WexfordLocal.com

Community victory for Blackwater

By Dan Walsh

“There is no doubt that the Tidy Towns competition is driving local improvements and instilling a sense of pride across the entire Blackwater community,” according to the adjudication report following the success in the 2022 Supervalu Tidy Towns awards, and it concluded; “Blackwater village has the potential to go far in this competition. We wish you well with future projects. Keep up the great work.”

**BLACKWATER is Co. Wexford’s ‘Tidiest Town in the SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition 2022 (File Pic).’**

BLACKWATER (362 points) is the ‘tidiest town’ in Co. Wexford followed by WEXFORD (361) and DUNCORMICK (349).

There was a Gold medal each for BLACKWATER and WEXFORD, bronze medals for ROSSLARE, GOREY AND ENNISCORTHY and an endeavour award for KILLANNE.

The 2022 results of the SuperValu Tidy Towns awards were announced today (Friday) by Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys T.D. at a ceremony in the RDS Dublin. Over 750 Tidy Towns volunteers were present for the ceremony.

This year’s competition received the third highest number of entries in its almost 65-year history.

It was the first full-scale Tidy Towns awards ceremony since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ANALYSIS OF MARKS FOR CO. WEXFORD

CATEGORY A (Population under 200); DUNCORMICK (349) County Third; BALLYDUFF (343), FOULKSMILLS (333) and ASKAMORE (306).

CATEGORY B; (Pop. 201-2,000); BLACKWATER (362) County First and Gold Medal; CLONROCHE (343), BREE (341), KILANERIN (332), KILMUCKRIDGE (329), MONAGEER (317), BALLYMURN (314), COOLGREANY (303), KILLANNE (299), Endeavour Award, HOLLYFORT (298), WELLINGTONBRIDGE (280), BRIDGETOWN (279), COURTNACUDDY (279), BALLYCULLANE (275), CARRIG-ON-BANNOW (273), OYLEGATE (271) and ADAMSTOWN (263).

CATEGORY C; (Pop. 1,001-2,500); ROSSLARE (346), Bronze Medal, ROSSLARE HARBOUR (339), FERNS (333), and TAGHMON (264).

CATEGORY E; (Pop. 5,001-10,000); NEW ROSS (331).

CATEGORY F; (Pop. 10,001-15,000); GOREY (343), Bronze Medal, ENNISCORTHY (340), Bronze Medal).

CATEGORY G; (Pop. 15.001-25,000); WEXFORD (351), County Second and Gold Medal.

Jasper sniffs the cash at Rosslare Europort!

By Dan Walsh

Revenue Officers were granted two three-month cash detention orders by Judge Power at Wexford District Court yesterday (Tuesday), following two cash seizures totalling €9,000.

The cash was discovered as a result of routine profiling and with the assistance of detector dog Jasper, when Revenue officers searched an Irish registered van that was booked to board a ferry to Bilbao, Spain.

It is suspected to be the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and is detained by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation.

Two Irish nationals in their 20’s and 50’s were questioned.

As a result of routine operations on last Thursday and Friday, Revenue officers seized over 42,000 litres of beer at Rosslare Europort with an estimated retail value of more than €172,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €80,600.

The smuggled alcohol was discovered in two separate trailers, one accompanied and one unaccompanied, that had arrived on Ferries from Dunkirk, France.

A man in his 40s was questioned.

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.

Two arrests following €250k drugs seizure

By Dan Walsh

Two males in their 40s and 20s were arrested yesterday (Tuesday) following a €250,000 drugs seizure along with some cash.

**ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION (File Pic)**

Two premises were searched in the Enniscorthy and Bunclody areas and Herbal Cannabis with an estimated street value of €256,000 (analysis pending) was seized along with cash totalling €4,500.

As part of ongoing investigations targeting an organised crime group operating in the Wexford area, a joint operation was conducted by personnel attached to the Revenue Customs Service, the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Enniscorthy Divisional Drugs Unit.

Gardaí arrested two males aged in their 40s and 20s. Both individuals were subsequently detained at Enniscorthy Garda Station pursuant to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Investigations are ongoing.

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.