Gorey lights up for Christmas

The Big Switch On brings the crowds onto Gorey’s Main Street tonight (Pic: Joe Dixon Photography)

By Dan Walsh

The organisers of Gorey Christmas Lights Big Switch On triumphed against the forces of nature to bring thousands onto the Main Street tonight (Saturday) to the happiest event ever – the lights turned on by Santa Claus with Mrs. Claus by his side.

The weather was dreadful on Saturday morning and caused the organisers to call an emergency meeting at mid-day to engage and see if the Big Switch On could go ahead or be postponed to another day.

SANTA CLAUS switches on the Gorey Christmas Lights (Pic; Joe Dixon Photography)

District Manager Philip Knight told WexfordLocal.com that there were no ‘weather warning’ and while the prospects for a dry evening were not too good, it was decided to push on as planned. “The attendance was down a bit on other occasions but held up well in the circumstances.”

The numbers grew significantly as the rain persisted with less than an hour to go. Families and little children, many wearing Christmas attire, huddled in shop doorways in anticipation of the parade from the bottom of the town along Main St.

When the parade moved forward to the stage the rain went away and everyone was able to get the best vantage point of the main stage and following a loud countdown, Santa pressed the plunger and the surroundings were instantly illuminated to a rousing cheer. End of a two-year absence!

Popular Dave Redmond (South East Radio) was master of ceremonies and he kept the multitudes entertained while everyone waited for the big moment! He was assisted by brilliant music from Gorey Pipe Band, Saoirse from St. Aidan’s Centre and the Gorey Youth Group.

The attendance included Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllrs Donal Kenny (Cathaoirleach), Joe Sullivan, Andrew Bolger and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Philip Knight, District Manager, Liz Hore, Director of Services, Liz Stanley, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and the Christmas Lights Committee and the Chairman of the Christmas Lights Committee, Michael Gleeson.

AUDIO ADDITION; Report from the Gorey Christmas Lights ‘Big Switch On today’ with DAN WALSH, SANTA CLAUS and CLLR DONAL KENNY, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

The annual Christmas Window Competition is open with several prizes available owing to the amazing increase in creativity and commitment by the retailers and businesses. Judging will take place on Monday, December 12th and the winner will be announced that evening. 

Arrest after drugs seized in New Ross

Suspected cocaine to the value of €80,000 along with cannabis resin and €4,000 cash was seized in the New Ross area yesterday (Friday).

As part of Operation Tara, Gardaí attached to the Wexford Divisional Drug Unit were assisted by local Gardaí and Gardaí from Portlaoise in a search of a residence in the New Ross area.

One male was arrested and later appeared at a Special Sitting of the District Court.

New €1.8m New Ross Fire Station

PAUL KEHOE T.D., PAUL L’ESTRANGE, Chief Fire Officer and DARRAGH O’BRIEN T.D. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage at the opening of New Ross Fire Station on Friday.

By Dan Walsh at New Ross Fire Station

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien T.D. performed the official opening of the new €1.8 million New Ross Fire Station in the Hewitsland area of the town yesterday (Friday).

Minister O’Brien acknowledged the great work done by New Ross Fire Service which covers an extensive region in the south-west of the county from Ballywilliam to Hook Head and from Great Island to Clongeen.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor, and Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, Cllr Michael Sheehan, addressed the gathering and both were on the same hymn sheet with congratulations on a new station, appreciation of the great work done by the fire service, and kind regards to present and retired members for sacrificing quality family time while giving up their leisure time 24 hours -365 days a year on a part-time basis for maintenance of a top class fire service.

Tom Enright, CEO, Wexford County Council told the large, invited audience of retired and serving firefighters that Wexford County Fire Service operates five retained fire stations in Co. Wexford at Wexford, Gorey, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Bunclody.

He outlined that New Ross attends approximately 180 incidents per year including domestic and chimney fires, road traffic collisions, medical calls to assist the National Ambulance Service, agricultural fires and forestry and gorse fires.

Chief Fire Officer, Paul L’Estrange, acted as master of ceremonies and the attendance included Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit representing An Garda Siochána and Cllr Ger Carthy on behalf of the National Ambulance Service.

Minister James Browne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Senator Malcolm Byrne and Cllrs John Fleming, Michael Whelan, Anthony Connick and Joe Sullivan from Gorey district. Also present was Director of Services Carolyne Godkin and former Wexford County Council engineer John Carley.

Mr. L’Estrange told the gathering at the outset that the firefighters were on-call and outlined what could happen if an emergency occurred – the engines and the staff would activate their duties, fortunately, nothing happened, and after Monsignor Joseph McGrath and Rev. Ian Cruickshank performed a blessing ceremony it was time for the tea and sandwiches.

New Ross Fire Brigade have operated out of Michael Street in the town for the past 36 years, and the plan now is to use this site for the National Ambulance Service. Before Michael Street the service was stationed in the Fish House on the Quay.

A news announcement in October 2020 read; “It will be a state of the art three-bay fire station with 14 parking spaces, a training yard, tower, lecture room and offices.” The tender was allocated to local construction company Kevin Thorpe Ltd, Adamstown.

The sod turning took place in May 2021.

Crowds celebrate the Enniscorthy Christmas lights.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The largest crowd seen in Market Square for many a day turned out in Enniscorthy for tonight’s much anticipated switch-on of the Christmas lights when Santa Claus visited the town centre for the first time in three years.

The bearded celebrity waved and yelled ‘Ho! Ho! Ho! Hit the giant switch with adequate force and darkness turned into brightness and merriment as his devoted fan base were there in big numbers to meet, greet, deliver their letters and have their photo taken.

Santa and Mrs. Claus set out for Market Square in the company of dancers, rock ‘n’ rollers, cartoon characters and other little friends and took the longer route via Church St and Rafter St where crowds had gathered in such large numbers that only the walkers completed the circuit and were given an enthusiastic reception.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Aidan Browne was pleasantly surprised at the size of the crowds, called on them to have an enjoyable time and thanked them for turning out, and he also complimented the Council and Chamber and everybody who either organised or contributed in any way to the success of the occasion and his personal message was clear “Shop Local this Christmas” and support the business and the jobs in Enniscorthy.

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR AIDAN BROWNE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal Council speaking with DAN WALSH at the Christmas Lights switch-on.

The attendance included Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, Cllrs Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke, Cathal Byrne and Barbara-Anne Murphy. An apology publicly acknowledged the unavoidable absence of Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan. Bernie Quigley, Acting District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal Council and Jimmy Gahan, Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, worked behind the scenes to make it all come together.

Traffic management was in the hands of staff from Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and An Garda Siochána ensured public safety with an emphasis on the large numbers of small children who came out to meet the hero of the season – Santa Claus.

Enniscorthy Municipal District in partnership with the National 1798 Centre, Wexford County Council and supporting sponsor The Riverside Park Hotel are delighted to announce www.santasenchantedchristmas.ie will open its doors tomorrow (Saturday) at 2.45pm and will run five days weekly Wednesday to Sunday until December 22nd. An expanded Christmas experience is in the making for patrons with the magical set and show theme produced by local groups Rathnure Panto Society and Red Moon Theatre.

Patrons can check-in on the grounds before entering through the big red door for an enchanted forty-five-minute tour. There will be plenty of elements of surprise as you wander through the multi room spaces with gnomes causing mayhem along the way.

Mrs. Claus, helped by her elves will entertain and transport the kids to be gifted by Santa with time to catch the moment on camera. Patrons can arrange a further free trip to Enniscorthy Castle in their own time where a walk through the ground floor festive workshop by the North Two Madness team awaits discovery by all ticket holders, during their normal opening hours.

Wexford town Boil Water Notice lifted

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water and Wexford County Council wishes to notify customers on the Wexford Town Public Water Supply that following the completion of remedial measures and the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results, the Boil Water Notice issued on Wednesday, November 2nd is now lifted with immediate effect.

This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive.

The notice was originally issued due to a decline in the quality of the raw water entering the treatment plant which resulted in the detection of giardia. Irish Water operation and compliance experts worked with colleagues in Wexford County Council to carry out the necessary works to enable the notice to be lifted as quickly as possible.

All consumers on the Wexford Town Public Water Supply Scheme can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

Ronan Walsh of Irish Water said: “Irish Water and Wexford County Council wish to thank everyone for their patience, co-operation and assistance during this boil water notice and we greatly regret any inconvenience caused to homes and businesses in the community.”

Irish Water and the Local Authority and the Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie.

The Big Switch-On returns to Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Following a two-year lockdown, Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District are thrilled to see the return of The Big Switch On with Santa Claus, as the distinguished guest of honour, on Saturday at 6.45pm on the Main Street.

News broke of the return of The Big Switch On when Santa recently hosted a Press Conference in the Ashdown Park Hotel to announce details of his long-awaited return to Gorey.  “This year’s event promises to deliver merry and bright days as a huge effort has been made in Gorey town to create a festive atmosphere with enhanced Christmas lights and some more surprises to follow too,” said Santa in an email to WexfordLocal.com.

During the Covid pandemic, the members of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District generously funded new Christmas lights for the town and created a magical and much-welcomed atmosphere in Gorey receiving much attention nationally and internationally through the Love Gorey social media channels, an initiative also supported by the local authority.

The leaping reindeers in 2019. Will they be there this year?

Traditionally the festive season always commenced with The Big Switch On, butdue to Covid-19 restrictions, this annual celebration has not taken place, so the members feel this year’s event will see the welcome return of the famous Christmas spirit that is so evident in Gorey town.

The annual Christmas Window Competition has also been declared ‘open’ and an invitation goes out to all retailers to participate in this prestigious event for Christmas 2022. This year there will be several prizes available owing to the amazing increase in creativity and commitment by the retailers and businesses as part of the annual Christmas Window Competition.

“We are looking forward to seeing what the retailers deliver this year, with judging taking place on Monday, December 12th. The winner will be announced on Love Gorey that evening,” said Debbie Stanley on behalf of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, and she added; “We would like to offer everyone a peaceful, safe and Happy Christmas.”

Traffic Calming measures coming your way

THE WAY FORWARD? Cyclists taking on the traffic calming measures in Gorey on a fund-raising run. (File Pic; Joe Dixon Photography).

By Dan Walsh at Wells House and Gardens

Wexford County Council has circulated a draft document amongst members about its Traffic Calming Policy and it was presented to members of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council at the November meeting held at Wells House and Gardens.

The document claims that there has been an increasing demand for traffic calming measures to be introduced in new and existing housing estates, access roads and distributor roads in towns and villages across Co. Wexford.

It is acknowledged that a major contributing factor in recorded road collisions is speed and vehicles that exceed the safe speed limit affect the quality of life for residents and pedestrians that use the road network.

The elephant on the roadway is individual speed ramps and the Traffic Management Guidelines emphasise that vertical deflections (ramps, speed cushions and tables) should only be used as a last resort and that all other measures should be considered first.

It has emerged that ramps or rumble strips contain unwelcome side effects such as additional noise, vehicle damage, possible personal injury and the National Ambulance Service have issues while carrying patients, especially those with spinal injuries. The Fire Service are also concerned that ramps delay response times to emergency situations.

The draft document will come before all municipal districts before it is eventually adopted at a full meeting of Wexford County Council, but at the Gorey Kilmuckridge discussion the main talking points appeared to be the ramps and speed reduction in housing estates.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe told the meeting he was “not fond of ramps” and felt the council should look at other traffic calming measures as a priority.

Cllr Joe Sullivan said he was no fan of ramps; “In fact, I hate the sight of them,” but added he was in favour of higher visibility and more signage. And he questioned “parental behaviour outside schools.”

David Codd, Road Safety Officer with Wexford County Council replied that “ramps is a contentious issue and the last thing to be considered on most roads. He said ramps are allowed in housing estates and considered a speed reduction to 30kph.

Cllr Mary Farrell was concerned about the situation outside schools during drop off and collection times. “Road signage doesn’t work.”

Cllr Pip Breen stated that speeding is a legal issue; “it is breaking the law”. He felt the document was fair and ramps should only be used as a last resort. Referring to traffic calming outside schools, he concluded; “You can’t legislate for people who ignore and break the law.”

Cllr Oliver Walsh, who proposed the adoption of the document, said “it is very important to have a document like this” and Cllr Pip Breen seconded.  

Tragic death of man (50s) in Kiltealy

By Dan Walsh

A local man in his 50’s has died following a tragic accident that occurred at a house in the village of Kiltealy around 1pm yesterday (Tuesday).

The father of two is believed to have been working on a house, took a short break, and was later discovered with serious injuries by work colleagues.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.

His remains were taken to University Hospital Waterford for a post mortem examination.

Two separate investigations will take place by Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA).

New Plan for Enniscorthy school front

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Council Meeting

Safe Routes to School has prepared an outline plan for the front of St. Aidan’s Primary School at Convent Road, Enniscorthy, it was revealed to members at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and accepted by the members proposed by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and seconded by Cllr Jackser Owens.

The key findings of the Plan includes inadequate traffic calming measures, signage and road markings at the front and on the approach to the school. The footpaths are narrow and there are insufficient crossing points for the volume of students (approximately 850 pupils and 100 staff members).

CLLR JACKSER OWENS says; “an accident waiting to happen”

Heavy Goods Vehicles were observed along Convent Road during school collection time, there are no cycling facilities, cars were observed at the front of the school and on footpaths during drop off and collection times.

The solutions include wider footpaths, more pedestrian crossings, ramps and three potential Park ‘N Stride locations from the carpark opposite SuperValu, the GAA car park and Orchard Peace Park carpark on Irish St.

Cllr Jackser Owens told the meeting that he works as a school warden and described the situation as “crazy” and “an accident waiting to happen”. “There was chaos there about 8.30am on wet morning, like today,”; he stated. He noted that it is three years since the school grounds carpark closed as a Covid-19 measure and he wondered why this is the case!

Apparently, the Board of Management and the Principal have been asked by the local Council why the new state-of-the-art carpark in the school grounds never re-opened and there has been no response!

Cllr John O’Rourke observed that the Plan is a year old, but only presented now! He felt that a change of attitudes and more high-viz would be helpful.

67.8% of parents surveyed agreed that “road safety” was a problem; 97.5% would support works “front of school” and 96.4% would support “walking and cycling links to school.” It should be noted that there was a 56.4% response to the survey.

Housing crisis in Enniscorthy district

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy echoed the members frustration at the lack of housing in the Enniscorthy district when addressing today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District in the Presentation Chamber.

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY is frustrated with house building projects.

“I am frustrated to find one house in Enniscorthy – at Marconi Park. This is not good enough. The council is not building houses in the Enniscorthy district (which includes Bunclody, Ferns and rural communities) and this has to change,” stressed Cllr Murphy who recalled that the last houses were built at Termonbarry in Bunclody in 2004!

Cllr Jackser Owns agreed a hundred per cent. “I know people who have been on the housing list for ten years. Why is the council not building houses for the people?” he asked. He added that he knew of eight people in one house and a baby coming any day!

Cllr Cathal Byrne referred to last week’s special housing meeting in Wexford and said that out of 624 houses planned, only 21 were in Enniscorthy district, which he pointed out is only 3%.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne agreed with his fellow members and felt that “we have to build schemes ourselves.”

Cllr John O’Rourke asked for a survey of ‘under occupancy’ and pointed to single people living in three-bedroom Council allocated houses.

However, Caroline Creane, Senior Staff Officer in Housing, said the Council was not looking for ‘under occupancy’ but would assist people if they wanted to move into a smaller house.

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, claimed progress is being made in providing houses of suitable needs for people, but it takes time.

Cllr Owens concluded that not enough progress is being made but he supported Ms. Godkin and the housing staff who pointed out that family profiles have massively changed and the cost of building is quite challenging.