WexfordLocal.com

An update on Enniscorthy water services

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

Senior Executive Engineer with responsibility for water services in Enniscorthy town and district, Tadhg O’Corcora, presented his final Water Report at the January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council as he retires after 40 years of local authority service, the last 30 years with Wexford County Council including the last eight years based in Enniscorthy.

Always thorough in his reports and willing to listen to problems and follow up with practical action, Mr O’Corcora leaves Enniscorthy with the water services around Enniscorthy in a progressive and healthy quality and here are excerpts from his last report to members.

“In early June 2022 the Wexford County Council’s Direct Labour Crew commenced construction works for 2.3km of watermain replacement on Phase 2 of Old Dublin Road. The works were substantially completed in October 2022, and they are a few water meters remaining to be installed. These meters and general cleaning up will be completed in the next few weeks.

“Shareridge on behalf of Wexford County Council/Irish Water have prepared the following back yard services alterations plans to reduce leakages in the Enniscorthy watermains network. Shareridge have completed the Back Yard Services works in St. John’s Villas, Pearse Road and Redmond Street with works ongoing in Ross Road since August 2022 and Drumgoold since September 2022. Property owner agreement to carry out the individual connection works has been forthcoming in the majority cases and Shareridge are endeavouring to sign all property owners to enable completion of this vital water conservation works.

“Design of back yard service works for Parnell Avenue, Vinegar Hill Villas, Fr Cullen Terrace and UDC Range at the Shannon are currently being prepared.

“David Walsh Construction will be replacing ball valve hydrant in Friary Hill, Patrick’s Street, Lower Church Street, Irish Street x 2 and outside St Sennan Church in Templeshannon.

“The Find and Fix team have been working in Enniscorthy, Kiltealy, Castledockrell, Bree and Bunclody to carry out enabling works for repair of water mains.

“Irish Water (IW) is examining the increase in treatment capacity of Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant. Consultants Nicholas O’Dwyer’s have been appointed to carry out Phase 1A Capital design on a new permanent water supply Intake for Clonhasten to increase by 100% the water abstraction from the River Slaney, Planning permission has been granted for this development with a limit to water abstraction rate of 4,500 cubic meters per day which is an increase of 25% approximately on current abstraction volumes.

A notice of the Planning Authorities decision to grant was issued on 21st December 2022 with four conditions, including site investigation for 1.8km length Rising Main from Clonhasten to Vinegar Hill has been completed.

Irish Water are currently examining if it is feasible to increase yields from both Edermine and Killagoley Groundwater sources with a view to supplementing the existing Enniscorthy Town supply. Work on the provision of 3 no. trial well in Edermine will commence later in January 2023.

Locals dominate at Ballycrystal races

Darragh Brennan, his son James Brennan, rider James Kenny and handler Liam Kenny celebrating in the winners’ enclosure following Gray Rock’s victory in the Winners of Two race at Ballycrystal this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

The going was testing at the Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point races held at Ballycrystal this afternoon, but local stables fared well and there was a good-sized attendance in light rain conditions.

First up was the maiden race for five-year-old mares and “a head” separated Von Hallers for the Monbeg Farm Racing Syndicate and handler Cormac Doyle with Jack Hendrick in the saddle and the Denis Murphy handled Caught A Vibe ridden by Simon Cavanagh after a good gallop in soft conditions.

It was the first runner and first victory of the year for Cormac Doyle, who has 40 horses riding out, and was enjoying his 40^th career victory as a handler, and Von Hollers will be heading for the sales ring.

Rob James mount Orinoco Flow for the Gordon Elliott stable fell three from the finish in the first race, but the combination was compensated in the second race – the maiden race for five-year-old geldings – by the dozen lengths success of Wingmen. Elliott’s representative Simon McGonigle said afterwards that Wingmen will now go to the sales.

Rob James, who lives close to the Kiltealy track, had a second success on the day aboard Great Pepper for handler Donnchadh Doyle in the concluding maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards confined. Doyle said afterwards that the plan is to go for a ‘winners’ race in a couple of weeks’ time. James is now on the 20-winner mark for the current season.

The Winners of Two race only attracted four runners, but we saw an impressive winner in Gray Rock for the Kenny family from Craanford; owner, Noreen, handler Liam, and rider James. It was a close finish – only three quarters of a length in it – with Denis Murphy’s Garcon Dargent and Jack Hendrick getting closest in the runner-up frame.

William Murphy from Ballycurragh Stud, just across the Wexford-Carlow border at Rathoe, enjoyed a double success. First up was Miss Drussell ridden by Pa King in the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards mares by an easy twenty lengths.

Half an hour later and the aptly named Pour Me A Double gave Murphy the double with his wife, Moira McElligott in the saddle and bringing her within one winner of losing her riding allowance. A veterinary surgeon who represented Ireland in the European Boxing Championships McElligott is currently on the 20-career winner mark. This was the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards geldings and the verdict was two and a half lengths.

In other point-to-point news popular rider Harley Dunne will be out of action for a number of weeks due to a shoulder injury sustained in a fall at Turtulla, Clonmel, on Sunday week.

Wexford GAA history under the lights

**WEXFORD AND KILKENNY IN HURLING ACTION AT CHADWICK’S WEXFORD PARK UNDER LIGHTS (Pic; Official Wexford GAA).**

By Dan Walsh

History was made at Chadwicks Wexford Park yesterday (Saturday) with the first ever hurling match held under floodlights and the festive occasion was even more special for the almost 13,000 in attendance as Wexford defeated Kilkenny, 1-25 to 2-18, in a Walsh Cup tie.

It cost slightly less than €1 million to erect the floodlights, a massive achievement by Wexford GAA County Board and other stakeholders, a welcome development that will enhance the stadium and make it a more attractive venue to host more inter-county games.

Last night’s ceremony was a ticket sell-out, the anticipation of a special occasion was palpable, fireworks lit up the town, Cllr. George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council put his lungs to the maximum as be belted out Cuchulain’s Song, Mick D’Arcy from Corner Boy sang Amhrán na bhFiann, and with the flick of a switch and a cheerful round of applause Wexford Park was illuminated like never before.

The game itself had a 6 o’clock throw-in. Conor McDonald wrote himself into the history books – the first point under lights in Wexford Park. Ther was only a point between the teams at half-time. A goal in injury time from Richie Lawlor sealed a Wexford victory and Conor Hearne added a point.

WEXFORD 1-25 KILKENNY 2-18 the final score.

WEXFORD: James Lawlor; Shane Reck, Liam Ryan, Conor Devitt; Simon Donohoe, Damien Reck (0-01), Ian Carty (0-01); Diarmuid O’Keeffe (0-02), Richie Lawlor (1-01); Mikie Dwyer (0-01), Conor Hearne (0-03), Charlie McGuckin (0-01); Oisín Pepper (0-02), Conor McDonald (0-05), Lee Chin (0-03, 0-01 free, 0-01 ’65). Subs: Ross Banville (0-3fs) for Chin (ht), Conor Foley for Donohoe (44), Kevin Foley for Dwyer (49), Corey Byrne-Dunbar (0-01) for Pepper (49), Conall Clancy (0-01) for O’Keeffe (54), David Clarke for Carty (69), Kyle Scallan for Damien Reck (72).

KILKENNY: Aidan Tallis; Mikey Butler, Evan Cody, Niall Rowe; David Blanchfield, Pádraic Moylan, Pádraig Walsh; Paddy Deegan (0-02), Shane Murphy (0-01); Paul Cody (0-02), Cian Kenny (0-02), Tom Phelan (1-03); Gearóid Dunne, John Donnelly (0-01), Niall Brassil (0-05, 0-05fs). Subs: Cillian Buckley for Blanchfield (41), Cillian Doyle for Murphy (43), Shane Walsh (0-01, 0-01f) for Dunne (49), Niall Brennan for Kenny (52), Des Dunne for Moylan (54), Ian Byrne (0-1) for Phelan (58), Billy Sheehan (1-0) for Brassil (59), Colum Prendiville for P. Cody (66), Niall Mullins for Donnelly (68).

Referee: Seán Stack (Dublin).

All roads to Ballycrystal on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

Only one point-to-point fixture this weekend and it is the Ballinagore Harriers meeting at Ballycrystal, just outside Kiltealy with Mount Leinster and the Blackstairs as the perfect backdrop, tomorrow (Sunday).

**Point-to-point at picturesque Ballycrystal tomorrow (Sunday).**

Sixty-eight entries for six races, saturated with runners from local stables, and the first race is off at 12.30pm.

The going will be heavy. The official going is forecast as “yielding, yielding to soft, soft at the bottom end of the track.”

The weather forecast for the area on Sunday. Light rain and maximum temperatures 10 degrees Celsius. Competitive racing is anticipated, and the organisers would appreciate a strong attendance.

Traffic restrictions around Wexford Park

Wexford Garda Division have announced traffic restrictions around Wexford Park tomorrow (Saturday) where a crowd in the region of 12,500 will gather for ceremonies linked to the switch-on of the new floodlights and the Walsh Cup hurling game at 6pm featuring Wexford and Kilkenny.

**The pikeman in Wexford’s Bullring. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com**)

Gardaí say that traffic restrictions will be in place around Wexford Park from 3pm to 8.30pm and anyone attending the event should note the following;

Road closures will be in place for the event so avoid the area if possible.

Car Parking available at the four matchday car parks. Visit Official Wexford GAA for more information.

Do not park on footpaths, public green spaces or in front of resident’s access. Vehicles causing serious obstruction for wheelchair users, pedestrians, residents, cyclists or other road users will be towed.

Large crowd expected so plan your journey and allow time for traffic and parking. Congestion is inevitable so be patient.

Respect residents and public property.

Roof blows off at Vinegar Hill toilet

**Part of the roof has blown away in the new visitor toilet unit at Vinegar Hill.**

By Dan Walsh at Vinegar Hill

The controversial new visitor toilet unit at Vinegar Hill is making the local headlines again! It has been closed on health and safety grounds after part of the roof was blown away recently.

The news was shared with the members at last Monday’s meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council when disclosed to members by District Manager, Ger Mackey.

The provision of a toilet on Vinegar Hill was the brainchild of Cllr Jackser Owens who campaigned vigorously for the facility to assist elderly visitors to the famous 1798, battlefield site landmark overlooking Enniscorthy and visible from across the county.

The Council was slow to grant the facility with arguments against the proposal siting too few visitors, the requirement for full-time staff to maintain hygiene standards, and, of course, the cost!

The unit was identified for a defined site, but local objections meant it ended up on a different site, it was a modern construction costing in the region of €10,000 and it was opened to the public in August.

It was “the butt of a joke” soon after when a prankster placed a lock on the door and not even the workers could gain access. However, the matter was quickly resolved, and normal service resumed.

Recently, it was discovered that part of the roof had blown off and was located some distance away in the bushes. No witnesses or no accuracy as to when it happened, and the Council had no choice but to lock it up as “a matter of health and safety.”

The Vinegar Hill toilet saga is legendary in Enniscorthy town, but this appears to be the last straw. Like plans for the cable car from the Turret Rocks to Enniscorthy Castle it is likely that it will be consigned to the “tried that and it didn’t work” category.

Meanwhile, this year is the 225^th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion and commemoration plans are taking place for some special occasions – especially on June 21^st next – and the County Heritage Officer has been invited to the February meeting of the Council to discuss future tourism plans for Vinegar Hill.

Is Gorey facing a housing crisis?

By Dan Walsh at Gorey-Kilmuckridge meeting

The end of March moratorium on evictions, the need to prioritise affordable housing and delayed starting dates for proposed housing projects in the North Wexford and Gorey area may present “massive problems”, according to concerned members discussing housing at today’s meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber in the Civic Buildings.

Cllr Joe Sullivan opened the debate with an observation of something that is coming down the tracks, namely “The 31^st of March when there will be a deluge of people coming out of homes because of the moratorium on evictions when they will be coming into the market again to try and get properties.

“We as the County Council must work as hard as we can for any properties that we can get to occupiable state of building or renovation, have them ready by March 31^st so that we can put social housing tenants into them and free up properties that are being currently rented by people on social housing lists,” stated Cllr Sullivan, who added “we are going to run into massive, massive problems on the 31^st of March.”

Commenting on the housing report, Cllr Sullivan said he was “somewhat dismayed to read that of 20 houses in Ramsfort we are tendering for Q4 of 2023; what that says to me we will not be turning a key a door until very late ’24 or early ’25; I was told at a meeting that Wexford Street would be starting in January 2023 – we have two weeks to go in January 2023 – I am not so sure that will get started. Can we do what we can to move those projects on?”

Cllr Andrew Bolger fully agreed with Cllr Sullivan’s comments, but said he was “alarmed” to find in the report that the Ramsfort site is down for Q4 as it was “my understanding that the tendering was for this year and for construction to start in March 2024?”

Ms. Helen Frayne from the Housing Department at Wexford County Council referred to “tendering documents of a framework of suitable contractors” for the Ramsfort site, it is hoped to have the tendering process towards the end of 2023.”

Cllr Sullivan was uneasy at the reply. He queried “What has gone on with the Ramsfort site since last July? The site was cleaned, some grass and brambles cut, that’s all. Six months has gone by and nothing has happened. It’s not good enough”.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe questioned how it took until Q4 2023 for the Ramsfort site to get to the tender stage? He referred to the situation in the neighbouring county of Wicklow where it appears that hundreds of houses are being provided!

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin referred to the Minister’s 30% rule, he felt that 20 houses had been ringfenced for local applicants, but now appears there are only six houses. Cllr Ó Súileabháin had brought the matter before Wexford County Council last week and the CEO confirmed that the Wexford members had signed up to the Minister’s 70-30 rule.

In reply, Ms. Frayne told the meeting that the 70-30 rule was adopted in line with Ministerial request and the CEO’s commitment is under review. She pointed out that “the 70% doesn’t rule out ‘locals’ but indicates that “it can’t state that they will get priority.”

Director of Services, Ms. Liz Hore favoured 100% support for local people. “We will be doing everything we can to review the 70-30 rule,” she stated.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux asked about “confined to local applicants” and asked for a definition. “We need to be really careful here,” he stated. However, Ms. Hore outlined that “we have ways of defining local needs in the planning process.”

Cllr Oliver Walsh had a question about the 16 new houses in Blackwater village and a lack of consultation with the local school and the number of extra places required, but Ms. Hore pointed out that schools are not a matter for Wexford County Council but the Department of Education.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh asked if the Council had any plans to acquire properties for housing in the areas of Glenbrien, Oylegate and The Ballagh? Expressions of interest from property owners would be explored!

Quote of the Day; “We need houses. We don’t need castles,” quipped Cllr Donohoe.

Ordination in Wexford

**The Reverend Ciarán Kavanagh with his wife, Berna Rackard, daughter Elizabeth and son Dave at his Ordination in St. Iberius Church, Wexford.**

The Reverend Ciarán Kavanagh was ordained a priest for the Church of Ireland’s Ordained Local Ministry (OLM) in St Iberius Church, Wexford by The Right Reverend Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory on Sunday, January 8^th.

A Diocesan Reader since 2005 Ciarán is the fifth trainee of the new Church of Ireland Ordained Local Ministry (OLM) training course to be ordained priest in this diocese.

Bishop Adrian Wilkinson, leading the service on the day of the Baptism of our Lord, said it was a wonderful privilege and pleasure to be there on a day of joy and celebration as Ciarán is ordained priest in the Church of God.

The preacher at the service, Canon Nicola Halford, Rector of Enniscorthy & Monart Union of Parishes, also spoke of how this was a real day of celebration for Wexford and Kilscoran Union.

“Ciaran already knows and loves you,” she told the congregation. “And you already know and love him. He already knows how to find all nine of your churches. He knows how this community works, how you like to celebrate your joys, how you support each other in sorrow. He already understands the parochial context of ministry in Wexford.He is one of you!”

She wished him a long and fruitful ministry in Wexford where, as an Ordained Local Minister, he will work alongside the Rector, The Reverend Norman McCausland, as part of the ministry team.

Ciarán, a former Irish Army commandant and retired primary school principal, was presented for ordination by his sponsors, his daughter Elizabeth, his son David, his sisters Maeve Dunne and Paula Creeber. His wife, Berna Rackard, sang in the choir.

Lessons were read by Francoise Davison, Victoria Hawkins and The Reverend Ger James (Carlow). The organist was Dr Jeffrey Cox.

Sam says ‘goodbye’ to the RNLI

By Dan Walsh

Sam Kennedy has stepped down as Lifeboat Operations Manager with Courtown RNLI after 37 years of dedicated service and friends and colleagues recently gathered in the lifeboat station to record their appreciation.

Sam became a search and rescue volunteer in the mid-1980s with the Courtown Inshore Rescue crew and continued as an RNLI member when it was established at Courtown Harbour in 1990.

He became Honorary Secretary in 2003 and continued as Lifeboat Operations Manager for 20 years until his recent well-deserved retirement.

Sam Kennedy’s replacement as Lifeboat Operations Manager with Courtown RNLI is Mark Chambers and everyone is wishing him well in his promotional role.

Changes at Enniscorthy Council

Pictured today at a meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Centre were Cllr Jackser Owens, Ger Mackey, District Manager, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Tadhg O’Corcora, Executive Engineer) and Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy District Council Meeting

Tributes were paid to District Manager Ger Mackey and Executive Engineer Tadhg O’Corcora, both of whom attended their last meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Centre today.

Mr Mackey moves to the Housing Department of Wexford County Council while Mr O’Corcora retires after 40 years’ service to local authorities, 30 years in Wexford and the last eight years in Enniscorthy where he oversaw water services.

Mr Mackey will be replaced as District Manager by Ms. Claire Lawless with effect from January 23^rd, while Mr O’Corcora’s replacement has yet to be announced.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne said “Enniscorthy’s loss is housing’s gain and Mr. Mackey will be a big loss as town manager. He has some good projects up and running and I wish him the best and welcome Claire (Lawless) with all her experience from Arklow.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne thanked Mr Mackey for the projects he brought to Enniscorthy. “Your contribution is very much appreciated,” and he wished him well in housing.

Cllr Jackser Owens recalled the “great banter” he had with Mr. Mackey but declared “your work was serious. I wish you the best of luck. You did a great job for this town and I wish you well in housing.”

Cllr John O’Rourke described Mr. Mackey as “a mild-mannered gentleman who has been in many different positions. Now you are in housing which is an important position.”

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan has known Mr Mackey for many years. “You are a great community person and able to communicate well. Thanks for all your good work for Enniscorthy town and district and I wish you all the best in housing.”

Mr Mackey thanked the members for their kind words. “I enjoyed my time here. I think Enniscorthy is a great town. Enniscorthy should believe in itself and solve problems ourselves,” said Mr Mackey, who added; “I would like to wish Claire (Lawless) all the best in her new position.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne led the tributes to Mr. O’Corcora whom he has known since election to the Council three and a half years ago. “No problem was too big or too small and I hope you will be replaced fairly quick and enjoy your retirement,” he said.

Cllr Jackser Owens wished Mr O’Corcora “the best of luck” while Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan credited him with doing “a lot of good work for Enniscorthy town and district.”

Congratulations on your retirement commented Cllr Cathal Byrne. “You (Mr O’Corcora) were straight forward to deal with. Always returned calls. And I wish you a happy and healthy retirement.”

“You got on with your work diligently. Enjoy your retirement,” stated Cllr John O’Rourke.

Mr O’Corcora acknowledged all the good wishes and said he enjoyed his eight years in Enniscorthy. “We got on as a team. I enjoyed it. It was a great experience and we achieved critical improvements.”