WexfordLocal.com

Call for answers around Direct Provision Centre plans?

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting

**WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL HQ (File Pic).**

A call for openness and transparency and update information demanded by the public to establish the facts, driven by rumours at this stage, concerning plans for a Direct Provision Centre at Rosslare Harbour and another outside Gorey dominated proceedings at today’s meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn Headquarters. Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach, presided.

The matter was first raised by Cllr Ger Carthy who questioned the meeting about proposals for a Provision Centre on the old Great Southern Hotel site at Rosslare Harbour. He called for a meeting with the relevant Department and said that the people of Rosslare Harbour were looking for answers as to why plans for a 90-bed nursing home, which was welcome in the community, had been shelved in favour of a Direct Provision Centre.

Cllr Carthy said Rosslare Harbour welcomed refugees, fundraised over €120,000 and the community was most helpful, but he said; “It has now reached saturation point and all the services are inadequate and the community cannot do anymore.”

Cllr George Lawlor supported Cllr Carthy. “The goodwill generated at Rosslare Harbour will be thrown out the door and the people working with refugees say this will not work! And these are people who have stood up to the plate.”

Cllr Lisa McDonald added her support. She pointed out the need for proper services and the need for nursing home spaces as people are “under serious pressure.” She added that “nobody is anti-anything here” but there is a serious lack of services in the area and these matters should be addressed.

Chief Executive Tom Enright pointed out that “its is a privately owned property and this is a commercial decision” and he saw the role of Wexford County Council as ensuring that “planning, building and fire regulations” meeting the required standards.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin requested information on St. Therese’s B&B, Mount Alexander, Gorey, where there is a proposal to create a Direct Provision Centre for 50 people. “There are no footpaths, no lighting on the narrow and dangerous road. Speculators buying such buildings as investment opportunities. It is entirely unsuitable.”

Cllr Ó Súilleabháin was supported by his district colleagues Cllr Diarmuid Devereux and Cllr Joe Sullivan who was concerned how St. Therese’s were going to “fit 50 people into 12 bedrooms in the house?”

Cllr Davy Hynes made reference to Slaney Manor and the former Garda Station in Wexford town. “No one knows anything. There is no consultation. People are buying properties and can do what they like with them?”, he added.

Cllr Pat Bardon made a reference to Cedar Lodge at Carrigbyrne and stated; “Who is occupying the property the locals want to know?”

As regards the official situation, WexfordLocal.com has obtained the following information, which we believe is the current position regards these applications;

Planning had been received for a new 90-bed nursing home on the site of the old Great Southern Hotel in Rosslare Harbour, the property changed ownership and since then, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth received a proposal to utilise the property for temporary accommodation for international protection applicants.

The Planning Department (Enforcement) of Wexford County Council has written to the property developers to advise them of their obligations under planning and building control.

A second property in North Wexford, St. Therese’s B&B at Mount Alexander, Gorey, Y25 P285, with a proposed capacity of circa-50 is also under consideration.

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.

Two Monday calls for Kilmore Quay crew

**Two calls for KILMORE QUAY RNLI LIFEBOAT today (Monday). All are safe. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh).**

By Dan Walsh

It was a busy Monday for Kilmore Quay RNLI with two calls that involved assisting a lone sailor whose yacht had lost all power near the Saltee Islands, this afternoon, and earlier this morning to assist two people approximately two miles south of Carnsore Point whose yacht had been disabled by a fouled prop.

The volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 2.30pm this afternoon to assist a yacht on passage from France with one person on board that had lost power. Conditions at the time were good, with a light north westerly breeze and calm seas. The lifeboat immediately launched and made its way to the yacht.

Arriving on scene ten minutes later, the crew assessed the situation, and decided to transfer a RNLI crew member to the yacht to assist in establishing a towline. The vessel was towed back to Kilmore Quay harbour arriving at 3.20 pm where they were met by an ambulance as a precaution.

Earlier this morning, the crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard to assist two people aboard a yacht with a fouled prop approximately two miles south of Carnsore Point. In similar weather and sea conditions, the lifeboat immediately launched and made its way to the yacht.

Arriving on scene at 8.10 am, the crew assessed the situation and ensured all on board were safe and well. With a towline secured to the yacht, the lifeboat was soon under way back to Kilmore Quay, arriving back at the harbour 9.30 am.

Speaking following both call outs, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a life jacket and to always carry a means of calling for help. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Speedboat trouble off Slade Harbour

By Dan Walsh

The Volunteer lifeboat crew at Fethard RNLI were requested to launch their lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard on Saturday evening at 6pm.

The alarm was raised from the family onboard a broken down 16-foot speedboat.

Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched by Helm Mick Roche with crew members Cathal O’Connell and Paddy Regan onboard.

The lifeboat arrived on scene, 500 metres off Slade Harbour, a short time later. The sea was flat calm, and the weather was good.

After assessing the situation, the crew decided to tow the craft with the family onboard to the safety of Fethard Dock.

Commenting about the call out, Pete Barry, Fethard RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: “Today’s call out highlights the huge importance of always having a means to call 999 or 112. This family were out enjoying the fine weather when the unexpected happened. Their quick thinking calling the Coast Guard meant our crew could launch to assist as soon as was possible, bringing the situation to a safe conclusion.”

4,000th winner for Wexford’s Aidan O’Brien

By Dan Walsh

**AIDAN O’BRIEN celebrating his 4,000th winner at The Curragh (Pic; Irish Mirror).**

Rated as one of the world’s greatest horse trainers, Wexford-born Aidan O’Brien, from Donard, Poulpeasty, near Clonroche, today (Sunday) recorded his 4,000^th success as a trainer when Henry Longfellow (10/11 fav) ridden by Ryan Moore won the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at the Curragh.

Named in honour of O’Brien’s unrelated predecessor at Ballydoyle, the seven-furlongs contest is the premier juvenile race for colts in Ireland and, in 1996, provided Aidan O’Brien with his first Group 1 success, with Desert King.

Aidan won with his first runner Wandering Thoughts at Tralee on June 7^th 1993, and having bagged five Jumps Trainers Championships between 1994-’98, subsequently accepted owner/breeder John Magnier’s request to train at Ballydoyle, Co Tipperary and has won every flat championship since 1998.

FACT FILE; Aidan Patrick O’Brien was born on October 16^th 1969, one of six children of Denis O’Brien and his wife Stella (née Doyle). Denis was a farmer and small-scale horse trainer in the townland of Killegney, near Poulpeasty where Aidan grew up.

Aidan O’Brien attended Donard National School, located less than a mile from his parents’ home. He subsequently attended secondary school at Good Counsel College, New Ross.

Aidan O’Brien is married to Anne-Marie (née Crowley). Anne-Marie’s father, Joe Crowley trained horses at Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, where his tenure was interrupted in quick succession by his daughter Anne-Marie (Champion National Hunt Trainer during her brief time at the helm), his son-in-law Aidan O’Brien, who took over from his wife in 1993 but moved on to Ballydoyle, Co. Tipperary, in 1996.

Since 1996, Aidan has been the private trainer at Ballydoyle Stables, near Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary for John Magnier and his Coolmore Stud associates.

He is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest horse trainers of all time.

Kiltealy wins county sport award

By Dan Walsh

Aspire Gymnastics Academy, in Kiltealy, has been chosen winners of the Wexford County Award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative and €5,000 has been presented to the club to help fund the purchase of new gymnastics equipment.

Established in 2019, the academy is committed to teaching gymnastics to all levels and abilities in a safe and fun environment and already has over 240 active members, 21 of which competed nationally, for the first time, this year.

Now in its third year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – sees a fund of €130,000 set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis.

Previous Wexford winners were Kilmore United FC (2021) and Menapians Athletic Club (2022).

Congratulating the winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited referred to what he called “the important contribution that sports clubs make within their communities and throughout Irish society. Our initiative provides vital funding to clubs that have an important place in and seek to enhance their contribution to their local communities.”

Entries for the 2024 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open in the Autumn.

Vintage and Heritage at Coolgreany

**Steam engine taking the lead at this evening’s official parade at Coolgreany Vintage and Heritage Show.**

By Dan Walsh at Coolgreany

The 6^th annual Coolgreany Vintage and Heritage Show got off to a perfect start this evening (Saturday) with the official opening parade through the village lined on both sides of the street by large crowds.

The parade was led by a piper followed by a number of steam engines of various sizes and vintage and a large convoy of vintage tractors and other models from another era.

The festivities continue with country ‘n’ western music in the Top Shop. The Show resumes tomorrow (Sunday) at 12 noon and the organisers are hopeful of a large attendance.

The steam engines and vintage exhibits will be on the field tomorrow with many other attractions including the Dog Show at 2pm, Dancing with Declan and other entertainment, an autojumble, refreshments, and, as they always say, something for all the family.

Woman, (80s) dies at Cahore Beach

A local woman in her 80’s has died at Cahore North Beach.

Cahore Inshore Rescue team were called to the scene at 5.09pm yesterday (Friday) evening.

Efforts to resuscitate the woman by two nurses who were on the beach at the time were unsuccessful. A defibrillator was deployed. Paramedics also assisted at the scene.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bishop Nash pays tribute to Canon Felix

By Dan Walsh

Bishop Ger Nash has led tributes to Very Reverend Canon Felix Byrne, Parochial House, Monaseed, Gorey, Co. Wexford and formerly of Ballygullen, Camolin, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on Friday. He was aged 94 years.

In a statement to WexfordLocal.com, Bishop Nash stated; “I was privileged to have had the opportunity to spend some time with Fr Felix at his home yesterday. He was in good form and his usual courteous and friendly self. It was with great sadness that I learned of his death this morning.

“It is very difficult to sum up in any few words his immense contribution to the life of the church and in particular to this diocese. Since his ordination in 1955, he served with prayerful and dutiful devotion in Bree, Askamore, Kilmore Quay, Rathangan, and since 1998, in his beloved Monaseed. It has also been mentioned that he had an extended congregation at Carnew Mart!

“I know from things that have been said to me by people around the diocese that he has touched many lives in a very special way. He was held in extraordinary esteem by all whom he served as a priest and also very much by his colleagues here in the Diocese of Ferns.

“He had a tremendous devotion to our Lady and to our diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. On this feast day of The Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary may he have her protection and tender embrace. I offer my deepest sympathy to all members of his family, his friends and parishioners and all who mourn his passing.

“May Christ the Good Shepherd welcome a faithful shepherd to his heavenly home. May he rest in peace – Bishop Ger Nash.

FAMILY NOTICE; Brother of Anne, Pat and the late Marie, Fr. John and Jimmy, son of the late James and Mary Catherine. Sadly missed and much loved by his sister, brother, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, neighbours, parishioners and friends. May Fr. Felix Rest In Peace

Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey (Eircode Y25 K122) on Sunday September 10^th from 2.30 p.m. with Removal at 6.15 p.m. to St. Brendan’s Church Monaseed (Eircode Y25 E544) for Reception Prayers at 7 p.m. Requiem Mass on Monday, September 11^th at 12 noon followed by Burial in St. Columba’s Graveyard, Ballyduff. (Eircode Y21 FD73).

New water mains for 60 Wexford taps

**Wexford Town and Bridge at night. A beautiful study. (Pic; Uisce Éireann).**

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Wexford County Council is replacing approximately 600 metres of ageing backyard service connections with modern water mains, which will allow for 60 households to be connected to the new mains.

The works, which are due to begin over the coming days, are a critical step in conserving water and reducing high levels of leakage which has been a significant source of disruption and outages for customers.

This vital project will bring benefits to homes in Devereaux Villas, providing a more resilient and robust water supply for local residents.

Backyard services are typically found in older areas, often installed to the rear of a customer’s property and usually made of cast iron or lead. Due to the age and deteriorating condition of the pipework, they are often a significant source of leakage and supply disruption for customers. Backyard services are usually shared, running through several neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Where properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all connected properties, resulting in low pressure and/or outages.

Speaking about the benefits of the project, Joe Carroll, Infrastructure Delivery Programme Manager at Uisce Éireann said: “We would like to sincerely thank the community in Devereaux Villas for facilitating these works and working with us to provide a more secure and reliable water supply for generations to come.”

These works will be carried out by Shareridge Civil Engineering Ltd in partnership with Wexford County Council on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

Protecting the water supply in Wexford Town is a vital focus for Uisce Éireann with further works planned as part of its programme to drive down leakage and reduce the number of bursts and unplanned outages impacting the community. To find out more visit www.water.ie

Gorey calls on Government to resolve pay and staff shortages

**Concerned parents and families protesting at the closure of Respite Services in Gorey. (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)**

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

St. Aidan’s Day Care Centre at Gorey has reopened its Respite Service today (Friday) following a decision made at a management meeting yesterday (Thursday) and a visit from Anne Rabbitte, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth last Monday.

St. Aidan’s Respite Services were suspended without warning from May 1^st of this year due to funding and staffing issues. Local parents and families held a public protest at the time.

In a statement sent to respite users and families seen by WexfordLocal.com, Eimear Mannion, Chief Executive Officer states; “We are grateful to Minister Rabbitte for the commitments she made to us during her visit to our service last Monday. These most welcome commitments facilitated the reopening of Respite sooner than would have been otherwise been possible.”

Ms. Mannion promised to continue to work with the HSE to prioritise the children and adults to receive Respite during the coming period, in accordance with available capacity and the St. Aidan’s Advocacy Group, STAAG, advised the Minister that they are submitting a proposal for additional evening supports, which, if approved, will further enhance the service.

Ms. Mannion apologised to families “for the upset and distress caused by the most regrettable closure period” and she concluded with a warning to the Government. “We again call on the Government to urgently address the pay inequalities for all Section 39 organisations like St. Aidan’s Day Care Services, an unresolved issue that is at the very root of our recent staff shortages,” she concluded.

Leas Chathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, speaking today, said; “This is a massive relief to the 140 service users and their families. I’d like to commend the parents for keeping the pressure on over the past few months. “The government needs to address the issue of pay inequality for services such as St. Aidan’s as a matter of urgency and ensure that pay rates match those throughout the HSE, otherwise, we’ll be back here again shortly, and that is something that cannot be allowed to happen.”