Families and individuals protesting outside of St. Aidan’s Day Centre, Gorey, against the respite services last May (Pic; File WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh
Disappointing news emanating from Gorey states that the St. Aidan’s Respite Services at Mulcahy House that was forced to close on May 1st for 12 weeks is further delayed and will not open in August as planned.
In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Eimear Mannion said due to the lengthy vetting processes in the sector, they wouldn’t have enough new employees started in time to facilitate the reopening of respite on August 1st.
Ms. Mannion added; “The exact date or a time period for when the service is likely to reopen is unknown.”
Back in May od this year, in a letter sent to service users and their families, Assistant Chief CEO James Traynor, said; “We had hoped that a return to how we would normally operate in Mulcahy House was sustainable from January 1, 2023, when we reopened but, due to staffing vacancies across the service and in Mulcahy House itself, we cannot work to the standard we are used to, nor provide the level of service.
“These recruitment challenges have potential to put the individuals we support at a greater risk than we are able to mitigate at this present time, and we have the responsibility to operate a safe and effective service, this has always been our primary concern,” concluded Mr. Traynor.
The scene at Ballydaniel Court, Camolin, this evening where a property was destroyed by an explosion and fire.
By Dan Walsh at Camolin
A man in his 40’s is in a Dublin Hospital tonight (Wednesday) following a large explosion and a devastating house fire at a property in Ballydaniel Court on the outskirts of Camolin village that shook the community around 3pm.
The injured man was involved in tiling work in the bathroom of the house when the explosion occurred. He was treated by paramedics at the scene prior to removal by Air Corps 112 helicopter to a Dublin hospital. Sources at the scene this evening said his condition is “unknown” but expressed the hope that he will make a recovery.
Local sources also told WexfordLocal.com that a woman in a neighbouring property was “knocked off her feet” by the force of the blast. She was taken to hospital for observation. Her pet dog sustained superficial burns.
The owners of the property were at their workplaces when the explosion took place and were absent from their home at the time.
The building was completely devastated by the fire that followed the explosion and a demolition crew were on hand to make the site safe later evening.
Paramedics from the National Ambulance Service were quickly on the scene. Fire service crews from Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Gorey and Wexford were also in attendance.
Separate investigations are taking place by Gas Networks Ireland and An Garda Siochana.
Yesterday, (Tuesday), as part of an intelligence-led operation, Revenue officers seized approximately 2.6kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €52,000 in the New Ross district.
The seizure was made as a result of a joint operation involving Revenue’s Customs Service, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the New Ross Detective Unit.
A female in her 30s was arrested by An Garda Síochána and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda station in County Wexford.
Investigations are ongoing.
This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing joint investigations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information about smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on phone number 1800 295 295.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting
“Uisce Éireann should be abolished. It is not working, and it is not going to work,” strong words from Cllr Lisa McDonald addressing yesterday’s (Monday) July meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn.
CLLR LISA McDONALD
Cllr McDonald received good support from her fellow councillors. The debate followed a presentation entitled ‘Water Services Transition to Uisce Éireann Single Public Utility’ delivered by Fionnuala Callery, Acting Senior Engineer at Wexford County Council Water Services.
Ms. Callery said there would be no change in service delivery to the public, but the SLA (Service Level Agreement) with Irish Water from January 2014 is replaced by the Master Cooperation Agreement (MCA), effective from September 2023, and Support Services Agreement (SSA) until December 2026.
Ms. Callery emphasised that Uisce Éireann is the contact for all water services enquiries and a Councillor Clinic will be held three times a year with a dedicated contact number; 1800 178 178 (9am to 5pm weekdays, out of hours contact; 1800 278 278 and a dedicated email address; localrepsupport@water.ie. Uisce Éireann propose a workshop with Wexford County Council elected members in September.
Members reacted angrily to Ms. Callery’s delivery, although it must be stated that Ms. Callery and Deputy CE, Eamonn Hore, and Wexford County Council workers, were highly praised for their quick response to queries regarding leakages and when emergencies arose. It was felt generally that the local response to a vital amenity was further removed from the local councillors and Uisce Éireann customers.
“Uisce Éireann should be abolished. It is not working, and it is not going to work,” claimed Cllr McDonald who stated there was growing frustration amongst councillors due to a lack of answers and poor investment in rural areas.”
Cllr Cathal Byrne was critical of “conditions that contractor’s leave behind them and described what is happening as a “very depressing event,” before concluding that “the next RTÉ will be Uisce Éireann.”
Cllr George Lawlor stated that “either we have a single public utility, or we don’t”; Cllr Davy Hynes was critical of the quango and privatisation and felt this was a further example of “taking away the powers” from the local authority.
Cllr Jim Codd suggested that “the big parties” take the matter to Dáil Éireann and Cllr Leonard Kelly acknowledged the positive relationship between the Council and the staff.
Cllr Ger Carty said it was “a disgusting day” and called for a dedicated mobile number – not an email contact – and Cllr Jackser Owens added his support. The matter is expected to arise again at the September meeting following the summer recess.
Uisce Éireann today (Tuesday) begins a twelve-week public consultation on the draft Regional Water Resource Plan – South-East which will continue until October 3rd and the region covers approximately 9,200 square kilometres, encompassing counties Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford.
The plan sets out options for providing a more secure, reliable and sustainable water supply for 369,240 customers in the South-East region over the next 25 years.
Uisce Éireann’s National Water Resources Plan (NWRP) will be the first resources plan for the entire public water supply in Ireland. The NWRP will identify the needs of existing suppliers and the challenges and opportunities faced over the coming years including legislation, climate change, the environment, growth and economic development. The NWRP will also provide a transparent roadmap on how Uisce Éireann will plan for its water assets to align with national policy.
There are 143 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in the South-East Region, which collectively serve 369,240 people or 9% of the population of Ireland and 29,700 businesses via approximately 17,730 kilometres of distribution network.
Speaking at the launch of the public consultation, Mairéad Conlon, Regional Water Resources Strategy Lead for Uisce Éireann said; “The development of a draft plan on how Uisce Éireann will supply water across the South-East region is an important step. It will allow Uisce Éireann to review water supply needs across the region and consider local options to resolve these needs.
“The draft plan sets out how we envisage water will be supplied to homes and businesses across counties Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford over the next 25 years. Our team hopes to meet as many people as possible and hear from them about their local areas, to ensure that our plan is the best fit for the South East region,” explained Ms. Conlon.
A 12-week statutory public consultation will run from July 11th to October 3rd 2023. Submissions can be made by post or email by 3 October 2023 to: Email: nwrp@water.iePost: National Water Resources Plan, Uisce Éireann, PO Box 13216, Glenageary, Co. Dublin.
At the Bin Your Gum launch in Selskar, (from left to right): Siobhan Kehoe, Wexford Borough District; Phil Murphy, Wexford Tidy Towns; Mayor of Wexford, Cllr John Hegarty; Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming, Caroline Sinnott, Wexford County Council and Jill Latimer, Wexford County Council. (Pic; Ger Hore).
By Dan Walsh
The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) has taken to the streets of Wexford Town as a part of its summer interactive Roadshow that works with local authorities and communities across the country to carry out fun and engaging education and awareness initiatives that demonstrate the proper means of gum disposal and raise awareness of the environmental and fiscal impacts of gum litter.
Now in its 16th year, the campaign is a collaboration between Food Drink Ireland, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, the chewing gum industry, and local authorities.
Welcoming the Roadshow to Wexford Town, Cllr John Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council was delighted to welcome back the Gum Litter
Taskforce to Wexford. “The Roadshow is a fantastic way to demonstrate to people the sustainable impacts of responsibly disposing of gum litter and changing their disposal behaviours,” he said.
Mayor of Wexford Cllr John Hegarty stated ‘This GLT campaign has seen a visible reduction of gum litter on our streets since it first began, the Roadshow is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment.”
Speaking at the launch of this year’s Roadshow, Minister Ossian Smyth welcomed the latest research and the return of the GLT campaign for the second year of its fifth cycle. “The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is proud
to play a part in this important initiative. Each cycle of the campaign has delivered demonstrable progress in reducing gum litter on our streets, showing the impact that cross-collaborative initiatives such as this one can have. I look forward to continuing with our good work with industry and local authorities to build on the continued success of the GLT campaign to ultimately eradicate gum litter.” concluded Minister Smyth.
It is that time of year again when the holidays have just begun, and thoughts turn towards the next school year and the good news is that some 5,348 families in Wexford will receive the Enhanced Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance from today.
Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com that Fine Gael Minister Heather Humphreys has increased the rates of payment this year by €100 per child to reflect the ongoing cost of living pressures facing families.
DEPUTY PAUL KEHOE T.D.
Deputy Kehoe said; “This means that €260 will be paid in respect of children aged 4-11 years old.
“And €385 will be paid in respect of children aged 12 years and over in second level education.
“Overall, payments totalling over €72 million will be made automatically to over 131,000 families, in respect of over 231,000 children, across the country from today.
“A notification of the automated payment is sent to customers by post or through their MyWelfare account.
“The payment from the Department of Social Protection is designed to support eligible families with the cost of school uniforms and footwear ahead of the upcoming school term.
“The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance remains open for applications until September 30th and eligible families are being encouraged to apply. Decisions on these cases will be processed manually and if entitled payment will issue once they are processed.”
Minister Humphreys said; “The Scheme itself is extremely important in terms of easing that financial burden associated with the purchase of uniforms and shoes ahead of the new school term. The payments will be received in people’s bank accounts from today. However, any family that has not yet applied has plenty of time to do so as applications remain open until September 30th.”
Deputy Kehoe added; “Fine Gael in Government are deeply conscious of the need to continue to support families with the Cost of Living. That’s why last month, we announced an extra €100 per every child in receipt of Child Benefit. The free school books scheme will kick in for primary schools from September and I’m delighted as well to be able to continue the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.
Commemoration of the 1798 Rebellion and the War of Independence at Ballyellis Memorial site today (Sunday.
By Dan Walsh at Ballyellis
The 225th anniversary of the Rebellion of 1798 and the 105th anniversary of the War of Independence and those who fought for freedom were jointly remembered with dignity at a large commemoration ceremony held today (Sunday) in the shadow of the 1798 Memorial at Ballyellis Cross.
Proceedings commenced at a packed Askamore Church where Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Joseph Power, P.P., Kilrush, Askamore.
Immediately afterwards, piper John Cullen lead a pike march to the Ballyellis site and included were pike groups from Askamore-Ballyellis, Monageer, Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society and the County Carlow Flying Column.
A wreath was laid at the memorial by Charlie and Finn Kavanagh and Fr. Power prayed for the souls of all. Also present was Very Rev. Martin Casey, P.P., Carnew, Tomacork, Coolafancy and Shillelagh.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council thanked Thomas Kenny and his organising committee for the preparations and commended the large attendance that included groups from many parts of the county.
The presence of Minister James Browne and local Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Donal Kenny were also acknowledged.
Folklorist Michael Fortune gave a flavour of the stories and songs of ’98 with many examples relating to the North Wexford site extracted from the priceless Schools Folklore Collection of 1938 compiled by children and related by their parents and grandparents.
Historian Barry Lacey also made an informed contribution relating to some events of 1798, but he also covered aspects of the War of Independence and the impact it had on life in the community at the time.
Marcella Byrne read a poem that she composed for the bicentenary of 1798 – 25 years ago – and there was another fine poem from Marie Hennessy.
Aileen Lambert contributed two lovely songs; At Monaseed on a Summer’s Morning and The Galty Mountain Boy. Padraig Kenny recited Boolavogue and the ceremony came to a conclusion when piper John Cullen played Amhrán na bFiann.
Refreshments were provided afterwards at Kenny’s Pint Depot in Carnew.
The impressive Celtic cross on the R725 Carnew-Gorey road carries the following inscription, as Gaeilge agus as Beala; “This cross was erected to preserve and perpetuate the memory of the men of Wexford and Wicklow who defeated the Ancient Britons and other British Forces at Ballyellis June 29th 1798. Grant them, eternal rest, O Lord. Erected by the Askamore and Ballyellis ’98 Association. June 29th 1941.”
A packed crowd in one of the stands at Wexford Racecourse yesterday evening.
By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park
The cheers echoed far beyond the stands at Wexford racecourse last evening (Friday) where a bumper attendance enjoyed brilliant jump racing in pleasant summer conditions.
Only one locally trained winner and that was Ricky Langford (8/1) trained at Tinahely for the Kings Horses Syndicate by Philip Rothwell who got home in the Tote Handicap Hurdle by two and a quarter length under jockey P.addy O’Hanlon.
Top trainer Willie Mullins saddled Friends (4/6 fav.) to win the mares flat race with champion amateur Patrick Mullins up, Clairmc (5/2 fav.), who won at the last Wexford fixture, scored again by a neck in the Neville Hotels Handicap Chase for Gavin Cromwell and Keith Donoghue. Runner-up was Berliet Express (Simon Torrens) depriving trainer Philip Rothwell of a double on the evening.
Kilkenny trainer Ray Cody saddled Fancy A Cosmo (15/2) with Donagh Meyler up and an easy 14 lengths success in the opening maiden hurdle. John C. McConnell, who was simultaneously saddling a winner at his home track in Bellewstown, had a Wexford winner in Kinbara (13/8 fav.) and jockey Ben Harvey in the maiden hurdle.
Rachael Blackmore enjoys riding at Wexford and notched up another winner on Henry de Bromhead’s Ballyadam (evens fav.) in the beginner’s chase. Paul Nolan’s Joyeux Machin (Sean Flanagan) finished third after a blunder at the final fence.
John ‘Shark’ Hanlon made the journey from Bagenalstown to saddle Take All (17/2) in the handicap chase and it was all worthwhile with the James Cleary owned and bred gelding getting up by half a length in the hands of Jody McGarvey.
It was a very successful midsummer meeting, the largest crowd at Wexford since the post-Covid lifting of the attendance ban, the weather was brilliant, and a great sporting and social atmosphere.
The next Wexford races take place on Friday evening, August 11th, which will feature the annual ladies fashion competition that is always popular.
THOMAS KENNY and MARY CAHILL making preparations for next Sunday’s 1798 commemorations at Ballyellis ’98 Memorial.
By Dan Walsh at Ballyellis
Marking the 225th anniversary of the Rebellion of 1798 a commemoration will take place next Sunday at the site of an ambush marked by a memorial on the R725 Gorey-Carnew road close to the Wexford-Wicklow border and the organisers welcome everybody who may wish to attend.
Events will commence with 11am Mass in Askamore Church and events at Ballyellis crossroads are expected to get under way around 12.30pm.
The ceremony is expected to include a pike march, laying of wreaths, talks from a local historian and a folklorist, in the presence of pike groups and re-enactors, everybody is invited, whether participant or interested party, and there will be refreshments afterwards in Carnew.
The impressive Celtic cross on the Carnew-Gorey road carries the following inscription, as Gaeilge agus as Beala; “This cross was erected to preserve and perpetuate the memory of the men of Wexford and Wicklow who defeated the Ancient Britons and other British Forces at Ballyellis June 29th 1798. Grant them, eternal rest, O Lord. Erected by the Askamore and Ballyellis ’98 Association. June 29th 1941.”
The United Irishmen scored one last victory over the Crown Forces on the Wexford/Wicklow border when they lured a 200-man cavalry unit called The Ancient Britons from North Wales into a three-sided ambush in Ballyellis.
The site of the ambush was on a bend in the road bordered by high, thick ditches of crab and thorn on both sides, a high wall belonging to a deer park and a dyke five feet deep, close to the Ballyellis House on the estate of Sir Jervis White Jervis.
In the ambush and pursuit of the military, the Ancient Britons lost over 60 troops, including a French émigré, and two officers were killed. No rebel casualties were reported.
A grave bearing the remains of the Ancient Britons is located a short distance away.
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