WexfordLocal.com

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.

Bishop calls for ‘generous response’

By Dan Walsh

Following a meeting with local representatives from the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash has called for a generous response to the Annual Church Gate Collection which takes place after all masses on the weekend of December 10/11th.

**Pictured with Bishop Ger Nash are Eileen Godkin (Wexford area President), Brian McGonagle, Wexford, Brian Keenan (Enniscorthy area President).**

As it comes into its busiest two months of the year, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is receiving an average of 800 requests for help every day.

Launching this year’s SVP Annual Appeal entitled “Impossible Choices”, Rose McGowan, SVP National President, said that despite the additional cost-of-living support payments made by the Government, there are many people who are struggling to meet basic family expenses. Bishop Ger commended the work of so many volunteers who give so selflessly of their time to assist with the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul throughout the Diocese and beyond and has asked mass goers to respond as generously as they can to the upcoming collection.

Water mains replacement in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water announced today that working in partnership with Wexford County Council it plans to replace over 700 metres of problematic water mains in St. Waleran’s, Gorey. The project is being delivered as part of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.

The works, which are being carried out by Shareridge Utilities Ltd on behalf of Irish Water, will take place along the Ballytegan Road, just south of the entrance to St. Waleran’s House, and will continue through the St. Waleran’s development site with an expected completion date of January 2023.

**The former St. Waleran’s House, Gorey.**

Highlighting the importance of this upgrade for the local community, Joe Carroll, Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead at Irish Water, told WexfordLocal.com today; “We are delighted to be making significant progress with essential upgrades to the water supply in Gorey. Not only will these improvements help to reduce the amount of water lost through leakage but will also ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the new housing developments planned for the area. During this project there may be some short-term water outages and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water outages.”

Mr. Carroll added; “Irish Water would like to thank the local community in St.Waleran’s, Gorey, in advance for their patience and co-operation while we complete these essential upgrade works which will future-proof the water supply for the area.”

To facilitate the safe delivery of these works some traffic management may be in place throughout the duration of the project but local and emergency traffic will be always maintained. The areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimize any impact on the local community.

Man (20s) arrested over Ennniscorthy dog attack

A man in his 20s has been arrested by Gardaí in connection with a serious incident in which a young boy was attacked by a dog close to his home at Old Forge Road in the Milehouse area of Enniscorthy.

Alejandro Mizsan, (9), suffered serious facial injuries while playing with some friends outside his home on Sunday afternoon.

The boy was airlifted to Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin, where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.

Gardaí conducted an investigation into subsequent related matters and a man (20s) was arrested this morning under the provisions of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

The man is currently being detained at Enniscorthy Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.and investigations are ongoing.

All-Ireland medal stolen in Oylegate

By Dan Walsh

A treasured All-Ireland senior hurling medal won in 1948 and jewelleries were amongst the items stolen in a burglary at a residence in Farnatrane, Oylegate, last Friday that occurred sometime between 4pm and 7pm.

The hurling medal from 1948 had been the possession the late Waterford player Daithí de Paor (David Power) and was held in the safe-keeping by his daughter Siún O’Mahoney.

Ms O’Mahoney noticed that there had been a break-in in her home after someone had gained access through a window. She said that the medal was the first thing she had checked. “It’s very, very upsetting. This is a family heirloom. It was to be passed down,” Ms. O’Mahoney told RTÉ News.

Contact ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION on 053 9242580.

“We are all devastated as a family. I was the custodian. Both my parents are deceased,” she said and added; “It was my job to keep it safe and now it’s gone.”

Ms O’Mahoney has pleaded with whoever stole the medal to return it and for anyone with information to get in touch with local gardaí. “We just want it returned. It means so much to us,” pleaded Ms. O’Mahoney.

Several other items of jewellery were also stolen during the burglary.

Gardaí in Enniscorthy are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 053 9242580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Cathaoirleach welcomes local funding

By Dan Walsh

Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Lisa McDonald, has welcomed €500,000 in government funding for Kilmore Quay under the new ‘Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors’ strategy from the Department of Rural and Community Development announced earlier today.

**MINISTER JAMES BROWNE and CLLR LISA McDONALD at Kilmore Quay**.

“I am delighted with this morning’s announcement that €500,000 in government funding has been allocated to Kilmore Quay,” said Cllr. McDonald, who added; “This significant investment will develop cycle path along the canal and complete a looped walking trail along with a footbridge and carpark.

This has the potential to be a fantastic amenity that people from near and far will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

“It is also great to see €200,000 allocated for the Our Lady’s Island to Carne Trail, which will extend it by 600 metres,” concluded Cllr. McDonald.

Boy (9) attacked by dog in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy is a town in shock today following a frightening incident yesterday (Sunday) in which a nine years’ old boy was confronted by an uncontrolled dog and suffered appalling facial injuries in an unprovoked attack while playing with friends in a housing estate.

The incident occurred about 4.30pm the Old Forge Road housing estate, near the Milehouse area of the town. Local sources told WexfordLocal.com that five friends were playing together when a pitbull cross set upon them in an aggressive manner and launched a horror attack. The children ran, three in one direction and two in another direction, however, one boy was grabbed by the dog and suffered dreadful injuries. The other children escaped injury but were said to be ‘traumatised’

Emergency services were quickly on the scene and attended by paramedics before being taken to Bellefield GAA Grounds from where the injured boy was flown to Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin by Irish Coast Guard helicopter R117 where he underwent emergency surgery. His condition is reported as “very serious.”

After the attack angry parents and friends arrived on scene while the dog was removed from the scene. It is alleged that the dog may have been destroyed.

A Garda investigation is continuing.

€700,000 for two Wexford projects

By Dan Walsh

Projects at Kilmore Quay and Our Lady’s Island are to receive €700,000 in funding for two outdoor recreation projects under the Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors developed in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe and a collaborative cross-Government strategy that reflects the views of stakeholders and the public.

€500,000 funding goes to Kilmore Quay Recreation Trail to develop a cycle path along the canal, completing a looped walking trail plus footbridge and carpark.

Phase Two of the Our Lady’s Island to Carne Trail is to receive €200,000 to extend the roadside trail by 600 metres, connecting to the local sports ground and beyond.

Welcoming the funding, Deputy Paul Kehoe said; “One of the greatest strengths of our county is its natural beauty and these schemes will help to accentuate our areas of natural beauty and make them more accessible for the people of Wexford and beyond.

“Spending time outdoors supports our mental and physical health and it improves our quality of life. Through this strategy, we can make Ireland the destination of choice internationally for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.

The new strategy will set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come bringing huge economic and health benefits to communities across the country.

12 swims of Christmas for Fethard RNLI

**The 12 Swims of Christmas Group who will be raising funds for Fethard RNLI. (Pic; RNLI/Fethard**).

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI’s fundraising branch has begun to distribute RNLI Christmas cards to local shops and businesses, while local swimming group Hooked on Swimming have begun their 12 swims of Christmas fundraiser which will see proceeds raised power the lifesaving work of the volunteer lifeboat crew.

In the past week, local shops and businesses throughout the Hook Peninsula, have been stocked up with beautiful Christmas cards for locals and visitors to purchase.

Meanwhile, the local swimming group Hooked on Swimming, began their 12 swims of Christmas. From now, until their final swim on New Year’s Day, the swimmers will brave the elements and swim 12 times for the RNLI. The 12 Swims group began last year and has grown from strength to strength, now comprising of 140 swimmers.

This group have also arranged a coffee morning on Sunday, December 11^th, at St Marys Community Hall, Fethard. Everyone in the community is invited to come down and join them for light refreshments, raffle prizes and festive treats.

Speaking about the fundraising activities this Christmas, Sarah Bates from Fethard RNLI Fundraising Branch said: ‘We are very lucky to have fantastic people in our community who are so willing to support the life-saving work of their local lifeboat crew. We hope our Christmas cards sell out and that the whole community will show their support for our local swimmers and their 12 swims of Christmas.

“RNLI volunteers will be on call this festive season and ready to leave their loves ones to save others this Christmas. They really appreciate the generous fundraising efforts and the donations raised that helps them to continue their work in saving lives at sea,” concluded Ms. Bates.