Enniscorthy to get CCTV instead of a Cable Car!

Environmentally friendly Turret Rocks overlooking the River Slaney at Enniscorthy is set to get CCTV cameras to spy on illegal activity.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council is undertaking a public consultation on the proposed installation of CCTV cameras and is moving forward with implementation at six locations throughout the county, including Turret Rocks, situated along the River Slaney in Enniscorthy.

This initiative aims to deter littering and illegal dumping.

Wexford County Council claim that CCTV cameras are for the sole purpose of preventing litter and illegal dumping and the enforcement of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, and the Waste Management Act 1996. They add that this initiative will adhere to the Codes of Practice for the Operation of CCTV for the Purposes of Prevention, Detection and Prosecution of Litter and Waste Offences in compliance with the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 and the Data Protection Act 2018.

They are seeking public feedback. All submissions will be considered before CCTV cameras are finalised.

Wexford Council hereby invites any interested parties to make submissions or observations regarding the proposed installation and use of CCTV cameras at the six locations, either electronically via the website or in writing to the Environment Department. https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie

HISTORY; Reference to the Cable Car suggestion; I attended and reported on the monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held under Covid-19 guidelines at Kilcannon Garden Centre on the Old Dublin Road in July 2020.

It drew public attention, and members were supportive of the forward-thinking plans following a presentation by Wexford County Council’s Head of Special Projects, Brian Galvin,

Mr Galvin described Enniscorthy Castle as being “in good condition” and “a very important asset” and is central to the Council’s plans for a redevelopment and enhancement programme that would include an adjoining visitor centre with retail and café facilities together with an audio-visual experience to re-imagine the historic beginnings of Enniscorthy.

Mr Galvin said the cable car idea is sustainable and Austrian experts believe it can work for Enniscorthy, and it would be the only experience of its kind in this country! The members were given vision of the future when Santa Claus could arrive by cable car!

It was stated that the cable car experience would accomplish the transformation for another €13 million.

Cllr John O’Rourke felt that the cable car idea had been discussed before. “The cable car will make Enniscorthy stand out, and the next generation will be so high-tech it is a step forward. It is a fantastic idea and should have been done long and ever ago.”

Cllr Aidan Browne described the project as “very interesting, very ambitious”. Cllr Cathal Byrne suggested that attracting 140,000 visitors a year “it needs to be ambitious” and while he agreed with ideas around the castle he felt strongly about the republican and rebel tradition such as 1798 and other rebellions.

Cllr Jackser Owens complained about the lack of facilities for visitors coming to Vinegar Hill. “No toilet facilities and no access for coaches.” Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan also felt the project was very ambitious but would be good for the town.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy chaired the meeting in her role as newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council five years ago.

So far, only Cllr Owens’ celebrated toilet facilities have been added on Vinegar Hill, though they are not without fault – limited opening hours, are they are drafty?

Share ‘Images by Paul’ exhibition

PAUL CLARKE (centre) at the opening of his solo exhibition ‘Images by Paul’ with Kristyna Simkova and Alfie O’Sullivan of Y21 Studios on Saturday. (Pic; Y21 Studios).

By Dan Walsh at Y21 Studios, Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy amateur photographer Paul Clarke has launched his first solo exhibition, ‘Images by Paul,’ at Y21 Studios on Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy.

The launch took place on Saturday and is open to the public at Y21 Studios during opening hours until Sunday, November 2nd.

Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Paul said the photographic exhibition features 25 prints with a mixture of landscapes, wildlife, birds and animals, portraits and much more.

Paul arrived in Enniscorthy in 1984 and has been an active member of the Enniscorthy Camera Club, where he currently serves as treasurer.

Paul thanked Kristyna Simkova and Alfie O’Sullivan of Y21 Studios for hosting the exhibition.

All photographs are for sale. Paul Clarke will be at Y21 Studios daily from 3–4pm, and brochures and contact information are always available.

The exhibition is available for viewing and there is no admission fee.

Founded by Czech artist and photographer Kristyna Simkova, Y21 Studios has operated since May as a private space aimed at fostering creativity, connection, and community integration.

Winners for Murphy and Doyle

By Dan Walsh

The famous Galway Blazers raced at Loughrea today where Wexford handlers, Denis Murphy and Donnchadh, each sent out their first winner of the new point-to-point season.

DENIS MURPHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Denis Murphy saddled newcomer Britway Belle running in the Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, colours and with Shane Cotter in the saddle the outcome was a one length victory in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Britway Belle will go to the sales.

Donnchadh Doyle also tasted success with the Monbeg Syndicate, Ballindaggin, when Catalini came home six lengths ahead of Ellen Doyle’s Escapefromreality, a winner at Castletown Geoghegan the previous Sunday, in the Winner of One race. Rob James was the victorious rider.

Next Sunday the point-to-point races come to Fairwood, Tinahely, with the Shillelagh & District bringing the new season to the South East.

The card consists of four maiden races (one confined to novice riders), an Open Race and a Mares Winner of One. First race at 1 pm.

Anne Ireton launches her second novel

Playwright BILLY ROCHE (who launched Bohemian Whirlpools) with ANNE IRETON (author) at the launch ceremony in Red Books, Wexford, today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Red Books, Wexford

Courtown Harbour writer Anne Ireton has completed her second novel Bohemian Whirlpools which was launched by celebrated Wexford-born playwright Billy Roche in Red Books, Wexford, this afternoon.

Fans of Ireton’s debut novel Kaleidoscopic Times can now follow the further adventures of the unconventional cast of characters who enlivened that book, including Fiachra, Flaps, Sinead, Austin, Aisling and Voodoo, as they continue to live their lives out there on the edge.

Ireton’s prolific writing has established a large following over the last few years across the county, country, and she even boasts international fans.

Anne Ireton’s Bohemian Whirlpools is a wild and authentic trip through the abyss, squats and beaches where art, friendship and chaos all blur together. These are stories from the edge, told with a sharp eye and a full heart.

From London to Wexford, Ireton follows the drifters, lovers and dreamers who live by their own code. It’s messy, it’s funny, it’s dark, and it’s all true enough to sting.

Edited by Álanna Hammel with a foreword by Wally O’Neill, the book catches the beauty in the wreckage, the music in the noise. It’s a reminder of a time when art mattered more than rent, when friendship came before profit, and when dropping out was a kind of virtue.

Wally O’Neill’s foreword for Bohemian Whirlpools clearly establishes exactly who this writer is and what her writing is all about.

He said; “Anne Ireton is a writer of literary fiction. She draws from master chroniclers of the human condition as well as from her own rich experiences of fringe culture. Her aim must be to document the unruly heart of modern life.

“Ireton captures the brutal dark comedy of survival on the margins in the spirit of Irvine Welsh. She knows that art, music and friendship can hold back the ultimate slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,” added Wally.

Today’s launch consisted of readings, music, culture and friendship and attracted a full attendance. Anne-Marie O’Byrne Hammel acted as master of ceremonies.

The Gorey launch of Bohemian Whirlpools  takes place on Thursday, October 16th at 7pm in Gorey Library.

Anne Ireton is from Courtown Harbour with two published anthologies of poetry and prose to her credit – Sunset and Indigo Corners (2020) and Zeitgeist – Spirit of Our Times (2022).

Her debut novel Kaleidoscopic Times was published by Red Books Press in 2023. Bohemian Whirlpools is the sequel. Both of her novels are in the genre of cult fiction.

Bohemian Whirlpools by Anne Ireton, edited by Alanna Hammel, 334 pages, paperback, €18, published by Red Books Press, available at Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford.

Barry O’Neill grabs the racing headlines

By Dan Walsh

Multi-times national champion point-to-point rider Barry O’Neill, Kiltealy, scored a double this afternoon at Portrush, Co. Antrim where one of his mounts’ the veteran Winged Leader was winning for a record 34th time.

Both of O’Neill’s successes were for Fermanagh handler David Christie beginning with Winger Leader, the most winning horse in point-to-point history who had six and a half lengths to spare in the Open Race. It was his 34th victory, a remarkable record, and he is not done yet!

O’Neill and Christie made it two victories in successive races with a one length success for My Like Be Like in the Winner of Three race.

SHANE O’ROURKE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Garrett Murphy, Tullycanna, Ballymitty, who is in his fifth season as a handler saddled his 15th winner with newcomer Rattlin Home by one length in the maiden race for four-year-olds. Shane O’Rourke, Horetown, Foulksmills was in the saddle and Rattlin Home, who ran in the Turbine Syndicate colours, will go to the sales.

Life sentence for murder of 8 year old girl

By Frank Greaney

MALIKA NOOR AL KATIB (Pic; An Garda Siochana).

A man has admitted to murdering his eight-year-old daughter in Co. Wexford.

35-year-old Mohammed Al Shaker Al Tamimi pleaded guilty today to the murder of Malika Noor Al Katib on December 1st last year.

He also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of her mother, Aisha Noor Al Katib, at the same premises on Lower William Street in New Ross.

He will be handed a life sentence when the case returns to court in December.

Enniscorthy Castle turns green for Mental Health

Some of the attendance at Enniscorthy for the lights ceremony tonight. (Pic; Wexford Local.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

World Mental Health Day was marked in Enniscorthy tonight where the annual Shine.ie ribbon campaign – converting the lights on Enniscorthy Castle to green – took place in the presence of a large crowd.

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Pat Kehoe said; “It is lovely to be here tonight and see the castle illuminated in green – a colour that symbolises hope, renewal and growth.

“By coming together as a community, we can continue to raise awareness and show support and stand together with everyone who may be struggling. We must make mental health a priority for all,” concluded Cllr Kehoe.

The event was organised by Patrick Hipwell, who master of ceremonies Maura Bell, General Manager at Enniscorthy Castle described as “an ambassador for mental health.”

Mr Hipwell said; “Today is World Mental Health Day and it is very important that we mark the occasion because everyone has troubles. We must get the word out there; “It is OK to feel OK and it’s OK not to feel OK.”

There were also contributions from Senator Cathal Byrne and Thomas Devereux, County Chairman Wexford Macra Na Feirme.

The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen TD, Cllrs Aidan Browne, Trish Byrne and Jackser Owens while there were apologies from Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy who is representing Enniscorthy district at the London-Wexford Association dinner this weekend.

Five young members of Enniscorthy Boxing Club gave a sparring demonstration, Mylie Connors performed a song, and St. Colman’s Pipe Band from Ballindaggin contributed music to the event.

Water supply back on in Taghmon

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews have completed emergency repairs to a burst watermain in Taghmon, and supply is now returning to customers in the affected areas.

Customers in Monastery Avenue, Ard Munna, Taghmon and surrounding areas experienced disruption following the unplanned burst earlier today. Uisce Éireann’s crews worked quickly to repair the main and restore supply.

Uisce Éireann’s Water Network Operation Manager for Wexford, Padraig Lyng said; “We understand how disruptive an unplanned outage can be, and we thank all our customers for their patience while our crews worked as safely and quickly as possible to restore supply.”

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.

Water works repairs in Taghmon

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a burst in Taghmon and restore water to customers affected.

The burst watermain will result in outages for customers in Monastery Avenue, Ard Munna, Taghmon and surrounding areas in Co Wexford.

Uisce Éireann’s Water Network Operation Manager for Wexford, Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue,” said Mr. Lyng.

Repairs are expected to be completed later today. Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.  
To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.

Old landfill sites to become public spaces

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford’s four historic landfill sites are due to be transformed into public areas in the coming years.

These sites include Carcur near Wexford Town, Lucas Park near Enniscorthy, Ballykeerougue near Campile in the New Ross Municipal District and Gorteen near Inch in the Gorey Municipal District.

The Creative Ireland programme at Wexford County Council has teamed up with the Environment Office to consult with the communities living close to the sites about their vision for what they could become in the future.

Cultural producer Karla Sanchez will lead these consultation workshops, inviting the communities to share their thoughts and ideas. Using innovative consultation methods, the sessions aim to encourage progressive thinking about what might be possible on the sites.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN STATES “it is very important that our communities have a say in how the landfill sites are shaped for future generations”. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan says ‘it is very important that our communities have a say in how the landfill sites are shaped for future generations. These workshops are a fantastic way to share your opinions. I would encourage our local communities to come along and get involved.”

The consultations will take place at the following times and locations:

Carcur, Wexford is on tonight Thursday, October 9th at 7pm in Wexford Library.

Lucas Park, Enniscorthy on Thursday, October 16th at 7pm in Enniscorthy Library,

Ballykeerogue, Campile, on Friday, November 7th at 7pm in Campile Community Hall.

Gorteen, Gorey is on Saturday, November 8th at 4pm in St, Mogues Community Centre, Inch.

Please book your place for the library sessions through the library bookings page, or email elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie for the Ballykeerogue and Gorteen sessions.