WexfordLocal.com

Plans to pin Barrow Bridge in ‘open’ position

**BARROW BRIDGE linking Wexford to Waterford railway line to be pinned in the ‘open-to-shipping’ position. (Pic; South East on Track)**

By Dan Walsh

Iarnrod Éireann has communicated with South East on Track to announce plans to pin Ireland’s longest railway bridge, the Barrow Bridge near Great Island in Co. Wexford into the ‘open-to-shipping’ position.

Constructed in 1906, the Bridge has continuously operated for over a century although regular passenger services on the line ceased in 2010.

Following a ship striking the bridge in February 2022, Iarnrod Éireann has announced plans to pin the bridge in the open-to-shipping position by the end of December 2022. Iarnrod Éireann has noted that significant repairs have become necessary costing in the region of €5-10 million and these repairs are expected to commence once funding has been obtained from the vessel’s insurers.

South East on Track has written to Iarnrod Eireannn seeking clarification on the decision to pin the bridge open, as well as requesting that the work proceed as soon as possible without waiting for funding from the ship’s insurers.

A series of maintenance trains crossed the bridge in 2022, after the damage took place.

In 1991 a ship struck the Barrow Bridge requiring repairs in the region of £3-5 million.

These repairs were completed in three months, with the High Court case involving Irish Rail and the ship’s insurers lasting until 2001.

As a result of this, South East on Track is asking Irish Rail to proceed with the repairs and not wait until the funds are dispersed.

The Wexford-Waterford railway line is currently under examination for reopening as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and it is imperative that the Barrow Bridge being out of service does not impact on the overall viability of the line.

Cllr David Hynes joins Sinn Féin party

**CLLRS TOM FORDE, DAVID HYNES, DEPUTY JOHNNY MYTHEN, T.D. and CLLR FIONNTAN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN. (Pic; Sinn Féin)**

By Dan Walsh

Long serving public representative and twice Mayor of Wexford, Cllr David Hynes, who applied to join Sinn Féin in November, has today had his membership approved by Sinn Féin’s Ard Oifig and will begin work with the party immediately.

Cllr Hynes has been involved with local politics for 25 years, for many years as a member of The Labour Party, and since the 2019 Local Elections as an Independent representative when he received 756 first preference votes.

Cllr Hynes said; “It has become increasingly clear to me over the last number of years that there is a passion and enthusiasm towards a fairer Ireland at the core of Sinn Féin’s party policy, both locally here in Wexford and nationally, and I believe I can match that passion and enthusiasm with my own hard work and commitment.

“I have been very fortunate over the years to be successively elected by the people of Wexford, who have put their trust in me to speak up for them, and I’m proud to say that I am now a member of a socialist party who will do the same. Yes, there is a lot of work to be done, but working together we are up to that task.”

Cllr Hynes has been given a warm welcome from the Sinn Féin organisation in Wexford.

Cllr Tom Forde said: “I couldn’t be happier at his decision to join our team in Sinn Féin, as I know his principles and beliefs for the future of our country align very closely with our party’s policies. Davy’s passion for the trade union movement shines through in all his work and, after being elected twice as an independent, he continues his efforts to give a voice to workers and young families.”

**Long serving public representative CLLR DAVID HYNES**

Deputy Johnny Mythen said; “I am more than confident that he will be a very welcome inclusion in our team, and I am excited at his decision to join Sinn Féin. Cllr Hynes shares similar views to us, that it’s time to get back to basics, to get our workers and families a decent roof over their heads, a bed in an emergency department or access to a GP should they ever need one, and an acceptable cost of living so they can afford to feed, clothe and heat their families without having to choose just one or two out of those three necessities.”

Cllr. Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said; “Like many others joining Ireland’s largest 32-county party, Cllr Hynes is most welcome among our team here in Wexford. As the centenary commemoration of Liam Mellows approaches this coming weekend in Castletown Gorey, we are reminded that there is still a lot of work to do to achieve the Republic dreamt of by people like Connolly, Markievicz and Mellows, but we are closer now than ever before and the message from Sinn Féin is one of hope and optimism for the fairer United Ireland that we know we can achieve.”

Woman arrested in Enniscorthy

Gardaí have today arrested a woman aged in her 30s in connection with an incident at Old Forge Road, Enniscorthy, on Sunday, November 27^th in which a nine year old boy was savagely attacked by a dog.

She is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Enniscorthy Garda Station.

Gardaí confirmed on November 29^th that they had arrested a man in his 20s in relation to the same incident.

He was detained at Enniscorthy Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Alejandro Mizsan was playing with his friends in a housing estate near his home when he was attacked by a dog – a pit bull cross.

He was taken by helicopter to Crumlin Children’s Hospital where he is recovering from life-changing injuries.

Rob James continues good run

By Dan Walsh

Rob James rode two winners at Quakerstown, Co. Clare today. Not as good as his four-timer at Lingstown last Sunday, but it maintains a good run of success and he is now on the 11-winner mark for the season.

James scored on Ideal Des Bordes for the Monbeg Syndicate and Donnchadh Doyle by three and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds and later teamed up with David Christie on Ultimate Optimist who came home one and a half lengths ahead of the field in the Winner of Two Race.

Also point-to-point races at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, today where The Doyen Chief, who was a first fence faller at Lingstown last Sunday, made amends for owners Billy and Michael Bates by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for geldings of five-year-old plus. Handled by Mark Scallan and ridden by Jack Hendrick, Mayglass, The Doyen Chief is now heading for the sales.

Wreath laid at Bunclody ambush site

Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society presenting various stages of military history at today’s centenary commemorations for Thomas Doyle who died in an ambush one this sport at Ryland Road on December 1st 1922.

By Dan Walsh near Bunclody

A commemorative wreath was laid in memory of Thomas Doyle, (29), from The Shannon, Enniscorthy, a clerical officer attached to the Free State army, who was shot dead when an army vehicle was ambushed at Ryland Cross, near Bunclody, on December 1^st, 1922.

**Grand-nephews of Thomas Doyle, Peter and Matt Lafferty laid a wreath at the site of the 1922 ambush at Ryland Cross, Bunclody, today.**

Thomas Doyle had the unique distinction of being and member of the British Army, a civilian in the service of the Free State Army and involved with the local unit of IRA. He had previously served with the Dublin Fusiliers and had fought in France and the Middle East during World War 1.

Two of his grand-nephews, Peter and Matt Lafferty, proudly laid a wreath on the site of the ambush this morning in a dignified ceremony marking the centenary of his death.

Archaeologist and local historian Barry Lacey, who organised the event with the support of the Drumcree Historical Society, gave a brief history of events.

“We are here today at Ryland Cross on the (N80) Bunclody-Enniscorthy road to mark the 100^th anniversary on the 1st December 1922 of an ambush by Irregulars on National troops who were travelling in a Crossley tender and while a fusillade of shots were fired and returned the only casualty was Thomas Doyle who worked in Enniscorthy as a clerk for the Free State army. Mr Doyle took a bullet to the neck resulting in his death,” recalled Mr. Lacey.

AUDIO ADDITION ; Historian BARRY LACEY and LIAM KELLY, Chair of Drumcree History Group, speaking to DAN WALSH at today’s ceremony in Bunclody.

The attendance included Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cathal Byrne. Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society led a short parade and formed a guard of honour before firing a volley of shots in remembrance.

Piper Eugene Murphy from Ballindaggin Pipe Band played the Piper’s Lament and concluded the ceremony with the National Anthem.

Food and refreshments were provided afterwards in The Village Inn Clohamon.

Coal theft in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

As the winter nights grow colder and the cost of fossil fuels increase dramatically, it has come to the notice of the Wexford Garda Division that in recent days a large quantity of 20kg coal bags were stolen from a retail premises in Wexford town.

“We are keen to speak with anyone who has been offered the purchase of the two types of coal bags in suspicious circumstances in recent days,” said a Garda spokesperson.

Detectives at Wexford Garda Station have charged one person in connection with the theft and the matter is before the courts.

Call Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200 or on Garda Confidential 1800 666 111 if anyone can assist the investigation in any way, please!

Man charged with threat to kill two people

A 27-year-old has been charged with threatening to kill two people at Old Forge Road in Enniscorthy on Sunday evening last, November 27, under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, following an incident in which a nine-year-old boy was attacked by a pitbull.

Niall Byrne, of 19 Forgelands, Enniscorthy, and is originally from Emmet Place, Carnew, appeared before Judge Gerard Furlong at a special sitting of the District Court in Gorey, last evening (Wednesday).

He has also been charged with three unrelated road traffic offences on a different date, including dangerous driving, and driving with no tax or insurance.

Garda Kevin Arnold gave evidence of arresting Mr.Byrne.

Mr Byrne’s solicitor Lana Doherty consented to her client being remanded in custody “under the circumstances”.

She told Judge Gerard Furlong that there was “no medical issue” but asked if he could make a recommendation to the prison governor for “protection in prison in the circumstances. “

He granted legal aid and remanded him in custody to appear before Wexford District Court via video link next Monday.

Gorey teaching graduate receives top award

By Dan Walsh

Post-Primary Education graduate, Caoimhe Leacy, from Gorey, had double cause for celebration after achieving ‘top of her class’ status at the annual Hibernia College conferring ceremony which was held at Dublin’s Convention Centre recently.

**Caoimhe Leacy with her daughter Belle who won the BSTAI Prize from Wexford. Photo Chris Bellew / Fennells.**

In addition to receiving her Master’s qualification,  Caoimhe was honoured with the Business Award – which is presented by the Business Studies Teachers Association of Ireland (BTSAI) to the student in each cohort with the highest grade in business studies on the programme. 

This year, Caoimhe, was one of 920 graduates from all 26 counties to graduate with Primary or Post-Primary teaching qualifications from Hibernia College in what was their largest graduation cohort to date.

Congratulating her and other graduates, who she described as ‘being in a unique position to shape the future of every one of their students,’ Dr Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, said all in attendance “will make a vital and valuable contribution to their chosen profession at a time when our country is so short of teachers”. 

Taoiseach ‘very disturbed’ by Enniscorthy dog attack

By Dan Walsh

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, speaking in the Dáil today following a vicious dog attack on a young boy while playing with friends in a public area at Enniscorthy last Sunday, said “enforcement of regulations around animals” needs immediate attention.

“Because what has happened is one time too many. And we all have pets, there’s no need for this and it needs to be seriously examined and I’ve reverted to the Minister to whatever cross departmental approach we can take,” he said.

Alejandro Mizsan, (9), suffered appalling facial injuries at Old Forge Road in the Milehouse area of Enniscorthy when he was attacked by a pit bull cross. He has undergone skin grafts since he was rushed to Crumlin Hospital by helicopter.

A man in his 20s has been arrested by gardaí and Wexford County Council has confirmed that two other animals were seized following the incident. The pit bull cross was also put down.

“I don’t understand why there’s a need to own such dangerous breeds,” An Taoiseach told James Browne T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Justice, who said the boy had been “savagely attacked” while playing with his friends.

MINISTER JAMES BROWNE told the Dáil today “there has been a significant rise in the number of dog attacks on humans in the last five years with over 1,700 of these attacks reported from 2016 to 2021.

“I think all of us are very disturbed by what has transpired here — and there is a degree of anger as well.” An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

The incident has sparked a serious debate around the issue of dog ownership and protection of the public.

In the Dáil today, Minister Browne said there has been a significant rise in the number of dog attacks on humans in the last five years with over 1,700 of these attacks reported from 2016 to 2021.

He questioned whether “we need to do more to target owners of these dogs listed as a dangerous breed”, particularly when they are in public areas without a lead.

Under the Control of Dogs Acts, local authorities have the power to not just issue dog licences, but also to seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against dog owners.

Barbara Bent, director of Wexford and Waterford SPCA, stated that enforcement needs to start with stronger monitoring of microchipping of animals by breeders and owners.

Ms. Bent believes the Dáil should be discussing how owners treat their dogs, adding that pit bulls can be the “most affectionate loving dogs that you’ll ever meet”. However, she warned that dogs may become aggressive if not correctly cared for by owners.

“Some people love dogs on the listed breed list. They look after them properly and love them. We need to put responsibility back on the owner more generally in our approach here.”

According to Dogs Trust 320 people were hospitalised due to dog bites in 2020.

There is a list of ten restricted dog breeds with legislation stipulating a maximum fine of €2,500 at the highest end of the punishments in this case.

Included on the list of proscribed dogs are the: American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

10 million illegal cigarettes seized

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort seized over 10 million cigarettes with an estimated retail value of €7.9 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €6.2 million, as a result of routine profiling, yesterday (Tuesday).

The illegal cigarettes, branded ‘Richmond King Size’, were discovered with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, when Revenue officers stopped and searched an unaccompanied trailer that had arrived on a ferry from Zeebrugge, Belgium.

Investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.