Wexford discussion on Climate Action

Pictured at the Climate Action Event in County Hall; Back row; Gerry Forde (Senior Engineer), Dr. Yvonne Byrne (Event Moderator), Mary Reynolds (We are the Ark), Sheila Lacey (Environment), Cllr Leonard Kelly (Member of the Climate Change, Biodiversity & Environment SPC, Barry Caslin (Teagasc), Frank Burke (Climate Action Co-ordinator), Caroline Sinnott (Environment), Clare Kelly (Climate Action Officer). Front row; Clare McCreesh (ENViTE Edible Towns Network), Micheal Devereux (Enniscorthy Allotments), Cllr Mary Farrell (Cathaoirleach of the Climate Change, Biodiversity & Environment SPC), Richard Mulcahy (100 million Trees Project), Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services). Pic; Wexford County Council/Mary Browne.

By Dan Walsh

Close to 150 people attended the recent Climate Action sessions held in County Hall, Wexford, providing useful information and possible actions that they could implement, as part of their individual, community, or business contribution towards positive climate action.

Experts from business, government bodies and voluntary groups relayed their knowledge on Climate Action across a variety of topics, including transport, agriculture and energy.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor, remarked that “County Wexford is not immune to the challenges posed by climate change. As the global climate continues to change, Wexford faces several significant impacts that require immediate attention and proactive measures.”

Cllr Lawlor outlined some of the key challenges facing County Wexford from climate change that include rising sea levels and coastal erosion. “The impact of mitigation measures on our hugely important Agri sector must also be assessed. It is important that we all play a key and fair role in our efforts to curb the impact of climate change on our county,” Cllr Lawlor added.

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services with Wexford County Council noted; “The Climate Action Event is part of a programme of education and awareness the Council is undertaking as part of the development of the new Climate Action Plan. The speakers who attended from a variety of organisations demonstrate the knowledge and expertise that we already possess within our county to make a positive impact in this space.”

Frank Burke, Climate Action Co-ordinator thanked all those who contributed to the organising of the event from within Wexford County Council and gave special mention to the twenty speakers, stating; “The presentations were inciteful and inspiring and illustrates what can be done, when you adopt a “can do” attitude!” concluded Mr Burke.

Wexford County Council is required to identify and implement a range of actions under a new Climate Action Plan to help meet targets of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and the longer-term goal of a climate neutral by no later than 2050.

Speakers at the event included representatives from SEAI, Enniscorthy Allotments, Solar Farms, 100 Million Trees Project, ENViTE Edible Towns Network, Wexford County Council, Teagasc, Wexford Bus, Local Link, Active Travel, Southeast Energy Agency, Enniscorthy Sustainable Energy Communities and the Local Enterprise Office.

Nighmare living with pyrite and stink

Director of Services Wexford County Council CAROLYNE GODKIN discussing concerns with the residents of Ballyminaun Hill outside of County Hall yesterday with Cllrs Fionntán Ó Sulleabháin and Joe Sullivan.

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

“Same disgusting smell. Different decade” read a placard carried by one of several residents from Ballyminaun, near Gorey, where ongoing issues around the obnoxious smell have been around for a decade now and a group gathered outside County Hall before yesterday’s (Monday) monthly meeting to protest at the slow progress in resolving the matter.

Before the meeting Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Council, met with the concerned residents, listened to their views and outlined the current situation. The residents were also welcomed in the public gallery when the matter was discussed at the meeting.

Ms. Godkin said she briefed the residents and engaged with them before Christmas about the ecological sensitive areas and said she is trying to get a resolution and mount a comprehensive plan to resolve the matter.

The residents were supported by Cllr Joe Sullivan and Cllr Fionntán O Súilleabháin. “The stink from the composting plan is a nightmare for residents,” they agreed.

Concerns were also expressed about pyrite and one of the residents on the protest had his house badly damaged by pyrite and featured on RTE’s PRIME TIME seeking a resolution to the matter, but felt he was struggling to get support.

Cllr Sullivan said; “the pyrite issue is hugely concerning and there has to be a follow up.” He explained that it is exactly a year since the Ballyminaun residents sat in the County Chamber seeking redress and now the pyrite issue is “a living nightmare.”

Cllr Donal Kenny expressed his support for “a heavy push on Ballyminaun” and the blocks case (pyrite) but said it doesn’t matter where the blocks came from.

Both the smell from the Ballyminaun plant and the case for the pyrite compensation issues are certain to remain on the agenda and will resurface, but those concerned are growing tired of inaction and more public protests may take the matters to Dublin.

Councillors back Courtown Land Swap, 24-7

By Dan Walsh at the June meeting of Wexford County Council

The controversial Land Swap at Courtown, came before the monthly meeting of Wexford County Council today as a Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 and the members voted in favour of the proposal by 24 votes to 7.

The Council’s site, measuring 1.65 acres approx. located at Ballintray Lower and originally acquired by the Council from Peter J. Redmond of the Taravie Hotel, is to be disposed of and is currently used as a public car park. The site is to be transferred to TYOL Bayview Limited, Ardamine, Gorey.

The Council’s site is to be transferred for the development of a hotel, of a scale to be agreed by Wexford County Council. In exchange for this transfer the Council will receive from TYOL Bayview Limited, in exchange, the site of the former Bayview Hotel.

The disposal, if approved, is subject to TYOL Bayview Limited lodging a planning application for the development of the site as a hotel within 12 months of the passing of this resolution and other conditions.

This has been a controversial public issue in the community for some time and has led to protests outside the Civic Offices, Gorey, while Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council were sitting and today, a group objecting to the project gathered outside the Council Chamber at County Hall and were represented at the meeting.

At the May meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, after a sometimes heated and lengthy debate, councillors voted 5-4 to bring the proposal before today’s county meeting for a decision.

Cllr Joe Sullivan spoke strongly against the proposal. “This will have a significant impact on the future of the area,” He questioned much of the reasoning behind the Council’s plans?

Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Donal Kenny, claimed “we are not giving away the land”, backed the vote to bring it here (full council) and said the issue had been going on for three and a half years and it was time to move forward and decide.

While acknowledging the potential economic benefit for the area Cllr Andrew Bolger declared to vote against the Land Swap. “My job is to represent the residents of Courtown, and Harbour Court, in particular. The community is against the project and our job is to bring the community with us,” he added.

The decision to put the matter to a vote was proposed by Cllr Donal Kenny and seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe, both members of Gorey Municipal District Council. Director of Services Liz Hore clarified some queries from the floor and CEO Tom Enright acknowledged members right to protest ahead of a decision by the full council. “That is democracy in action. It is a free vote,” he stated.

Cathaoirleach Cllr George Lawlor allowed the vote to proceed.

The vote was as follows; IN FAVOUR (24) Cllrs Maura Bell, Pip Breen, Aidan Browne, Cathal Byrne, Cllrs Ger Carthy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Anthony Connick, Anthony Donohoe, Mary Farrell, John Fleming, John Hergarty, Willie Kavanagh, Leonard Kelly, Donal Kenny, Garry Laffan, George Lawlor, Jim Moore, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Bridín Murphy, John O’Rourke, Michael Sheehan, Frank Staples, Oliver Walsh and Michael Whelan. AGAINST (7); Cllrs Pat Barden, Andrew Bolger, Jim Codd, Tom Forde, Davy Hynes, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and Joe Sullivan. ABSENT (3) Cllrs Lisa McDonald, Diarmuid Devereux and Jackser Owens.   

Speedboat rescue off Courtown Beach

By Dan Walsh

Three people were rescued yesterday afternoon (Sunday) after their speedboat started taking on water off Courtown Beach.

Courtown RNLI crew launched their inshore lifeboat at approximately 3.41pm and it was launched shortly after at 3.50pm. They arrived on scene at 3.55pm and observed that the speedboat had made its way onto the beach.

A tow line was attached to the speedboat and was safely towed into the harbour by the lifeboat.

The conditions were favourable at the time with partial cloud and a south easterly wind.

Speaking following the call out, Billy Byrne, Courtown RNLI Deputy Launching Authority told WexfordLocal.com ; “We were delighted to help and wish the three onboard the speedboat well. We would commend them for all wearing the appropriate lifejackets, that is always the right thing to do.

“We would encourage all boat owners to maintain their craft and always have a means of calling for help. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” concluded Mr. Byrne.

School bus in road crash

A school bus with 20 occupants on board was involved in a road traffic collision at Larkin’s Cross on the N25 near Barntown, on the outskirts of Wexford town.

The incident occurred around 8.30am this morning (Monday) and involved a school bus and a vehicle. Emergency services were quickly on the scene, but fortunately, no hospital treatment was required.

1798 Battle of Ross commemoration

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern speaking at the 1798 Battle of Ross commemoration at The Three Bullet Gate today.

By Dan Walsh at New Ross

There was an excellent turnout for today’s 1798 Battle of Ross commemoration where former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was a special invited guest and was given a warm welcome on behalf of the townspeople by Cllr Michael Sheehan, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District Council.

A Colour Party from the New Ross FCA Pipe Band under Pipe Major Pascal Bolger followed by The Three Bullet Gate Pike Group under Captain Joe Cullen and Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society led by Ray Murphy opened proceedings with a march from the Youth Centre to the Three Bullet Gate Memorial Park where the commemorations took place.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern honoured an invitation to rededicate the Three Bullet Gate Memorial Park which he officially opened in 1998 marking the bicentenary of the Battle of Ross during the Rebellion of 1798.

Afterwards Mr Ahern held a lengthy audience with the young students from Georgia Southern University who attended the ceremonies.

Former Taoiseach BERTIE AHERN speaking at the Three Bullet Gate, New Ross.

The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Kevin Whelan who explained the meaning of the events of 1798 and made comparisons with the modern era in an international context.

There was large emphasis on music. The Three Bullet Gate is commemorated in Amhrán na bFiann as An Bearna Baoil (The Gap of Danger) and in many other patriotic poems and songs.

PASCAL BOLGER, Pipe Major New Ross FCA Pipe Band reading the 1916 Proclamation at today’s 1798 Battle of Ross commemoration ceremonies.

Performers included New Ross & District Pipe Band led by Pipe Major Brian MacMahon, traditional airs from Danescastle Ceilí Band, the premiére of the Ballad of the Bullet by Cathy Purcell was given a warm welcome, the Cumas Traditional Ceilí Band sounded great, Hayley Crosbie’s Ensemble contributed, and excellent master of ceremonies Seamus Kiely kept everything flowing smoothly and added a few appropriate songs.  

The Battle of Ross was a military engagement that took place at The Three Bullet Gate on June 5th, 1798, fought between the Society of United Irishmen rebels and the government forces garrisoning the town.

The attack on the town was an attempt by the recently victorious rebels to break out of Co. Wexford, cross the River Barrow, and spread the rebellion into Kilkenny and Munster.

The rebels advanced from their camp on Carrigbyrne Hill to Corbet Hill, just outside New Ross town. The battle, is described in some sources as “the bloodiest of the 1798 Rebellion.”

It began at dawn when the Crown garrison was attacked by a force of almost 10,000 rebels, massed in three columns outside the town. The attack had been expected since the fall of Wexford town on May 30th and the garrison, consisting of 2,000 troops, had prepared defences both outside and inside the town.

Trenches were dug and manned by skirmishers on the approaches to the town while cannon were stationed facing all the rapidly falling approaches and narrow streets of the town to counter the expected mass charges by the rebels, who were mainly armed with pikes.

Crew rescued from Yacht Race mishap

ROSSLARE HARBOUR RNLI (Pic; RNLI)

By Dan Walsh

A crew of nine were rescued in a joint operation on Wednesday evening by Rosslare Harbour and Kilmore Quay RNLI after their 12-metre yacht got into difficulty after breaking its rudder off the Wexford coast. The yacht had been taking part in the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Yacht Race.

Kilmore Quay RNLI’s volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat Killarney, by the Irish Coast Guard at 8.40pm. The lifeboat under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe and with six crew members onboard immediately launched and made its way to the scene.

The yacht had been taking part in the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Yacht Race. A second yacht taking part in the race stood by with the stricken vessel until the lifeboat arrived.

The Rosslare Harbour volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Severn class lifeboat Donald and Barbara Broadhead, by the Irish Coast Guard at 9.25pm. The lifeboat under Coxswain Micheál Ferguson and with five crew members onboard immediately launched and made its way to the scene arriving at 9.55pm where a towline had been established to the yacht by the Kilmore Quay crew.

The sea was moderately choppy in a moderate north-easterly wind. Visibility was good. Given the location of the vessel and the conditions at the time, it was decided that the safest option was to tow the vessel to Rosslare Harbour.

The towline was secured to the Rosslare Harbour lifeboat at 10.40pm. The yacht was safely berthed in Rosslare Harbour at 11.50pm alongside the lifeboat. All nine crew on board the yacht was wearing a flotation device and were unharmed.

Speaking following the call out, Tony Kehoe, Rosslare Harbour RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said; “We were delighted to work with our colleagues at Kilmore Quay RNLI to bring these nine sailors to safety. We would like to commend the sailors for going to sea prepared and for wearing proper flotation devices and having good communication equipment when at sea, that is always the right thing to do.”

Wexford welcomes French ambassador

Pictured at the press reception at Enniscorthy Castle this evening were (left to right); Leo McCoy, Chairman of Wexford Normandy Cultural Association (WNCA), Brendan Crowley, President of Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell in her role as Hon. President of WNCA), Cllr Cathal Byrne, His Excellency Vincent Guerénd, Ambassade De France En Irelande, Melanie O’Reilly, secretary WNCA and master of ceremonies, Catherine McPartlin, treasurer WNCA, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The French Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Vincent Guérend visited Enniscorthy this evening where he advocated to “the strengthen the relationship between Ireland and France” and was delighted to participate in the 225th commemorations of the Rebellion of 1798.

Monsieur Guérend spoke at a press reception in Enniscorthy Castle, after he was given a tour of the castle by Eve Furlong, Deputy Manager, and the castle staff.

The ambassador returned thanks for the invite and described Ireland as “the EU’s closest country” post Brexit and alluded to the Year of the French, 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the EU, and referred to “the next chapter post Brexit.” He concluded by expressing his delight “to see so many friends of France.”

Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council welcomed Monsieur Guerend and spoke of the links between France and Ireland, and in particular, the Rebellion of 1798.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chair of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre Committee, gave a brief history of Enniscorthy castle and the events of 1798.

Melanie O’Reilly from Wexford Normandy Cultural Association acted as master of ceremonies, welcomed all to the reception and a pleasant occasion was shared by all in attendance.

The ambassador was later guest of honour at the Lecture Programme held in the Presentation Arts Centre where the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in conjunction with the Wexford Normandy Culture Association presented a public conversation entitled The ideals of Revolution; Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

It featured historians, Dr. Liam Chambers of the University of Limerick and Dr. Elaine Callinan from Carlow College. The moderator was Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy from Wexford County Council.

Music was provided before the conversation by the Irish and French musicians of The Allabair Trio, Melanie O’Reilly (vocals), David Creevy (guitar) and Brewen Favrau (uileann pipes and Irish whistle).   

This event was kindly hosted in conjunction with Wexford County Council, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, The Wexford Normandy Cultural Association and Melanie O’Reilly, who is a fluent French speaker.

Enniscorthy faces weekend water restrictions

By Dan Walsh

Customers in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas on the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme are advised by Uisce Éireann that essential night-time water restrictions are required from tonight (Friday) until Monday morning, from 11pm to 6am on each of the three nights to help reservoir levels recover.

Low water in the River Slaney at Barker Bridge (File Pic).

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com about conserving water, 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.”

Uisce Éireann working in partnership with Wexford County Council say that customers in Enniscorthy town and surrounding areas will experience low pressure and/or outages. It can take two to three hours following low pressure for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as water refills the network.

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.

Members of the public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann 24/7 at 1800 278 278 or on water.ie.

Bunclody book recalls community tales

Michael Fortune (producer), Larry Connors (participant), Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council (who performed the launch) and Sally Murphy (tutor WWETB) at the launch of No Twixing or Crossing in Bunclody Library tonight (Thursday).

By Dan Walsh in Bunclody

A new book called No Twixing or Crossing was launched in Bunclody Library tonight by Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Aidan Browne, who complimented all associated with “this collection of superstitions, beliefs, practices, ritual cures, verses and stories from Bunclody.”

Cllr Browne told the large attendance presence that the work was transcribed and interpreted by artist and folklorist Michael Fortune from conversations with a group of Traveller Women from Bunclody area in January and February of this year and he paid tribute to everyone involved with the publication.

Michael Fortune pointed out that what is striking about this collection is the lack of names associated with the stories.

“For many folklorists, collectors and historians, this very fact goes against all the standards of recording and documenting, as the person’s name is a vital part of the story,” said Mr. Fortune, who added; “However, this was the condition that the group made with me prior to this publication; all the stories were to be nameless. The stories were of and from their community and not the individual.”

Mr Fortune singled out Larry Connors for his contribution, said it was a privilege to be working with the travelling community, gave a few brief examples of the text, and hoped that volume two would come soon and concluded that “the traditions and superstitions have a very special place that embraces everybody.”

One of the tutors, Sally Murphy from WWETB (Wexford Waterford Educational Training Board) paid tribute to everyone who shared their stories and also to Wexford Library Services for supporting the project and the staff at Bunclody Library, in particular, Shane Gibbons and Lorraine Massey.

Librarian Shane Gibbons welcomed everybody, especially local public representatives, Cllrs Browne, Barbara-Anne Murphy and John O’Rourke and acted as master of ceremonies. The launch concluded with light refreshments for all.

No Twixing or Crossing, Volume 1, produced by Michael Fortune and Wexford Library Services, 75 pages. Illustrated, ISBN 978-1-7398403-1-0. A folklore.ie production.