WexfordLocal.com

Enniscorthy Rockin’ till August

MARK KAVANAGH, Vice-Chairman of Wexford Food Family, CLLR AIDAN BROWNE, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who performed the official launch, and CLAIRE LAWLESS, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager at the launch of the 2023 Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival held in Enniscorthy Castle on Friday night.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

There was an air of celebration and festivity at the official launch of the 8^th annual Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and details of this year’s event were unveiled at a special launch at Enniscorthy Castle last evening (Friday).

Festival Chairman, Eric Barron explained that the festival organisers are excited to collaborate with local musicians, chefs, and food producers to curate an unparalleled experience that celebrates the essence of rock ‘n’ roll music and the culinary arts.

Mr Barron said that about 70 food vendors from all over Ireland will attend; the idea of the festival is to support local food producers, there will be a fireworks display to open the festival on The Promenade, courtesy of Colm Neville and the Riverside Park Hotel, the big Ferris Wheel is returning and celebrity chef Kevin Dundon will be in town.

Mr. Barron said last year’s festival brought 50,000 visitors to the town and he envisages that “this year’s event is going to be even bigger and even better for the town.”

It was pointed out that the full programme of events hasn’t been finalised, but plenty family fun activity will bring Enniscorthy to life on the August Bank Holiday.

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council praised the event and wished the organisers well. Mark Kavanagh, Vice-chairman of the Wexford Food Family also addressed the large, invited attendance and encouraged everybody to support local produce and expressed his delight at being part of the festival.

The festival aims to bring together a diverse community, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared passion for music and food.

The organisers have designed an all-inclusive event with families in mind. There will be a variety of free and low-cost activities, games, and kid-friendly food options, ensuring that families can enjoy a memorable day out together.

Visitors can expect a diverse Artisan Food, Drink & Craft market, a booming food marquee showcasing the best of Wexford culinary talent and food producers and a Rock ‘n’ Roll Gig Trail of over 30 live gigs around the town throughout the weekend.

The Rockin’ Food & Fruit Festival attracts a huge number of visitors to Enniscorthy throughout the weekend and plays an important role both socially and economically for Enniscorthy and the wider community. For many, it is the highlight of the summer festival calendar for locals and visitors to County Wexford.

17 new homes launched at Enniscorthy

**Cutting the ribbon at Droichead Carley, Enniscorthy, this morning.**

By Dan Walsh at Droichead Carley, Enniscorthy

A new 17-house project at Driochead Carley, at a cost of €205,000 per unit, located beside the Ross Road roundabout at Enniscorthy, was officially launched by Minister James Browne TD and Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council today (Friday).

Minister Browne said he was delighted to acknowledge Byrne and Byrne Construction and its team for a fantastic delivery of real high-quality homes in the proximity of Enniscorthy town, and all the services that are needed.

“And for the families who are provided with these homes – this is not just about bricks and mortar – its an opportunity for these families to be able to establish a place that is their home,” said Minister Browne, who added; “And to be able to set out stories, to be part of the local community, the local schools, the local sports clubs and its absolutely about to see people to have that opportunity to grow up in a community in these really high quality houses.”

Adding his congratulations, Cllr Aidan Browne, said “this is a state-of-the-art housing development and it is wonderful to see all housing units meet an A-rated energy efficiency standard and all 17 units are based on universal design.”

CEO Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, was delighted to welcome some of the new Council tenants to the launch and he remarked “when its being built it is a house; when occupied they become homes.”

CEO Tom Enright took the opportunity to give an update on the housing situation and here is what he had to say:

The attendance included Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllrs John O’Rourke, Jackser Owens, Cathal Byrne, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan. Michael Drea, County Secretary acted as master of ceremonies.

Tributes were also paid to McMahon and Associates, Nolan Consultants, the team at Wexford County Council, and in particular, Shay Howell who provided the architectural work, Carolyne Godkin and Claire Lawless at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and all who saw the project reach today’s launch stage.

Man (56) missing from Enniscorthy

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 56 year old Fran Murphy who is missing from the Enniscorthy area since Wednesday evening, June 14th 2023.

Fran is described as being 5’8 with a broad build, short grey hair and brown eyes.

When last seen, he was wearing brown shorts, a blue and green t-shirt with white runners. It is believed Fran was driving in his black Skoda Superb vehicle which has a 141-KY registration plate.

Anyone with any information on Fran’s whereabouts are asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Road crash on Ferrycarrig N11

By Dan Walsh

Three vehicles were involved in a road traffic collision on the N11 at the entrance to the Ferycarrig Hotel which occurred around 5.30pm this evening (Thursday).

**The scene on the N11 road crash on the N11 earlier today (Thursday).**

Emergency services were quickly on the scene including units of the Wexford Fire Service who are involved in union matters and restrictions of their duties.

Three people were removed to University Hospital Waterford and while ‘multiple injuries’ are reported, the good news is that the injuries are non-life threatening.

The road was closed for a time and diversions were in place, but the N11 Wexford-Enniscorthy road has fully reopened for normal traffic activity.

On the Enniscorthy honours list are…

**CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY with a group of achievers at the Civic Reception at Enniscorthy Castle this evening.**

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

It was top of the world stuff on the scorching roof of Enniscorthy Castle this heatwave June evening where local achievers gathered to collect their awards at the Civic Reception organised by Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Cathoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne welcomed all to the event and said; “I take this opportunity to congratulate you all on your fantastic achievements to date.”

District Manager Claire Lawless ensured that everything ran smoothly, and local star actor Fintan Kelly was brilliant in reading the citations and keeping the show on the road.

The awards were as follows; Cllr Jackser Owens presented to under-25 World Pool champions, Ben Doyle, Tyler O’Connor and Adam Maher.

**International soccer star FESTY EBOSELE who played his early games with Moyne Rangers was honoured in his absence at the Eniscorthy Civic Reception. this evening.(File Pic).**

Cllr Aidan Browne presented to Lydia Ebosele, mother of Festy Ebosele, in his absence, for his achievements with the Moyne Rangers in his early days and his Irish international call up.

Also Tom and Dena Hogan who participated in Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ and represented Ireland at the Hyrox World Championship. They didn’t attend and the award was accepted on their behalf by Brian Maher.

Cllr Cathal Byrne represented World Powerlifting Champion, Brendan O’Rourke, and Colin Power, Irish Powerlifting Champion.

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan presented All-Ireland Darts champion Callum O’Sullivan and Bree Athletic Club star Ryan Murray.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy presented brother and sister, Jake and Emily Nolan, winners of gold and silver medals in the European Championships in Kenpo Karate; the Enniscorthy Athletic Club All-Ireland women’s team in the National League Championship.

Cllr John O’Rourke represented Patrick Kelly, All-Ireland Boxing Champion and Alfie Murphy, World Kickboxing Champion.

The occasion featured Una Murphy on the harp and refreshments were provided.

Enniscorthy on water usage alert

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, advises customers in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas on the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme that essential night-time water restrictions are required from Friday night, June 16^th until Monday morning, June 19^th from 11pm to 6am on each of the three nights to help reservoir levels recover.

Continued high demand for water, combined with the ongoing heatwave has resulted in local reservoirs levels depleting to unsatisfactory levels.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Uisce Éireann’s Regional Asset Operations Lead, Ronan Walsh said: “We are appealing to communities across Wexford to conserve water to give the reservoirs time to replenish. We have had a very dry period and with the warmer weather currently being experienced and more forecasted, supplies will come under increased pressure. Any reduction that customers can make in their usage can collectively result in significant supply improvements for all customers. I would ask that everyone in Wexford play their part to help conserve water this summer.”

Water demand will continue to be monitored and further restrictions may be required. Further updates will be issued. Communities across Co. Wexford are urged to be mindful of their water usage as increased domestic and commercial demand is being exacerbated by warm weather conditions.

For more simple ways to conserve water check out the Uisce Éireann website where the conservation calculator (www.water.ie/calculator) can help people work out how much water they are currently saving and how they can conserve even more.

Uisce Éireann are asking the public to help play their part in protecting essential water supplies for their local communities.

New local area plan for Wexford Town

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council is preparing a new local area plan for Wexford Town and is encouraging everyone to get involved and have their say on how the town should grow and develop over the period of the plan.

Mayor of the Borough District of Wexford, Cllr Maura Bell said; “We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to become engaged with and get involved in contributing to the local area plan. We want to hear people’s views, expectations and hopes about how they feel the town should grow and develop in the coming years. Wexford Town has so much potential, and this new plan offers a significant opportunity to guide the development of the town and to make the town an even better place to live, work and do business in. We know that the residents, community groups and business owners have good insight and knowledge into what works for their communities and town, so we want to harness this knowledge to good effect”.

Director of Services for Planning, Liz Hore, said; “Wexford Town is well placed as a designated Key Town in the Southern Region and is located on the Eastern Economic Corridor overlooking Wexford Harbour and quay front. This, combined with the strong foundations for growth which are being laid with the delivery of the new university campus of SETU, complimented by the American University GSU, the new urban quarter development at Trinity Wharf, green infrastructure such as Min Ryan Park in a town proud of its heritage, means that the future is bright for Wexford Town.”

The Council commenced the first round of public consultation on the new plan on Thursday, June 8^th, 2023 with the publication of the Consultation Paper which sets out why a local area plan is being prepared, the process for preparing a local area plan, key strategic issues and questions for the public to consider, and how the public can inform and contribute to the preparation of the plan.

Written submissions and observations received by 4pm on Tuesday, August 8^th, 2023 will be taken into consideration by Wexford County Council during the preparation of the Draft Local Area Plan. Further details of how to make a written submission or observation are available in the Consultation Paper, on Wexford County’s County website www.wexfordcoco.ie, online consultation portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or by contacting the Planning Customer Unit at 053 9196101 or email planning@wexfordcoco.ie

Enniscorthy civic recognition awards

By Dan Walsh at the Presentation Centre

There was a distinguished gathering in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, last night (Wednesday) where groups and individual were invited to recognise their achievements at local, county and national level.

Speaking at the event Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council said the event was organised by Enniscorthy district of Wexford County Council. “As chair of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council I really enjoy attending on nights like tonight.

“This evening we all get an opportunity to pay tribute to people who have gone above and beyond in their chosen work. Tonight, we honour the men and women of drama, sport, community and education.

“So, to the many people receiving Civic Recognition tonight I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your fantastic achievements to date.” said Cllr Browne, who added; “May I encourage you all to make Enniscorthy town and district a great place through drama, community and sporting activities.”

Brief citations were read by Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager, and the awards were presented by the public representative who submitted the nominations. The awards went to…

Erin Kiernan LCA (Leaving Certificate Applied) and Jason Bolger LCA presented by Cllr John O’Rourke.

Enniscorthy Community Allotments and Katie Whelan, Leinster Rugby were presented by Cllr Aidan Browne, who also nominated Alan Franklin, Referee at Ireland FAI Youths Final, who was unable to attend.

Dominik Morycki, international call up to the Poland rugby team was presented by Cllr Jackser Owens.

Andy Doyle, best actor at the All-Ireland Drama Finals was presented by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

Orla Wafer and Aoife Wafer from Enniscorthy Rugby Club and women’s international rugby was presented by Cllr Cathal Byrne.

And Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan presented Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society for its contribution to the 1798 commemorations.

Boat catches fire off Hook Head

By Dan Walsh

Two people have been rescued after their vessel caught fire four miles southeast of Hook Head yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.

Dunmore East RNLI Lifeboat responded to a call from the Irish Coast Guard seeking emergency assistance for a vessel on fire at 1.27pm.

Fortunately, the situation had been brought under control and extinguished by the time the lifeboat arrived on the scene approximately 12 minutes after leaving the pontoon.

Upon arrival, it was found that the crew of the vessel had followed their emergency procedures successfully, managing to control and safely extinguish the fire onboard. Despite that, the vessel was now without power and adrift.

Lifeboat coxswain, Roy Abrahamsson, spoke highly of the vessel’s crew. “Their actions today were commendable. It’s a testament to their experience and training that they managed to extinguish the fire swiftly, preventing what could have been a very serious situation. They did the right thing in calling for help, and we were there to provide the support they needed. This incident underlines the importance of safety procedures and emergency preparedness at sea.”

RTÉ’s David McCullagh in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Popular RTÉ Six One News presenter David McCullagh is also an accomplished author and learned historian, and he is a special guest in Gorey Library on Saturday where he will deliver a talk entitled Crown and Harp; from Free State to a Republic from 3pm.

His contribution is full of intrigue. How much freedom did the Treaty really give? Why did it lead to a Civil War? And how did successive Irish government dismantle it to allow Ireland to emerge on the world stage? Featuring: wading through blood; a country with no ships at a naval conference; Éamon de Valera supporting true love; and deadly insults at a state banquet.

**DAVID McCULLAGH is in Gorey Library next Saturday.**

Starting with the Treaty and the split that led to Civil War, McCullagh will then look at how the Treaty was dismantled by Cosgrave and then de Valera, and finally the declaration of the Republic in 1948.

David McCullagh is a journalist, author and presenter with RTÉ, where he has presented the Six One News since August 2020. He previously presented the current affairs television programme Prime Time from 2013 to 2020 and was Political Correspondent with RTE News and Current Affairs. He has also written the book A Makeshift Majority: The first inter-party government, 1948-51, and a biography of John A. Costello. The Reluctant Taoiseach: A Biography of John A Costello, was launched in 2010.

Booking essential, anyone requiring additional assistance to participate in this event, please contact the Gorey Library on 053 9483820.