WexfordLocal.com

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.”

Tributes paid to Felix Canon Byrne

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Very Rev. Felix Canon Byrne, C.C., Monaseed. He was aged 94 years.

A statement in the Craanford Monaseed Parish Newslatter reads; “It is with great sadness that we awoke to the news on Friday morning that Fr. Felix has gone to his eternal reward. He has been such a wonderful Pastor in our parish for such a long number of years, and he will be greatly missed. We extend our sympathies to his family, friends and all who mourn his passing. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Born in 1929 at Ballygullen, Camolin, Felix Byrne was the son of James and Mary Catherine Byrne (née Noctor). He was educated at Ballyoughter National School, St. Peter’s College, Wexford, St. Peter’s Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood at St. Peter’s College on April 17^th, 1955.

Fr. Byrne served as curate at Bree from ordination until 1958 when he transferred to Askamore. In 1972, he moved to Kilmore Quay and was appointed parish priest at Rathangan in 1979. He retired in 1998 but remained in Monaseed.

Over many years Canon Byrne was a fundraiser for Bóthar, the international aid agency that provides poverty-stricken families using a wide variety of animals including cows, goats, chickens, camels and bees.

Canon Byrne was active in the community and well-known throughout the county and news of his passing has been received with feelings of great sadness and loss.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS; Reposing in Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey, on Sunday from 2.30pm to 6pm. Removal from the Funeral home to Monaseed Church arriving for reception prayers at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Monday at 12pm in Monaseed with burial in Ballyduff Cemetery. May he Rest in Peace.

Kilmore couple die in Rome

By Dan Walsh

Two people killed in a road traffic incident while on holiday in Rome have been named as Paul and Mary O’Reilly, aged 59 and 60, from Lannabeg Kilmore.

They died just before lunchtime yesterday (Thursday) while crossing a dual carriageway at an intersection on the Cristoforo Colombo in the south of the city.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deaths and said it was providing consular assistance to the bereaved families.

Described as “a lovely couple and great neighbours”, Mary worked in the community centre and her husband, Paul, a former fisherman worked in the marine industry.

Mary O’Reilly is cousin of Cllr Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, “We will gather around as a family and a community to support their children,” said Cllr Moore, who added; “There is a feeling of stunned silence in the area.”

Deepest sympathy is extended to family and friends. Funeral arrangements later.

Wexford users asked to conserve water

**Pictured is well known TV personality Mairead Ronan, who is supporting the campaign, and Stephen Burke, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Operations Manager.**

By Dan Walsh

Just when we thought the summer had bid farewell the September temperatures have soared to record levels – once described as an Indian Summer – and Uisce Éireann today renewed its appeal to the public to ‘Think Water Conservation’ as warm weather returns and demand increases.

This comes as over half of Irish households (54%) still admit to wasting water. As part of its annual campaign, Uisce Éireann is calling on households across the country to assess water usage habits and take practical steps to save water daily.

With warm, dry weather experienced by much of the country this week and with many people now back in school and work after the holidays, Uisce Éireann has seen an increase in demand for water. However, there are no plans to introduce general water restrictions or hosepipe bans. The public has been asked to help play their part in protecting essential water supplies for their local communities, and to conserve water where possible.

Speaking of the importance of water conservation year-round, Stephen Burke, Regional Operations Manager for Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “We are experiencing a warm, dry, spell of weather this week, and, while it is great to see after a particularly wet summer, this brings its own unique set of challenges. Many of us will be enjoying these warm evenings in our gardens, however, it is important to remain conscious of our water usage habits throughout the year, regardless of the weather.

“By working together to use only what we need in our homes, gardens, and businesses, we can all contribute to ensuring a sustainable water supply for everyone. We are encouraging communities all over Ireland to play their part and think water conservation throughout the year,” concluded Mr. Burke.

For further information visit www.water.ie/conservation/

New services for Enniscorthy School

**SCOIL NAOMH PÁDRAIG (St. Patrick’s School) at Drumgold, Enniscorthy, seen here on the warmest day of the year?**

By Dan Walsh

The HSE is committed to funding that will recruit a team comprising an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist and a physiotherapist at Scoil Naomh Pádraig (St. Patrick’s School), Drumgold, Enniscorthy, and once the therapists are appointed by the school will engage with the Children’s Disability Network Teams.

The announcement was made on Monday during the visit of Anne Rabbitte, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Minister Rabbitte met with members of the Board of Management and parents with representation from Down Syndrome Wexford, HSE officials and Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe and Senator Malcolm Byrne.

Welcoming the decision, Senator Malcolm Byrne, in a statement told WexfordLocal.com; “The need for therapists has been stressed to me when I’ve met families of those attending the school and was also highlighted at a meeting that I facilitated a few months ago between Down Syndrome Wexford and Minister Rabbitte.”

“There were difficulties in HSE recruitment so the Minister has made the welcome and innovative step of allowing the school recruit directly,” said Senator Byrne, who added; “This is the first time this has happened and could be an effective model for similar situations across the country.”

Scoil Naomh Pádraig is a modern building adjacent to the slopes of famous Vinegar Hill and was officially opened in April 2021. It has over 30 teachers and other staff and caters for children in the 4-18 years age category from south Co. Wicklow and Co. Wexford.

Duncannon “Do Not Swim Notice”

By Dan Walsh

Testing conducted as part of Wexford County Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water showed elevated levels of bacteria at Duncannon Beach and following consultation with the HSE, has issued a “Do Not Swim” notice in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

Further samples are being taken today (Thursday) and results are expected on Saturday at which stage the bathing prohibition notice will be reviewed. In addition, the Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.

Bathing water quality results for 18 Wexford beaches sampled over the 2023 to date bathing season, have been mainly excellent as published on the EPA operated website http://www.Beaches.ie

Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beaches to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.

Further updates will be issued through WexfordLocal.com and via the Council’s website

25,000 litres of beer seized

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized almost 25,000 litres of beer at Rosslare Europort, yesterday (Wednesday) as a result of routine profiling.

The illicit alcohol, branded ‘San Miguel’, has a retail value of nearly €99,500, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €46,500.

The consignment arrived in an accompanied trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. Both the trailer and alcohol were seized and the driver of the load has been questioned.

Investigations are ongoing.

The seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling, shadow economy activity and the supply of illegal tobacco products. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on phone number 1800 295 295.

Improved quality drinking water for 11,000

By Dan Walsh

Upgrade works providing improved quality drinking water for 11,000 customers are due to commence on the treated water storage facility at Kilmallock Bridge serving Castlebridge, Curracloe, Ballymurn, Crossabeg, Glenbrien, Screen and Oylegate.

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council made the official announcement today.

**IAN O’NEILL, Portfolio Manager Uisce Éireann**

Speaking about the benefits of this essential upgrade, Ian O’Neill, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “Uisce Éireann is delighted to be investing in this significant and essential project for communities in Wexford. This important upgrade is needed to increase capacity through the provision of adequate storage facilities and to ensure resilience and security of the water supply, and he added; “We look forward to working with local communities as we continue to invest in Wexford’s future,”

As part of the upgrade, Uisce Éireann will construct a total of two new treated water storage tanks, providing over 24 hours of storage. The project will also see the installation of a de-chlorination system, a new pumping station, the laying of new, modern pipes and cabling together with landscaping and site development at the Kilmallock Bridge Water Treatment Plant.

The works will be carried out by Coffey Construction Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and are expected to be completed in the Autumn of 2024. We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.