The successful reopening of the Emergency Department (ED)) at Wexford General Hospital (WGH), as planned on Tuesday morning, has been described as “a significant day for the staff and management at the hospital and it also comes as a great relief to the people of Wexford.”
WGH Manager, Linda O’Leary, in a statement to WexfordLocal.com said; “We were acutely aware of the stress and strain caused to the people of Wexford by not having a fully functioning ED over the past five months. To have the ED reopened so quickly is testament to all involved in the restoration project at the hospital.”
Although the ED service has been restored at WGH, full bed capacity has not been reached. It is expected to take 3 to 4 weeks before full bed capacity is returned.
“To get to this point today has taken determination and huge effort from very many people at our staff in Wexford General Hospital. However, it would be remiss of me not to mention our colleagues in University Hospital Waterford, St Luke’s Kilkenny and St Vincent’s University Hospital.
“They have supported us and the patients of County Wexford tremendously over the last five months. The care and attention they gave our patients was unwavering. We owe a huge debt of gratitude towards these hospitals,” Ms. O’Leary concluded.
The latest information regarding services in WGH can be found at hse.ie/WexfordHospital As always if you need urgent care, please ring 999/112 or attend your nearest ED.
MINISTER JACK CHAMBERS speaking at the opening of the SOUTH EAST GREENWAY in New Ross today.
By Dan Walsh at New Ross
Phase One of the €8 million South East Greenway linking New Ross with Glenmore and Waterford city was officially opened today (Tuesday) by Jack Chambers T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications at a sun drenched ceremony held in the Greenway car park at Rosbercon, New Ross.
Minister Chambers said; “The opening of the first section of the South East Greenway represents an exciting development for the South East Region. A figure of €8 million has been invested by the Department of Transport in developing this wonderful Greenway route to date. This investment signals the Government’s commitment to providing high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists and communities across Ireland. This Greenway will encourage greater levels of travel via cycling and walking rather than private car use amongst leisure users, tourists, and commuters. The opening of this route along the River Barrow and its connection with the Waterford Greenway will, in due course represent a valuable tourism amenity in Ireland in attracting visitors to Ireland’s Ancient East.”
AUDIO ADDITION; MINISTER JACK CHAMBERS speaking at the opening of the SOUTH EAST GREENWAY at New Ross today.
Cllr Michael Doyle, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council welcomed the opening of Phase One of the South East Greenway and looked forward to the opening of future stages. Cllr. Doyle said, “The old rail corridor is steeped in natural, built and cultural heritage, with a blend of urban in New Ross and Ferrybank and rural through the farmland of south Kilkenny and I’m delighted to see it now re-imagined into the South East Greenway, a world class amenity that locals can be very proud of and one that they and visitors can enjoy for many years to come.”
Cllr Fleming said; “As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council as well as a Councillor representing New Ross Municipal District, and my parents being from Kilkenny originally, I am enormously proud to attend the opening of the Greenway between those counties and soon to include Waterford as well. The Greenway will bring economic benefits as well as very important health and social benefits to our communities and I look forward to its completion, in particular, to the Red Bridge and the tunnel at Mount Elliot, which will be spectacular.”
Cllr Fleming acknowledged the presence of Mogue Curtis, (86), and Phil Jackman, (91), who cycled to the event and whom he affectionately described as “the oldest bikers in town today.”
Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District said; “I’m delighted to see the first section of the Greenway open. It will be a historic day for Wexford, New Ross in particular, and Kilkenny and Waterford. Being the closest elected member to the Greenway, living in Rosbercon itself, I would have passed this location every day for years and am delighted to see what it has now become, from the under-utilised space it was for many years. It will be a major attraction for local people and for tourists alike, bringing people to New Ross and the South East region.”
Other speakers included Cathaoirleach of Callan and Thomastown District Council, Cllr Deirdre Cullen, and Cllr Ger Frisby, Cathaoirleach of Piltown Municipal District Council. The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Deputy John Paul Phelan and Senator Malcolm Byrne, Eamonn Hore, Acting Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Sean McKeown, Acting Chief Executive Kilkenny County Council, Paul Walsh, CEO of TII and Brendan Crowley, President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce.
The new Greenway was jointly blessed with prayers from Rt-Rev. Mons. Joseph McGrath, P.P., New Ross, The Reverend Bruce Hayes, Dean of Waterford and Rector of Waterford Union of Parishes and Hafid Tribak, Muslim Imam. Music was provided by the Cumas trad Band from New Ross.
Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager for New Ross, acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed and thanked so many people that made for a memorable day on the site of the old railway station in New Ross.
CUTTING THE RIBBON at the official launch of the SOUTH EAST GREENWAY at New Ross.
This project commenced in 2018 and is funded by the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Kilkenny County Council, Wexford County Council and Waterford City and County Council.
Opening for public use this afternoon, Phase One of the South East Greenway is approximately 6km in length from New Ross to Glenmore. It is the first part to be opened of the 24km of the South East Greenway, which will be a spectacular off-road cycling, walking and wheeling Greenway. Once fully completed, it will run along an old railway line from the quays of Ireland’s oldest Viking City of Waterford to the Norman town of New Ross along the banks of the beautiful Barrow River, through the scenic countryside of South Kilkenny.
Future phases may include historic elements such as the Red Bridge and old rail tunnel at Mount Elliot and will ultimately connect to the renowned Waterford Greenway.
Smoke bellowing from the roof of Wexford General Hospital during a serious outbreak of fire that closed the hospital for five months. Emergency Department reopens tomorrow (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
The Emergency Department at Wexford General Hospital reopens at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday), five months after the entire hospital was closed to the public following a devastating outbreak of fire that sent flames leaping high above the roof just before 4pm on Wednesday, March 1st.
A major emergency was declared, and entire hospital was closed on health and safety grounds.
The decision was made between Wexford County Council, the HSE, An Garda Siochána and other interested parties and a fleet of ambulances helped clear the building and transport 207 patients to other hospitals.
St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, St. Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny and University Hospital Waterford, others outside the region and nursing homes assisted in the transfers which involved about 100 ambulances.
The reopening of the Emergency Department is good news and a motion congratulating and expressing gratitude and appreciation to “all the management staff, frontline staff, contractors and workers for their dedication, professionalism and outstanding efforts for completing the work done in a highly pressured area”, proposed by Cllr Michael Sheehan, and unanimously supported by all members present was carried at the July meeting of Wexford County Council.
“Furthermore, we resolve to thank all patients and their families for their resilience and patience while the works were being carried out,” stated Cllr Sheehan.
A copy of the motion was sent to the Minister for Health, and the CEO of the HSE, Waterford and Kilkenny County Councils, for consideration.
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.
WexfordLocal.com 