WexfordLocal.com

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

Despite a complimentary remark from Cllr Mary Farrell that “women from all over Leinster come shopping in Gorey” a discussion on the future of Esmonde Street made very little progress at yesterday’s (Tuesday) meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. It looks like “accept the cycle lanes or no funding!”

A presentation by Sean Meyler, Senior Executive Engineer at Wexford County Council outlined two alternatives; one is to engage with Uisce Éireann and the ESB and carry out the necessary developments on the street, and two, is to repair footpaths and make the street safe which can be done relatively quickly and is more cost effective.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen favoured working with Uisce Éireann to go ahead with the entire job, get the ESB to put the cables underground, and he felt the work of Uisce Éireann would also alleviate flooding at the railway bridge. He lyrically described Esmonde Street as “the cash cow of Gorey.”

Director of Services Liz Hore favoured proceeding with the regeneration of Esmonde Street with a nice green landscape and she stated its importance as a retail offering.

Cllr Donal Kenny was in favour with spending the €2 million all together and said “the footpath was no longer a priority” and suggested “to concentrate on the street.”

Cllr Joe Sullivan expressed concerns about mobility (cycle lanes) and said he was taking his cue from the residents and businesses, but he felt one attack (completing the work) is the way forward. He agreed with footpath safety but stated that the residents were not in tow with cycle tracks and taking traffic out of the town was not in keeping with the wishes that the majority of residents and business people of Gorey would want.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh felt the HGV’s should be taken out and suggested deliveries early in the morning.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain envisaged people mingling, public seating, attractive lanes with cobblestones and a prime car parking facility off Esmonde Street which is privately owned.

Cllr Andrew Bolger felt that the regeneration programme should be “done once and done right”, while Cllr Anthony Donohoe felt that “the only thing that Wexford County Council is doing for Gorey is taking out car parking spaces.”

Mr Meyler summarised that “funding assures cycle lanes in the town and we have heard from pro-cycling advocates and got the views of the wider community.” He suggested “a shared experience” and envisaged “a big wide plaza for a young vibrant town.”

It was agreed that a transport plan is needed in Gorey. Cllr Willie Kavanagh felt that “Gorey is the shopping Mecca of the south-east” and he suggested they show leadership and move on.

By Dan Walsh at the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

“We must stand together with the people of Raheenagurren,” declared Cllr Donal Kenny at today’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council while discussing an application to use St. Therese’s B&B at Mount Alexander as a Direct Provision Centre with a proposed capacity of circa-50.

The proposal first became public knowledge at the September meeting of Wexford County Council and was reported by WexfordLocal.com, however, an estimated 140 people attended a public meeting in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, on Monday night, organised by Mount Alexander Resident’s Group.

Cllr Kenny raised the matter at today’s meeting held in Gorey Council Chamber with Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, in the chair.

Cllr Kenny expressed concerns on environmental grounds stating the numbers were way too high – 50 people in 12 or 14 bedrooms – with no public lighting, no transport service, close to no school.

He noted that the owner, who attended the public meeting in the hotel, “had eight businesses in Dublin doing the same thing.” Cllr Kenny said there were serious environmental issues and the residents of the area have serious concerns. “We must stand together with the people of Raheenagurren. The figures don’t stand up,” stated Cllr Kenny.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe told the meeting that “it is inappropriate to house people there. No lighting, no public transport and the nearest shop is 2kms away. “I propose that a strongly worded letter should be sent to Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s department (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth) informing him that the proposal is wholly inappropriate,” stated Cllr Donohoe, who estimated some costs, and he reckoned it will cost “€3,500 per week; €24,500 per month; €245,000 over 10 weeks and reach the €1 million mark in 41 weeks.”

Cllr Andrew Bolger added his support to the local residents and noted that the sewage capacity is for 24 people, and he noted that the place was located on a lethal crossroads!

Cllrs Joe Sullivan and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin added their full support of the Council to support the residents and the Cathaoirleach noted this.

Director of Services, Liz Hore, informed the meeting that a letter had been sent to the relevant Department by County Secretary, Michael Drea, outlining the lack of appropriate services.

WexfordLocal.com notes, from the recent meeting that the Department of Children has been requested to inform Wexford County Council of any final decision made and to ensure that a communications protocol is implemented by the Department should these proposals proceed.