WexfordLocal.com

Low cost repairs to Enniscorthy footbridge

**ENNISCORTHY PROMENADE WALK as seen from the River Urrin footbridge (File Pic).**

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy Promenade Walk has reopened after it was damaged a few weeks ago, however, there was some misinformation in the public arena regarding the cost of the repairs.

“Wexford County Council has confirmed that the cost of these interim works came to €2,000 and not €80,000 as stated elsewhere.”

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Aidan Browne has expressed his delight that the Enniscorthy Promenade Walk has reopened. “I want to commend the Wexford County Council staff for their prompt work in getting the bridge back open within six weeks at a reasonable cost to the taxpayer,” he said.

Cllr Browne continued; “Enniscorthy Promenade Walk is a fantastic asset for our local community. Locals and tourists alike really enjoy taking a walk by the River Slaney and taking in the scenic beauty of the area.

“In mid-September, I was disappointed to learn that damage forced the closure of the walk as the steps on the footbridge over the River Urrin were damaged. This was a blow for the community and so as Chairperson of the Enniscorthy Municipal District, I immediately worked with Enniscorthy Municipal District Officials to get the bridge back open to the public. Of course, there are further plans to add to the charm of this fantastic local amenity. Works are expected to get underway next year on a new accessible access route under the railway bridge. This will make the walking trail accessible for anyone with a buggy, wheelchair or mobility issues. Government funding of €49,500 was allocated towards these works earlier this year.”

Housing update for Gorey town

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Joe Sullivan has visited eight active house building sites in the Gorey town area and has calculated the Part V social housing aspect as set out on the table below;

**CLLR JOE SULLIVAN Update on Housing in Gorey town**

* Ramstown 67 units exclusively social.

* Tobar Mhuire. 63 units exclusively social.

* Gleann An Ghairdin. 30 units Part V. Some already delivered.

*. Ramsfort/ Ballowen. 30 units Part V.

*. Millquarter. 18 units delivered Part V.

* Pearson’s Brook. 9 units Part V.

* Spring View Gorey Hill. 8 units Part V.

* Clonattin Road. 4 units Part V.

Cllr Sullivan said that this figure is enhanced by the fact that two of the sites are exclusively social. “I would expect that the majority of these houses will be delivered within the next twelve months,” he stated.

“I will be working with the Director of Services Housing Wexford County Council Ms Carolyne Godkin to ensure that the vast majority of these houses are delivered to prospective tenants within the short to medium term,” said Cllr Sullivan, who concluded; “I know that there is no instant solution to the current housing crisis but would like to think that there is hope with the delivery of the above houses.”

Enniscorthy needs outdoor fitness park!

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Ógra Fianna Fáil is calling for creation of a calisthenics park for Enniscorthy.

In a statement issued today, Chairperson Ruairí Ryan told WexfordLocal.com; “I am calling for a calisthenics park to be built in Enniscorthy. It would be a great opportunity for young people to use without having to invest in their own personal exercise equipment, plus the added vitamin D doesn’t hurt!”

An outdoor fitness park, or calisthenics park, would make exercise free and accessible to everyone in the community especially for those who cannot afford gym membership with the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Ryan continued; “After consulting with Minister James Browne on this matter I believe it to be of the utmost importance for the physical well-being of young people. I know there’s massive interest in this topic as young people have approached me about the possibility of getting a park in Enniscorthy.

“I want to air these views. There’s one just like it in New Ross. Having a park in town will help build community in the town. I’m going to engage with the council and public representatives more in starting to get the ball rolling on this project.”

A local young person and activist for the project Daniel McCauley commented: “I’d like to thank Ruairí for listening to my thoughts about a calisthenics park. It means a lot to me because many people like myself love to exercise, and calisthenics is a healthy and aerobic way to do so!”

100 years of Garda service in Co. Wexford

By Dan Walsh at Ferrycarrig Hotel

Over a decade of research into everyday policing and honouring the dedicated service of An Garda Siochána to the community over the past 100 years was launched tonight in the form of the latest publication named THE GUARDS; Policing County Wexford 1922-2022.

The work of two retired Gardaí Tom Miller and Tony Fagan was launched by Liam Griffin, whose father served in the Gardaí, before a packed house at Ferrycarrig Hotel.

**Authors TOM MILLER and TONY FAGAN launched their history of An Garda Siochána *THE GUARDS; Policing County Wexford, 1922-2022* in Ferrycarrig Hotel tonight.**

“The Gardaí in County Wexford have witnessed wars, protest, human frailty, human achievement and terrible tragedy beyond normal comprehension,” according to Michael Freeman’s introduction to the book, and he added; “More than that they have been involved as the police of the new Ireland in keeping public order and preserving national security, while helping society to achieve social, economic and cultural change and meanwhile respect and preserve cultural traditions.”

The event was chaired by Michael Doyle of South East Radio in the form of an interview where the authors recalled their life and times in the Gardaí and outlined some of their experiences that lead to the publication.

Tom Miller, from Laois, who was based in County Wexford for his last 20 years in the Force is also a university honours’ graduate in history and a retired Garda Sergeant. He is a former Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors in Wexford.

Kildare native Tony Fagan is a retired Garda Detective who spent his entire career in the Garda in Wexford. He was a member of the management committee of the Garda Representative Body for many years. Tony and Tom are current Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the Wexford branch of the Garda Siochána Retired Members Association.

THE GUARDS; Policing County Wexford, 1922-2022 by Tom Miller and Tony Fagan, Editor Michael Freeman, 384 pages, paperback, illustrated. Published by Three Sisters Press. Available in all good bookshops.

Detailed interviews with Tom Miller and Tony Fagan can be heard on South East Radio in the coming days. On Dan Walsh’s Midweek Voices on Wednesday at 8pm and in the I Remember programme with Michael Doyle on Saturday at 9.30am.

Water supply improves on Duncannon Line

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water is set to improve the water supply on the Duncannon Line at Balliniry by tackling bursts as part of its programme to drive down leakage and provide a more reliable water supply for the local community.

The works will take place along the R733 between the junction at Curraghmore and the junction with the R734 at Balliniry.

The project, which will commence this week involves the replacement of approximately 1600 metres of problematic water mains with new modern pipes. These works are being carried out as part of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme and will be carried out by Wexford County Council. The works are estimated to be completed in February 2023.

Outlining the benefits the water mains replacement project will bring, Joe Carroll from Irish Water, explained:

“Replacing these old and damaged pipes will reduce the amount of treated drinking water lost to leakage and greatly reduce the number of bursts on this section of main. This project will also deliver significant benefits to the local community and provide a more secure water supply.

“The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply. Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of this improvement work,” concluded Mr. Carroll.

To facilitate safe delivery of the works and efficiently replace this section of water main there is a need to operate under a local road closure. The road closure period granted by Wexford County Council to complete these works extends from 8am to 5pm from Monday October 17th until Friday, February 3rd 2023. During a planned road closure, local and emergency access will always be maintained. Diversion routes will be in place and clearly signposted. It is planned to remove the closure during the Christmas period.

Irish Water’s customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates, please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website or set your location on website www.water.ie

Boolavogue Penny ejects Boris Johnson

By Dan Walsh

British MP Penny Mordaunt, who has Boolavogue blood in her veins, declared on Friday that she would seek the leadership of the Tory Party in Britain, and consequently become the third Prime Minister in the same year!

However, it is unlikely that Ms Mordaunt will win the leadership after ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson pulled out of the race on Sunday.

Penny Mordaunt rejected a call by Boris Johnson to pull out of the Tory leadership race and back him,

Sources close to the Commons leader told Sky News she had spoken to the former prime minister.

During the short lived occupancy of PM Liz Truss. Penny, (49), was Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council.

Several long-time allies of Mr Johnson, including Suella Braverman and Steve Baker, threw their support behind Rishi Sunak, the frontrunner in the race, on Sunday.

Mr Baker, the former head of backbench Brexiteers, warned that a potential comeback by Mr Johnson, who was ousted by his colleagues in July, would be a “guaranteed disaster”.

It currently appears that Rishi Sunak will be the next Prime Minister in the UK. Ms. Mordaunt, the woman with close Wexford family roots, it appears, will have to wait longer for her turn to come…but going on the current shenanigans at Westminster… that may only be a few more months away!

Sean Doyle leads handlers’ championship

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle is top of the Handlers’ Championship table tonight following the success of Old Style Humor in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings at the Island Hunt races at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, this afternoon.

**SEAN DOYLE and JACK HENDRICK shared a winner in Old Style Humor at Ballycrystal point-to-point races today.**

Owned by the Monbeg Partnership, Old Style Humor, who was runner-up at Tinahely on the previous Sunday, was ridden by Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick. He won by five lengths. Afterwards Doyle said; “He is a horse to have fun with” and he is hopeful of further success sometime in the future.

It was Doyle’s fifth success of the new point-to-point season and he is now one winner ahead of reigning champion Colin Bowe.

The only other Wexford trained winner at the picturesque track was Ryan’s Rocket, owned by the local Cullen House Syndicate, handled by Matthew O’Connor-Flynn whose family supplied the excellent track for todays racing. The winning rider was Brian Lawless and the winning distance were four lengths with Ihandaya coming home runner-up for the Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill partnership.

It was a brilliant day for Waterford handler Declan Queally and Mallow rider Chris O’Donovan who shared a treble success. Desert Cave was a short-head winner of the maiden race for four-year-olds; Desert Heather won the maiden race for five and six year old mares by three lengths; and the third success from three runners came in the final race of the day for ‘maiden six year olds and upwards’ when Rocky’s Howya demolished the opposition by 18 lengths. Queally scored with all three that he brought to the races and all three started favourites!

The Open Lightweight Race was confined to lady riders and it was Georgie Benson on The Storyteller, trained in Meath by Gordon Elliott, who took the spoils by four lengths.

The track was in excellent condition and there was a large attendance in Indian summer weather conditions.

There was also Wexford success at today’s second point-to-point races at Umma House, Co. Westmeath.

Donnchadh Doyle won the four-year-old mares’ maiden race with newcomer Omaha Wish and Rob James prevailing by ‘a neck’ in a tight finish. The mare is owned by the Monbeg Syndicate.

Jonathan Fogarty’s Gaynestown stables at Cleariestown enjoyed a nine and a half lengths victory with Down Memory Lane in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. The winning rider was veteran and former many times national champion Derek O’Connor.

Harley Dunne was owner and handler of Brooksway Fair, the six lengths winner of the Open Race which was confined to novice riders. It was a first success for 17 years old Cork rider Donal O’Connor, who has been riding out in the Clonroche area recently.

80 entries for Ballycrystal on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The Island Hunt are hoping for a large attendance as they stage the autumn point-to-point fixture at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, tomorrow where 80 entries have registered for the six-race card. The going is expected to be ‘yielding’ and the first race is off at 2pm.

**ROB JAMES rode his 275th winner today.**

Rob James and Sean Doyle teamed up to win the maiden race for four-year-old mares with first timer Annabelle Magic in the colours of the Monbeg Partnership at today’s point-to-point races held at Loughanmore in Antrim.

Annabelle Magic made nearly all the running and survived a bad blunder at the penultimate obstacle but was still four lengths ahead of Nt Field Minnesota for the Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill combination crossing the finish line. Wexford neighbours fighting out the finish there.

From Tomona, Kilanne, James who has victories at the Cheltenham Festival the Scottish Grand National under his belt was riding his 275^th career winner 10 years after his first ever success at Tinahely in 2012.

There was compensation for Barry O’Neill later in the day when he scored by six lengths on Ultimate Optimist for handler David Christie in the Winner of Two contest.

Music and fireworks in Wexford town

**The fireworks on Wexford Quay for the opening of the Wexford Festival Opera this evening.**

By Dan Walsh reporting from Wexford Quay

Thousands of people assembled on Wexford Quay earlier this evening for the launch of the 71^st Wexford Festival Opera with the traditional fireworks display and an enthusiastic official welcome from the Mayor of Wexford Cllr Maura Bell.

“This is my festival. This is your festival. This is everybody’s festival,” declared Mayor Bell to a massive cheer from the enthusiastic attendance made up mostly of family groups and young people.

AUDIO ADDITION; MC Maurice McCarthy introduces Mayor Maura Bell to open the 2022 Wexford Festival Opera on Wexford Quay earlier this evening.

**MAYOR MAURA BELL opens Wexford Festival Opera 2022**

Self-described as “a local girl from John’s Road,” Cllr Bell recalled memories from past festivals, praised the volunteers and everybody who contributed to the success of the festival, including attendees, members of the Festival Committee and Wexford County Council.

Chairperson of Wexford Festival Opera, Dr Maura Kelly also addressed the opening crowds. “It’s that time of year again when the summer has ended, schools are back, holidays are over, evenings are closing in, and Wexford is beginning to fill with the sound of music. Little by little, singers, choruses, technicians and musicians are beginning to fill the town. Sets and costumed are being readied,”

The evergreen Maurice McCarthy acted as master of ceremonies and complimented Casey Whelan who supervised the colourful fireworks display over the harbour.

Wexford Festival Opera runs until Sunday, November 6^th with top class performances in the National Opera House and many recitals, lunchtime events and other fringe events. Something for everybody so get hold of a brochure and select your favourite event… there is something for everyone at Wexford Festival Opera this year.

Irish Water progress in County Wexford

By Dan Walsh

The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report for 2021 recognises the ongoing progress being made by Irish Water in upgrading Ireland’s public wastewater infrastructure while also highlighting the need for continued investment in our essential wastewater services.

Since 2014 when Irish Water assumed responsibility for public water services, 60% of raw sewage discharges by volume have been eliminated through targeted investment in new sewerage infrastructure where none existed previously, and we are on target to eliminate nearly all of the remainder by 2025.

In Wexford, investment in wastewater infrastructure in Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack has already led to improvements in water quality in the Barrow, Nore, Suir estuary, while also supporting housing and economic development in these areas.

Irish Water, worked in partnership with Wexford County Council, to end discharge of raw sewage from Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. Works commenced in 2021 and this €12.8 million investment involved the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in Arthurstown which will also serve Ballyhack and Duncannon. The project is complete. SISK are carried out works on behalf of Irish Water.

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, plan to deliver a sewage treatment scheme to serve the Kilmore Quay area. Sewage currently entering the Kilmore Quay public sewer network is discharged without treatment to the Eastern Celtic Sea. The discharges are close to Kilmore Quay Harbour and Marina, amenity waters and the Ballyteigue Burrow Nature Reserve. Works commenced in mid-2022 and project is due for completion in 2024.

Irish Water’s targeted programme of investment in existing wastewater infrastructure is also reaping benefits for communities around the country. The building of new treatment plants and upgrading of existing ones has led to continued improvements in the quality of receiving waters. Compliance rates with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive remain strong at 93% of plants – up from just 81% in 2015.

Michael Tinsley from Irish Water concluded; “The scale of delivery of this critical infrastructure is unprecedented: last year we invested €367 million in Ireland’s wastewater – the highest ever in a single year – and we are on track to increase that further over the coming years as we strive to deliver best in class wastewater services and infrastructure for Ireland now and in the future.”