) @IW_Care. For updates on local water supply issues, please visit the Water Supply Updates section of www.water.ie. 

700,000 coming to Wexford for the Fleadh

WEXFORD… host to Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann 2024 August 4-11th (WexfordLocal.com File Pic)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Upwards of 700,000 are expected to mingle merrily in festive mood across Wexford town next August (4-11th) for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is the biggest event of its kind in the world and plans to ensure a safe and family friendly traditional festival are already under way.

A brief outline of the enormous logistics involved in hosting the Fleadh featured in a presentation before members at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council by Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services with responsible for Special Projects, and Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Committee.

Mr Taaffe said that over 500,000 visitors are expected for the occasion with 20% of them coming from overseas and 7,000 musicians. 4,500 competitors will feature in 180 competitions at 40 venues. There will be All-Ireland competitions, a Gig Rig and TG4 will be the broadcasting partners.

Accommodation, camper van and extended car parking facilities, crowd management, signage and general safety measures will require about 1,000 volunteers. Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, Wexford Bus and Local Link will provide extra services to get people in and out of Wexford safety during the days of the Fleadh.

The main sponsors are Wexford Credit Union and Fáilte Ireland, but other sponsorship is likely to be included.

The presentation was welcomed by all members. Cllr Michael Sheehan suggested that the event should also include fringe events in Gorey, Enniscorthy and New Ross. Cllr Michael Whelan asked the committee to consider a Park and Ride facility in Wellingtonbridge and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain welcomed “a festival of Irish culture”.

Cllr Jackser Owens recalled when last Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was held in Enniscorthy (1999 and 2000) and he assured members that the event “will bring benefits to the whole county.”

Cllr Maura Bell made a call for people to make available their homes to accommodate visitors and provide a friendly welcome to Wexford town and ensure than all visitors have a good experience and will spread the word that Wexford is a great town to visit.

Chief Executive Tom Enright described bringing the Fleadh to Wexford as “a major undertaking”, but he felt confident that the town will rise to the occasion and that all necessary arrangements will fall into place with the co-operation of An Garda Siochána, Wexford County Council, National Ambulance Service and Voluntary Ambulance Services, Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann, sponsors and supporters, the local Committee and the volunteers, and the message goes out to any groups in Co. Wexford wishing to come forward to get involved in any way, that they should contact the Fleadh Committee and they will be made most welcome.

It will be the fifth time the South-East county has hosted the popular festival, which is the world’s largest celebration of Irish traditional music, language, songs and dance.

Presentation Sisters leaving Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Over two centuries since a Mr Carroll of Wexford bequeathed £1,600 to Bishop Patrick Ryan (1768-1819) that enabled him to a secure a foundation for the Presentation Nuns in 1818, the sisters are leaving Wexford town.

It is an historic moment that marks the end of a long chapter that began with the Presentation Sisters have dedicated themselves to the education of both boys and girls of the town and surrounding district.

BISHOP GER NASH

To mark their departure, there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving, presided by Bishop Ger Nash, this Friday, October 13th, at 5.45pm in Rowe St Church, Wexford, followed by refreshments served afterwards in the Presentation school. All are welcome. 

All priests of the diocese are welcome to come and concelebrate. Wexford parish encourages parishioners, past pupils from across the diocese and former teachers to come along and pray in thanksgiving on the evening.

“It will also be an occasion to celebrate the seeds sown by the Sisters that still grow in the ethos of the Presentation School and good carried forward. While there is sadness at the end of an era, we still look forward in hope and thank the Sisters for their loyal dedication to the people of Wexford for over two centuries,” Bishop Nash told WexfordLocal.com.

BRIEF HISTORY; The first Superioress was Mother de Sales Devereux from Wexford who had made her profession in the Presentation Convent in Kilkenny. Her colleague in the new foundation at Wexford was Sister Mary Baptist Frayne, and on October 2nd 1818, Mass was celebrated for the first time in the new house at Wexford by Fr, John Corrin, who died in April 1835 aged 86 years.

After eight years Mother de Sales was asked to found a new order in Enniscorthy by Bishop James Keating, (1783-1849) and accordingly she left Wexford in 1827.

Mother Baptist died on January 31st, 1857, and in 1862, Mother Agnes Kenny built two new schools and a cloister leading to them from the convent. She also formed an industrial class for embroidery and lacemaking,

Another two centuries of Wexford history fades into the archives and soon will be no more than folk memory, however, it is right and fitting to record the event with thanksgiving and remembrance and service to so many generations from soon after the 1798 Rebellion, through the Famine years, and the following centuries when people struggled with poverty and survived with nothing but faith, hope and charity.

Deputy Kehoe welcomes Budget 2024

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Deputy Paul Kehoe has said that Fine Gael is tackling the cost-of-living challenges by cutting taxes and helping those most in need and added that Fine Gael is committed to putting more money in people’s pockets in Budget 2024 by cutting tax and the USC (Universal Social Charge),

Deputy Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com that; “Budget 2024 is the tenth Budget in a row which has rewarded work and will help people in Wexford keep more of their hard-earned wages.

“The country is faced with many challenges, but thanks to a pro-jobs policy and strong economy, under the guidance of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, we are building stronger safer communities, ensuring the best start for every child and delivering for rural Ireland and farmers.

DEPUTY PAUL KEHOE TD

“Cost of living challenges continue, and inflation is still with us. In response to this in the €1.3bn tax package just announced, Fine Gael has increased the entry point to the top 40% tax rate by €9,200 in the last decade – from €32,800 in 2014 to €42,000 next year. More than 200,000 workers have been removed from the top 40% tax rate since Covid, in the last three budgets. USC has been cut from 4.5pc to 4pc. The minimum wage will be increased by €1.40 an hour to €12.70.

“We know people and families are finding it hard to pay for the bills due to the rise in the cost of living so these measures will help. The average full-time worker will benefit by more than €1,000 when other measures taken by Government are considered,” stated Deputy Paul Kehoe, who added; “These include; three energy grants worth a combined total of €450, excise increases on petrol and diesel have been deferred. The rent tax credit has been increased from €500 to €750 which includes parents whose student children are in ‘rent a room’ or ‘digs’ accommodation. Mortgage Interest Relief for homeowners for their primary dwelling will also assist.

“The Social Welfare package of €2.3bn is the largest in the history of the State to assist households with the cost of living. It has numerous initiatives including a €300 fuel allowance lump sum; double child payment benefit; a Christmas bonus to 1.3m recipients, a €12 increase in the State pension from January and extending parent’s benefit from seven weeks to nine next year.

“To support those most in need, a special, once-off payment of €400 will be made before Christmas to those who receive the Carer’s Support Grant, Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and Domiciliary Care Allowance.

“We are building stronger, safer communities in Wexford and will provide up to 1,000 new Garda trainees, an increase in Garda overtime from €105m to €131m and a 66pc increase in the garda training allowance from €184 to €305,” Deputy Kehoe said.

“Fine Gael wants to take on and eliminate child poverty. There will be a €12 increase in weekly social welfare payments. We are extending hot school meals programme to all non-DEIS primary schools. Free schoolbooks will be provided to all up to Junior Cycle exams.

“Next year, there will be a further reduction in childcare fees by 25% meaning parents will pay 50% less for childcare than they did in 2022. In addition, child benefit will also be extended to 18-year-olds in full time education. There will also be an extra 1,200 SNAs recruited,” Deputy Kehoe said.

“Fine Gael want to help people in their 20s and 30s own their own home and the highly successful Help-to-Buy scheme will be extended until the end of 2025. A total of €1.9 billion is allocated to provide more than 9,000 new build social homes in 2024.

“Businesses in Wexford will be supported with a €250m package of temporary supports to help them through cost-of-living pressures. Alongside this, a new Angel Investors Scheme will encourage high potential start-ups to make here their base.

“Our success story in education must continue. Families with an income of less than €100,000 will have college fees for undergraduate students halved to €1,500 this year. All other families in Wexford will see college fees for undergraduate students cut by €1,000. Student grant holders will have their grants increased up to €340 between January and May and maintenance grants to Postgraduates to be restored for the first time since the financial crash.

 “All undergraduate college fees will be abolished for those earning less than €56,000. For the first time ever, this will include part-time students. We will also see families with an income of less than €100,000 benefit from a reduction in college fees to €1,500, with all other families having fees cut by €1,000.

Deputy Kehoe continued; “Unlike previous Governments, Fine Gael is safeguarding our future. The Future Ireland Fund, which could reach more than €100 billion in the next decade, will help protect living standards and public services as generations live longer.

“As we saw with the Celtic Tiger, when an economic downturn hits, the first thing axed is the country’s infrastructure plans (roads, schools, garda stations). Fine Gael’s pro-jobs policies has ensured a strong economy and €14 billion will be put aside in the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund by 2030 for continued investment in infrastructure and climate projects to safeguard future generations.

“This Budget put together by my colleagues in Fine Gael ensures we are best equipped to help all in an ever-changing country and world where events far away can have a major impact on how we live our lives,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.

€30m new access road to Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

An Bord Pleanala has granted Wexford County Council planning permission for the long-awaited port access road at Rosslare Harbour.

The €30 million investment was welcomed at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at Carricklawn, Wexford.

CLLR GER CARTHY

Cllr Ger Carthy told WexfordLocal.com; “The new €30 million TII N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road will ensure a better experience for port users and enhance quality of life for those living and working in the area, by taking trucks out of the village, and improving access and connectivity to the port.

“This is major investment in the heartland of my constituency and will now open out the port facility to further investment and job creation,” added Cllr Carthy.

The proposed works are on the outskirts of Rosslare Harbour and includes the upgrading of 450 metres of the existing Ballygerry Link Road and the provision of one kilometre of new single road carriageway with associated lay byes to provide a new access road to Rosslare Europort.

There will also be a three-metre-wide shared two-way cycle/pedestrian route between the proposed N25 Ballygillane roundabout to the new future Rosslare Europort roundabout.

Other development includes a new railway bridge and two new underpasses providing provision for access to the existing Uisce Éireann Wastewater Treatment Plant and the future Rosslare Strand to Rosslare Harbour Greenway, respectively.

Road realignment, fencing at the existing railway bridge, drainage systems and flood mitigation measures will also be included, and the single residential dwelling Wayside House on Station Road is to be demolished.

CLLR WILLIE KAVANAGH

Meanwhile, Cllr Willie Kavanagh sought an update on the completion of the M11 from Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour at today’s meeting.

Apparently the M11 between Oylegate and Rosslare Harbour must include a service station to comply with new regulations that calls for a lesser distance between service stations and this must be incorporated into the planning process.

Cllr Kavanagh told the meeting he received representation from many residents along the proposed route of the M11 from Oylegate, through Crossabeg and towards Ferrycarrig, whom, he said, cannot make a decision regards their property until they have a clearer picture of what is happening.  

Gambling Regulation Bill threat to Irish racing media rights

By Dan Walsh

Wexford’s Minister James Browne is under attack from Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) after he criticised its decision to sanction a €47 million media rights deal for Irish racing.

The lucrative deal with Racecourse Media Group and Sports Information Services was confirmed in May, with five of the country’s 26 tracks belatedly signing up to the offer a month later. This ensured all live coverage of Irish racing would continue to be broadcast on Racing TV until 2029.

In an interview on RTE Radio 1’s Morning Ireland on Thursday, Minister Browne, who is Minister of State in the Department of Justice and responsible for drafting the Gambling Regulation Bill legislation, condemned HRI for completing the deal when it was clear the impending bill was to introduce a gambling advertising ban between 5.30am and 9pm. Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing have stated that the bill will render the broadcasting of their channels “economically unviable” in Ireland.

Browne said: “I don’t accept that [Irish racing will lose coverage], that’s certainly the message that has been attempted to put out there by some people in the industry, but the legislation is crafted in such a way that anything you can see regarding horseracing on live television, you will be able to see after this legislation passes. It is only the hard advertising in between races that is being banned.

“The contract that is being referred to that puts at risk, if you like, the showing of horseracing was entered into last May by HRI long after the stated government policy and long after the Dail had set out its intentions in relation to supporting this advertising ban. So, I’m kind of surprised that the contract was entered into in the face of government policy but there is certainly no reason and no inhibition from showing horseracing as it is today, only hard advertising.”

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) chief executive Suzanne Eade rebutted the minister’s assertion by clarifying that the sales process began 12 months prior to the contract being signed, while the preferred bidder status was awarded in October 2022 before the threat became apparent.

Ms. Eade said: “Minister Browne and his officials have previously been made aware that the only options available for Irish racing were both UK-based companies –Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing –and therefore two media companies already operating under a different set of gambling regulation than is being proposed in Ireland.

Broadcaster, former politician and bookmaker, Ivan Yates from Enniscorthy, is among those questioning the logic behind the exclusion of the lottery from the upcoming Bill which has been in the final report stage in Dail Eireann since July 12th.

On August 9th last, WexfordLocal.com reported, with the sanction of the Irish Racehorse Trainers’  Association, that; “Over 40 horse trainers and point-to-point handlers currently operating in Co. Wexford are calling on Wexford-based Minister for State at the Department of Justice with responsibility for law reform, James Browne TD, expressing concerns around the future broadcasting of Irish race meetings and the gambling advertising watershed ban which is proposed in the Gambling Regulation Bill.

Last Friday the Paddy Power organisation announced that it was to cease trading at 21 of its outlets across the country, including New Ross, and impacting on 78 staff.

It should also be noted that Racing TV has the media rights for Wexford racecourse and transmits pictures throughout Ireland the UK and further afield.

500th winner for Colin Bowe

By Dan Walsh

COLIN BOWE enjoyed his 500th point-to-point success today.

First timer Ridin Solo took the five-year-old geldings maiden race at Loughrea, Co. Galway today (Sunday) giving current and nine times champion handler Colin Bowe from Kiltealy his 500th point-to-point winner and a second success leaves him on the 501-winner mark tonight.

Ridin Solo in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours won by one and a half lengths and contributed to the first leg of a double on the day for rider Rob James.

Bowe’s double was completed when first timer Wallace Onlinger, owned by Brian Acheson, who led most of the way and ran on gamely for a 50 lengths success under Sophie Carter in the geldings maiden race for six years old and over and confined to novice riders.

Rob James was given the leg up on La Vega Moon by John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, Bagenalstown, in the Winner of One Race and the combination came home 12 lengths to the good.

Next Sunday’s local point-to-point is the Shillelagh & District Hunt fixture at Fairwood, Tinahely. First race at 2pm. Entries close on Tuesday.

Michael Goff trains his 75th winner

By Dan Walsh

MICHAEL GOFF who trained his 75th career winner at Toomebridge

Five of the runners in the opening mare’s maiden race for four-year-olds at Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, today (Saturday) were from Wexford stables and victory went to Peggy’s Rock from Michael Goff’s Clondaw, Ferns, stables defeating Colin Bowe’s Kiltealy Park in a short head verdict.

In the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours Kiltealy Park was the long-time leader in the hands of Barry O’Neill, but Mikey Sweeney persisted on Peggy’s Rock, running in the colours of Caitriona Goff and stole victory on the line. Peggy’s Rock, who was Goff’s 75th career winner as a handler now in his 11th season, is for sale.

Matthew Flynn O’Connor, who is based at Ballycrystal, near Kiltealy, supplied the third placed Hay Baby in the opening race, but was compensated with a four lengths victory with the Brian Lawless ridden Caughinyourtrance in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill made today’s journey worthwhile when Isholo Du Vivien scored by eleven lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Blackwater wins Tidy Towns again!

BLACKWATER wins County Wexford SuperValu award for 2023. (File Pic).

By Dan Walsh

Blackwater were the County Wexford winners followed by Wexford and Duncormick, gold medals for Blackwater and Wexford, a silver medal for Enniscorthy, bronze medals for New Ross and Gorey and Bree secured an Endeavour Award at the Supervalu Tidy Towns Awards announced at a ceremony in Croke Park, Dublin, today.

Blackwater have been County winners for the past three years and once again topped the marks amongst the 31 entries from Co. Wexford while it must be acknowledged that the four major towns scored impressively and were worthy medal winners.

“It was this adjudicator’s first visit to Blackwater and first impressions were indeed very encouraging. At the well-presented Church and community building, including playground and bring centre, facilities were nicely grouped and conveniently located. The village itself retains a significant number of thatched houses, and indeed buildings which were formerly thatched. In addition, there are a good number of commercial buildings which retain a unique, vernacular scale and character, some having pitched roofs and others with barrel-vaulted roofs. It would be a well worthwhile undertaking, in this village of architectural importance, to contact Wexford County Council for assistance in preparing a strategic framework plan with a view to protecting, developing and conserving this unique heritage. Easter Cottage, The Blackwater Coffee Company and developments at The Blackwater Community Hub exemplify this agenda and set a high standard for others to emulate. The architectural conservation plan could also embrace the comments of the first round adjudicator relating to hedgerow and tree planting. All were visited and much admired.”

The awards ceremony was addressed by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development who said that the awards are a “huge event for community groups up and down the country”.

SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards 2023 marks for WEXFORD. Category A; Foulksmills (346), Duncormick (359), County Wexford 3rd. Ballyduff (353), Askamore (310).

Category B; Kilmuckridge (340), Bridgetown (289), Carrig-on-Bannow (286), Ballycullane (284), Oylegate (278), Blackwater (373), County Wexford 1st and Gold Medal, Bree (358), Endeavour Award, Clonroche (356), Kilanerin (345), Monageer (327), Ballymurn (321), Hollyfort (310), Killanne (308), Coolgreany (307), Marshalstown (299), Wellingtonbridge (280), Courtnacuddy (283), Campile (240), Ballindaggin (210).

Category C; Rosslare Strand (353), Rosslare Harbour (352), Bunclody (308), Ferns (345).

Category E; New Ross (346), Bronze Medal.

Category F; Enniscorthy (356), Silver Medal, Gorey (353). Bronze Medal.

Category G; Wexford (363), County Wexford 2nd and Gold Medal.