WexfordLocal.com

Improved Wexford water quality for 26,000

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.

“People will be on the streets”; Cllr Owens

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 31^st 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.”

Tara Hill presents a five-year plan

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.

Tense debate on Gorey housing plans

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.

Funding for former Wexford Adoration Convent

**SIGNING THE SAVANNAH AGREEMENT… Dr. Kyle Marrero and Cllr George Lawlor. (Pic; Wexford County Council)**

By Dan Walsh

An agreement has been signed between the President of Georgia Southern University, Dr. Kyle Marrero, and the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor for the refurbishment of the Adoration Convent in Wexford town.

Wexford County Council purchased the extensive building beside Bride Street Church for accommodation for students from Georgia Southern University in Savannah who are attending a new learning hub which opened in the old County Hall in Spawell Road.

According to Cllr Lawlor; “The signing approves the first tranche of $400,000 for the design stage of the development. The total cost of the project which is estimated to be close to $5,000,000 will see the historic convent transformed into accommodation to house students from Georgia Southern as they attend the university’s Wexford Town Campus.”

The signing ceremony took place following meetings between senior officials from the University and a delegation from Wexford County Council who are present in Savannah to further develop relations between Wexford and the Georgian City which boasts a huge Wexford diaspora.

Georgia Southern University, based in the Savannah area of the state of Georgia, is home to 26,000 students. The university has already begun the process of sending students to their Wexford Campus and intend to greatly increase numbers studying in Wexford in the coming years.

**The last ADORATION SISTERS leaving Bride St. in 2019 (pic; adorationsisters,ie)**

After almost 150 years the remaining seven Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Wexford left their convent at Bride Street for the last time in November 2019 to make the landmark historic building to become a Hall of Residence for American students. They settled at their new home on Newtown Road.

The enclosed, contemplative community which was established by the late Bishop Thomas Furlong with the sanction of Rome, for the purpose of engaging in continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and praying for the people of the diocese, first came to the town in 1875. The nuns supplied vestments, altar linen, alter breads etc. for the churches of the Diocese of Ferns.

More drugs worth €570,000 seized

Revenue officers seized over 28.5kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of more than €570,000 at Rosslare Europort yesterday (Monday).

The illicit drugs were discovered with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile X-ray scanner and detector dog Jasper, concealed within a groupage load of an unaccompanied trailer that had arrived from Cherbourg, France on Sunday.

Investigations are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling, shadow economy activity and the supply of illegal tobacco products. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

€2.4m cocaine seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized over 34kgs of cocaine with an estimated value of €2,404,000 at Rosslare Europort on Saturday afternoon.

**Detector dog JASPER made a big discovery at Rosslare Europort (Pic; Revenue)**

The illicit drugs were discovered with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile X-ray scanner and detector dog Jasper, in the overhead area of the cab when a Latvian-registered freight unit was stopped and searched upon arrival from Cherbourg, France.

A man in his 30s, and the sole occupant of the vehicle, 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 the Eastern region. Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.

Jack Hendrick rides a double

By Dan Walsh

**JACK HENDRICK… two winners at Durrow today.**

Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick travelled to Durrow, Co. Laois, today, where he scored a double success and brought his seasonal total to 15 winners.

Hendrick got off to a winning start in the first race – the four-year-old maiden auction race – on newcomer Jeroboam Machin in the colours of Monbeg Farm Racing Partnership for handler Cormac Doyle. The winning margin was two and a half lengths.

Hendrick’s double was achieved in the Mares Winner of One race aboard Ma Hoey who had eight lengths to spare for Limerick handler Eoin McCarthy.

Harley Dunne also saddled a winner at Durrow. Howya Jimmy came home a neck to the good in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus and became the 35^th career winner for Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard.

There was also point-to-point action at Ballyragget today where the Darragh Berry handled Tosca Time took the four-year-old mares’ maiden race by an impressive 20 lengths. A nice winner for Horetown, Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke.

There was a photo finish to the maiden race for five-year-old geldings involving two Wexford contenders. Blagthebookies for Sean Doyle and Tomhaggard rider Jamie Scallan fared best by ‘a neck’ from Livin On Luco for the Harley Dunne stable ridden by Sean Cavanagh.

CONGRATULATIONS COLM MURPHY. And finally, in a week when so many Wexford jockeys and a few trainers were chasing the dreams at the Cheltenham Festival, it would be remiss of us not to accord a big congratulations to trainer Colm Murphy, Killena, Gorey, who saddled Impervious (ridden by Brian Hayes), the two and a half lengths winner of the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2) on Friday.

Murphy took out a licence to train in 2000 and is associated with some great champions. Brave Inca won 10 Grade 1 races including the 2006 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle and Big Zeb, winner of six Grade 1 races, captured the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival.

Murphy surprised his followers when he relinquished his trainer’s licence in 2016, but he renewed his licence in 2019, the winners are starting to flow for the stable and Impervious has put the Gorey man back in the Cheltenham Festival limelight. Congratulations are in order.

New poetry from Mattie White

**Verona Murphy T.D., Jacqueline White, Mattie White (author of *View From The Fields*) and Cllr Jim Codd at the official launch in Red Books, Wexford, last night.**

By Dan Walsh in Wexford

A large gathering in Red Books in St. Peter’s Square, Wexford, last night honoured active mental health campaigner Mattie White at the launch of his second book of poetry entitled View From The Fields.

A farmer from Bannow, Mattie has initiated conversations on mental health issues in a bid to break down the stigma surrounding it.

Consequently, Mattie has turned to the inky path and converted his inner thoughts and emotions into creativity and his latest publication has 23 newly composed poems. His previous work was called Through A Farmers Eyes published in November 2021.

Mattie has the support of Independent TD for Wexford, Deputy Verona Murphy, who expressed her admiration for the Bannow man, congratulated him on the new publication and read one of his poems.

“Mattie and I hit it off because we both have a very serious passion about reforming mental health in Ireland and particularly making sure we have the services in Wexford,” stated Deputy Murphy.

Tributes too from Cllr Jim Codd. “I am delighted to be part of Mattie’s launch. He is very much one of our own. A man from a farming background who writes with such passion and with such beauty. He has many strings to his bow. He is not just a poet and a voice for rural Ireland, but a fearless defender of the farmer and rural dwellers,” stated Cllr Codd, who also read his personal choice from Mattie’s poems.

Mattie’s parents-in-law, Jim and Doris Hynes did readings as did his wife, Jacqueline White, who also acted as master of ceremonies and thanked all in attendance, and especially Wally O’Neill from the publisher Red Books.

Views From The Fields by Mattie White, 23 original poems, is published and available at Red Books, St. Peter’s Square, Wexford and Rafter St., Gorey. All proceeds from the sales are going to Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland (YSPI) in Cork.

NB; A detailed report on Mattie White’s book launch can be heard on Mid Week Voices with Dan Walsh on South East Radio (95.6 96.4 FM) at 8pm on Wednesday, March 22^nd.

Crowds in Enniscorthy for St. Patrick’s Day

**Lots of colour at today’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Enniscorthy where every vantage point is filled to capacity.**

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The streets of Enniscorthy were lined with families and enthusiastic crowds this afternoon for the annual St. Patrick Day’s Parade which was an outstanding success with colour, enthusiasm and a welcoming atmosphere in the shadow of Vinegar Hill.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Leas-Cathaoirleach representing the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Aidan Browne, who is representing Wexford at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States, was positive about today’s event.

“There was a great turn out. Really enthusiastic crowds got to see a fantastic display of everything that’s so good about Enniscorthy,” said Cllr Byrne, who added; “It is really important that we celebrate our national day with pride and here in Enniscorthy we have done that.”

CLLR CATHAL BYRNE speaking to DAN WALSH at today’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Enniscorthy.

Cllr Byrne also attended the annual Bunclody event and the first ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Kiltealy and at both places the rain caused atrocious conditions.

On the Review Stand at Abbey Square were Cllr Cathal Byrne, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Deputy Paul Kehoe T.D., Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Jackser Owens and John O’Rourke, Supt. Denis Whelan, Bishop Ger Nash, Diocese of Ferns, Fr Paddy Banville, St. Senan’s Parish, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Claire Lawless, District Manager, Bernie Quigley, District Council and Jimmy Gahan, Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce. Liam Sharkey acted as master of ceremonies.

The Enniscorthy parade was led by a Colour Party from the Thomas Wafer branch of ONE (Organisation of National Ex-servicemen) and included St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy Fire Service, the United Nations Veterans Association (UNVA), sporting clubs, dancing and music groups, Brownies, vintage cars and commercial floats.

Michael and Annette Dunbar were adjudicators for the parade and the following is a list of prizewinners; Best Sporting Group; Marshalstown Castledockrell.

Best Sporting Club; Delightful Dollies.

Best Presented Group; Enniscorthy Gymnastics Group.

Best Marching Band; St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin.

Most Original Float; Slaney Search and Rescue.

Most Colourful Item; Caim Knit and Stitch.

Adjudicator’s Choice; Shamrocks Football Club.

Adjudicators Choice No. 2; Edermine Ferry Rowing Club.

The parade celebrations concluded with a music session in Market Square.