A vision bringing Enniscorthy forward

Pictured at the launch of the Enniscorthy Town First Plan at Enniscorthy Castle were; (back row, left to right); Diarmuid Heuston, Senior County Planner, Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Minister James Browne TD, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Conor Norton, Urban Design and Architecture Consultant, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Mick McCormick, Town Regeneration Officer, Wexford County Council and Liz Hore, Director of Services, Wexford County Council. (front row: Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Aidan Browne and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

“We do need a plan to secure investment for the town (Enniscorthy), but it is also about a vision and set of principles rather than a plan and we need to have a positive conversation regards the future of our town,” Minister James Browne TD said at the launch of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan at Enniscorthy Castle last night (Thursday). Minister Browne was deputising for Minister Heather Humphreys who had another engagement.

Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, also praised the plan and urged the town to get behind the proposed developments and he welcomed the invited guests to the town and thanked them for their support.

MINISTER JAMES BROWNE speaking at the launch of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan in Enniscorthy Castle last night.

Cllr Aidan Browne, who is chair of the team thanked Minister Browne, members of Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, and members of the Enniscorthy Town First team for their support and he referred to ‘the three town centre projects’ that are highlighted in the report.

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, outlined a few plans for Enniscorthy, but he urged Enniscorthy to “be brave, be ambitious” and he described the plan as “a major milestone” for the town.

Conor Norton of Urban Design and Architecture, who addressed the public consultation event in the Riverside Park Hotel last August, and in fairness, views from that meeting are included in the final report, addressed the gathering, but he allowed the plan to talk for itself and hoped that good things will emerge for the future of Enniscorthy.

The vision statement is as follows; “Enniscorthy Town Centre will be a sustainable, thriving, beautiful and welcoming place of unique sense of pride and quality of life. Its regeneration will be for the benefit of the community, for all those working there, and for its many visitors and admirers.

“The Town Centre will be the social and cultural heart of Enniscorthy, where a rich diversity of businesses and activities will flourish and be sustained.

“Enniscorthy Town Centre will be a safe, accessible and attractive place for all, including children, older people and families. The Town Centre will be a model for sustainable energy, the circular economy and climate action at local level. The regeneration of the town centre will be pursued as a collaborative partnership.”

Town Regeneration Officer Mick McCormick also addressed the launch, welcomed the attendance and acted as master of ceremonies.

The Enniscorthy Town Centre First Team consists of Cllr Aidan Browne (chair), Niall Byrne (Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce), Nicky Murphy (Enniscorthy Traders Association), Colm Neville (Visit Wexford Tourism), Mico Hassett (Culture), Dervla Tierney (Enniscorthy Community Forum), Syl Hipwell (Enniscorthy Garda Division), Margaret Nolan (Industry), Kieran Donohoe (FDYS Youth), Clare Ryan (WLD), Maria Nolan (Sports), Mick McCormick (Town Regeneration Officer) and Claire Lawless (District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District).

The attendance at the meeting included Michael Dempsey, Chair of Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, Jimmy Gahan, Communications Officer, Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, and other invited guests.

OPINION; I haven’t been able to read the Plan in full, but perusing though its 60-pages, it looks like a very comprehensive plan and it is interesting that suggestions from last August’s public forum held in the Riverside Park Hotel, have been added to the draft report available back then. It is a vision and a lifeline to sustain the town going forward in changing times while the goodwill is there to preserve the character of the town and build on its history and heritage.

I don’t see it as just focusing on the town centre, although that is the brief, but it includes the whole town and its immediate environs. It is now part of the way forward, the hunt goes on for funding, and a changing Enniscorthy has been launched. Incidentally, copies of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan is freely available to members of the public with an interest at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council from today (Friday).    

Enniscorthy Town Centre Plan will be launched today

MARKET SQUARE will be foremost for attention when the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan is published.

By Dan Walsh

The eagerly awaited Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan, one of the first in the country, was completed and collaboratively adopted by members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council last January, details of the plan were explained at a well-attended public consultation meeting held in Riverside Park Hotel last August, and the Plan will be officially launched at Enniscorthy Castle today (Thursday)at 6pm.

RAFTER STREET is responding well to the ‘vacant residential floors’ issue

The draft Plan came to the attention of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council members in December 2022, when it was discussed ‘in committee’ as members insisted on reviewing the content before it entered the public domain. It was adopted by the district Council in January and in February it was given the ‘green light with no objections’ at a meeting of Wexford County Council.

The Plan promises that; “Enniscorthy Town Centre will be a safe, accessible and attractive place for all, including children, older people and families,” and targets include “the reuse and refurbishment of vacant homes and vacant residential floors of mixed-use buildings, and to eliminate the effective vacancy in the housing stock in the Town Centre by 2040.” The Plan also aims to “transition to active travel and eliminate traffic dominance in the Town Centre as a critical condition for regeneration”; “to prioritise pedestrian movement in the Town Centre” and “to develop a sustainable traffic management strategy for the town as a measure to eliminate congestion and car dominance in the Town Centre.”

The Enniscorthy Town Centre First Team consists of the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr John O’Rourke, Niall Byrne (Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce), Nicky Murphy (Enniscorthy Traders Association), Colm Neville (Visit Wexford Tourism), Mico Hassett (Culture), Dervla Tierney (Enniscorthy Community Forum), Syl Hipwell (Enniscorthy Garda Division), Margaret Nolan (Industry), Kieran Donohoe (FDYS Youth), Clare Ryan (WLD), Maria Nolan (Sports), Mick McCormick (Town Regeneration Officer) and Claire Lawless (District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District).

The launch of the Plan is generating strong interest in the town and tonight we will learn exactly what the Plan contains and then the search for funding will be the real activation of presenting the ‘new image of Enniscorthy town centre.’

An Post closing New Ross Post Office

By Dan Walsh

New Ross Post Office on Charles Street is to be sold by An Post and staff there have been advised to seek employment from the new Postmaster or be redeployed within the An Post network in towns like Enniscorthy, Wexford and Waterford. This action is expected to take place in the coming months.

Distinguished red-bricked NEW ROSS POST OFFICE on Charles Street.

In a statement seen by WexfordLocal.com it says; “An Post staff formerly employed there will take up a number of possible options, including taking up employment for the new Postmaster or being redeployed within the An Post network. It is likely that a new location for the post office will be sought by the new Postmaster.

“In this event the landmark red brick building on Charles Street will be sold as it is owned outright by An Post.

“In line with the ongoing transformation of the national post office network An Post has announced that its office in New Ross will become a contractor run post office. New Ross joins the mainstream of national post offices of which more than 95% of the country’s 900 plus offices which are run by contractors. Fewer than 40 post offices nationally are run directly by An Post.”

HISTORY; New Ross Post Office was erected on Charles Street to a design examined (1904) by Thomas John Mellon (d. 1922), Principal Surveyor to the Board of Public Works (appointed 1893), representing an important component of the early 20th century-built heritage of New Ross with architectural value.

It is a detached two-bay single-storey post office, designed 1904; opened 1905, on a rectangular plan with single-bay single-storey side elevations; three-bay single-storey return block (north).

Wexford stables enjoy Sunday success

By Dan Walsh

Three Wexford handlers saddled a winner apiece at today’s (Sunday) point-to-point at Cragmore, Co. Limerick and Barry O’Neill extends his lead in the national point-to-point rider’s championship.

SEAN STAPLES rode his 25th point-to-point winner today at Limerick.

Matthew Flynn O’Connor sent Boombox Baby from his Ballycrystal stables in the maiden race for five-year-old mares’ and with Wicklow rider Brian Lawless in the saddle the combination were victorious by four lengths.

The team of Caitriona Goff and Clondaw, Ferns, handler Michael Goff were in jubilant mood as their grey newcomer Clondaw Warrior scored a three and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Michael Sweeney was in the saddle and the sales ring is the next engagement.

Sean Staples from Duncormick celebrated his 25th career success on newcomer Mad Mag for the Blackhall Partnership Stables and handler, Paul Martin Pierce, Blackhall Stud, Killurin, with a one length victory in the maiden race for mares aged six-years-old and older. A winner’s race is likely next on the cards for Mad Mag.

Champion rider Barry O’Neill had one of the easiest winners of his long and successful career – an incredible 64 lengths – on Ramillies for David Christie in the Open Race. The Cheltenham Foxhunters Chase is the main target for Ramillies, but a run in the Naas Foxhunters race is his next task.

Next Sunday’s point-to-point action takes place at Ballinaboola under the auspices of the Wexford Foxhounds and the first race is off at 1.30pm.

Two crashes on Wexford roads

By Dan Walsh

Three people were brought to Wexford General Hospital following a road traffic collision on the N25 at Drinagh shortly after 8pm last evening (Saturday). Three vehicles were involved.

One man was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in County Wexford.

Gardai also attended a separate road traffic collision on the R733 between the Mountain Bar and the crossroads at Redshire Road, outside Wexford town, which occurred at approximately 11.30pm last night (Saturday).

The collision involved a single motorcycle. The male driver (30s) of the motorcycle was seriously injured. He was taken to Wexford General Hospital where his condition is described as ‘critical’.

Investigations are ongoing.

Wexford success up in Down

By Dan Walsh

BARRY O’NEILL

Clearistown handler Mark Scallan saddled his first winner of the season when Break the Boundary, running in the colours of Laura Scallan, came home one and a half lengths to the good in division two of the gelding’s maiden race for five-year-olds at Tyrella, near Downpatrick, Co. Down, today (Saturday).

Ridden by Tiernan Power Roche, Tomhaggard, Break the Boundary held off Jubilant for the Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill team to make a Wexford stables one-two, and Bowe/O’Neill were also runners-up in division one with Duffry Trixs beaten three-quarters of a length by a local first timer named Ballybrittas.

Barry O’Neill also recorded a winner today. He was aboard Gordon Elliott’s Battleoverdoyen in the Open Race and celebrated with a three lengths victory.

Australian ambassador enjoys visit to Gorey

Yorkshire UK-born Australian Ambassador to Ireland Gary Gray receives a special painting of Poulshone beach sourced at The Gaslamp Gallery, Esmonde St., Gorey, to mark his visit to Gorey by the Wexford County Chamber President Lorcan Kinsella. (Pic; County Wexford Chamber).

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber have informed WexfordLocal.com that they were delighted to host the Australian Ambassador to Ireland, the Honourable Gary Gray, and his wife Pippa at The Hatch Lab, Gorey, last Monday.

“The visit was an excellent opportunity to showcase the diverse range of businesses thriving in County Wexford,” said the Chamber communications department, who added; “During their tour, the Ambassador and his wife had the pleasure of meeting key figures from various sectors, fostering connections and sharing insights.

The attendance included Lorcan Kinsella, President of County Wexford Chamber and Deputy CEO Deirdre O’Flynn and Senator Malcolm Byrne, who facilitated the meeting.

A special thanks is extended to the distinguished guests: Seamus McGuinness CEO, Prim-Ed Publishing, New Ross; Niall Byrne, NMB Architects Ltd, Enniscorthy; Malachy McGlynn Head of Operations, Kersia, Wexford Aquatabs; John O’Connor, CEO The Hatch Lab, Gorey, and Maeve Dunne, Independent Data Protection Officer, MdDm.ie.

“Of note is the commitment to fostering international relations, as plans are underway to introduce local businesses and County Wexford Chamber to Chamber of Commerce in Perth and Western Australia.

“This exchange of ideas and experiences will undoubtedly lead to exciting opportunities on both sides of the globe and the County Wexford Chamber extends its gratitude to the Australian Ambassador and his wife for their visit and look forward to strengthening these newfound connections for the benefit of County Wexford’s business community.”

Other details of Mr. Gray’s visit are sketchy, but he was met by Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, and Philip Knight, District Manager, at Gorey Council Chamber. He also met with Alice Doyle, newly elected Deputy Vice-President of the Irish Farmer’s Association, and visited Gorey Central School, Naomh Éanna GAA Club. Later in the day he attended Wexford County Council buildings in Carricklawn, Wexford.

Plans for Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Committee will hold an open meeting this evening (Tuesday 23rd January) at 6pm in the Enniscorthy Municipal District Offices, Market Square. 

New committee members are needed to help organise the festival and new ideas are welcome. 

“We need your support, and we need our community to come on board. Please come along and help make it a great St. Patrick’s Day for Enniscorthy,” said a spokesperson for the committee.

Tonight’s water restrictions in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

ENNISCORTHY (File Pic).

Night-time water restrictions will be in place in Enniscorthy from 11pm tonight (Monday) until 7am tomorrow morning (Tuesday, January 23rd) and these restrictions are essential to maintain a daytime supply following operational difficulties due to the recent cold weather. 

With the freezing temperatures in recent days replaced by much milder conditions over the weekend, the rapid thaw has led to a further increase in leaks and bursts throughout the network. Areas particularly affected include: Enniscorthy, Gorey Regional, Wexford town, South Regional, Sow, New Ross, Fardystown. Uisce Éireann appealing to the public to report leaks and help reduce water loss to protect local supplies in Wexford.

The public can help too by checking any property under their responsibility for burst pipes and leaks, and reporting leaks in public areas so that repairs can be prioritised. In particular, people are asked not to leave taps running and fix dripping or leaking taps. 

Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald told WexfordLocal.com; “Water is a precious resource that must go through a complex and costly treatment process before it is safe to drink. Our crews are on the ground working to tackle leaks and we are asking the public for their support by preventing avoidable loss of water.”

Report any leaks in the public network to Uisce Éireann’s customer care centre or on water.ie, so that we can prioritise repairs and dispatch crews to carry out critical repairs.

Fishing vessel in trouble off Baginbun Head

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on Friday morning at 11.11am to assist a broken down 24-ft fishing vessel.

FETHARD RNLI Lifeboat (File Pic RNLI)

The volunteer crew made their way to Baginbun Head in force 3/4 winds and choppy sea conditions.

After assessing the situation and learning that the boat had suffered a gearbox problem, the Helm of the lifeboat, Thomas Stafford, decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat, with the crew onboard, to the safety of Fethard Harbour.

Speaking after the call out, Volunteer Deputy Launch Authority Pete Barry said; “The crew went to sea, well prepared, with a means to call for assistance. It shows the importance of having the right equipment to call for help when you see someone in trouble on the water or you are in difficulties yourself. The number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”