News and Sport and Events that matter across County Wexford.
Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 17-year-old Jim Bob McDonagh who is missing from his home in Wexford Town since Tuesday, March 21st.
Jim Bob is described as approximately 6 feet tall with a broad build. He has brown hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information on Jim Bob’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Gardai in Gorey are investigating an incident outside of a premises in Courtown Harbour yesterday (Saturday) where a man was injured, although not confirmed, believed to have been stabbed.
The incident occurred at approximately 2.30pm.
The man, who is understood to be in his 30s, was taken from the scene by ambulance to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin.
His injuries are thought to be non-life threating.
Enquiries are ongoing.
By Dan Walsh
Several units of the fire service from Wexford and Waterford battled a major industrial fire at the Culcita furniture manufacturing storage building near Kent’s Cross, in New Ross, today.
The fire was first noticed around 10.30 am when clouds of dense black smoke were seen coming from the premises and the emergency services immediately rushed to the scene.
The smoke could be seen up to five kilometres away and traffic diversions were put in place. The burning roof collapsed, and the building was destroyed. The fire was brought under control around 2pm. No injuries were reported.
Wexford County Council said, in a statement, “Please avoid the area and, as a precautionary measure, keep windows and doors closed until smoke and fumes disperse.”
Culcita manufactures garden and outdoor furniture and has been in the textile manufacturing business in New Ross for 50 years. It opened the garden furniture manufacturing plant in 2009.
By Dan Walsh
Ground conditions are expected to be ‘soft’ at the annual Bree Hunt point-to-point races taking place at Monksgrange, Rathnure, tomorrow (Sunday).
A strong entry of 120 has been received for the six races and the first race off at 2pm.
Two meetings today (Saturday) and some Wexford success. At Portrush, Co. Antrim, newcomer Worldwide Fury (Brian Lawless up) scored a two lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-olds for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle. Barry O’Neill had an easy 27 lengths success on Winged Leader for David Christie in the Open Race and the plan is to head for the Aintree Foxhunters in three weeks’ time.
At Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary, today Rob James saddled newcomer Just Gino (James Walsh up) and enjoyed a one length victory in the maiden race for four-year-olds.
Woodbrook Boy was the six lengths winner of the Ladies Open Race at the Tipperary track for handler Ellen Doyle and the Baltimore Stables Syndicate, Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, and rider Cara McGoldrick.
By Dan Walsh
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan T.D., visited Wexford on Thursday where he welcomed the appointment of Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd as engineering and environmental consultants to carry out the design of the Wexford Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme.
The Wexford Flood Relief Scheme is part of the government’s €1.3 billion investment in flood relief measures under the National Development Plan, as part of Project Ireland 2040.
Minister O’Donovan said; “I am delighted to be here today to announce this appointment and to confirm to the people and businesses of Wexford the government’s commitment to progressing this scheme. This is an important investment for the town and will provide protection to some 180 families and businesses.
“They and the public can be assured that there will be extensive public consultation as the scheme progresses during the design stage. My Office and Wexford County Council will continue to work closely together with Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd to bring this scheme to construction. The scheme, when constructed, will be adaptable to continue to provide protection against today’s flood risk and the growing risk from climate change into the future.”
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Mr. Tom Enright welcomed the appointment of Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd. Consulting Engineers, and the commencement of the design of the Flood Relief Scheme for Wexford Town and Environs. “The development and implementation of flood defence works in Wexford will allow for the protection of existing properties and the future development of the town centre,” concluded Mr Enright.
By Dan Walsh
Twenty-six staff members are facing lay off at DB Enniscorthy, formerly ClearStream Technologies, who employs more than 490 people in the Enniscorthy North Business Park at Moyne Upper.
Employees affected were informed of the lay-offs, which the company has described as temporary, at meetings today (Thursday).
According to a spokesperson for BD; “The lay-offs are being made ‘to right-size its manufacturing operations with today’s realities’ This difficult strategic decision is not a reflection of the performance of the Enniscorthy site, but because of “other business factors”.
BD (Becton Dickinson & Co. are a medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, reagents and instruments and employs over 1,200 people across its Irish operations in Enniscorthy, Limerick, Drogheda, and Blackrock in Dublin.
The company intends to continue investing in its Enniscorthy and other operations.
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
Uisce Éireann has announced that works are due to commence on the upgrade of the Newtown Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and the project will benefit over 26,000 customers, ensuring the continued delivery of clean, safe drinking water to Wexford Town.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com Programme Manager Ian O’Neill said; “Uisce Éireann is delighted to be investing in this significant and essential project for the people of Wexford Town.”
He added; “The upgrade works carried out as part of this project will also ensure the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to residents and businesses in Wexford Town and the surrounding area. We look forward to working with the local community as we continue to invest in the town’s future.”
The completed upgrade will modernise and improve the water treatment process at the plant, ensuring raw water is treated to the highest of water quality standards as required by the European Union Council Directive.
The upgrades will modernise the existing facilities and significantly improve drinking water quality, reliability and resilience of the water supply serving Wexford Town as well as greatly reducing the risk of any future boil water notices. The works will also help facilitate the removal of the Wexford Town Water Supply Scheme from the EPA’s list of ‘at risk’ supplies from the Remedial Action List (RAL).
The works will be carried out by Glan Agua on behalf of Uisce Éireann, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, and are expected to be completed by late 2024.
By Dan Walsh
Outspoken Enniscorthy public representative Cllr Jackser Owens is one of the first councillors to comment on the Government’s successful 83-68 votes decision to end the Eviction Ban from March 31st in Dáil Éireann last night.
In a post on social media, Cllr Owens said; “I am very disappointed with the vote in the Dail tonight. A lot of people will have nowhere to go next week when the eviction notice is lifted. We don’t have any emergency accommodation in the Enniscorthy district. People will be on the streets.”
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.
WexfordLocal.com 