WexfordLocal.com

Market House stays in public ownership?

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.

3 men in a boat rescued at Courtown

By Dan Walsh

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.

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.

Absence makes Council hearts grow fonder!

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.

Revenue granted cash detention order

Revenue officers were granted a three-month cash detention order by Judge John Cheatle at a special sitting of Wexford District Court.

This followed the seizure, on Thursday, of €4,265 cash and a small amount of Bulgarian Lev at Rosslare Europort. The discovery was made when Revenue officers stopped and searched a horse box in which 163kgs of cocaine was also found.

Investigations are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on phone number 1800 295 295.

Wexford RNLI rescue two people

By Dan Walsh

Wexford RNLI rescued two people on Saturday night after their boat was seen drifting.

**WEXFORD RNLI on Saturday night (Pic; RNLI/Lorraine Galvin)**

The volunteer crew launched their inshore lifeboat at 11.53pm and were quickly on scene to assess the situation. With a fallen tide and the boat going aground, fast action was taken to tow the vessel with two people onboard to deeper waters. The people onboard were monitored closely by the crew and brought safety ashore at 12.35pm.
Speaking after the incident, Wexford RNLI Helm Lorraine Galvin commended the crew who are all newly trained volunteers: “Night-time call outs add extra hazards and all three volunteer crew members worked tirelessly in reassuring the people onboard, establishing the tow and keeping a close watch until the people were safely ashore, well done.”

If anyone sees anyone in difficulty on or near the water, ring 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Drugs found in crashed car in New Ross

A man was arrested after cannabis herb with an estimated street value of €485,000 was discovered in sports bags in a crashed car in New Ross.

As part of Operation Tara, Gardaí in New Ross were conducting mobile patrols and came upon a single vehicle road traffic collision in New Ross, yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.

At approximately 3pm, Gardaí spoke with the driver of the collision, who was uninjured. Gardaí conducted a search of the vehicle where they located three large sports bags which contained cannabis herb with an estimated street value of €485,800.

The drugs seized will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis.

The male driver, aged in his mid-30s was arrested and taken to a Garda station in Co. Wexford where he is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Investigations are ongoing.

Two men charged following €11.4m cocaine seizure at Rosslare Europort

Two men have appeared at a special sitting of Wexford District Court yesterday (Sunday) charged in connection with an €11.4 million cocaine seizure at Rosslare Europort on Thursday.

**€11.4 million cocaine find at Rosslare Europort (Pic; Revenue)**

The illicit drugs were discovered after officers from Revenue’s customs section searched a horsebox after it had disembarked from a ferry that arrived from Cherbourg, France.

During the search, the officers discovered an estimated 163kg of cocaine, Gardai were called, and two men were arrested.

Ivan Chalakov, 26, and Stoyan Stefanov, 23, both from Bulgaria appeared before Judge John O’Leary at a special sitting of Wexford District Court charged in connection with the find.

The court heard that both men were charged with possession of drugs and the possession of drugs for sale or supply under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Both men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear again at Wexford District Court today (Monday), July 17^th.

Gorey ready for August festival

**GOREY MARKET HOUSE FESTIVAL takes place August 4th-6th – the August Bank Holiday weekend. Details have been announced.**

By Dan Walsh

Details of this year’s Gorey Market House Festival taking place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend (August 4^th-6^th) have been released and the organising committee are promising the best of the arts, music and various events suitable for the whole family.

Philip Knight, Gorey District Manager told WexfordLocal.com of his personal excitement at the prospect of this year’s Market House Festival. “The Committee has worked incredibly hard to put together a strong music line up that will provide ‘something for everyone’. Last year’s festival was a resounding success, so we had a lot to live up to – I think we have achieved that,” stated Mr. Knight.

It is also announced that The Family Funday on Saturday from 1pm-5pm will coincide with the official launch of Gorey Town and District Park and promises to be a day of delights for all the family.

The play day will feature fun for the whole family with Puppet Shows, Magicians and Face Painting. This year, the ever-popular Fancy Dress Fun Run will take place on Sunday from 11am.

The Annual Busking Competition in association with Making Music will also take place on Saturday with €1000 worth of vouchers up for grabs for budding musicians. More information on these events can be found on the Gorey Market House Festival Social Accounts.

The weekend will be filled with free music on Main Street. On Friday the town will come alive for the weekend ahead with Cornerboy followed by Allie Sherlock. On Saturday, Small Fish, Daft Punk Tribute and Conmor will get the crowd ready for Springsteen A Tribute, Ireland’s Ultimate Bruce Springsteen Tribute. And on Sunday there is an eclectic mix of musical talent taking to the stage, including Cludaigh, Neon River, Code of Behaviour, Footsqueaker, Finnian, Thinner Lizzy before Abbaesque.

For more information on the festival, please visit LoveGorey.ie, Gorey Market House Festival on Facebook, http://www.markethousefestival.com or email gorey@wexfordcoco.ie

Two lifeboats assisted yacht in trouble

**The Rosslare Harbour RNLI lifeboat ‘*Severn*‘ seen from the Kilmore Quay RNLI lifeboat Tamar on Thursday evening’s rescue of two people on a yacht. (Pic; RNLI/Nigel Millard)**

By Dan Walsh

Crews from Rosslare Harbour and Kilmore Quay RNLI were called to the assistance of two people on board a yacht that was taking on water eight miles northeast of Rosslare Harbour on Thursday evening.

The Rosslare Harbour RNLI volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 4.52pm and the lifeboat under Coxswain Eamonn O’Rourke and with six crew members on board, arrived on scene at 5.30pm. At the time a Force 5 south westerly wind was blowing with moderate seas but with good visibility.

Having assessed the situation and in consultation with the yacht crew, two lifeboat crew boarded the casualty vessel with a bilge pump which prevented further flooding aboard the vessel. A tow was established at 5.40pm.

However, given the inclement weather conditions at Rosslare Harbour, it was decided that it would be safer to bring the yacht to Kilmore Quay harbour and the lifeboat crew at Kilmore Quay, who were taking part in the opening of the annual Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival at the time, were launched and arrived on scene at Carnsore Point at 8.15pm.

The crews worked together to transfer the tow to the second lifeboat relieving the Rosslare Harbour lifeboat and crew to return to base. Two members of the Kilmore Quay crew were transferred to the casualty vessel and the boats made their way back to Kilmore Quay arriving just after 10pm.

Speaking following the call out, Deputy Launch Authority, Tony Kehoe, said: ‘I would like to commend both crews on the successful outcome which was down to the excellent cooperation and teamwork between all involved. I would also like to commend the crew of the yacht for raising the alarm when they did, ensuring we got to them in time. It is vital to have proper means of communication such as VHF radio when heading out to sea as they did.”

Power to the People in Enniscorthy

CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE launching the Power to the People exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle. Also in the picture young members of Cllr O’Rourke’s family, Cllrs Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathal Byrne and Castle Manager Mico Hassett.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

In his first public assignment as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke was guest of honour at Enniscorthy Castle last night (Friday) where he proudly launched a new exhibition entitled Power to the People; How electricity changed the world.

Cllr O’Rourke complimented Manager Mico Hassett and her staff at Enniscorthy Castle for researching and hosting the exhibition and described it as “a great display” and he welcomes “everyone from Co. Wexford to come and see the artefacts that have been brought forward as part and parcel of a bygone era and introduction to a future era.”

“It’s remarkable and a treasure for Enniscorthy,” said Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “Everyone should come here and look at the exhibition and take away some pointers from it that they can bring home and use to be energy efficient in their own homes.”

Ms. Hassett thanked Cllr O’Rourke for opening the exhibition in the presence of his family members and fellow Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cathal Byrne.

The summer exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle explores the history of the electrification of Ireland and the future of sustainable energy. Beginning with a display of pre-electrical home implements, the exhibit extends through the electrification process to the Carnsore protests against nuclear energy in the 1970’s and 80’s.

The Wexford County Council Archives, under Grainne Doran, and local business North Two Madness, have kindly loaned artifacts from the various time periods for display. Images from the ESB (Electricity Supply Board) electrification scheme archives are also included in a visually compelling and informative exhibit.

Sustainable energy is covered in the second room with family-friendly graphics showing how various types of energy, from wind and wave to solar, are generated. It also highlights the renewed interest in nuclear as a ‘clean energy’ source and raises the pros and cons.

Pinergy Solar Electric have kindly donated a solar panel for up close viewing to the exhibition. Kids will also have the chance to pedal a bike to power their mobile phone, sponsored by Wexford People Helping People bike shop!

The staff of Enniscorthy Castle have been hard at work over the past two years’ bringing exhibitions to their second-floor space and creating more reasons to visit throughout the year.

Entry to the exhibit is included in the Enniscorthy Castle general admission tour ticket of €6 per adult (€5 student/seniors) or €15 for up to a family of five. Running through the end of September 2023 and open Mon- Fri 9.30- 5pm (with last admission at 4.30pm) and on weekends Sat/ Sun 12 to 5pm.