The Rosslare to Fishguard ferry service has been temporarily suspended after a fire broke out on the Stena Superfast VII when it was docked in Belfast Harbour on Wednesday morning.
The recently upgraded Stena Nordica, which began her sailings on the Rosslare-Fishguard route less than a week ago, has now been redeployed to help with delays and cancellations while the repairs are carried out.
Passengers who were planning on sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare are being offered alternative Stena Line sailings or they can be transferred to the Irish Ferries sailings from Pembroke Dock. These leave twice daily, at 2.45am and 2.45pm. A spokesperson for Stena Line told WexfordLocal.com; “Whist repairs are being carried out on Stena Line’s Superfast VII vessel following an incident in Belfast Harbour, the Stena Nordica will be redeployed onto the route to help alleviate resultant sailing delays and cancellations.
“If passengers are happy to transfer to Irish Ferries, there is no need to contact us as their booking will be automatically transferred.
“Stena Line are in the process of advising all those customers affected by the delays and would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused during the next few days.”
GOREY’s MAIN STREET. Will the day come when cars will be banned and only pedestrians and cyclists will be allowed freedom of movement?
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting
It may not happen in the lifetime of this Council, but Cllr Diarmuid Devereux has predicted that “Gorey will become a pedestrianised town.” He was speaking at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber in the Civic Centre following a presentation by Gorey Pedestrian and Cycling Association (GPCA).
Recently founded, the Association did a recent members survey where 40% of respondents cited the lack of bicycle parking as a barrier to cycling.
Walking was the desired main mode of transport for short journeys (under 5kms) for 29% of respondents and walking was the most desired form of transport, with 52% wanting to walk more often. Many barriers to cycling were the lack of cycle lanes (69%).
When asked if people were more inclined to walk and cycle, 74% were in favour, 31% questioned the quality the quality of the existing cycling lanes and 50% cited a lack of pedestrian crossings as one of the barriers to walking and cycling!
Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, allowed discussion on the draft traffic plan for Gorey, which he stated, “is a designated town” and it emerged that, in time, the priority list will be walkers, cyclists and cars! Personally, he stated that the Gorey-Courtown footpath needs to be finished!
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin stated that Gorey needs a dedicated lobby group. He liked the outcome of a survey by the GPCA whose key recommendations were 1. More dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure; 2. Upgrades and maintenance for existing infrastructure; 3. Measures to calm and control traffic; 4. Enhanced pedestrian facilities, and 5. Improved communication, public engagement, and education. He would also like to see less HGV’s pass through the town.
Cllr Andrew Bolger was critical of those “parking on footpaths” and he wondered if the traffic plan could be used to secure funding?
Cllr Donal Kenny felt it was “a great wish list”.
Cllr Joe Sullivan wished them all the best. He favoured more walking and cycling in the town, but he questioned how the scheme could be linked to the villages. Cllr Sullivan reminded the members of his many calls for the completion of the Gorey-Courtown footpath, the need for cycle lanes and a 60kph speed limit and the option of walking and cycling linking villages.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh complained about rural roads and reckless users.
Cllr Anthony Donohoe was recently cycling in Holland and he felt that walking and cycling has to be done with cars and that a balanced approach was required.
District Manager Philip Knight told the meeting that he has held a meeting with GPCA.
The death has occurred of John Murray, Enniscorthy Road, Ferns, who was well-known as a life-long entertainer, broadcaster and psychiatric nurse.
A native of Ferns John was popular as a one-man show, playing the keyboards and doing sing-along across the region over many years. He also made recordings of which the best known was probably The Gorey Caravan.
In the early days of South East Radio John presented the very popular Hospital Requests Show on Sunday mornings.
JOHN MURRAY
John spent 36 years as a psychiatric nurse on the staff of St. Senan’s Hospital, Enniscorthy, from 1967 until his retirement in 2003.
He was a very kind and caring member of the community who was very proud of his parish and its people, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
FAMILY NOTICE; Beloved husband of Helen, loving father of Eddie, John-Paul, Marita, and Helena. Loving brother of Honor, Mary, and Kay. Deeply regretted by his loving wife, sons, daughters, sisters, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. RIP.
Reposing at Kavanagh’s Funeral Home, Castlelands, Ferns, today (Friday) from 4 o’clock until 8 o’clock. Removal on Saturday to St. Aidan’s Church, Ferns for Funeral Mass at 11 o’clock. Burial afterwards in St. Aidan’s Cemetery, Ferns.
Gardaí in Gorey are seeking information after a pedestrian in his 30’s was struck by a vehicle and subsequently hospitalised in the early hours of today (Friday).
The incident occurred at North Parade on the Hollyfort Road in Gorey between 12 midnight and 1am. It is understood the driver failed to remain at the scene.
The injured man was transferred to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, where his injuries are described as “non-life threatening”.
GOREY GARDA STATION (File Pic).
The road was closed following the incident but has since re-opened to traffic.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area, or who may have dashcam footage.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident can contact Gorey Garda Station on 053 9421222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
ANNETTE O’NEILL, Finance Officer at Wexford County Council, is congratulated on her retirement.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting
Tributes have been paid to Annette O’Neill, Head of Finance and ICT at Wexford County Council, who has taken a well-earned retirement after 43 years’ service, at the July meeting of Wexford County Council at County Hall.
The tributes were led by Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive, who recalled working with Annette over many years on many projects and described her as an exemplary colleague, diligent and meticulous, and a veteran of preparing and presenting the annual draft Council budget on 28 occasions!
Cllr George Lawlor spoke of Annette’s “place of stability in terms of finance and she encouraged members to take hard decisions that have been of immense benefit to Wexford County Council.”
“Diligent and very detailed,” was Cllr Cathal Byrne’s tribute, while Cllr Davy Hynes also recalled her “tremendous input”. Cllr Joe Sullivan complimented Annette on her great career in Wexford County Council and thanked Annette for her contribution 2014-2017 in Gorey district.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy wished Annette well in retirement and thanked her for giving outstanding public service.
Speaking in the chamber, Ms. O’Neill said; “To say I am humbled and overwhelmed by the kind words and good wishes received from the members and from the Deputy Chief Executive is an understatement. I want to thank you all but will need to accept and share these compliments with the team of people who have worked with me over my many years with Wexford County Council.
“Working with Wexford County Council is an experience I have really enjoyed and I feel really proud and privileged to have been part of this organisation. I will say that as the reality of retirement starts to kick in, I am beginning to realise just how much I will miss about working here.
“I have worked with many elected members over the years and would really like to acknowledge all the respect and support I have received from members and would particularly express my appreciation for the support given over the years as we worked to deliver the annual budgets, many of which involved tough decisions as we worked to address large deficits in our finances.
“By working together, we have turned this position around and now have a development programme that is delivering real results for the county and will continue to deliver in the coming years.
“Brave people make brave decisions and I believe the members of Wexford County Council made brave decisions that will result in a positive legacy for our county for many years to come and I am proud to have played a small part in that. Thank you again for your kind comments and I wish the Council all the very best for the future,” concluded Ms. O’Neill, who was presented with a large bunch of flowers to mark her retirement from the new Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming.
Members of Blackwater Tidy Towns Committee were invited to County Hall, Wexford, last week where a fantastic achievement in being named Irelands Best Kept Village was acknowledged by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr John Fleming in the presence of local Cllr Oliver Walsh.
Congratulating the committee Cllr. Fleming recalled “a remarkable achievement that reflects the hard work, dedication and pride that the community has shown in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of their village.” Cllr Fleming added that Blackwater’s example “will undoubtedly inspire other communities to follow suit and take pride in their own villages.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council CLLR JOHN FLEMING making a presentation to DOUG TAYLOR (Chairman) marking Blackwater Tidy Towns’ recent success in Ireland’s Best Kept Village competition.
Cllr. Oliver Walsh added; “As a Blackwater resident I want to thank the committee for all their hard work on behalf of all the residents of Blackwater.”
Chairperson of Blackwater Tidy Towns Committee Doug Taylor said he is delighted to accept the award on behalf of the group adding that he was passionate about working with the group of volunteers. He acknowledged the assistance given by Wexford County Council’s Environment Section stating that it was a team effort to get Blackwater on the map.
The Best Kept Town Competition is an all-island competition that recognises the great pride people have in their own communities and is testament to how local volunteers take ownership of their local area and work to improve them, for both now and into the future.
The awards were presented by Minister Heather Humphreys at a ceremony held in Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park, Dublin. recently.
Fionnuala Callery, Senior Engineer, Water Services, Wexford County Council, Christine Crawford, Business Marketing Communications Lead, Uisce Éireann and Nicola Jordan, Water Conservation, Wexford County Council.
By Dan Walsh
Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Wexford County Council, has announced the delivery of a free online Water Conservation Clinic to Wexford businesses on Thursday, July 27th. With water being such a precious resource, this initiative aims to equip businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to become more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious.
The Uisce Éireann Water Stewardship Programme provides businesses with comprehensive training that focuses on assessing water usage, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing effective water conservation measures. By participating in this training, businesses not only support the environment but also enjoy significant cost savings and enhance their reputation among customers and stakeholders.
Christine Crawford, Business Marketing and Communications Lead at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “Water Stewardship training is completely free for businesses in Wexford. This opportunity offers numerous benefits, including improved sustainability practices, reduced water usage, lower costs, and a positive brand image. By signing up for this training, businesses can take the first step towards a more sustainable future.”
Fionnuala Callery, Senior Engineer at Wexford County Council said: “Enabling companies to monitor and reduce their water consumption is a very positive move towards lowering operating costs, helping the environment and balancing demand in the supply network. We are delighted to support this Water Conservation Clinic and encourage businesses in the county to sign up today.”
Uisce Éireann runs the Certified Water Stewardship training programme in partnership with the Lean & Green Skillnet. The programme aims to support facilities as they seek to improve their water stewardship practices and impacts, introducing water stewardship, quick wins on site, and an outline the process of certification. The modules include an introduction to water stewardship, water mapping, and the development of a water action plan.
For more information, please visit http://www.water.ie/stewardship. To register for water stewardship training on the Thursday, 27 July, please visit https://leangreenskillnet.com/wexfordwater and secure your spot today. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference in your business and community.
WHEN WILL GOREY MARKET HOUSE BE BACK UP IN LIGHTS AGAIN? This was the scene at Christmas 2022 (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting
The future of Gorey’s historic Market House was back on the agenda at today’s (Tuesday) July meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Chamber at the Civic Centre.
The meeting was addressed by a delegation from the recently formed Gorey Development Group consisting of Michael Dwyer (Chairman), Gerard Fleming and Lorna Fitzpatrick who stated that their goal is “to keep the Market House in public ownership.”
A recent Market House survey was carried out that showed that it was a protected structure and a valuable civic amenity that has given the town a sense of history since 1709.
The Group’s long-term vision would include opening the arches, creating an arts and crafts exhibition space for the community, possibly creating a country garden to the rear of the building and additional developments at the upper chamber.
Mr Dwyer drew attention to the need for capital expenditure and suggested the Council may be able to seek funding through appropriate sources, like, maybe the Town and Village Renewal.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said the Market House must be “a working building” and he pointed out it was the chamber for Gorey Town Council until it was abolished in 2014.
Director of Services Liz Hore said there needs to be “a condition report” looking at options and funding applications that would give a clear vision towards future developments and she suggested the involvement of the County Heritage Officer’s expertise and advice.
Cllr Andrew Bolger noted that many historic buildings in Ireland are owned by the OPW (Office of Public Works). He supported artists that would use the Market House but stated; “It is all about the money, the money, the money!”
Cllr Joe Sullivan expressed his “concerns” and he challenged the meeting to answer his question; “Has the County Council senior executive NO plans to sell the Market House?” Cllr Anthony Donohoe replied that “No councillor has said ‘sell the Market House’!.
Cllr Donal Kenny stated that “sale is not part of it.” He complimented the energetic young Gorey Development Group and suggested “this is the committee to bring it back to life.”
Cllr Willie Kavanagh referred to a protected building in Enniscorthy (the Athenaeum Hall) where €2 million was spent on refurbishment and renovation and it was handed back to the committee. He was at an invited event there recently and he said it is now ‘closed’!
Other councillors spoke briefly on the matter, but by way of conclusion, Cllr Pip Breen referred to the Council’s commitment and priorities, but recalled the days when it served the community of Gorey as a butchers’ shop.
Courtown RNLI rescued three men after their rigid inflatable boat encountered engine problems and was drifting out to sea.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their inshore lifeboat at 5.32pm on Sunday by the Irish Coast following a report that the boat with three onboard was in difficulty two miles out from Courtown Pier.
COURTOWN HARBOUR (File Pic)
The lifeboat launched shortly after at 5.45pm with helm Rob Ireton and crew members Hazel Woods and Mark Conn onboard. The crew arrived on scene just before 6pm.
The weather conditions were favourable at the time with a slight south easterly wind and calm seas with a slight chop.
Once the lifeboat was on scene, the crew assessed the situation and found that the men were safe and well. They had only left Courtown Harbour following a refreshment break when their engine failed two miles out. The crew fixed a tow rope to the 5-metre rib and the lifeboat proceeded to tow the boat safely into shore.
Speaking following the call out, Jim Murphy, Courtown RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said; “We were delighted to help the three men who got into difficulties this afternoon. All three were wearing their lifejackets and had a means of communication to raise the alarm, two things we would always recommend and encourage.
“We would remind all boat owners to maintain their craft and always have a means of calling for help. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” concluded Mr Murphy.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
Today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council entered the history archives with a 9.30am start to proceedings at the Presentation Centre and the prerogative of the new Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke and agreed with the members at the annual meeting last month.
But the meeting commenced on a pessimistic note when the Cathaoirleach noticed some empty spaces and “no representatives from County Hall”, a situation inspired by annual leave enjoyed by district managers.
ENISCORTHY CATHAOIRLEACH CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE.
Cllr O’Rourke had no problems with the entitlement of annual leave but felt that replacements should have been sent up from Wexford to answer members’ queries. He felt their absences was “discourteous” and other members showed agreement.
Cllr Jackser Owens would have to apologise to his constituents for no answers to planning issues he wished to raise, and he was angry. “What are the officials doing for this district. Someone should have come here. No one is here. It’s not good enough,” he stated strongly.
Cllr Cathal Byrne said there were many issues to be discussed. “Surely, someone could come up here (from Wexford County Council) for 10 minutes and listen to us,” he wondered.
Later Acting Director of Services, Paul L’Estrange, joined the meeting. He explained that there was a mix-up about the starting time he was given and apologised for not being present from the start. He was welcomed to the meeting and remained till the end.
However, the matter doesn’t end here! The Cathaoirleach won the full backing of the members to write to the Chief Executive and demand that officials from County Hall either appear in person or send representatives to future meetings.
WexfordLocal.com 