Wexford communities gain from UÉ investment

KILMORE QUAY WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT (Pic; Uisce Éireann)

By Dan Walsh

The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report published today, shows the progress being made in tackling long-running issues like raw sewage discharges, while also underlining the need for continued investment in essential wastewater services.

2022 saw the highest annual investment in wastewater to date as Uisce Éireann continues to make progress in priority areas such as locations where there is raw sewage entering the rivers, lakes and the sea, and sites identified by the European Court of Justice under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

The building, repair and upgrading of Ireland’s wastewater treatment plants and sewer network will require a multi-billion-euro investment programme over many years. Uisce Éireann is focussed on delivering the best possible service improvements, while maximising return on investment.

In County Wexford, a €12.8 million investment by Uisce Éireann has led to improved wastewater treatment in Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. The newly completed sewage scheme for Kilmore Quay has eliminated the discharge of raw sewage into the Eastern Celtic Sea and will help protect the local environment.

Works are currently underway to upgrade the wastewater network in Enniscorthy, and once completed, will eliminate untreated discharge to the River Slaney and improve water quality. 

Further upgrades are also planned for Grahormac (Tagoat) and Wellingtonbridge under the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme. These projects will be progressed through the current and future investment cycles, subject to approval and planning.

Brian Sheehan, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Infrastructure Delivery, told WexfordLocal.com “Ending raw sewage discharges and improving wastewater treatment for communities across the country are priorities for Uisce Éireann. We are making huge strides in addressing these issues and we are now seeing real and tangible benefits from the unprecedented level of investment in this essential infrastructure. To date over 70% of raw sewage discharges nationwide have been eliminated and we are on track to end the majority by 2025.”

Enniscorthy presbytery goes under the hammer

The Manse, or St. Aidan’s Presbytery, Enniscorthy, looks the same today as it did in this 1914 postcard image. (Photo; Dan Walsh Collection).

By Dan Walsh

Mass attendees at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, last weekend, were shocked at the news that The Manse, home to generations of priests since 1911, has gone on the property market and is for sale by private treaty. The market price is believed to be in the region of €950,000.

The high cost of maintenance and the decline in numbers entering the priesthood has forced the Diocese of Ferns to part with this iconic listed building with its distinguished architecture and elevated site beside the cathedral with exceptional views of the town and Vinegar Hill.

According to Images of Ireland; ENNISCORTHY* St. Aidan’s Presbytery, popularly known as ‘The Manse’ was built as a presbytery for the administrator and his curates and was completed in 1909 to coincide with the silver jubilee celebrations for Most Rev. James Browne, Bishop of Ferns, 1884-1918.

Inspired by Administrator, Fr. Robert Fitzhenry, the building was designed by Thomas Slevin & Sons, Dublin, and built by William Fortune, Lower Church Street, Enniscorthy.

The residence which has served as the Parochial House since its construction is listed in the National Inventory of Ireland and is described as ” a detached four- or six-bay two-storey parochial house, built 1908-9; occupied 1911, on a rectangular plan including single-bay two-storey “tower” with single-bay single-storey flat-roofed advanced porch to ground floor; four-bay two-storey side elevations.

Part refenestrated, set in landscaped grounds including terrace centred on flight of eight cut-granite steps.” The property has been maintained in good condition throughout and has an abundance of character. On entering, the feature staircase is illuminated by the large atrium above.

The main living room has excellent proportions and is full of natural light due to its large feature windows maximising the picturesque views over Vinegar Hill.

The ceiling heights are excellent throughout and the property has beautiful coving and cornices throughout.

Accommodation briefly comprises four reception rooms, kitchen, utility, laundry room, w.c., and stores to ground floor. Upstairs has six bedrooms and two bedroom suites and four bathrooms. Outside there are four garages and some old outhouses.

The property stands on a large site of circa-1.2 acres of gardens. It has the benefit of all mains services and oil-fired central heating.

  • Images of Ireland, compiled by Dan Walsh, published by Gill & Macmillan Ltd, Dublin 8, and in Great Britain by the Chalford Publishing Company, 1998.

Taoiseach opens 72nd Wexford Festival

AN TAOISEACH, LEO VARADKAR TD, opens the 72nd Wexford Festival Opera on Wexford Quay.

By Dan Walsh at the Wexford Festival

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, was on Wexford Quay this evening where he performed the official launch of the 72nd Wexford Festival Opera. The event was accompanied by a colourful fireworks display in pleasant weather conditions.

AN TAOISEACH, LEO VARADKAR TD, speaking at the opening of the 72nd Wexford Festival Opera earlier this evening.

Cllr John Hegarty, Mayor of Wexford, spoke briefly and encouraged the large attendance “to get out over the next two weeks and enjoy yourselves at the many events taking place in the town.”

Chairman of Wexford Festival Opera, Paul Cleary said it was a great honour to be present and to participate in the 72nd Wexford Festival, which he stated; “Has grown from humble beginnings to the international festival it is today.”

Also on stage this evening was Paul Kehoe TD, Maurice McCarthy was brilliant in the master of ceremonies role, as always, and a number of performers participated in the ‘warm up’ before the arrival of the dignitaries and the fireworks.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, President of County Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Brendan Crowley, expressed his delight to welcome everyone to the 69th Fringe Festival. “The Fringe Festival has always run side-by-side with the very special Opera Festival offering something different in terms of music and entertainment alongside the three featured operas being performed this year,” stated Mr. Crowley.

One of the most popular fringe events is the Guinness Singing and Swinging Pubs competition which visits 25 different establishments this year and a calendar is available in the Wexford Fringe 2023 Guide.

The festival runs for 13 days – October 24th to November 5th – with 70 events.

River Slaney watch at Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The River Slaney is quite high through Enniscorthy today, with a rising tide, however, fingers are crossed that flooding will not be making the headlines.

The next high tide is 4.4m at 3.04pm and the next lowest tide is at 9.45pm.

The M11 Motorway northbound from Scurloughsbush roundabout (Oylegate) to Ballydawmore Junction has reopened after being closed due to flooding earlier today. Traffic was diverted on the R772 through Enniscorthy.

WEATHER OUTLOOK. TODAY. A mix of cloud and sunny spells today with scattered showers. Some may be heavy. Top temperatures of 12 to 14 Celsius in light to moderate east or southeast breezes, becoming light variable this afternoon.

TONIGHT; Largely dry tonight with clear spells and isolated showers. Areas of mist and fog will form in light variable breezes. Quite chilly with lows of 2 to 5 Celsius.

TOMORROW (Wednesday). Mist and fog will clear during the morning. Dry with sunny spells for a time. Cloud will increase and rain will gradually spread northeastwards across Leinster during the afternoon and evening. Some heavy bursts are possible with a chance of spot flooding. Top temperatures of 11 to 13 Celsius in light southeast breezes, increasing moderate to fresh during the afternoon.

Bad flooding in Craanford

By Dan Walsh

The road through Craanford in North Wexford was unpassable for a time today after the local river burst its banks during the heavy downpour that lashed counties Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny today.

A house in the village was also flooded, but many roads were affected by severe amounts of water cascading from the higher ground.

Seven residences on a laneway off the Ballyconran  road were completely cut off after floods ran off adjoining fields and tore away the road surface. The filling from the road blocked the road between Askamore and Craanford at Ballyconran, however, locals took action and cleared the road to allow passage once more.

CLLR DONAL KENNY

Local Cllr Donal Kenny told WexfordLocal.com that he had been aware of the constant floods on the Ballyconran road and the laneway where the seven houses are located. Cllr Kenny said he has been lobbying on behalf of the locals to get a hard surface laid down, however, he reckons that it could take upwards of two years to complete.

Cllr Kenny has informed Wexford County Council of the damage caused by today’s flooding and is inviting engineers to visit the area to inspect the damage and restore the roads and protect local property, and going forward, to ensure that a more permanent solution is implemented.

In the Rosslare District, Cllr Frank Staples posted on social media that “a huge amount of water on the roads, the road from Mayglass to Bridgetown is unpassable unless you have an SVU. Lot of water in Mulrankin, the Moor, Cregg and many other roads.”

Cllr Jim Codd reported roads flooding at Bridgetown, Scar, Taghmon, Rathaspeck, Johnstown, Murrintown, Kates Cross, Sleedagh, Ballycapogue and Killrane.

Body recovered from River Barrow

By Dan Walsh

The body of a male was removed from the River Barrow at New Ross this afternoon.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of an incident at approximately 1.35pm.

The male was pronounced deceased at the scene and has been taken to University Hospital Waterford where a post mortem examination will take place in due course.

“No further information is available at this time. Investigations are ongoing,” said the Gardaí in a statement.

Pierce Turner launches Wexford Bohemian

Wexford-born singer and songwriter PIERCE TURNER, who performed the official launch, and ÁLANNA HAMMEL, Editor, at the launch of the WEXFORD BOHEMIAN, Issue 5, at Red Books, Wexford, on Saturday night. (Pic; Gar Cullen Photography).

By Dan Walsh in Wexford town

Wexford-born singer/songwriter Pierce Turner said it was “a great honour” when he performed the official launch of the fifth edition of the Wexford Bohemian at Red Books, Wexford, on Saturday night.

Described as “Wexford’s journal of art, culture and literature”, the latest publication is edited by Alanna Hammel and Pierce Turner expressed his support in the foreword. It has twenty-five contributors; the vast majority are published for the first time and the content is laden with variety and original poems and short stories.

AUDIO ADDITION; PIERCE TURNER speaking about the WEXFORD BOHEMIAN.

Editor Álanna Hammel acted as master of ceremonies and the pleasant function featured readings from Conor Lyons, Amy Redmond, Mick O’ Callaghan, Stephanie Hanley-Baird, Éire Nì Fhaoláin, Katherine Alabama, Meg Lowney, Lulu Sinnott, Heidi Bowe and Martina Byrne.

They all have their submissions published in the latest edition of Wexford Bohemian, issue 5, along with Jess Mannion, Paul Hennessy, Annette Condon, Deirdre O’Connor, Polly Chapman, Fionntáin Ó Suilleabháin, Shawn O’Ceallaigh, Dooroslawa Staszewska, Aoife Byrne, Garry Farrelly, Christina Hession, Gar Cullen, Frankie Lowney, Emie and Chulainn Ó Fhaoláin.

Wexford Bohemian, issue 5, edited by Álanna Hammel is available at Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford or http://www.theirishbookshop.com, but, beware copies are selling fast and once they’re gone, they’re really gone!

Four for Barry O’Neill on home turf

COLIN BOWE and BARRY O’NEILL and their families celebrate the success of Leaky Cauldron at Ballycrystal races this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

Barry O’Neill was performing on his home territory at Ballycrystal today and he put on a mighty show for the large crowd booting home four winners – two of them for local handler Colin Bowe. Both champions are top of the leader board tonight with nine winners each since the new season began at the beginning of October.

Inspired by the Harry Potter character Leaky Cauldron came home first by five lengths for the O’Neill-Bowe team in the maiden race for four-year-olds. “He was very professional and jumped very well,” said Bowe afterwards, and was followed home by Donnchadh Doyle’s Cave Article and Denis Murphy’s Jackstell.

The O’Neill-Bowe double came in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and a two and a half lengths advantage for Big John Wayne in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours.

Win number three for O’Neill came aboard Weir Lane for handler David O’Brien, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, in the colours of Mike Allen in the maiden race for five- and six-year-olds.

O’Neill’s fourth success of the afternoon saw Aidan Fitzgerald’s Commander of Ten cheered across the finish line two and a half lengths clear in the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards.

Rob James was in action at Umma House today and missed seen Rossbridge get the best of a close finish for the Matchmaker Syndicate and Duncormack rider Eoin Staples in the four-year-old maiden auction race.

The Open Lightweight Race was confined to lady riders and the reigning champion, Susie Doyle from Thurles, was on the six lengths winner – Lifetime Ambition handled by her father, Pat Doyle, who intends sticking to a similar route during the season.

It was a pleasant afternoon’s point-to-pointing and everything ran safely and smoothly under the watchful eye of the Island Hunt, the weather was glorious for October, ground conditions were safe and suitable for the horses, and the large crowd was noticeable family groups and younger punters which is a good omen for the sport.

There were also point-to-point races at Umma House in south Westmeath and two Wexford stables were victorious. Harley Dunne saddled first timer Piper Park in the four-year-old mares maiden race and secured victory by two lengths with Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard in the saddle.

Daryl Deacon, Belmont House, Clonroche, who was present at Ballycrystal, received the brilliant news that Dollar Collar gave him a five lengths success in the mares’ maiden ridden by Derek O’Connor.

The fixture list is as follows: Sunday, November 12th; Wexford Hunt Races at Knockmullen House, New Ross. Sunday, November 19th; Wicklow Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely. November 26th; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard. Sunday, December 3rd; Carlow Farmers Hunt at Borris House.

Ballycrystal races on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The popular point-to-point track at Ballycrystal, near Kiltealy, has a fine covering of grass and has been described as “good to yielding” ahead of tomorrow’s (Sunday) races run under the auspices of Island Hunt.

There are 84 entries, the first race is at 2pm, and the forecast is for “a mainly dry day.” A good day’s racing is anticipated, and the organisers would like a good-sized attendance.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill made the long journey to Loughanmore in East Antrim today (Saturday) and supplied the only winning favourite on the six-race card, Wallace Onlinger who had five lengths to spare when winning the Winner of Two Race for owner Brian Acheson.

A seventh win of the new season for Bowe, which places him on top of the leader board, Wallace Onlinger has enjoyed a second success in two weeks following on from a 50 lengths victory at Loughrea on October 8th.  

Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Ferns

ROWE STREET CHURCH, WEXFORD

By Dan Walsh

Priests are reflecting upon drafts of a pastoral plan for the Diocese of Ferns and the parishioners in the Diocese will be given further information in their newsletters at Masses this weekend.

As part of the universal Church’s ongoing journey of synodality, the priests of the Diocese of Ferns met together for three days. 

The assembly of priests worked with facilitators on pastoral development, Scripture, lay ministry, collaboration, synodality, pastoral area formation and leadership. 

The work of the facilitators especially the lay participation was deeply appreciated. This work complements the synodal meetings of the wider Diocese.

Priests also reflected upon the first drafts of a pastoral plan for the Diocese, which is being developed by representatives from the Council of Priests and Diocesan Pastoral Council and grew from the synthesis of communal discernment that concluded Stage 1 of the Irish Synodal Pathway. This plan looks at ways of empowering people, priests and religious to work more closely together in the proclamation of the Good News.

“As we continue to discern together the way forward in a time of change for parishes, we pray that Parish communities within pastoral areas continue to work together to reflect a reinvigorated communion amongst clergy and laity, an outward pastoral reach and a renewed evangelising mission,” said a statement from the Communications Office at the Diocese of Ferns.