Six Wexford beaches received the prestigious Blue Flag award for “high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety.” Ballinesker, Ballymoney North Beach, Carne, Curracloe, and Morriscastle and Rosslare Strand.
In the Green Coast category, which pays particular attention to the work of local clean coasts groups, 10 Wexford recipients at Ballyhealy, Booley Bay, Cahore Point, Cullenstown Strand, Culleton’s Gap, Grange, Old Bawn Beach, and St. Helen’s Bay were commended along with Rosslare Harbour.
There was more success for Wexford in the Blue Flag Marinas section with both Kilmore Quay Marina and New Ross Marina among the ten national winners.
A total of 159 awards were presented by the Minister of State for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD., at an awards ceremony held on the Shoreline Hotel, Dublin.
Ms. Cathy Baxter, Director of the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, said; “It takes immense dedication and effort to manage a beach or marina to meet the rigorous standards set by these prestigious award programmes, and we extend our warmest congratulations to all the deserving sites that have achieved this remarkable reward.”
A warm and dry forecast should boost the attendance at the Saturday summer races at Bettyville Park where there is a seven-race jumps card with the first race away at 1.40pm.
The track is described as “yielding, good in places (watering) and a competitive afternoon’s racing is guaranteed. The card is as follows;
PAUL HILLIS (breeder) and MICHAEL MURPHY (track manager) with the 2023 Aintree Randox Grand National trophy at Wexford racecourse following the brilliant success of the Wexford-bred Corach Rambler.
1.40pm; The Wexford Racecourse Mares Maiden Hurdle of €10,000 over 2 miles 4 furlongs (12 runners).
2.15pm; The Jim Ryan Racecourse Services Mares Handicap Hurdle of €12,000, 2 miles 4 furlongs (12 runners).
2.50pm; The Sulzer Wexford Celebrating 50 Years in Business Handicap Hurdle of €10,500, 2 miles 1 furlong (12 runners).
3.25pm; The Support the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Hurdle of €11,500, 3 miles 50 yards (12 runners).
4pm; The Poolcourt Novice Chase of €13,500, 2 miles (7 runners).
4.35pm; The Ambrex Switchgear Handicap Chase of €11,500, 3 miles 1 furlong 50 yards (12 runners).
5.10pm; The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race of €11,000, 2 miles (12 runners).
An injured fisherman on board a fishing vessel 33 nautical miles south of Kilmore Quay was brought to safety by Kilmore Quay RNLI last night.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat Killarney, by the Irish Coast Guard at 10.23pm.
KILMORE QUAY RNLI Killarney (Pic; RNLI)
The man was working on a 24-metre fishing trawler located 33 nautical miles south of Kilmore Quay when he suffered a serious injury to his hand.
The lifeboat under Coxswain Eugene Kehoe and a crew of six arrived at the scene at 11.45pm. Once on scene, the casualty was assessed and then taken onboard the lifeboat where he was attended to by RNLI first aiders on the return journey to Kilmore Quay. The lifeboat arrived back in the harbour at 1.17am where an ambulance was waiting to take the casualty to hospital.
Speaking following the call out, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Coxswain, Eugen Kehoe said; “This was a good outcome and thankfully conditions were calm and favourable. We want to wish the injured man all the best and a speedy recovery. I would also like to commend our volunteer crew who despite the late call and darkness of night, did not hesitate to respond.”
The mobility platform Bolt launched its shared electric bike service at Wexford County Council headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford, today (Wednesday).
Bolt Operations Manager for Rentals in Ireland, John Buckley, said; “I’m excited to launch our electric bike rental in Wexford, and what great timing during Bike Week.
Wexford County Council Cycling & Walking Officer Claire Goodwin commented; “Wexford County Council is delighted to offer residents and visitors a sustainable transport option in the town. We see a real enthusiasm for making the change away from private car use if there is a convenient alternative. With the introduction of Bolt’s eBikes on a pilot basis into our town, we hope many people will change how they travel where possible.”
CLLR GARRY LAFFAN, MAYOR of WEXFORD CLLR MAURA BELL and Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council CLLR GEORGE LAWLOR trying out the electric bikes at today’s launch of the shared electric bike service.
Bolt has no unlock fee, and customers pay only for the minutes they’ve used, at €0.18 per minute. Parking will be controlled via geofencing and will be located at 40+ clearly marked, convenient locations across town, including ALDI stores, Wexford General Hospital and Wexford Park GAA Stadium. Additional locations can be introduced, subject to popularity, feedback from the council and local users, or nominations from local businesses. Operations will be overseen by a local bike shop which ensures local knowledge and expertise.
The inclusion of the pick-up and drop-off locations within the app will ensure that users can see where bikes are located and where they can safely and responsibly finish their journey. Other local community groups and businesses such as WWETB, YouthTrain and Waters Technologies Ireland Ltd., have supported the roll out of this scheme and provided space to ensure their users and visitors can choose this sustainable option.
As a celebration and promotion for National Bike Week (May 13th-21st) Bolt is offering customers a free 30-minute ride of its electric bike service in Wexford town.
Concerned Courtown residents gathered at Blackwater Community Centre for today’s meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge District Council.
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting at Blackwater Community Centre
A 5-4 vote majority of members at today’s (Tuesday) monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council have favoured the controversial recommendation Section 183 – Transfer of Lands at Ballinatray Lower, Courtown – known locally as the ‘Land Swap’ and the matter will now appear on the agenda for all 34 members of Wexford County Council for final approval and the launch of a planning application.
As members arrived at Blackwater Community Centre around twenty people with placards saying ‘No to the Land Swap’ gathered peacefully outside and some of the councillors did pay them the courtesy of listening to their concerns ahead of entry to the meeting.
When the matter was brought to the meeting Cllr Joe Sullivan quoted several passages from Standing Orders and questioned the legal standing of taking such a major decision outside of the Council Chamber in Gorey. Cllr Diarmuid Devereux told the meeting “We have a duty to avoid a Standing Orders breach” and Cllr Andrew Bolger was confused and claimed; “I don’t know if it is legal to proceed or not.”
Cllr Willie Kavanagh recalled meetings “outside Gorey” on another occasion when it was held in Wells House and Gardens and stated; “I can not see a problem”, Cllr Pip Breen said; “We voted to come here at some stage and I think it is OK to go ahead.” Cllr Oliver Walsh expressed his disappointment that the meeting had come to Blackwater and “all the argument and debate at this stage.”
Director of Services Liz Hore said “the Land Swap” is a recommendation going forward to 34 councillors at the next county meeting and matters are brought to members of the municipal district as a courtesy.
The matter was suspended until 4 o’clock while Ms. Hore contacted legal advice at County Hall and the way was cleared to discuss matters and hold a vote.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin told the meeting that he was uncomfortable to make such a big decision, described the matter as “a gifting rather than a swap”, he admitted that Courtown needed hotel accommodation but felt that the traditional small hotels approach was the way to go.
There were concerns about “the wishes of the community” and the need for a feasibility study.
Some members complained about a lack of information, but Ms. Hore refuted these claims and stated that all the information is available to members if they contact her.
Some details did emerge. For example, 200 jobs would be created at the construction stage. The estimated value of the Bayview site is €300,000 and the car park €220,000-280,000. It is a credit transfer, no financial involvement, but a direct swap ‘land for land’.
It is a Section 183 standard that planning must be made within 12 months to safeguard the deal
There were lots of views expressed and the meeting was highly charged and there was a general feeling in some quarters that “we must make a decision now. No point in kicking the can down the road.”
The vote taken was proposed by Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and seconded by Cllr Andrew Bolger – to defer till the June Municipal District meeting until more information is available (it lost) -while a counter motion – to move the matter to the June Wexford County Council meeting – was proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh and seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe.
The deferral to the municipal meeting motion was defeated and the decision to send the recommendation of Section 183 to a full meeting of Wexford County Council won the day by five votes to four.
IN FAVOUR; Cllrs Willie Kavanagh, Pip Breen, Oliver Walsh, Anthony Donohoe and Donal Kenny (Cathaoirleach). AGAINST; Cllrs Andrew Bolger, Joe Sullivan, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and Diarmuid Devereux. Cllr Mary Farrell was absent.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal Council meeting
Walking trails come under the spotlight at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and members were informed that the extension to the Riverside Walk or the Country Walk which received €200,000 in funding may be delayed by up to a year before the proposed 600-metre loop is completed.
ENNISCORTHY’s RIVERSIDE COUNTRY WALK
Mr. Rory O’Mahoney from the Environmental Section of Wexford County Council told the meeting of plans to extend the Riverside Walk and complete the 600-metre loop onto the public road and a team of consultants were involved.
Cllr Cathal Byrne spoke of extending the walk to include the Ringwood and Borodale and while very enthusiastic for the completion of the project he wondered at the need for large project teams to add to the existing walk. “We have €200,000 to spend or advance, but why has everything to be with consultants and the work outsourced at the moment,” he queried.
Cllr Jackser Owens said; “600 people a day use the country walk”, but he had concerns over lack of wheelchair access over the River Urrin and expressed a need for a wheelchair suitable surface, and he felt the need to point out “the lack of public toilets” along the trail.
Mr O’Mahoney confirmed that due to the planning process and An Bord Pleanála it would be nearly a year before it would be shovel ready along The Banks (€30,000 approved) on the north side and the existing country walk on the south side of Enniscorthy.
Established as the Country Walk in 2010, the popular trail is a 6km round trip scenic walk along the western bank of the River Slaney south of Enniscorthy town. The trail starts along the promenade walk at the southern end of the town and heads past a playground, crosses a footbridge at the River Urrin and follows a gravel path through a semi-wild meadow and is part of an extensive Special Area of Conservation.
COURTOWN needs “a feasibility study before controversial ‘Land Swap’ decision’ (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Councillors are warned that “a feasibility study before the controversial ‘Land-Swap’ decision is an absolute must to avoid a legal and ethical storm” in a statement this evening issued by Courtown Regeneration Partnership Group ahead of tomorrow’s proposed vote on the Courtown Car Park Transfer coming before Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District scheduled for Blackwater Community Centre.
A new Courtown Regeneration Partnership was launched in Riverchapel Community Complex on Tuesday night to support the revitalisation of the greater Courtown district and ensure that sustainable development and investment occurs in the context of local need and in sympathy with the natural heritage of the area.
The Partnership describes itself as “a diverse umbrella group representing residents, voluntary groups and local businesses to ensure a community leadership role in the regeneration of the area.”
CRP member Deirdre Robinson of the Courtown Woodland Alliance explained the necessity of the new approach; “The rapid demographic evolution of Courtown from a small coastal village and seasonal holiday resort to a substantial sized town of approximately 10,000 residents has been largely ignored by the local Council in its planning and investment decisions.
“We face many challenges. The infrastructure has not kept pace with the exponential population growth. We lack many of the facilities such a sizeable population warrant. And instead of a community deciding what it needs and want, Council officials with precious little data, transparency or consultation decide for you. You deserve better.”
One of CRP’s priorities is to quickly secure funding and commission a strategic Regeneration Plan with full input from residents and the business community to guide the area’s renewal and future developments.
“We want to avoid the mistakes of the past and address the disastrous piecemeal development, land-hoarding and dereliction which has blighted the area,” added Ms. Robinson.
Sharing members’ enthusiasm for the new approach, Linda Sinnott of Courtown Community Council added; “If you’re sick and tired of waiting for Wexford Council to prioritise the community’s actual needs over its own agenda, what can you do? You can resolve as a community to organise to move things forward yourselves. You the people who live here know better than anyone else what your community needs now and in the future.”
In response to questions about the probity of the proposal and the dubious history leading up to it, the public representatives in attendance- Cllrs Joe Sullivan, Diarmuid Devereux, Andrew Bolger and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin shared members’ concerns. They confirmed that zero feasibility study had taken place to examine the social, economic and environmental impact of losing Courtown’s main car park and siting a huge hotel there instead. No cost-benefit analysis had been undertaken that they were aware of. Neither had the promised full consultation with the community taken place.
Acknowledging members’ amazement that the vote would go ahead without this, Deirdre Robinson said; “It seems incredulous that councillors would even consider debating and voting on this without a responsible, independent feasibility study.
With a vote scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday), Ms. Robinson urged the councillors to act responsibly and ethically on behalf of all their constituents;
“We are asking for a proper debate on the issue with full community input and consideration of all the relevant data. Wexford County Council seems to have a bad habit of concealing material information from the public until they think they have the wheels greased and are ready to roll. That’s not how you treat your constituents and local taxpayers. It’s not good governance and it’s fraught with failure,” concluded Ms. Robinson.
Wexford County Council have issued “Do Not Swim” notices for Ballinesker, White Gap and Culleton’s Gap Beaches, Curracloe.
In a statement issued within the past hour, the Council said; “Testing conducted as part of the Council’s investigation into bathing water quality showed elevated levels for Intestinal enterococci bacteria at White Gap Beach, Curracloe.
“Following consultation with the HSE, it is necessary to issue “Do Not Swim” warning notices at the above beaches in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.
Further samples have been taken today (Monday) and results are expected on Wednesday at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed.
In addition, the Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.
Bathing water quality results for 18 Wexford beaches sampled over the 2022 bathing season, have been mainly excellent as published recently in the EPA Annual Bathing Water Quality Report.
Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beaches to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.
Further updates will be issued through WexfordLocal.com and via the Council’s website
There are concerns in Courtown Harbour and environs that a vote on the Car Park Transfer, known locally as “the Land Swap”, is on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting of Gorey and Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council scheduled for Blackwater Community Centre.
In a statement on social media over the weekend, Courtown Community Council confirmed; “We have just learned that a Section 183 Transfer of lands at Ballinatray, Courtown appears on the agenda for next week’s Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Meeting. This meeting is scheduled to take place at Blackwater Community Hall.
The ‘Land Swap’ ptotest outside of Gorey Civic Centre last February (File pic. WexfordLocal.com)
“Following the success of the Smart Village Survey at the Ashdown Park Hotel in March, a new initiative called the Courtown Regeneration Partnership (CRP) was established to develop a cohesive 5- 10-year Development Plan in alignment with Local Area Plans, Local Heritage & Tourism Strategies, Sustainability and Environmental Protection requirements.
“The CRP held its very successful inaugural meeting last Monday attended by a cross section of business and community stakeholders including Cllrs Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain, Diarmuid Devereux, Andrew Bolger, Joe Sullivan and Senator Malcolm Byrne.
The statement says; “This latest information now raises grave concerns as Courtown Community Council asks again for any decision to be delayed until full consultation with the public takes place. This is to ensure the best possible outcome for both the residents who live here and the people who come to visit.”
Courtown Community Council is urging those with concerns or comments to lobby their Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District representatives without delay!
The former New Ross Fire Station has been transferred to the HSE for a new 24-hour state-of-the-art Am,bulance Station.
By Dan Walsh in New Ross
The former New Ross Fire Station on Michael Street has been transferred to the HSE for the provision of a new and modern 24-hour Ambulance Station.
The news has been confirmed by Cllr Michael Sheehan, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council who told WexfordLocal.com; “I made a commitment as Chair to the Council and HSE, that I work to ensure the Ambulance Service crews would have the best facilities commensurate with a modern Paramedic/ Ambulance service.
“To be fair, the commitment was never wavering, and I’m delighted that the old fire-station will now be transformed into a modern, 24-hours full suite of accommodation for the crews. It is nothing less than they deserve and nothing less than the people of New Ross need,” concluded Cllr Sheehan, who has added his congratulations and thanks to Wexford County Council and the HSE/ Ambulance officials and to the men and women of the Paramedic/First Responder and Ambulance crews.
The old New Ross Fire Station on Michael Street served the Wexford County Fire Service for over 30 years. The current New Ross Fire Station is located at Hewittsland, cost €1.8 million to construct and was officially opened last November.
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