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By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District monthly meeting

A situation at Clone Beach with a build-up of sandbanks and steep sandy cliff edges created where the Ahare River flows into the sea is causing concerns locally and Cllr Anthony Donohoe made a sincere call to “make it safe” when he raised the matter at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

Cllr Joe Sullivan backed up Cllr Donohoe and told the members that “this situation is created as a result of total inaction by Wexford County Council” and claimed there is a lack of capacity in the river channel and all there was is a warning sign on the road to alleviate the fill of water on the river.

Cllr Sullivan believes there needs to be a cut at the head of the river to reduce pressure on the water upstream and he claims fish life is being taken out of the river.

He said the Ahare River report has done nothing for the people of Castletown. “The road was flooded again last week. There is massive coastal erosion on Kilpatrick beach. The people of my county deserve better than this,” he stated.

Cllr Pip Breen supported Cllr Sullivan. He said that the Ahare River, by its nature, always depended on the locals to get it out to sea. “There is capacity enough if it is let away and let out to sea,” said Cllr Breen, who also reminded the members that trees have died because they are constantly under water.

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

Recent survey results for a five-year Community Development Plan for the communities of Tara Hill, Ballymoney and Castletown to determine the prioritisation for funding applications and development were revealed at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal Council held in the Civic Centre, Gorey. Cllr Diarmuid Devereux (Leas-Cathaoirleach) in the chair.

Representatives from Tara Hill, Ballymoney and Castletown were present at the meeting where a comprehensive summary of the findings from their website household and youth surveys aimed at finding out what everyone would like developed in our communities. The findings were presented to the members by Dr. Yvonne Byrne from Rural Development Consultancy Ltd.

A number of topics were raised including walking and cycling trails, access for all, disability access to beaches, the national schools, the GAA and the Ahare River. There was mention of the recreational experience of Ballymonye Blue Flag Beach.

Dr. Byrne told the meeting that a draft report is to be finalised, working groups are being set up and funding is being sought, most likely from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Cllr Devereux complimented the communities on a very comprehensive presentation which he suggested “is doable”.

Cllr Joe Sullivan welcomed the communities and acknowledged the huge work they have been doing for years. He complimented them on the survey results and the large public support received. “This is a red-letter day for the three communities and when the plan is in place it will be reflective of what people want,” concluded Cllr. Sullivan.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin spoke of “very useful data” gathered in the survey and wondered if there could be a link up with other areas like Kilanerin and Ballyfad and tie-in with the walking trails and coastal area. “The 23 acres on Tara Hill could be expanded to a greater area – a hill beside a beach – and there is massive potential to develop walking trails,” he added.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe alluded to the results in Kilanerin and it could be the same here (Tara Hill, Ballymoney, Castletown) and saw potential for building a community centre and the involvement of the youth groups.

Cllr Andrew Bolger complimented the representatives of the three communities and described plans as “very positive” and was impressed that over 200 responded to the Youth Survey. He suggested linking up with the likes of Gorey Youth Needs for further discussion and he also felt that a shuttle bus service linking Gorey would be a great idea.

Cllr Pip Breen welcomed the representatives to the meeting. He claims the Courtown to Gorey footpath should be finished first, but he acknowledged that the group had gone a long way and had their homework done.

Cllr Mary Farrell added her support. She felt the recommendation was “doable and workable” and reminded the meeting that the Local Link bus service works well during the summer and suggested contact would be welcomed and discussion could start.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh said it was a great presentation and reflected the need for a good community centre, sports grants etc. “One of the main priorities is to get a community centre as soon as you can,” advised Cllr Kavanagh.

Mr Joe Roche thanked the members for facilitating the presentation and acknowledged their support from the meeting.   

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Meeting

While the proposed end to the temporary Eviction Ban on March 31st was under discussion prior to a vote on the matter in Dáil Éireann on Wednesday, councillors lambasted Wexford County Council for its failure to deliver housing in Gorey at today’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Civic Centre.

Cllr Joe Sullivan was critical of the lack of progress at 20 affordable houses in the Ramsfort area; 40 units at Tober Mhuire and 30 units at St. Joseph’s site in Gorey town.

“Ninety units will not be delivered before the end of the Eviction Ban and I leave the blame 100% at the door of Wexford County Council,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “Ninety units would take a considerable amount of pressure out of the system.”

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin referred to delays in progressing St. Joseph’s and Tober Mhuire and the massive problems arising. “The system is crazy and has to change,” he charged.

Cllr Ó Súilleabháin referred to ending the Eviction Ban and expressed concerns about people facing a notice to quit! “People are asking me; where will I go?” he said, but he also wanted to know where was the emergency accommodation option?

Cllr Anthony Donohoe told the meeting that there were 650 units between five (Council) districts. “There are 84 houses in one housing estate in Gorey out of that 650,” he said before asking; how many council houses being built on council property?

Cllr Mary Farrell raised an issue with housing delays in Monamolin. “It has been going on for two years and is still at the tender process stage,” she claims.

Cllr Andrew Bolger claimed he was told the affordable St. Joseph’s site would be shovel ready by January and constructed by March 2024, but nothing has happened. “I would like to know what the delay is?”

Cllr Anthony Donohoe said the St. Waleran’s site is owned by the Council for five years and he suggested if it had been sold to a private developer there would be people living there now. “I cannot fathom what is causing housing delays,” he added.

Ms. Paula Shortall from the Housing Department told the meeting that she didn’t have any answers to the members queries and would have to refer them to Council Headquarters in Wexford.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux, Leas-Cathaoirleach expressed disappointment that a representative would be sent to council meetings and can’t answer questions. The meeting was unanimously in agreement that they were respectful and held no personal issues with Ms. Shortall’s representation, but strongly felt the answers were with the Housing Department of Wexford County Council and they should step up to the plate and bring answers to the table.