Iarnróid Éireann is informing the public of essential railway maintenance works in Enniscorthy during night-time hours on Saturday and Sunday, October 1st-2nd between 11pm and 6am.
Enniscorthy tunnel
This is essential linear track maintenance works involves the use of heavy machinery and can only be carried out at night when trains are not running.
Iarnróid Éireann assures that every practical effort will be made to minimise the impact on and the disruption to local residents.
A written notification has been delivered only to local residents in proximity to the railway work area, however, further information is available on the website; https;www.irishrail.ie/news/iarnrod-eireann-night-time-track-works
CATHAOIRLEACHJ of Rosslare Municipal District CLLR LISA McDONALD with members of Rosslare Harbour Memorial Park and Gardens committee proudly display their Green Flag Community Award 2022/23. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
Rosslare Municipal District assisted the entry of three community parks -Rosslare Harbour Memorial Park & Gardens, Our Lady’s Island and Foulksmills Community Park – in the 2022 Green Flag Community Awards Scheme which was open to parks and gardens across Ireland.
Following site visits and the completion of the An Taisce judging process, Rosslare Municipal District is delighted to report that as per the official announcement made by An Taisce recently that all three parks have been accredited Green Flag status for 2022/23.
Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District told Wexford Local.com that it is “a great success story for the District considering only 19 Community Parks were recognised for this award nationally.”
The scheme is only open to freely accessible public green spaces and is enthusiastically received by Park and Garden Management as it delivers major wins for the delivery of quality green spaces by respective parks and park departments.
Strategically these include: Co-ordinating the improvement and sustainable development of parks and gardens; Delivers recognition for well-run community green spaces; and provides a network for acquiring and disseminating best practice for park management and development.
Green Flag Community Award applications are judged against the following seven criteria; • A Welcoming Place • Healthy Safe and Secure • Well Maintained and Clean • Environmental Management • Management of Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage • Community Involvement • Management “The Rosslare Municipal District Members would like to acknowledge the achievement of the three communities involved with the excellent management and delivery of these fantastic public spaces”, concluded Cllr McDonald.
Tobacco, beer and wine with a combined value of €300,000 has been seized over the past week in three routine operations at Rosslare Europort.
Last Saturday, Revenue officers seized approximately 77.5kgs of ‘roll your own tobacco’ and over 500 litres of wine, with a combined estimated retail value of €61,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €46,000.
The smuggled tobacco and alcohol were discovered with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, following the search of an Irish registered truck and its accompanying trailer that had disembarked a ferry from Le Havre, France.
Also on Saturday, Revenue officers seized almost 26,000 litres of beer following the search of a Polish registered truck that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France. The smuggled alcohol had an estimated retail value of over €103,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €48,000.
Last Tuesday, Revenue officers seized almost 11,300 litres of wine with an estimated retail value of over €137,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €73,000, following the search of an unaccompanied trailer that had arrived on a ferry from Zeebrugge, Belgium.
ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic)
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.
A few matters relating to Enniscorthy town centre were raised by members at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Centre with Cllr Aidan Browne in the chair.
Cllrs Jackser Owens and Cathal Byrne were concerned about the bin collection taking place while people were trying to enjoy outdoor dining and the inappropriate occurrence of tasty bacon and eggs competing with the nasty smell of waste bin contents. They wondered if the bin companies could leave it later in the day to clear the town’s waste collection? This matter had been on the agenda before, and the councillors requested an update.
Acting Manager Bernie Quigley told the meeting that the Council had written to the contractor asking for bins to be collected earlier, but there is no reply yet! “We are awaiting a reply,” stated Ms Quigley.
Cllr Cathal Byrne raised the concerns of street cleaning and footpaths and asked if Parnell Road and the old Dunnes Stores car park were included.
Senior Engineer Tadhg Ó Corcora reported that Market Square, Wafer Street, Castle Street, Castle Hill and Slaney Street were cleaned recently.
Cllr Jackser Owens spoke strongly against the possibility that the Christmas lights could be affected in the town in December. “The Christmas lights must not be turned off,” thundered Cllr Owens, who quipped; “They will be trying to stop Santy next!”
Director of Services Carolyne Godkin informed the meeting that no decision has yet been made regards the Christmas lights. She said the Council would be guided by whatever decision on the matter taken at national level. “It will not be a local decision. Any decision taken at national level we will follow,” concluded Ms. Godkin.
1993 Booker Prize winner RODDY DOYLE at the Write By The Sea festival in Kilmore Quay on Saturday.
By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay
One of the country’s leading literature festivals, Write By The Sea, was officially opened in the Stella Maris Centre, Kilmore Quay, earlier this evening by Prof. Kevin Rafter, Chair of the Arts Council of Ireland, and it continues on Saturday and Sunday with more than 40 writers taking part.
Saturday’s highlight is the presence of Dublin-born Booker Prize winner Roddy Doyle, award-winning novelist, writer of short stories, screenplays and dramatist, son of a Wexford mother (Ita Bolger Doyle), will be in the Stella Maris Centre at 5pm.
Roddy Doyle is the author of eleven novels, a collection of stories, and Rory & Ita, a memoir of his parents. He has written five books for children and contributed to a variety of publications including The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, Metro Eireannand several anthologies. He won the Booker Prize in 1993, for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha. Roddy has written for the stage and his plays include Brownbreadand Guess Who’s Coming For The Dinner. He co-adapted with Joe O’Byrne his novel The Woman who Walked into Doorsand he co-wrote with Bisi Adigun a new version of The Playboy of the Western World.
He also wrote the screenplays for The Snapper, The Van, Family, When Brendan Met Trudy and co-wrote the screenplay for The Commitments. He lives and works in Dublin.
The Sunday highlight will happen in the Stella Maris Centre at 5pm on Sunday when author Claire Keegan makes an appearance soon after being shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize. Keegan’s Small Things Like These, which, at 116 pages, is the shortest book in terms of pages in the prize’s history.
Award-winning Keegan chats with Dr Richard Hayes, Head of Strategy, South East Technological University, about writing, teaching, ideas and inspiration, creativity and originality.
Keegan, who was brought up on a farm in Wicklow, close to the Wexford border, published her first volume of short stories, Antarctica, in 1999, and it went on to win the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature. Her other acclaimed works include Foster and Walk the Blue Fields.
It may be a bit late for bookings, but for tickets, programme updates and more information about the festival and the writers see writebythesea.ie
RICHARD FINN proudly exhibiting the hull of the replica Helen Blake Lifeboat Project at Fethard-on-Sea in advance of next Sunday’s Open Day.
By Dan Walsh at Fethard-on-Sea
“We have reached the milestone of completing the construction of the hull of the replica Helen Blake and holding an Open Day next Sunday,” Richard Finn, Director of the Helen Blake Community Group at Fethard-on-Sea has told WexfordLocal.com and the hope is that a large number of people will come along to view the progress of this exciting project.
The group are building a replica of the Helen Blake Lifeboat which sank off the Keeragh Islands, off Fethard-on-Sea in 1914 with the loss of nine crewmen. The boat is being constructed by hand using traditional methods to replicate the original.
The focus of the project is to develop community skills in boat building, carpentry and marine tourism. The boat is being built by a team of participants from the Ballycullane Community Employment Scheme, Wexford Local Development TÚS workers and volunteers, under the guidance of master shipwright and craftsman, John Colfer.
The boat is currently in the latter stages of construction, with the boat anticipated to be completed and seaworthy by 2023.
AUDIO ADDITION ; RICHARD FINN, Director, The Helen Blake Community Group taking to DAN WALSH about the project.
Work has commenced this week on replacing ageing backyard water mains and providing new service connections for customers in Drumgoold Villas in Enniscorthy.
The works in Drumgoold Villas involve the decommissioning of ageing back yard water mains and the delivery of over 190 metres of new water mains constructed along the public road.
Outlining the benefits the Backyard Service Replacement Project will bring, Joe Carroll from Irish Water, explained to WexfordLocal.com: “Replacing these old and problematic pipes in Drumgoold Villas will reduce the drinking water lost by leakage and will bring an all-round improvement to water quality for the local community.
Mr Carroll added: “In partnership with Shareridge Ltd and Wexford County Council, we have been engaging with the residents and aim to complete the works with as little disruption as possible. However, the works may involve some short-term water outages, but our project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48-hours’ notice prior to any planned water outages.
“Where watermains are being constructed, traffic management may be in place. Parking spaces may be temporarily closed in order to complete works. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times,” concluded Mr Carroll.
JOE CARROLL, IRISH WATER; “Replacing these old and problematic pipes in Drumgoold Villas will reduce the drinking water lost by leakage and will bring an all-round improvement to water quality for the local community.”
These latest water mains replacement follow hot on the heels of crews who were in Pearse Road, St. John’s Villas and on the Old Dublin Road in Enniscorthy where hundreds of new water mains were constructed along the public road, bringing a safer and more reliable supply to residents there.
The project involves the replacement of water connections, typically made of iron or lead, that were installed in the back gardens of some older housing estates. The pipework, due to age and deteriorating condition, are a significant source of leakage and reduced levels of service.
Backyard services are usually shared, running through several neighbouring properties, making it difficult to detect and repair leaks. Since all properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all properties; usually resulting in low pressure.
Irish Water’s customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us 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 the website www.water.ie
They are now calling it the alleyway, the natives will know it as the Tanyard Lane, but Wexford County Council has announced closure of the narrow passageway from Parnell Road (old Dunnes Stores) car park to Rafter Street effective from next Monday, September 26th to Friday, October 14th.
TANYARD LANE at Enniscorthy will be closed for three weeks from Monday.
Members were informed of the temporary disruption to normal pedestrian traffic at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and they say it is to facilitate essential resurfacing works.
“No pedestrian or vehicular access to the alleyway will be facilitated for the duration of the works. Pedestrian detours will be in place via Parnell Road and onto Weafer Street for the Market Square area.
“These works are weather dependent and as such start/completion date may be subject to change.
Apologies from Wexford County Council for any inconvenience caused during this time.”
David ‘Dave’ Maloney receives his award from RNLI Operations Director John Payne at Rosslare RNLI Station.
By Dan Walsh
Former Rosslare RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, David Maloney has been awarded a Commendation from the Operations Director of the RNLI for his role in a rescue in September 2016, where his actions saved the life of a woman trapped in a cabin on a yacht which had been dashed on rocks in the harbour
In the early hours of September 14th 2016 during a strong north-west gale, a small yacht owned and crewed by a Swedish couple entered Rosslare Harbour. On arrival, the engine stalled and the yacht was blown onto on the rock armour where it was pummelled by waves.
A call for help was raised and Rosslare lifeboat was launched. However, due to the location of the casualty vessel, the lifeboat was unable to reach the yacht from the water. Rosslare RNLI volunteer Jamie Ryan arrived at the scene with the station Lifeboat Operations Manager David Maloney and found a man standing on the quay wall looking at the yacht, clearly in shock. In sympathising with the man on what they thought to be the loss of his vessel, they discovered that his partner was still onboard.
With the yacht being broken up by the waves, Jamie discussed the option of using a rope which could be put around Dave’s waist, to reach the woman, but they both realised there would be no time for this. The woman was in immediate risk of being pulled out to sea and lost. Using his skill and lifeboating knowledge and with the waves pummelling the vessel, Dave manoeuvred across the rocks and into the cabin of the yacht. Once there he took hold of the women and pulled her out of the cabin and up to the safety of the quay wall.
Dave never sought recognition for his action that night, but the station put him forward for his role in the rescue and during a recent Coast Review visit by the RNLI, the Operations Director, Mr. John Payne, presented Dave with the RNLI commendation. In doing so, the charity wished to acknowledge his brave actions that night and recognise it as a life saved by an RNLI volunteer.
Commenting on the honour, Rosslare RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Jamie Ryan, who succeeded David in the role, said, “we are delighted that David has been officially recognised by the RNLI for his incredibly brave action that night five years ago, which saved a life. It was a split-second decision but one that was made with years of experience and knowledge of lifesaving behind it. It could have easily been a tragedy and I’m sure was a traumatic experience for the couple. David embodies the best of our lifesaving ethos and we are very proud of him and his role at our station.”
Cllr Donal Kenny, Chair of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District was delighted to welcome the news of the Tara film studios at Borleigh Manor, Kilanerin, which itself is very fitting given its historical association with Hollywood actors in the past. Up to 650 jobs will be created in the film industry.
CLLR DONAL KENNY, Chair Gorey Kilmucjridge Municipal District.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com following yesterday’s (Monday) monthly meeting, where the news of the successful planning application was announced, Cllr Kenny said; “I am delighted to see this investment which will have a positive impact for local businesses and communities. Wexford has a strong reputation for people with skills in the construction sector and during the building phase and when the film studios are up and running will bring jobs to the Gorey area in terms of tourism, food and supply side opportunities.
“We have great people in North Wexford and organisations such as the Gorey School of Art who will be delighted to support opportunities for people to get into the film sector and develop their careers.
“This announcement will really put North Wexford on the map given the calibre of the highly experienced people behind the project. I am delighted on behalf of the elected members and the people of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District to welcome the news today of this investment and I want to congratulate all involved”.
The news was broken during today’s meeting in Gorey Civic Centre and confirmed by Liz Hore, Director of Services. It was welcomed by all members including Cllr Anthony Donohoe and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin who told the meeting; “This news is ground -breaking for the whole south-east. Borleigh Manor was once the home of Richard Greene (Robin Hood) and was visited by Elizabeth Taylor and other big film stars from the past.” Cllr Ó Súilleabháin said it was great for engineers, Screen Wexford, the Arts Officer etc., and brilliant for the South East.
RICHARD GREENE.. famous actor who played Robin Hood in the TV series from 1955 until 1959 and lived at Borleigh Manor from ca-1966 to 1972.
Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council was delighted to announce the green light by An Bord Pleanála for the Tara Film Studios development for North Wexford. He stated that the film studios were a major uplift to the economy of Wexford and Ireland’s eastern corridor, demonstrating the strategic strengths of Wexford’s motorway connectivity to Dublin creating a major film hub for the industry.
“This is one of the most exciting developments to create real jobs for the people of Wexford and I am delighted as the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council to applaud Tara Film studios for their vision and commitment to Wexford with this significant investment project”, said Cllr Lawlor, who added further that earlier this year he had held very productive meetings with the Savannah Film Commission about developing further potential economic partnerships with Wexford and that Tara Studios would cement this opportunity, particularly in nurturing skills and talent for the film industry across a range of sectors.
Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council highlighted how the announcement was a significant boost to the local economy and a real gamechanger for the County. He outlined that the planning permission was granted by Wexford County Council in January of last year and then went to An Bord Pleanála who approved the planning permission for the major strategic project today.
“The investment by Tara studios will see the construction of seven studio stages, ten workshops and two office buildings, demonstrating the scale of the investment for North Wexford. I am delighted to see the economic benefits of this project which, with a major film production could create 630 jobs in Wexford, which is the equivalent of three major IDA announcements. This does not capture the employment gains in the construction phase with 120 jobs expected followed by indirect employment opportunities in terms of maintenance contracts, equipment supply, set design and landscaping”.
BORLEIGH MANOR, near Kilanerin, pictured in 1919. Photo courtesy of 100 Wexford County Houses, (pub. 1996 and revised edition in 2001) researched and compiled by Dan Walsh.
Mr Enright stated this was one of the “best days for the County and Wexford County Council positioned the film industry as one of our job creation pillars in recognition of the vibrant cultural assets in the county and growth in the global film and television sector. We established Screen Wexford to ensure the right skills and training to support the industry and create as much local employment as possible. This really positions Wexford’s reputation as an investment location and an ideal place to do business.”
Al Butler is the film co-ordinator with Screen Wexford which is an initiative of the Arts and Economic sections of Wexford County Council. He stated that Screen Wexford are incredibly excited about the news of planning being granted for Tara Studios in North Wexford. This announcement is a real catalyst for the film industry in County Wexford.
“We have a huge amount of creative talent and stunning film locations, but the addition of Tara studios takes the local film industry to another level. Tara Studios will provide incredible cultural and employment opportunities for County Wexford and Screen Wexford are looking forward to being able to support national and international productions and to working on the development of new and experienced Wexford-based talent in the screen sector”.
WexfordLocal.com 