High Hill Norman Gardens open in New Ross

MINISTER HEATHER HUMPHREYS addressed the people of New Ross at the official opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens project.

By Dan Walsh in New Ross

An area in the 13th century medieval town centre in New Ross has been rejuvenated as the High Hill Norman Gardens and the officially opening took place today with special guest Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister for Rural Community, Rural Development and Special Protection.

This exciting and original New Ross Tourism Transformation project is a Category 1 project approved for funding of €5,560,000 from the second call for Category 1 applications.

Minister Humphreys acknowledged that “New Ross is a town with a vibrant history and it is fantastic to see this history brought alive here today at High Hill,” and she added; “I would like to congratulate Wexford County Council and everyone involved in all aspects of this project on this great achievement.”

The Minister told the large gathering at today’s event; “The High Hill project is just one of the attractions that will be delivered as part of the New Ross Tourism Transformation Project and I was very pleased that my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provided funding of €5.56 million for this project in 2019, coupled with over €1 million from Fáilte Ireland.”

AUDIO ADDITION; Minister Heather Humphreys speaking at the opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens in New Ross today.

Cllr Michael Sheehan, Chairman New Ross Municipal District Council welcomed everyone to the town for this special event. “The rejuvenation of The High Hill represents our ambitions for and the reimaging of New Ross town. A town proud of its past and confident of its future.”

“The project could not happen without the tenacity, energy and drive of our local officials. It would also not be possible without grant aid through the RRDF. I would like to congratulate all involved, especially our Director of Services Eamonn Hore, District Manager Mick McCormick and Senior Engineer Fintan Ryan.”

Cllr George Lawlor congratulated and thanked everybody involved in The High Hill Norman Gardens project and commended them on the creation of a fantastic park and amenity for New Ross town.

“I am delighted as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council to see this open in my tenure and commend my fellow county councillors for providing the significant necessary capital funding required to bring projects on this scale to fruition. I would also like to thank the Department of Rural and Community Development for its significant grant aid towards this project,” said Cllr Lawlor, who concluded; “The wonderful High Hill Norman Gardens add to this growing tourism reputation and to the beauty of an already attractive town.” 

CEO Wexford County Council Mr Tom Enright said Wexford County Council has and will continue to invest in public amenities such as this. “We are confident that the High Hill redevelopment will attract significant footfall into New Ross town centre and will be an added attraction on the South-East Greenway loop. It is a very exciting time for New Ross with massive ongoing and planned investment.”

Cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the High Hill Norman Gardens in New Ross today.

The attendance included Minister James Browne, Paul Kehoe T.D., former New Ross T.D. Sean Connick’s attendance was acknowledged by the Minister, (apologies were received from Deputies Brendan Howlin, Johnny Mythen and Verona Murphy), Senator Malcolm Byrne, local councillors and officials of New Ross Municipal District Council.

There was a blessing by Fr. Tom Orr C.C., musical addendum from David Creevy (guitar) and Brian MacMahon (pipes) and re-enactors from Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Group dressed in Norman costume added a medieval flavour to the official ceremony.

Memorial restored in Gorey Town Park

By Dan Walsh

A memorial to the late Garda Frank Forde erected in Gorey Town Park in 1985, but long since removed, has been restored to its original honoured position. It is appropriate that such a gesture occurs on the centenary of the foundation of An Garda Siochána and in recognition of service to the community.

CLLR DONAL KENNY, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal Council at the restored Garda Fran Forde memorial in Gorey Town Park with Garda Forde’s daughters, Yvette and Louise.

Garda Frank Forde passed away in 1984 and in recognition of his sterling work with both Gorey Social Services and the Gorey Scout Group, both organizations unveiled a commemoration stone in the Town Park to acknowledge his contribution to the community.
Unfortunately a few years ago the plaque was damaged and removed with the intention of it being replaced but it never happened…until now!

Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council said today: “I was urged by many of those who were involved at the time to get the plaque replaced and I was delighted to help and follow this up and thanks to Philip Knight District Manager, it is now restored.” Cllr Kenny credited former Town Council member Trish Quinn, who was amongst those campaigning for the restoration of the plaque in the park.

Tirlán confirms 2022 grain pricing

By Dan Walsh

Tirlán will pay over €100 million for quality grain from Harvest 2022, with prices for Members standing at €310 tonne for green feed barley and €320/t for green feed wheat.

Seán Molloy, Chief Ingredients and Agri Officer, said Tirlán has continuously displayed strong commitment to the sector with a key focus on innovation within the plant-based portfolio and premium grains to deliver higher returns for farmers. 

“Tirlán has achieved the highest ever volumes of premium crops in Harvest 2022, returning on average close to €40/t over feed grain prices. These premiums are critical to underpinning farm profitability. We are focused on growing our customer base and acreage for our premium crops, including gluten-free oats and HEAR Oilseed rape,” he stated. 

“The specialised grains portfolio will deliver over €3m in premium payments to growers this harvest.”

JOHN MURPHY, Chairman of Tirlán

Commenting on the announcement, Tirlán Chairman John Murphy said the payments worth over €100 million to growers for over 300,000 tonnes of grain from Harvest 2022 would deliver a welcome economic boost for rural areas. He highlighted the performance of the network of facilities in handling a large volume of high quality grain over a short time period driven by excellent harvesting conditions and good yields. 

“Total green intake exceeded over 200,000 tonnes, with over 65,000 tonnes of grain handled in one week alone. It is a tribute to our dedicated workforce and level of investment that has been made in the processing network,” he said. “Our teams in our new Innovation Centre continue to work with our premium grains portfolio with a keen focus on the plant-based food sector as part of our commitment to maximise returns to farm families.”

John Kealy, Head of Grains, highlighted that a strong emphasis continues to be placed on equipping growers with global market updates and forward pricing offers on a regular basis.

30,000 Wexfordians using the toilet as a bin!

Broadcaster Bláthnaid Treacy along with Donal Heaney, Irish Water and Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts are urging the public to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water and Clean Coasts are urging the public to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush’ as a recent survey has revealed that that more than 30,000 people living in Wexford continue to regularly flush wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet.

Worryingly those aged under 35 are twice as likely to dispose of ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet, compared to those aged over 35. No wipes whether marked ‘flushable’ or not should be flushed down the toilet.

With sea swimming and the use of our beaches increasingly popular all year-round, it’s a timely reminder that our flushing behaviour has a direct impact on the environment and that making small changes can help prevent sanitary waste ending up on Ireland’s sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded bays.

A new campaign video targeting under 35 years olds aims to connect with this audience in way that encourages real behavioural change.

Broadcaster Bláthnaid Treacy who is supporting the campaign, said; “I am delighted to support the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign. For me, it is important that we all play a positive role when it comes protecting the environment. Collectively, small changes can have a huge impact so I would encourage everyone to consider their flushing habits. It is simple really, just ‘Think Before You Flush’”. 

Ian O’Mahony, Irish Water said more than 30,000 people living in Co. Wexford were using the toilet as a bin. “The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are clear to see, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month and continue to see this waste ending up on our beaches,” he added;

Actually, Irish Water were involved in unblocking sewers in the Abbey Square area of Enniscorthy last week.

The message is simple; “only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wipes and other sanitary products should go in the bin even if they are labelled as flushable.”

“This will reduce the number of sewer blockages, the risk of flooding to homes and businesses and the risk of pollution in the environment harming wildlife such as fish and birds and associated habitats.” 

The most common items being flushed down the toilet are hair, wipes (any), paper towels, toilet wipes, dental floss, cleaning wipes, any other type of wipe, tampons, baby wipes, facial wipes, cotton buds, cigarette butts.  

Wexford Camera Club welcomes new members

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Camera Club opened its exhibition Moments In Time on Culture Night and it continues in Wexford Library until Sunday, October 9th.

Memories can be locked in a picture; such is the power of photography. Another aspect of photography is the possibility to reveal hidden detail. “Maybe you see something here you never noticed before. We hope you enjoy our work and the different approaches and techniques used by our enthusiastic photographers,” a club spokesperson told WexfordLocal.com. 

“We welcome new members at any meeting any time in the year and cater for both beginners and more experienced photographers. Our programme offers practical advice on photography and image editing; competition challenges; and presentations by top photographers from Ireland and the wider world.  

“So if you have an interest in developing your skills, get in touch and join us for the new season. You are very welcome to come along as a guest for a couple of meetings, to get a feel for the club and the way we operate. No elaborate camera equipment is necessary and if you are just starting out, we can help with advice on what sort of camera might suit you to get going.”

Wexford Camera Club meets in St Joseph’s Community Centre, Bishopswater, Wexford, Y35 A66C every second Monday at 7.30 pm and occasionally via Zoom. 

AUDIO ADDITION; MAIRE PHELAN from Wexford Camera Club tells DAN WALSH the club welcomes new members and the exhibition continues

Contact is wexfordcameraclub@gmail.com for further details.

Five Wexford winners on day one

By Dan Walsh

The autumn point-to-point season got off to a successful start at Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, today, providing five Wexford trained winners from six races, and the handler/rider champions Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill notched up a double in the first two races.

Sheeka Supreme is bound for the sales following a six lengths victory in the four-year-old mares’ maiden race and Waspy got ‘a head’ verdict for the Kiltealy stables in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.

MARY ELLEN DOYLE trained two point-to-point winners today.

The along comes Mary Ellen Doyle from Baltimore Stables at Coolgarrow Lane, near Enniscorthy, to win the third and fourth races to record another double.

In the maiden race for five-year-old geldings’ race Haddock De Grissay, ridden by Darragh Higgins, scored by five lengths. A first winner for Cork rider Higgins.

Next Mary Ellen Doyle saddled up Master Splinter in the contest for the Winners of One race and scored by three lengths under Brian Dunleavy. This was Doyle’s 35th training success as she commences her fifth year as a handler.

Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, added a fifth Wexford winner today when first timer Frankly Fine was awarded the maiden mares race for five-year-olds or over when Kilnoo was disqualified following a steward’s enquiry. The winning rider was Jack Hendrick, Mayglass.

Cheering on the Dorans of Craanford

By Dan Walsh

Mairead Ronan is back on the hunt to find the nation’s fittest families as the popular programme Ireland’s Fittest Family begins its 10th season on RTE 1 on Sunday at 6.30pm.

The Dorans and Davy Fitzgerald on RTE 1

And there is a Wexford interest in heat one featuring the Dorans of Craanford – Ger, Eamonn, Caitriona and Ollie – with popular mentor Davy Fitzgerald.

Also taking part are the Fitzsimons, the Gallaghers, and the Finnegans.

Four vehicles in Oylegate collision

By Dan Walsh

There was considerable traffic congestion for a time after four vehicles were involved in a road traffic collision between the M11 roundabout and Oylegate village earlier this evening.

The incident occurred around 5.30pm. No injuries were reported.

Two units of Enniscorthy Fire Service, ambulance crews from the National Ambulance Service and the Garda provided emergency cover at the scene.

The road remained open to a single flow of traffic at all times but there was long tailbacks for a considerable time. Road conditions were dry at the time.

Two injured after Enniscorthy collision

Road closure on the R772 (old N11) between Blackstoops (seen here) and Scarawalsh roundabouts this evening. Diversions in place.

By Dan Walsh

Two people have been taken to hospital following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the R772 (the old N11) between the roundabouts at Scarawalsh and Blackstoops on the northern outskirts of Enniscorthy town.

The collision occurred around 12.30pm today and emergency vehicles were quickly on the scene including the Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117.

Two people were taken to hospital but their condition is “unknown” at this time.

The R772 remains closed and traffic is being diverted between Scarawalsh and Blackstoops roundabouts through Enniscorthy North Business Park.

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

Trucks in collision on the N25

By Dan Walsh

Traffic was seriously disrupted on the outskirts of the N25 ring road at Wexford between the Maldron Hotel and the Whitford Hotel roundabouts this afternoon after two trucks collided.

It is understood that a flatbed truck flipped onto its side after colliding with a truck towing a flashing warning message for hedge cutting which was taking place on the hard shoulder.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene. It is reported that the truck driver received minor injuries while the driver of the signage vehicle escaped unharmed.

Gardaí took charge of directing traffic and large tailbacks built up over a few hours.