It was a week of shocks in local politics when two of Wexford County Council’s most prominent members, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan (Fine Gael) and Cllr Maura Bell (The Labour Party), both confirmed that they will not be contesting the 2024 elections to Wexford County Council.
CLLR KATHLEEN CODD-NOLAN
Cllr Codd-Nolan was first elected for Fine Gael in the Enniscorthy Municipal District in 2004 and has retained her seat since. She created her own piece of history when she became the first woman to serve a full term of Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and was also Leas-Chathaoirleach in 2012-2013.
Cllr Codd-Nolan who lives in Ballycarney served as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council on three occasions. He reason for bowing out of politics comes under the heading of spending more time with her family and relieving the pressure on her time as a serving public representative.
CLLR MAURA BELL
Cllr Bell was first elected to Wexford County Council in 2019 and had the honour of becoming only the fourth woman ever to be elected Mayor of Wexford in the Borough’s 700-year history following in the footsteps of Avril Doyle (1975), Helen Corish Wylde (1990) and Philomena Roche (2006).
Cllr Bell said; “While it’s been an honour to represent my community as a member of Wexford County Council these past four years, and particularly as Mayor of Wexford in 2022/23, I have many of my own projects which will require more of my attention than I am able to commit to at the present moment.”
Best wishes for a happy retirement have been universally expressed to both Cllr Codd-Nolan and Cllr Bell and with about eight months to run until the next local elections it is anticipated that more well-known names will not be on the ballot papers next time.
BREAKING NEWS; WexfordLocal.comhas learned late last night that a planned escalation of industrial action by workers in local authorities has been deferred to facilitate talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Monday.
This news broke after the story had been filed and read as follows. Please note the changes.
Members of the Fórsa trade union working in local authorities, including Wexford County Council, are taking industrial action as part of a dispute to achieve job evaluation.
The union has accused local authority management of refusing to engage meaningfully on the establishment of a job evaluation scheme for workers.
Job evaluation assesses if a job’s grade is properly matched to its duties and responsibilities.
The industrial action sees an indefinite ban on non-statutory political representations from TDs, senators and councillors.
Today (Friday), there will be a 24-hour e-mail ban which will entail staff who are members of Fórsa not sending or responding to e-mails.
There will be a 48-hour telephone ban next Tuesday and Wednesday, September 26th and 27th for all Fórsa members.
It is important to note that contingencies will be in place to deal with emergencies.
Those seeking homeless service support should present as normal.
Fórsa represents more than 12,000 local government and services workers including clerical, administrative, management, technical and professional staff.
Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council has announced the signing of a major new construction contract that will result in critical upgrades and investment to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme.
The €19 million investment will provide a reliable and sustainable water supply and the project which will begin in the coming months, will address bottlenecks in key parts of the water network, improve efficiencies and controls at the plant in Vinegar Hill, and provide a reliable and sustainable water supply for over 11,000 people in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas.
The work will involve the replacement of the raw water intake facility at Clonhaston, the construction of a new pumping station, and the re-routing of 2km of water mains to facilitate the transfer of water from the River Slaney to Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant.
This, together with an upgrade to the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill, will ensure that a sufficient supply of treated water is available at the plant and that treatment processes are enhanced and modernised to provide a safer, more secure drinking water supply, in compliance with current EU drinking water quality regulations.
Diane Carroll, Infrastructure Delivery Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “This project is an important milestone and represents a significant investment by Uisce Éireann for the people of Enniscorthy. The improved infrastructure will provide a safer, more secure drinking water supply to homes and businesses in Enniscorthy. This vital project will also ensure that water is treated to the highest standards, providing a reliable and robust drinking water supply for current and future generations.”
David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd have been appointed on behalf of Uisce Éireann to carry out these works and the project is set to be completed in 2025.
Wexford Walking Festival happens this weekend starting in Ferns on Friday evening.
This year’s festival will highlight three accredited and very different walking trails. The walks are graded easy to moderate and are suitable for people of all ages.
Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail at Bree Hill.
Friday, September 22nd: A one hour guided easy walk along the Ferns Village Trail. The walk will be followed by a Reception and Festival Launch in St. Mogue’s Cottage, Ferns.
Saturday, September 23rd; A 13km looped, moderate walk from Carne to Carnesore Point. Refreshments available afterwards in the Lighthouse Pub.
Sunday, September 24th; To coincide with National Walking Day, a 6.5km moderate walk will lead walkers along the Ballybrittas Dolmen Trail, Bree Hill. Refreshments will be served afterwards in Bree Community Centre.
The history and heritage of Coollattin House, soon to be located in the new Wicklow-Wexford electoral constituency, is one of the finest country houses anywhere in the country and it is destined for further fame following the launch of Kevin Lee’s brilliant book, Coollattin, in the presence of an overflowing attendance in Coollattin House this evening.
KEVIN and ELEANOR LEE at the launch of their book COOLLATTIN this evening.
Described as a labour of love for author Kevin Lee and his wife Eleanor, from Carnew, the academic book is complete with references, timelines and a comprehensive history of the Coollattin Estate, the work was launched by Deirdre Burns, Wicklow Heritage Officer.
“Kevin has been working on this latest book for decades, and it really represents his life’s work. It was meant to be launched four years ago, but it got caught up in the pandemic, so he turned his attention elsewhere in the meantime and wrote three other books. So, while this is the fourth book of Kevin’s to be published, it was meant to be the first one,” stated Ms. Burns.
The lockdowns did bring with them something positive – they allowed the hugely popular ‘Liars Bench’ and ‘Under the Fox’ to come on stream.
Kevin Lee said; “In preparation for our famine summer school in 2022, the book ‘Shoeboxes’ was written and published. This book tells the story of 50 famine emigrant families from south Wicklow who emigrated through the port of New Ross and is proving immensely popular in Canada and the United States.
Conor Lenihan acted as master of ceremonies and Anna Gahan, Coláiste Bhride, Carnew, read some extracts from the book. There was a large attendance, refreshments were served and the sales staff were kept busy.
Coollattin; The history of Ireland’s mysterious estate and its pivotal role in the birth of Canada, by Kevin Lee, is now on sale in all good bookshops.
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!”
GOREY MAIN STREET
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.
ST. THERESE’S B&B at Mount Alexander just off the Gorey-Courtown road.
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.
Two people who died in a road traffic incident while on holiday in Rome; Paul and Mary O’Reilly, aged 59 and 60, will be laid to rest in Kilmore Cemetery following Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilmore, on Friday.
PAUL and MARY O’REILLY
They died just before lunchtime on Thursday, September 7th while crossing a dual carriageway at an intersection on the Cristoforo Colombo in the south of the city.
They were a very popular couple and news of their tragic deaths brought unbearable sadness to the local community, many tributes have been paid and deepest sympathy is extended to their sorrowing family members and friends. R.I.P.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Mary and Paul O’Reilly, Cúl na Gaoithe, Ballask, Kilmore, Wexford. Beloved Mam and Dad of Darren and Andrew. Sister of Ella, Kay, Wally and Jim. Brother of Martina, Terry, Deirdre, Louise and Maria. Grandparents to Nora and Maya. Very sadly missed by their loving sons, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, daughters-in-law Mariana and Tessa, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, friends and their loyal and faithful companion, Thumper. May their Gentle Souls Rest in Peace
Reposing at Macken’s Funeral Home, Distillery Road, Wexford, on Wednesday, 4pm to 7pm. Removal from their residence on Friday morning, to St. Mary’s Church, Kilmore, for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial afterwards in Kilmore Cemetery. House Strictly Private on Thursday, please.
Wexford County Council, at its September monthly meeting, approved Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amened) for a proposed development at Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy.
The proposal is to provide a public realm space which will incorporate a playground for younger children, seating, a pocket park, paths, 25 public car parking spaces, 156 car parking spaces and two bus spaces within the GAA complex, lighting, signage, landscaping and a pedestrian link to the walking track and a sensory garden within the GAA complex.
The proposed works will incorporate some changes in the Bellefield Road area. 20% of the parking spaces will be for EV’s (electric vehicles); a new crossing point will be incorporated, but the exact location has yet to be agreed with the Area Engineer, and there will be a raised entrance and modifications made at streetscape entrance walls (lowered to 600mm high) to achieve appropriate sightlines in both directions.
Culture Night returns next Friday and there are invites for everyone to join in, discover and celebrate culture in all its forms. Venues all over the country open their doors, with free events programmed from 4pm till late.
Culture Night in County Wexford will be celebrated with a variety of events across all five municipal districts in art venues, community centre’s, libraries, and public spaces.
Culture Night brings people together to create unique shared experiences, to highlight the quality and diversity of Ireland’s cultural offering, while also introducing audiences to new arts venues and emerging creative talent. All for FREE! Art, music, spoken word, comedy and film are all on the programme and organisers are asking audiences to explore and try something new at this year’s event.
HOOK HEAD
The Lighthouse Project curated by Dani Gill and funded through the County Wexford Creative Ireland programme, takes place at Hook Head where local artists Sasha Terfous, Richard Carr and Basciville, have collaborated on a site-specific project at Hook Head that engages with the landscape and history of this iconic place.
Audiences will follow Richard’s guided soundscape experience into the lighthouse, culminating in a live performance by Sasha. Three very special tours will be available for audiences.
History and heritage enthusiasts can experience guided tours of the 19th century Johnstown Castle, engage with a talk and exhibition hosted by the North Wexford Historical Society at Gorey Market House, join the Bunclody Library for a discussion of some of Ireland’s most treasured paintings or chat with a member of the Roche family about life in an early 20th century town at Enniscorthy Castle’s Living History event.
For those that prefer to get involved in creative activities, there will be plenty for audiences to do and make, with taster workshops happening at the Gorey Art Collective, Gorey School of Art, Caroline Bergin Art, The Makers House and The Printmakers Hub at the Creative Hub Wexford as well as guided sketching at d.central New Ross and live sketching events at the Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy, which includes a very special late night Drag and Draw event.
ENNISCORTHY CASTLE
Culture Night is also an opportunity to highlight the next generation of artists and a range of youth focused events will take place on the night, such as the Youth Cabaret at the Wexford Arts Centre, a poetry slam, spoken word competition for 13 –19 year-olds hosted by Poetry Ireland and Red Books Wexford, a special screening hosted by the County Wexford Youth Film Project in St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, of short films by young filmmakers from across the country, a performance of harp music at the Wexford Library by teenage traditional Irish group Cláirshí Neamhaí, a dynamic performance by Music Generation Wexford’s Yellow Bellows singing group at the bandstand in St. Peter’s Square Wexford, and a specially curated selection of music by Music for Wexford Junior Committee at St. Iberius Church.
JOHNSTOWN CASTLE
Access to cultural activities in local communities and villages will also be a key part of this year’s programme. Experience a night of comedy at the Halfway House, Ballycogley, an evening celebrating the songs of the iconic Delia Murphy sung by her niece, Carmen Cullen, at McCall’s Centre, Rathangan or attend The Gap Arts Festival event in North Wexford; From Ballythomas to Memphis and Back – Road Trip to the Cradle of the Blues featuring local musician Ashley Hayden.
All events are FREE, but some will have limited availability and may need booking. Please check the website for times, booking links and event updates.
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council in partnership with Local Authorities and many other organisations and individuals across the island. For more information on County Wexford Culture Night 2023, visit www.culturenight.ie/wexford.
WexfordLocal.com 