St. Waleran’s homes is two years away?

SEPTEMBER 3rd 2021; Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy display plans for St. Waleran’s, on the site at Balytegan, Gorey. Also in photo (left to right); Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Council, Tom Enright CEO, Cllrs Donal Kenny, Joe Sullivan and Andrew Bolger, Minister James Browne, Diarmuid Heuston, Senior Executive Planner, Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Senator Malcolm Byrne. (Pic; Patrick Browne).

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

Housing issues has become an almost divisive subject with members of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District but following a presentation on the future of the St. Waleran’s site and a discussion at today’s monthly meeting at Gorey Civic Centre it is expected that the first key turns could be 18 months to two years away.

CEO Tom Enright told members that the Council paid €20,000 per acre for 70 acres following a fire in 2019 that destroyed St. Waleren’s House and he stated that he understood the urgent need for housing in the district and Phase 1 would consist of ‘affordable housing’.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe pointed out that the Council had the site for three and a half years now and he would like to see”it going forward”. He was supported by Cllr Willie Kavanagh and Cllr Pip Breen who stated; “it has the potential to be an attractive and desirable place to live.”

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said it was the ideal eutopian model town. “This is brilliant news. Well done. Anything that can be done to make it happen quicker is welcome.”

Having seen the presentation Cllr Mary Farrell described the plan as “fantastic” and claimed; “it is like looking into the future.”

Cllr Joe Sullivan said it was very welcome to see it moving on and added that it is “a brilliant development”, and he asked about the timeline for a key in the door!

Mr Enright said it would take three months to get planning in the traditional way but if given to a private developer it would be a quicker way to do it and accelerate the process.

Mr Enright would hope for some delivery within 18 months, and he explained some of the planning process. He said the first thing to do is to get planning for 140-170 units in the first stage (Phase 1) for social, affordable and private housing.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux referred to “a new town within town” in 1-2 years “and we are getting there and the development at Creagh could provide another 80 houses.

Mr Enright suggested a proposal to bring the plans before a full meeting of Wexford County Council to start the planning process and this action was endorsed by the members.

Engineer Shay Hamill said the Council has an opportunity to make the best possible use of the land and this could only be achieved with good planning. “It is a super site and we don’t want to loose the character,” he added.

Director of Services Liz Hore referred to the maturity of the hedgerows and green spaces that make it financially viable.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux concluded that Gorey district was on target for the 30% forecast in housing growth and the CEO agreed that the Council’s “biggest land bank” was going in the right direction. “There is light at the end of the tunnel for social, affordable and private housing,” he concluded.

Search for missing teenager

Gardaí in Wexford are seeking information on the whereabouts of 17-year-old Ahmed Kafer Esmael Mohamedomer who is missing from his home in Kilrane.

Ahmed Kafer Esmael Mohamedomer

Ahmed was last seen on Friday night at around 10pm.

He is described as being 5 foot 8 inches in height with a stocky build with black hair and brown eyes.

It is unknown what he was wearing at the time he went missing.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ahmed Kafer Esmael Mohamedomer – are being asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Attack on leisure facility at Enniscorthy

The scene that greeted users of the Enniscorthy Riverside Walk on the Promenade following weekend vandalism.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

The south side of the Enniscorthy Riverside Walk has been closed on safety grounds following a deliberate act of vandalism that occurred on the iconic footbridge over the River Urrin on Saturday night.

A number of timber steps were destroyed and made unsafe for public use. Warning signage has been erected and the entrance to the footbridge is cordoned off.

Staff from Wexford County Council inspected the damage this morning and the matter has been reported to Enniscorthy Garda Station. A spokesperson for Enniscorthy Municipal District Council condemned the incident today and told WexfordLocal.com that the Council has plans to restore the footbridge to pristine condition and tenders have already come in. 

Many people who avail of the leisure facilities beside the River Slaney and along the Promenade regularly were angered by the destruction when WexfordLocal.com visited the damaged area today. Many felt it was “a disgraceful thing to do” while others wondered “is anything sacred anymore and can delinquents not leave public amenities alone!”

Established as the Country Walk in 2010, the popular trail is a 6km round trip scenic walk along the western bank of the River Slaney south of Enniscorthy town. The trail starts along the promenade walk at the southern end of the town and heads past a playground, crosses a footbridge at the River Urrin and follows a gravel path through a semi-wild meadow which is part of an extensive Special Area of Conservation.

Gardaí in Enniscorthy are investigating the matter and would like to hear from witnesses on 053 924250 the Garda Confidential line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Traffic plans for big ploughing event

Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association ANNA MAY McHUGH at a reception for the championships at Johnstown Castle last week with CLLR LISA McDONALD, Cathaoirleach Rosslare District Council and CLLR GER CARTHY.

By Dan Walsh

The National Ploughing Championships is Europe’s largest outdoor agricultural trade exhibition attracting an estimated 300,000 visitors over three days and the 2022 renewal takes place at Ratheniska, Co. Laois, Tuesday to Thursday, this week.

Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Lisa McDonald welcomed ploughers from Germany, France, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as many other countries to Johnstown Castle last week ahead of the upcoming World Ploughing Championships.

Also welcomed at Johnstown Castle was Anna May McHugh, affectionately known as “the ploughing queen”, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association who first started working at the championships in 1952.

Roads from Wexford via Carlow will be busy with heavy traffic attending the championships and An Garda Siochana has issued some advice for motorists.

“With large crowds expected to attend we would advise all those travelling to the event to allow additional journey time, follow directional signage and instructions of Gardaí along the routes and enjoy your day.    

Traffic Management Plan:

Gardaí are advising motorists to:

  • Identify and follow the traffic management plan for your best route to the event.
  • Follow event signage (route and carpark). 
  • Do not follow directions on Sat Nav devices, the specific routes are available on your Sat Nav using this link. 
  • Follow the directions of Gardaí and stewards.
  • If you have a vehicle pass make sure it is clearly displayed on the front window.

Harvesting like long ago at Carnew

By Dan Walsh

Autumnal days on the farm like long ago will be compressed into Heritage Day tomorrow (Sunday) and Carnew Heritage Club have left no stone unturned in organising an action-packed afternoon on the lands opposite Candy’s Store in the village.

Topping the bill will be the presence of Martin Austin, Chairman of the club founded in 2005 with a current membership of about twenty, with Kevin Doran and Billy Molloy practicing their horse ploughing skills a few days ahead of participation in the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co. Laois

AUDIO ADDITION; Martin Austin, Chairman of Carnew Heritage Day, tells Dan Walsh about the horse ploughing event.

Starting at 1pm with all the usual events, cutting of barley with vintage combines, vintage balers and ploughing demonstrations, sheep shearing, flail threshing (two men with sticks and the oldest form of harvesting), trade stands and small local pop up businesses (if you would like to enter you can do so on Facebook), kids games and mobile zoo, threshing mill working on the day, tractor splitting team demonstration, horse shoe throwing run by local man Ned Travers, and a static display of pre-1970s cars and tractors.

There is also entertainment on the field. Dancing with Declan is back and music by Jack Keogh from 2-3pm and Stacey Breen 3-5pm. And sure, maybe a few others will sing a song or strum an instrument as field entertainment has become a major part of outdoor events in recent years.

Horse Ploughing at the National Ploughing Championships at Fenagh, Co. Carlow in September 2019 (Pic; Dan Walsh)

The organisers are ready to receive a large attendance. Weather forecast is for a dry afternoon with temperatures 16-17 degrees, so that’s a pleasant September day. Admission is €10 for adults, teenagers €5, children free.

Carnew Heritage Day is also a fundraiser. Proceeds towards Friends of local people with MS and South Wicklow Hospice.

Tirlán becomes the new brand

JOHN MURPHY, Chairman, “We can all look forward to seeing our Tirlán branding rolled out in our production facilities, on our fleet of tankers and in our retail branches in the weeks and months ahead.”

By Dan Walsh

Shareholders in Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited (“Glanbia Co-op”) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of changing its name to “Tirlán Co-operative Society Limited” at yesterday’s (Thursday), Special General Meeting (SGM) in Kilkenny, Glanbia Co-op will now transition to its new identity over the coming months.

The vote follows the Co-op’s agreement with Glanbia plc last year to acquire the full ownership of the dairy and grain operating business, formerly known as Glanbia Ireland and now trading under Tirlán.

As a result of the transaction, Glanbia Co-op and its businesses were required to transition to a new name. Glanbia plc will retain its current name. Both organisations operate as separate entities.

Combining the Irish words ‘Tír’ for land and ‘Lán’ for full, Tirlán stands for ‘Land of Abundance’ and represents the deep connection and relationship between the Co-op, its people and the land they nurture together to farm and sustain.

John Murphy, Chairman of Tirlán, said: “I’m delighted that our shareholders have given a resounding vote in favour of adopting our new identity Tirlán. We have received a hugely positive endorsement from our customers in Ireland and overseas, our suppliers and our employees.

“This is a historic day in the evolution of our Co-op. Today’s vote marks a key step on our journey as a united organisation under a single name that is working to deliver for our farmers and our communities.

“We can all look forward to seeing our Tirlán branding rolled out in our production facilities, on our fleet of tankers and in our retail branches in the weeks and months ahead.”

Tirlán is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands. From its base in the south-east of Ireland, Tirlán sources its high-quality dairy and grains from a network of over 6,000 farm families who are at the heart of the business.

Tirlán’s portfolio includes many of Ireland’s best known and most loved Irish dairy brands, such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden, Premier, Wexford and international brands such as GAIN Animal Nutrition, Truly Grass Fed, Millac and Solmiko nutritional milk proteins.

As a co-operative, Tirlán is 100% farmer-owned, with 11 high-tech processing facilities, 52 agri-branches and over 2,100 employees. Sales revenue this year is forecast to exceed €3 billion.

13,000 litres of wine seized at Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized approximately 13,000 litres of wine at Rosslare Europort yesterday (Wednesday) following the search of a French registered truck that had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France.

The smuggled alcohol, had an estimated retail value of more than €158,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €84,000. 

Investigation into the seizure is ongoing.

The 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.

Wexford in the mood for the Fleadh!

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

Wexford’s determined bid to host Fleadh Cheol na h-Éireann in the town soon was endorsed by members at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.

Wexford’s famous BULL RING a natural environment for jigs and reels, dancing and lilting should Fleadh Cheol na hÉireann come to Wexford any year soon.

Cathaoirleach Cllr George Lawlor feels the outcome of the bid for the Fleadh should be known in the first quarter of 2023.

Cllr Ger Carthy supported the bid to deliver the Fleadh with a large investment in 2024 or 2025!

Cllr Jackser Owens remembered the All-Ireland Fleadh coming to Enniscorthy in 1999 and 2000 and it was a great success, and he supports Wexford town on this one.

Cllr Davy Hynes is forecasting “the massive amount of money it would bring in.”

CEO Tom Enright believes the Fleadh would be “a huge economic and cultural venture” and vowed to support Comhaltás, half a million people attend the Fleadh each year. “We have to demonstrate we can support the event,” concluded Mr Enright. 

Launch of Sustainable Development Week

By Dan Walsh

European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) was officially launched by An Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor and Cllr Mary Farrell, Chair of the Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment Strategic Policy Committee at County Hall, Wexford.

Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach, said; “I am delighted to officially launch Sustainable Development Week and for County Wexford to be part of this European wide initiative. This week is all about promoting all types of events that promote sustainability. Everyone is encouraged to take part from individuals to communities and tidy towns groups to businesses. We can all play our part in a more sustainable society.”
Cllr Mary Farrell said; “Many community groups have already taken the lead in promoting more sustainable activities through beach and town clean ups and reducing our waste and use of plastics. I would encourage all groups and individuals to get involved.” 
Clare Kelly, Climate Officer with Wexford County Council, stated; “There are a range of interesting presentations and outdoor activities organised to address the themes outlined in the goals. We are very fortunate in county Wexford to have enthusiastic voluntary groups including sustainable energy communities who are all working towards a more sustainable future.”

Launch of European Sustainable Development Week at County Hall (Pic; Wexford County Council)

It takes place from September 18th to October 8th with the main core of activities from September 20-26th September and will link to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
The Sustainable Development Goals are interlinked goal to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.  European Sustainable Development Week is a European-wide initiative to promote and make visible activities, projects, and events that encourage sustainable development. 
To view the full programme of events taking place please visit www.esdw.eu

New Ross delegation to California

By Dan Walsh

A delegation from New Ross Municipal District is to travel to Danville to attend the Eugene O’Neill Festival from September 16th-22nd following approval by a majority of members at Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council held at Carricklawn, Wexford.

Some members were totally opposed to the trip and indicated they would be voting against it although it was no reflection on the delegates personally. Cllr Diarmuid Devereux failed to understand why a delegation was travelling to a festival launch in California when the event was happening in New Ross?

Cllr Tom Forde spoke against the proposal, Cllr Cathal Byrne felt “we should cut our cloth to measure” and felt the time wasn’t right and Cllr Jim Codd wondered about the trip “at a time when people can barely heat their houses and deserved more benefits.”

Cllr Davy Hynes was against at a time of “a housing crisis and a cost of living crisis”, and Cllr Jackser Owens was against at a time “when Minister Ryan wants people not to put up lights at Christmas.” Cllr Bridín Murphy felt the timing wasn’t right “as people are facing into Christmas.”

Cllr John Fleming approved the project. Cllr Pat Barden pointed out that four people were going to Danville and 60 people are coming back, and maybe a 100 next year.

Cllr Pip Breen told the meeting; “We should speculate to accumulate; the delegates should go.” Cllr Michael Sheehan said that more than 60 people would spend a few days in New Ross and he felt “the economic advantage would be overwhelming.”

Cllr Michael Whelan understood the benefits to New Ross and he proposed that the delegation should go. Cllr Barden seconded. Cllr Carty stated there was money in the budget for the current year.

CEO Tom Enright said it was in the Council’s interest to develop economic and cultural links and recalled a trip to Savannah in 2014 and how that has developed successfully. “It is the right thing to do,” said Mr Enright, who concluded “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. There will be a return over and above the cost.”