16 Wexford community centres share €338,011

MINISTER HEATHER HUMPHREYS speaking at the opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens at New Ross recently. Minister Humphreys announced the successful projects under Category 1 of the Community Centres Investment Fund today.

By Dan Walsh

Sixteen community centres’ in County Wexford will receive funding of €338,011 to upgrade facilities which will benefit users of all ages, according to Fine Gael TD, Paul Kehoe.

Deputy Kehoe was speaking after Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys announced the successful projects under Category 1 of the Community Centres’ Investment Fund.

Deputy Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com; “I am delighted that my colleague Minister Humphreys has made this funding available to Wexford community centres given the vital work that staff and volunteers there do and the invaluable services they provide.

“Fine Gael is working to build stronger safer communities and today’s funding allocation is the latest in a long line of initiatives and supports aimed at making our towns, villages and cities more attractive places to live and visit.

“The Community Centres Investment Fund was launched by Minister Humphreys in April 2022 with funding of €15m available under three categories. The key theme of the fund is to support community groups with the upgrade and development of their Community Centre facilities.      

“Community centres which will receive funding include;

Group / OrganisationAmount awarded
12th Wexford Scouts€25,000.00
Ballycanew-Ballyoughter Community Development Association Company Limited By Guarantee€10,627.83
Camross Hall CLG€13,030.37
Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA Club€25,000.00
Ferns Community Centre€20,878.32
Hollyfort Development Association€23,381.00
Kilmore GAA Club€17,000.00
Kilmore Quay Community Development Association Company Limited By Guarantee€25,000.00
Kiltealy Hall Development Committee€22,243.00
Marshalstown Community Centre Company Limited By Guarantee€15,387.50
Raheen Community Centre (Raheen Parish Committee)€25,000.00
Rathnure St. Annes Hurling & Football Club€25,000.00
St Marys Hall€21,702.20
Taghmon Camross GAA Club€25,000.00
Templeshannon Community and Childcare Centre Company Limited By Guarantee€25,000.00
The May Byrne Trust, Coolgreany€18,761.55

“Community centres are valued shared spaces and are very much at the heart of Wexford towns and villages. I hope this funding assists in making them even better in the provision of services to people all across Wexford.”

Minister Humphreys said: Through ‘Our Rural Future’, I want to support locally led, ground-up projects in local communities across the country. This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, which have continued to serve their community.” 

Enniscorthy road traffic victim dies

By Dan Walsh

A man who was seriously injured and airlifted to a Dublin hospital following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the R772 at Blackstoops, Enniscorthy, on Thursday, September 29th, has lost his fight for life and died on Saturday.

Scene at Blackstoops, Enniscorthy, on September 29th (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

He is Shay Rossiter, in his seventies, from Clough, Gorey, and formerly of Aughabeg, Corries, Bagnelstown, Co. Carlow. He was a popular member of the community and news of his death has evoked great sadness over a wide area.

Mr Rossiter was seriously injured in a collision on the R772 (the old N11) between the roundabouts at Scarawalsh and Blackstoops on the northern outskirts of Enniscorthy town which occurred around 12.30pm.  

Emergency vehicles were quickly on the scene including the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 which conveyed Mr Rossiter to Beaumont Hospital, Dublin where he sadly passed away on Saturday, ten days later.

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident are asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 9242580.

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENT; Shay Rossiter Hillview, Clough, Gorey, Co. Wexford and formerly of Aughabeg, Corries, Bagnelstown, Co. Carlow. Died 8th October 2022 due to an accident. Beloved husband of Theresa and loving brother of John, Rita and the late Michael. Deeply regretted by his loving wife, sister, brother, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. May He Rest In Peace.

Shay Rossiter will be reposing at Flood’s Funeral Home, McDermott Street, Gorey (Y25E8D4) on Thursday, October 13th, from 4pm to 8pm. Removal will take place on Friday at 11.15am to the Church of The Sacred Heart, Ballyoughter, Gorey for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only, donations, if desired, to The Richmond Ward ICU Beaumont Hospital.

Cattle truck in Ferrycarrig crash

By Dan Walsh

The N11 north of Ferrycarrig bridge is set to reopen around now following a serious road traffic collision close to the entrance to Ferrycarrig Hotel earlier this evening.

Emergency services rushed to the scene where a cattle truck and a car were in collision shortly before 5pm.

At least two people were taken from the scene to Wexford General Hospital. Their condition is ‘unknown’ at this time.

The scene was sealed off for a time to facilitate a forensic examination which resulted in long tailbacks during the rush hour.

The N11 at Ferrycarrig is set to reopen around now (8pm).

Anyone with information or dash cam footage is requested to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200.

Wexford Property Tax up by 15%

COUNTY HALL, headquarters of Wexford County Council. (File Pic)

By Dan Walsh at County Hall, Wexford

A motion seeking approval for the adoption of a 15% local adjustment factor to be applied to the Local Property Tax (LPT) in County Wexford for two years, 2023 and 2024, came before today’s meeting of Wexford County Council and was carried by 20 votes to 14.

Cllr Pip Breen favoured the 15% increase to support work still going on in the districts. He said it was a “no brainer” and necessary for the delivery of services.

Cllr Ger Carthy questioned the origins of the”revaluation” and he wondered whose decision it was? “It has been 10% since 2014 and the delivery of economic projects needs 15% above the baseline,” he claimed.

Cllr Leonard Kelly asked about funding secured for existing projects and Ms O’Neill replied that there was no central funding increase since 2013, road maintenance grants at levels similar to 2008, LPT revaluation results confirmed and no buoyancy, unprecedented inflationary impact on energy, fuel and other costs and a need to make financial plans to secure and host Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann in Wexford town.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said the LPT was consistent since 2013, but he could not support it because “I complained against it in the past,” and he also pointed out that “Wexford had the worst roads in the country with no grants since 2008 and the LPT as a funding model gave no support!”

Cllr David Hynes said that since 2014 “We have this problem. Local Government funding was taken away out of general taxation. It was a con job then…and it is still a con job,”. “We have the worst cost of living problem we ever had. Old people have no waiver. We’ll be asking for more next year,” he added.

Cllr Joe Sullivan pointed to “a new challenge now and the ability of people to pay and every penny counts. “On September 27th (Budget Day) the Government came into our homes and gave us €600 and now they want 15% back and an increase in mortgage rates, interest rates, motor fuel, home heating and inflation running at 8-10%.”

Cllr Sullivan equated the 15% increase to 47,888 bags of coal, 21,550 tonnes of timber and 1,327, 000 worth of heating oil at €1.25 per litre! “We are taking that purchasing power off the people,” he concluded.

Cllr Willie Kavanagh supported the rise. He had no problem with it as it amounted to 25 cent a week!

Finance Officer Annette O’Neill told the meeting that the number of properties liable for LPT in Co. Wexford for 2022 is in the region of 64,200. The annual income has been determined at €11.498 million based on statistics recently provided by the Revenue Commissioners. 93% of properties in the county are now valued at €350,000 or less, paying an annual LPT of €347 or less.

The adoption of the 15% increase for two years was proposed by Cllr Pip Breen and seconded by Cllr Ger Carthy and put to the floor by Cathaoirleach Cllr George Lawlor. The result was a 20-14 vote in favour of the proposal.

There was a distinct tense atmosphere in the chamber as members worked out their intentions to vote and when the votes were counted both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had broken ranks.

Those who voted in FAVOUR of the motion; Cllrs Maura Bell, Andrew Bolger, Pip Breen, Cathal Byrne, Ger Carthy, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Anthony Donohoe, Mary Farrell, John Hegarty, Willie Kavanagh, Donal Kenny, Garry Laffan, George Lawlor, Lisa McDonald, Jim Moore, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Michael Sheehan, Frank Staples, Oliver Walsh and Michael Whelan. (20).

Who voted AGAINST; Cllr Pat Barden, Aidan Browne, Jim Codd, Anthony Connick, Diarmuid Devereux, John Fleming, Tom Forde, David Hynes, Leonard Kelly, Bridín Murphy, John O’Rourke, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Jackser Owens and Joe Sullivan. (14).

Centenary commemoration held in Enniscorthy

Jim McGrath and Dan Doyle laid wreaths at the spot where the Doyles were assassinated to mark the centenary of their deaths in Enniscorthy today. Also in the picture are (left to right); Cllr Jackser Owens, Cllr Cathal Byrne, Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cllr Bridín Murphy, Deputy Johnny Mythen, Minister James Browne and Cllr John O’Rourke.

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

The memory of two unarmed Free State soldiers who were assassinated as they walked down an Enniscorthy street, having attended a Mission Mass in St. Aidan’s Cathedral on October 10th 1922,  were remembered today at the spot – outside 21 Main St., Enniscorthy – and later in the graveyards at Marshalstown and Ballindaggin.

Ballindaggin Pipe Band and members of Enniscorthy Historical Reenactment Society lead family and friends from St. Aidan’s Cathedral where Fr. William Caulfield prayed for their souls at 10am Mass to Main Street where wreaths were laid by nephews of the men, Jim McGrath and Dan Doyle. A minute’s silence was observed, and the national anthem was played.

Organised by Eileen Codd, the family members and local public representatives gathered in Enniscorthy Castle – where the Doyles were stationed in 1922 – and Barry Lacey, who is the organiser for the Decade of Commemorations and a local historian, outlined the sequence of events in 1922. Geraldine O’Connor gave a find rendition of Boolavogue.

The attendance included Cllrs Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke, Bridín Murphy, Cathal Byrne, Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, relatives and friends of the Doyle families.

Dan Doyle and Jim McGrath, holding photos of their uncles, pictured with reenactors and public representatives at Enniscorthy Castle.

OCTOBER 10th 1922 IN ENNISCORTHY

Commandant Peter Doyle, Ballinakill, Marshalstown, and Captain Thomas Doyle, Curragraigue, Ballindaggin, (they were unrelated) who died 100 years ago. They had attended a Mission Mass hosted by the Vincentian Fathers from Phibsborough, Dublin, in Enniscorthy Cathedral on the date in question.

A huge crowd was present and after the devotions had ended at 8.10pm, the two unarmed, uniformed men left the cathedral and walked down Main Street. As they did, a pair of assassins stepped out of the shadows of the evening, approached them and without warning, opened fire on the soldiers, who fell to the ground mortally wounded.

On hearing the gunfire, panic broke out among the crowd leaving Mass with people fleeing in all directions. When the shooting finally subsided, the two wounded soldiers were lying on the ground where they had fallen [just outside No. 21 Main Street].

They were taken to the County Home Hospital, later named St. John’s Hospital in the town.

Commandant Peter Doyle, (29), received four bullet wounds – two in the legs and two in the stomach – and died from his injuries the following day, Wednesday October 11th at 1.30pm. He was buried in Marshalstown Cemetery.

Captain Thomas ‘Tom’ Doyle, (27), died eight days after being shot and was buried in Ballindaggin Graveyard on Friday, October 21st, 1922. The assassins were never identified.

Funding for Wexford sports clubs?

Applications from sports clubs in Co. Wexford and beyond are now invited under the third Texaco Support for Sport initiative in which a fund of €130,000 will be divided in €5,000 amounts and distributed to successful applicants in each of the twenty-six counties.

Over the past two years, a gross figure of €260,000 has been divided amongst 52 sports clubs across Ireland, of which €5,000 each went to two successful Co. Wexford clubs: Kilmore United FC (2021) and Menapians Athletic Club (2022).

DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador.

Launching the 2023 programme, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – described the initiative as one that “opens-up an avenue to funding for those clubs and communities that need it most.”

A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs must be properly constituted, and supply confirmation of a valid Games & Sports Exemption number (GS number) issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Closing date for applications is January 31st 2023 with adjudication taking place thereafter. Leading the process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Clubs that received funding to date span the spectrum of Irish sporting activity – athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, diving, Gaelic football, golf, handball, hockey, hurling, rowing, rugby, soccer and tennis amongst them.

Adventure tourism at Bannow Bay

Turning the sod of the Bannow Bay Estuary Blueway were (left to right); Cllr Michael Sheehan, Chairman New Ross Municipal District Council; Minister James Browne; Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District; Minister Heather Humphreys; Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; Tom Enright, CEO Wexford County Council; Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllr Jim Codd and Senator Malcolm Byrne. (Pic; Mary Browne).

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, said she is “a huge believer in promoting adventure tourism – because we have so many wonderful lakes and rivers and waterways that have so much to offer”, when in Wexford yesterday (Thursday) at Little Sea for the turning of the sod of the Bannow Bay Estuary Blueway, near Wellingtonbridge.

Funding of €199,800 is approved under the 2021 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme Measure 2 for the 11 km blueway amenity in Bannow Bay / Corock River.

The infrastructure will provide safe access and facilities for water sports activities and encourage novices and more accomplished water sport users connect three locations: Little Sea / Bannow Estuary, Wellingtonbridge village (upstream) and Foulksmills Village (upstream).

Speaking at Little Sea, Minister Humphreys said; “I’m a huge believer in promoting adventure tourism – because we have so many wonderful lakes and rivers and waterways that have so much to offer. This project perfectly complements the recent investment in this locality which includes the development of this viewing point, the installation of the Norman Way, the Euro Velo 1 cycling trail and the Slí Charman Coastal Walking Trail.

“Spanning the full length of the Wexford coast, Slí Charman is Ireland’s longest coastal path, and it has also been supported by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, From the world’s oldest working lighthouse at the Hook to Ireland’s longest beach at Curracloe, this trail shows just how wonderful your coastline is. So I think the term ‘spoilt for choice’ springs to mind when I visit a community like this,” concluded Minister Humphreys.

The ministerial countywide tour to Wexford began at St Aidan’s GAA Centre in Ferns, where the Minister officially opened a community gym and walking track lights. Next came the official opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens in New Ross.

At Clongeen Community Development Centre funding was provided under the 2018 and 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme of €200,000 in total. The €100,000 in awarded in 2018 was for the development and refurbishment of the local community hall – extension. €100,000 under the 2020 scheme was for the refurbish Community Centre to develop a remote working hub; a training facility, weekend markets; study hub and community café.

The Minister’s next stop was at Our Lady’s Island where she officially opened the Our Lady’s Island Community Project. After receiving investment from the Department of Rural and Community Development the local community centre was retrofitted.  A coffee shop, new playground, outdoor gym, new footpaths and a car park were also completed as part of the works.

The Minister’s final stop was in Clonard, Wexford. Here she officially opened the brand-new High Meadows Community Hub which was developed with support from the LEADER programme. This new state-of-the-art facility will be used by the 13th Wexford Scout Group, one of the largest scouting groups in county Wexford.

Speaking about her visit to Wexford, Minister Humphreys told WexfordLocal.com; “I’ve had a great day in Wexford – opening and visiting projects in Ferns, New Ross, Clongeen, Little Sea, Our Lady’s Island and now here in Clonard in Wexford. All of these projects are being delivered as part of Our Rural Future. That’s our five-year rural development policy that is breathing new life into rural communities,” said the Minster, who concluded; “Thank you for inviting me to open all your wonderful facilities today.”

Beer and wine seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue have seized approximately 48,500 litres of beer and more than 16,100 litres of wine, with a combined estimated retail value of €390,000 at Rosslare Europort recently.

Last Saturday, (October 1st) Revenue officers seized over 25,200 litres of beer following the search of a Romanian registered truck that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. The smuggled alcohol had an estimated retail value of almost €101,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €47,000.  

On Friday (September 30th), Revenue officers seized over 23,300 litres of beer and more than 16,100 litres of wine, with a combined estimated retail value of €290,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €149,000. The smuggled alcohol was discovered following the search of two Romanian registered trucks that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France.

Investigations are ongoing following these operations.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and smuggling. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295. 

Community gym opens in Ferns

Pictured at the opening of the Community Gym and Recreational Facilities at St. Aidan’s GAA Centre, Ferns, were (left to right); Cllr Cathal Byrne, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Minister James Browne, Minister Heather Humphreys (who performed the official opening), Eoin Gethings, Chairman St. Aidan’s GAA Club, Brian Kehoe, Chief Executive LEADER Programme, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen. (Pic; Mary Browne).

By Dan Walsh in Ferns

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, officially opened a number of rural projects across County Wexford yesterday (Thursday) which have received funding of over €6 million and all of the projects were funded under the Government’s ambitious rural development policy, Our Rural Future.

Her visit to Wexford began at St Aidan’s GAA Centre in Ferns, where the Minister officially opened a community gym and walking track lights.

Minister Humphreys was welcomed by Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, to “historic Ferns, once capital of the Kingdom of Leinster” and there was a loud cheer from the invited attendance when he proclaimed; “It has been a very historic year for Ferns who, after a mere 135 years, won their first county senior hurling championship.”

The Minister added her congratulations to the famous victory, said she was delighted to be in Ferns, outlined her department’s contribution and was excited at cutting the ribbon and officially opening up the new facilities the Minister thought the gym was a fine example of a community working together to achieve something of benefit to all.

Eoin Gethings, Chairman St. Aidan’s GAA Club, welcomed the Minister, thanked her and her officials for their support that brought about the wonderful facilities that will be of great benefit to the club members and to the wider community.

Brian Kehoe, Chief Executive of LEADER, also addressed the gathering.

The attendance included Cllr Cathal Byrne, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllrs Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, Tom Enright, CEO, Wexford County Council, Ger Mackey, District Manager, Mary Dunphy, LEADER, and J.P. Mulhern, Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Rural and Community Development.

AUDIO ADDITION; Minister Heather Humphreys speaking at the opening of the Community Gym and recreational facilities at Ferns yesterday.

New appeal for missing teenager

Gardaí in Wexford have renewed an appeal and continue to seek the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 17-year-old Ahmed Kafer Esmael Mohamedomer who is missing from his home in Kilrane, in south Wexford.

Ahmed Kafer Esmael Mohamedomer

Ahmed was last seen on Friday night, 16th September 2022 at approximately 10pm.

Ahmed is described as being 5’8″ with a stocky build. He has black hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what Ahmed was wearing at the time he went missing.

Anyone with any information that can assist Gardaí in locating Ahmed is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165 200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.