CAPTAIN SEAN BOYCE from Rosslare at the controls of the new ferry Stena Vision which has commenced on the Rosslare route
By Dan Walsh
Ferry services operating at Rosslare Europort has expanded as Stena Vision has commenced service on the Ireland to France route, Rosslare to Cherbourg. The maiden voyage occurred yesterday (Friday) with Rosslare’s Captain Sean Boyce at the controls.
On the same route, Stena Vision will operate alongside Stena Horizon, increasing STENA’s services to six departures per week, resulting in a total of 12 weekly crossings. This will make it the most frequent ferry service between Ireland and mainland Europe.
According to Paul Grant, STENA’s Trade Director, the ship has undergone significant investment for the refit. Stena Vision will offer accommodation for up to 1,300 passengers and feature 485 passenger cabins, surpassing any other cruise ferry departing from Ireland. The cabins range from standard to deluxe suites, and there are also 42 pet-friendly cabins (for passengers traveling with pets).
Mr Grant told WexfordLocal.com that the introduction of Stena Vision is particularly beneficial for the freight sector, which has experienced increased demand for direct services to France since Brexit.
The ship will also enhance the capacity for accompanied freight drivers by providing additional cabin space.
Stena Line holds the position of the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, operating combined passenger and freight services on various routes, including Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard, as well as a freight-only route from Belfast to Heysham.
The company stated that it offers a total of up to 238 weekly sailing options between Ireland and Britain.
Kilmore Quay public representative Cllr Jim Moore is the new Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council following the annual meeting held in Wexford County Council chamber at Carricklawn this morning (Friday). Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald is Leas-Cathaoirleach.
CLLR JIM MOORE the new Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council after his election of office at the annual meeting held in Wexford County Council offices on Friday morning.
Cllr Moore, who previously held the district chair position in 2021 was proposed by Cllr McDonald, he self-seconded and was declared elected.
Cllr Jim Codd was nominated but left the chamber without a seconder.
The Rosslare Municipal District, which is unique in that it doesn’t have a town in its jurisdiction, consists of five members. Cllr Frank Staples was absent, and Cllr Ger Carthy attended the meeting via zoom.
First elected to Wexford County Council in 2009, Cllr Moore was Leas-Cathaoirleach in 2009 and Cathaoirleach in 2010; he is a former Mayor of Wexford having served in the position for the 2017-’18 term. He has also served on numerous committees in various roles.
Cllr Moore told WexfordLocal.com that his main priority includes growing and encompassing the Rosslare Municipal District Strategic Plan, 2024-2030, recently published, and currently open for public discussion across the district.
“The Rosslare Municipal District Plan is about developing a road map for the district to plan, prepare and deliver projects and initiatives that will be shared with communities working together to contribute to the positive development and growth of the villages and settlements in the district,” stated Cllr Moore.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald was selected as Leas-Cathaoirleach having been proposed for the position by Cllr Moore and seconded by Cllr Carthy.
President of Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce MICHAEL DEMPSEY enjoying the view from the roof of Enniscorthy Castle.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
A significant signing ceremony took place at a reception in Enniscorthy Castle last evening (Wednesday) reciprocating the Enniscorthy Forum recently signed MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to create a collaboration going forward between the Forum’s Building Action Coalition (BAC) and UNEP’s Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (Global ABC).
Speaking at the event, Michael Dempsey, President of Enniscorthy Chamber said the Chamber of Commerce is the parent body which provides a home to Enniscorthy Forum. “We are delighted at what has been achieved by the Board and our CEO Barbara-Anne Murphy,” said Mr Dempsey, who added; “UNEP is the leading environmental authority of the United Nations and UNEP uses its expertise to strengthen environmental standards and practices while keeping implement environmental obligations at country, regional and global levels.”
Mr Dempsey, who is a native of John Street, Enniscorthy, explained that Enniscorthy is the ideal location for this Forum. “It is a revolutionary change that is needed, and our history has shown us to be happy to lead a revolution!”
“We have a talented and well-educated population. We have easy access to the EU and the UK and America. We are a small country that has been a very successful and consistently punches above its weight and with our history and aspirations we have a special affinity for the UN,” claimed Mr. Dempsey.
There was also an address from Professor Howard Keeley from the Wexford campus of the Georgia Southern University who told the gathering that Georgia has the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah and he stated that €6.2 million has been invested in Wexford, so far.
Chief Executive Officer of Enniscorthy Forum, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was on hand to welcome everyone to the launch and compliment the hosts, Enniscorthy Castle, on such a pleasant international occasion.
Local historical re-enactors and representatives from many parts of the world at the Enniscorthy Forum reception at Enniscorthy Castle.
A two-day forum at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, attended by around 70 delegates from many parts of the world was opened on Tuesday by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy in her role as Chief Executive Officer of the Enniscorthy Forum with an expert panel of speakers which included former President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox.
Participants and speakers included senior representatives from UNEP, UN Education Cannot Wait, United Nations Office in Geneva, Ireland’s Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Coalition members and partners from Washington DC, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Britain, India, and the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board Mt. Lucas facility.
The purpose of the summit was to celebrate the signing and launch the work being conducted under the MOU.
As part of an ongoing effort since COP26 in Glasgow, the French government has proposed a “Building Breakthrough Target” as a guide to national policy around the world. The larger initiative is the Glasgow Breakthrough Agenda, which consists of targets set in various sectors to focus efforts to achieve the goals of the UN sustainable development agenda. According to GlobalABC, the Buildings Breakthrough statement “near-zero emission and resilient buildings are the new normal by 2030” serves as a joint vision and a rallying point for all countries.
The Building Action Coalition is reporting on outcomes of the Summit to the Environment Ministry in Dublin.
CLLR ANTHONY CONNICK wearing the chains of the Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council after his unanimous election today.
By Dan Walsh in New Ross
Proposed by Cllr Pat Barden and seconded by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cllr Anthony Connick was unanimously chosen as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council at the annual meeting held in the council chamber at The Tholsel, New Ross, this afternoon (Wednesday). Cllr Michael Whelan is Leas-Cathaoirleach.
“It is a very proud day for me, and the Connick family and I want to acknowledge their support and thanks to them all,” said Cllr Connick who continued; “I am looking forward to working with the Leas-Cathaoirleach, my fellow councilors’, officials and the public over the next year to meet the challenges and the opportunities which will be presented.”
Cllr Connick said he wants to be an inclusive chair and will welcome the input, support and advice from all members over the coming year.
He invited all groups and local organisations to feel free to make contact and he is looking forward to working with the business community, New Ross Chamber, the John F. Kennedy Trust, The Ros Tapestry and voluntary organisations and sporting groups to deliver for the people of New Ross.”
Cllr Connick added that there are major projects outside of the town like the re-opening of Duncannon Fort and the commencement of the upgrade of Hook Lighthouse.
“The whole town is looking forward to the opening of phase one of the Southeast Greenway shortly on my home ground of Rosbercon and later in the year, the New Ross Emigrant Park on the Quay of New Ross town will be officially opened, and we will take the opportunity to have a major celebration of the 60th anniversary of the visit of President John F. Kennedy to New Ross in 1963,” concluded Cllr Connick.
A native of the Rosbercon side of New Ross, Cllr Connick was first elected to New Ross Town Council in 2009 and has been successfully elected to New Ross Municipal District Council in 2014 and 2019. He served as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council during the 2021-’22 term. His brother, Sean Connick served as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Town Council in 2001-’02 and afterwards was elected to Dail Éireann.
The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach ended up with Chief Executive Tom Enright ‘picking a name from the hat’ after the nominations reached stalemate. Cllr Michael Whelan was proposed by Cllr Michael Sheehan and seconded by Cllr John Fleming while Cllr Pat Barden was proposed by Cllr Connick and seconded by Cllr Bridín Murphy. The vote was 3-3 when a resolution was sought by putting the names into a hat- the successful candidate was Cllr Whelan.
The man who died in a workplace accident in a farmyard near Enniscorthy last Saturday afternoon has been named as Vinny Power (52) from The Leap, Adamstown.
Emergency services were quickly on the scene, but a Garda statement confirmed; “A man in his 50’s sustained fatal injuries because of this incident and a file are being prepared for the coroner.”
His remains were taken to University Hospital Waterford where a post-mortem took place.
Health and Safety Authority personnel attended the scene and a full investigation is taking place.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his sorrowing family and friends; Beloved son of the late Joan and Dave, partner of Ann, brother of Catherine, Sean, David and Jean. Sadly missed by his loving brothers, sisters, nephew Daithí, nieces Tina, Katie, Julie, Hannah, Jodie, Ali and Éirinn, brothers-in-law Matty and Mark, sisters-in-law Mary and Annette, Ann’s children Cillian and Ciara, extended family and many friends. May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.
Reposing at his residence on Wednesday June 28th from 3pm concluding at 6pm. House private at all other times please. Removal on Thursday June 29th at 9.30am to Saint Abban’s Church, Adamstown, arriving for funeral Mass at 10am with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Cllr John Hegarty is the new Mayor of Wexford following the general meeting in Wexford Arts Centre last night (Monday). Deputy Mayor is Cllr Leonard Kelly.
Posting on social media today, Cllr Hegarty said he is “honoured to have been elected as Mayor of Wexford for the coming year.”
MAYOR OF WEXFORD CLLR JOHN HEGARTY
“I am looking forward to the year ahead, representing the people of Wexford to the very best of my ability, along with the newly elected deputy mayor Cllr Leonard Kelly and the rest of my Council colleagues.”
Cllr Hegarty was proposed by Cllr Kelly and seconded by Cllr Tom Forde while Cllr George Lawlor was proposed by the outgoing incumbent, Cllr Maura Bell and seconded by Cllr Garry Laffan.
A native of Kilanerin, Cllr Hegarty served as a Fine Gael public representative on Gorey Municipal District Council for ten years until June 2019 – having served as District Cathaoirleach 2018-’19 – when he stepped down due to work commitments in Wexford town and was successful in the Wexford District in the 2019 elections.
Cllr Hegarty, who is currently Manager of the Wexford senior football team and made 105 appearances with Wexford between 1995-’06 (Source; Dominic Williams) is a teacher in Wexford town and served as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council in 2017-’18..
The chains of office were presented to Cllr Hegarty by Cllr Maura Bell who said a “thank you to everyone I met during the year as I served as Mayor of Wexford Borough District. A year I’ll remember forever.”
At the opening of Rosslare Bowling Green (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
Rosslare Bowling Green has been formally opened by the Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald. Also present were Cllrs Jim Moore, Frank Staples, Ger Carthy and Jim Codd.
The four-lane Bowling Green, which is built to world bowling standards, measures 25×40 metres in size and took eight months to complete at a cost of €191,000.
Cllr McDonald said the redeveloped Bowling Green is a marvellous addition to the sporting and community facilities in Rosslare Strand and local area. “It gives people of all ages an opportunity to try out a different sport and in particular it may be of interest to retired people or those who have finished with more intensive sports,” stated Cllr McDonald, who added; “I hope that this wonderful amenity will bring more people to participate in bowling and to attract high level competitions to the Rosslare area and thus bring more visitors and boost the local tourism economy.”
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services for Climate Change and the Environment stated that “the Council was delighted to be associated with such a fine sporting facility” and she hopes that the Bowling Green brings more visitors to the Rosslare area and adds to the enjoyment of visitors to the traditional and popular resort that is Rosslare Strand.”
The Project was a partnership between Rosslare Bowling Club, Rosslare Community & Sports Centre, Rosslare Development Association, Wexford County Council, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Sole Sport Ltd.
Cllr Lisa McDonald raising Rosslare Harbour’s first Green Coast Flag recently. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
A vibrant community in Rosslare Harbour have succeeded in winning their first Green Coast Flag for 2023 and this magnificent achievement was marked by the recent official Green Flag raising ceremony performed by Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District of Wexford County Council at Rosslare Harbour beach.
Cllr Lisa McDonald said; “I am delighted to raise the Green Flag for Rosslare Harbour beach as it recognises this hidden gem of a beach that rivals many of the other fine beaches in County Wexford and the rest of the country. I wish to commend the Rosslare Harbour Development Association and the Rosslare-Kilrane Environmental Group and the Rosslare Harbour-Kilrane Men’s Shed for all their efforts to attain the Green Coast Award in partnership with the County Council.”
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services for Climate Change and Environment with Wexford County Council added to Cllr McDonald’s praise of the voluntary groups in congratulating all the local volunteers for their hard work in keeping Rosslare Harbour beach in great condition and noting that it was even more special as this brings the number of Green Coast Flags in Co. Wexford to 10.
Wexford County Council introduced the Green Coast Award to Ireland from Wales in 2001, the Awards are now managed by An Taisce.
Cllr John Fleming was elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual meeting held in County Hall, Carricklawn, today (Monday) where the chains of office were handed over by the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr George Lawlor. The new Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr Ger Carthy from Rosslare District.
Cllr Fleming’s nomination for the top position was proposed by Cllr Michael Whelan, who referred to his hurling, handball and sporting prowess of the past, when he suggested that Cllr Fleming “put on the Wexford jersey again and represent his county, district community and parish with high distinction.” Cllr Pip Breen seconded.
CLLR JOHN FLEMING Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.
There was a counter proposal for Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan from Cllr Bridín Murphy and seconded by Cllr Frank Staples. Cllr John Fleming was chosen as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council on a vote of 22-10.
In his maiden speech, Cllr Fleming thanked everyone associated with supporting him and promised to “represent the people of Wexford with passion and pride and support the many projects in the pipeline.”
First elected in 2014, Cllr Fleming served as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council for the 2019-2020 term and outlined a number of priorities including an increase in the housing supply, a review of vacant homes and service sites, job creation and looking forward to working with the Chief Executive Tom Enright who offered his “full support of the Council who have a busy year ahead.”
Cllr Fleming also acknowledged the presence of his family and friends in the chamber, Minister James Browne, ex-Minister John Browne, Senator Malcolm Byrne and his friend and colleague from the playing fields Superintendent Jim Doyle.
Then it was time to elect the Leas-Cathaoirleach. Cllr Lisa McDonald proposed Cllr Ger Carthy; Cllr Jim Codd seconded. Cllr Bridín Murphy was proposed by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr John Hegarty seconded. When the votes were counted Cllr Carthy was ahead 22-10 and duly elected Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, 2023-’24.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr George Lawlor introduced the 126th general meeting and told the meeting that “it was a privilege and an honour” to serve the Council and he outlined a long list of achievements with the successful application to bring Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann to Wexford town in the autumn of 2024 being ‘slightly favoured’ as the highlight of his year.
Cllr Lawlor also showed appreciation for the support of the Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Michael Whelan, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell, his wife Yvonne and family, fellow members and officials, and in particular, the Chief Executive Tom Enright who led the tributes.
Mr Enright said Cllr Lawlor enjoyed a fantastic year in the chamber, representing Wexford nationally and internationally, and bringing professionalism and the efficiency of the Council to the fore.
KILMORE QUAY RNLI and the IRISH COAST GUARD ready for a call at Kilmore Quay (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)
By Dan Walsh
It was a busy weekend at Kilmore Quay where the local lifeboat volunteer crew successfully rescued nine people in two separate incidents.
Kilmore Quay RNLI were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 3.40pm on Saturday following reports of four swimmers in difficulty at Ballyteige Burrow beach, west of Kilmore Quay harbour.
Two friends went swimming from the beach and found themselves unable to swim back to shore. Back ashore, their friends noticed they were in difficulty and rang the Irish Coast Guard to raise the alarm, while another took the ring buoy from the beach and swam out to assist the pair in difficulty.
The lifeboat under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe immediately launched and made its way to the scene. Meanwhile another swimmer and a kayaker, also seeing the pair in difficulty, had made their way to the pair to lend assistance.
A small boat that was nearby had also arrived on scene and recovered three of the swimmers who were then transferred to the lifeboat. The fourth swimmer was recovered by the Y-boat launched from the lifeboat.
On return to Kilmore Quay Harbour, the lifeboat was met by the Kilmore Quay Irish Coast Guard unit and a paramedic. One of the swimmers had swallowed some seawater and was taken to hospital as a precaution by the Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 117.
At 11.09pm on Saturday night, the Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew to respond to a Pan Pan call to assist four people aboard a yacht that has lost all power.
The lifeboat, under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe with six crew members on board, immediately launched and made its way to the 12-metre yacht situated 18 miles southeast of Kilmore Quay. Conditions at the time were drizzly with poor visibility, light southeasterly winds and a slight sea swell.
Arriving on scene approximately one hour later, the lifeboat crew checked that all on board the yacht was safe and well before assessing the situation with the vessel. A decision was made to establish a towline and return to the nearest port, which was Kilmore Quay.
The passage back to port with the vessel under tow took just over two and a half hours. Arriving back in the harbour at 2.53am, the casualty vessel was secured alongside the marina.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com following the call outs, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “Thankfully both call outs had a happy ending. The young people at the beach did the right thing in raising the alarm when they noticed their friends in trouble, which helped to prevent the situation from becoming much worse. Always remember when you see someone in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.“
WexfordLocal.com 