Apology for making 46 Gorey people sick!

File Picture

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Council meeting

The detailed report on the Creagh Water Quality incident at Creagh Water Treatment Plant, near Gorey, last August, was published and presented at the monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council yesterday (Tuesday) where Jim Fitzgerald apologised on behalf of Irish Water “for making 46 people sick” but acknowledged that “huge lessons have been learned from the Creagh incident”.

A statement issued on Tuesday evening read: “Wexford County Council again wishes to most sincerely apologise to all those people affected by this incident.”

Cllr Pip Breen thanked the authors of the report and said; “We are very lucky there were no casualties” and he was happy that the recommendations were either completed or in progress.

Cllr Joe Sullivan complimented Minister Darragh O’Brien for his quick action and credited him with taking a serious look at the 46 people who were impacted.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain queried the ‘overuse’ of chlorine in the water and asked why rivers and lakes are not checked for quality of the water? However, Cllr Ó Súilleabhain was told that the chlorine input was controlled nationally and the HSE were responsible for any infections arising from water content!

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux described the report as “very detailed, very honest, frank and held nothing back” and he indicated that he is satisfied that it will not happen again. “There has been a lot of checks and balances and I am happy that it will not happen again,” he concluded.

Cllr Andrew Bolger said communication is the key for a quick response maintenance and it was very positive, and he now had confidence in the Gorey water supply. Cllr Joe Sullivan also expressed “confidence in the safety of the Gorey water supply.”

Irish Water was represented at the meeting by Jim Fitzgerald, Regional Manager, Richard Ó hEadhra, Regional Communications and P.J. Rudden of Angus Consulting Ltd who compiled the report. Fionnuala Callery, Senior Engineer, and Eamon Hore, Director of Service with responsibility for water and roads at Wexford County Council were also in attendance and Mr. Hore outlined the details contained in the report and answered members questions.

The Report is the outcome of a comprehensive examination conducted over several months by P.J. Rudden of Aengus Consulting Ltd who was commissioned by Wexford County Council to examine all the circumstances that led to the water quality incident in Gorey in August 2021.

The report sets out in great detail the facts and causes of the incident, examining everything from the site alarm systems, the frequency of plant servicing, standard operating procedures, staffing on site, communication problems, to the Service Level Agreement between Wexford County Council and Irish Water. Irish Water is the national water utility company which is responsible for the operation of all public water and wastewater services including Creagh Water Treatment Plant, which is operated under a Service Level Agreement by Wexford County Council.

A day-by-day incident outline and the sequence of events which led to the serious water quality incident are also systematically chronicled and investigated.

The comprehensive report carried out by Aengus Consulting Ltd highlighted deficiencies in a number of areas including equipment and operation of the Water Treatment Plant and human error. The report has formed the basis of a comprehensive way forward by Wexford County Council and Irish Water to carry out the required improvements at the plant which will guarantee that such a serious incident will not transpire again.

The water quality incident arose from a power failure at the plant during the late evening of Thursday 19th August last. The chlorine dosing pumps failed as a result of the power outage. The impact of the power failure was compounded by human error and a lack of supervisory oversight that allowed water, without the appropriate level of disinfection to enter the public water supply at Gorey for a period of 4 days from 19th to the 23rd of August 2021. The HSE subsequently reported that the number of people who fell ill from the water incident was 46, all of whom attended their GPs, and one person was eventually hospitalised.

Further issues highlighted by the report were the requirement for ongoing training by plant operators to take account of changes in treatment processes and the limited compliance with Irish Water Standard Operational Procedures.

The report goes onto outline 13 separate recommendations to ensure that there is no recurrence of the Creagh incident. The recommendations include the provision of an alarm system for power failure, a standby generator to guard against any future power failure, a return to quarterly specialist maintenance of mechanical equipment, changes to the remote monitoring system (SCADA), a review of staffing and duties at the plant, implementation of automatic plant shutdown in response to water quality issues, an upgrade of the chlorine dosing system, replacement and servicing of the sand and filtration system, the full implementation of Irish Water Standard Operation Procedures, an audit of all treatment plants in the county and a review of incident management. All these recommendations have been taken on board and are being addressed by Wexford County Council and Irish Water and many have already been put in place.

Since the incident last year €200,000 has been invested by Irish Water in upgrading the plant at Creagh with another €2 million committed to fund further agreed planned upgrades already underway. Staffing changes and a reorganisation of duties have also been carried out in line with the recommendations of the report

“Wexford County Council is fully satisfied that the works already carried out and the further upgrades committed to by Irish Water will ensure that there will be no repetition of this Water Quality failure at the Creagh Plant,” said a statement from Wexford Council that concluded; “Wexford County Council again wishes to most sincerely apologise to all those people affected by this incident.”

Vinegar Hill – the longest day commemoration

A lone piper leads the pikemen onto Vinegar Hill this evening for the annual 1798 commemoration event.

By Dan Walsh at Vinegar Hill

June 21st 2022 – the longest day of the year- and the 224th anniversary of the Battle of Vinegar Hill was remembered with dignity and ceremony this evening.

Jimmy Cooper (piper) led the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society members in period dress along the lane leading to the hill where a few speeches were delivered.

The speakers included Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chair of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Sean Doyle, also a member of the Centre committee and Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in one of his final duties in the position as the annual general meeting happens next Monday.

Also in attendance were Deputy Johnny Mythen, Cllr Aidan Browne, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and Cllrs Kathleen Codd-Nolan, John O’Rourke and Jackser Owens.

Newly elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr George Lawlor attended and made his own piece of social history by performing a beautiful rendition of Boolavogue, and not to be out done, Enniscorthy singer and re-enactor Tim Corrigan was equally brilliant singing The Croppy Boy.

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY, Chair of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre Committee, speaking at Vinegar Hill this evening.

Newly installed Administrator at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Fr Tom Dalton, was joined by Rev. Leslie Crampton (retired) representing Rev. Canon Nicola Halford, who is enjoying her holidays, from the Church of Ireland who spoke with inspiration and a prayer.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Emily Murphy, grand-daughter of the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactor Society founder Ray Murphy, both laid wreaths at the information plaque. Derek Meyler recited some history and acted as master of ceremonies and the ceremony, which was open to the public, ended with Jimmy Cooper playing the National Anthem on the pipes.   

New Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council CLLR GEORGE LAWLOR speaking with DAN WALSH on Vinegar Hill this evening.

Cllr Donal Kenny is new Cathaoirleach

CLLR DONAL KENNY elected CATHAOIRLEACH at the annual general meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council today.

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

Fianna Fail’s Cllr Donal Kenny from Craanford is the new Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council following the annual general meeting held in the Civic Centre, Gorey, this afternoon.

Cllr Kenny’s name was put forward by Cllr Andrew Bolger and seconded by Cllr Willie Kavanagh while Cllr Diarmuid Devereux was proposed by Cllr Oliver Walsh and seconded by Cllr Anthony Donohoe

Following a vote Cllr Kenny was declared the winner by six votes to three and was congratulated by outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen and took charge of the chains of office.

Cllr Kenny said it was “a huge honour” to be in the position and he thanked “my team” in Gorey, Cllr Bolger who proposed me, and my wife Helen and Danny, who were present in the chamber. Cllr Kenny is looking forward to progressing projects in Gorey town and district and is planning an ‘in-house’ meeting with his fellow members to format a plan of action for the coming year.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux is the Leas-Cathaoirleach for 2022-23. Cllr Devereux was proposed by Cllr Donohoe and seconded by Cllr Walsh while Cllr Mary Farrell was proposed by Cllr Willie Kavanagh and seconded by Cllr Andrew Bolger. The Fine Gael member triumphed by six votes to four.

Good wishes were expressed by all members to the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach and Philip Knight, Administrator, on behalf of the staff.

Tributes were paid to the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen who, in turn paid tribute to the staff and outlined a long list of eventful occasions along the way. “We had our good days and our bad days,” said Cllr Breen who recalled the Water Treatment Plant episode in August, the floods on Christmas Day, the tragic death of Council worker Billy Kinsella during Storm Eunace at Ballythomas in February – “it was a shock to everybody and we send our sympathies to Rita and Conor -the events on St. Patrick’s Day, the visit of the Ukraine Ambassador, Polski-Éire Day, the opening of the enhancement at Courtown Harbour, events at Boolavogue and Wonderworld and Active Tribe who “left the woods as they were and will honour all the commitments given.”

Philip Knight, who became District Administrator, during the lifetime of the last Council thanked Cllr Breen and Liz Stanley “for taking me under their wing.” He also gave a visual presentation on many of the community events that were revived after the pandemic lockdown.   

Cllr George is 125th Cathaoirleach

CLLR GEORGE LAWLOR, Cathaoirleach, and CLLR MICHAEL WHELAN, Leas-Cathaoirleach, following elections at the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council at Council HQ, Carricklawn, Wexford, today.

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council annual general meeting

Veteran Wexford town and Labour Party member Cllr George Lawlor was elected as the 125th Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual general meeting held in the council chamber at Carricklawn, Wexford, this afternoon. He defeated Fine Gael’s Cllr Frank Staples by 21 votes to 8.

Cllr Lawlor said his election was “a singular honour for his family and the Labour Party” and he thanked the members for their support. Cllr Lawlor’s wife Yvonne and his daughter Rachel were present in the chamber, while using modern technology, two other daughters, Ruth in Edinburgh and Sarah in Dubai and preparing for a flight to Dallas were able to congratulate their proud Dad on his great achievement in a history-making link up on the big screen.

Cllr Lawlor outlined his aims for the coming year and stated his wish to be “a Cathaoirleach across the county” and promised to support projects in Enniscorthy, New Ross, Gorey-Kilmuckridge and Rosslare with the same vigour as his native Wexford.

Cllr Lawlor was proposed by Cllr Maura Bell, who described him as “vastly experienced, was Mayor of Wexford four times, a role he performed with “dignity and ability” and in a light-hearted gesture she referred that he could be “better known for singing!”

Cllr Ger Carthy seconded Cllr Lawlor. “He was almost 18 years on the Wexford Borough Council, 14 years on Wexford County Council, Mayor of Wexford on four occasions and was “very well positioned to take the chair.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne proposed Cllr Frank Staples for the position. He was on the old Wexford district council in 2014, re-elected in 2019 in the Rosslare district and was Mayor Wexford in 2017 and had done sterling work for mental health.

Cllr Oliver Walsh seconded Cllr Byrne’s proposal. “Cllr Staples was Mayor of Wexford and Chair of Rosslare District; I think he would make an excellent chair and I am happy to second the proposal.”

When the roll-call vote was computed Cllr George Lawlor came in with 21 votes, and declared elected Cathaoirleach, while Cllr Frank Staples received eight votes.

The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach was bestowed on Cllr Michael Whelan, proposed by Cllr John Fleming and seconded by Cllr Michael Sheehan.

His opponent was Cllr Bridín Murphy, the outgoing Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, proposed by Cllr Jim Moore and seconded by Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan. Cllr Whelan defeated Cllr Murphy by 21 votes to 8.

Cllr Whelan thanked the members for their support and pledged his support as understudy to Cllr Lawlor over the coming year.

At the meeting tributes were paid to the excellent work of the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Anthony Connick for their work during 2021-22. Cllr Murphy said she enjoyed “a very busy year” coming out of the Covid restrictions and outlined a long list of achievements. “I attended 40 events, not including meetings, since May 1st,” she added.

Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enright, paid tribute to the work of Cllr Murphy and he also welcomed Cllr Lawlor to the chair. He described it as “an exceptional year”.

Tributes were also paid to the family and friends of Council worker Billy Kinsella who lost his life while on Council duty near his home at Ballythomas on February 18th during Storm Eunance and sympathy and remembrance were conveyed to his wife Rita and son Conor and, also, his work colleagues.

Attendance at the annual general meeting included Deputies Brendan Howlin and Verona Murphy and Senator Malcolm Byrne.    

Enniscorthy promotes its history and heritage…and there is more to come!

The ‘field of battle camp site’ re-enactment in the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy.

A camp site featuring the redcoats and the pikemen was the feature at the inaugural Rebellion Day held in the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy today.

Members of Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society were in battle dress for the occasion and there was great curiosity in the weapons of the period on demonstration, particularly from the families and younger generation who showed up in strong numbers.

Renowned blacksmith Finian Liam Christie from Coolgreany had his furnace in full fire and was busy informing visitors about the ancient art of pike-making.

Today’s event, held in pleasant outdoor weather conditions, was the beginning of some history and heritage events happening in Enniscorthy.

Tuesday – the longest day June 21st – is also the anniversary of the Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798 and the local re-enactors are welcoming the public to join them on Vinegar Hill at 7pm for a small commemoration ceremony that has been an annual pageant for as long as most people can remember!

On Saturday, July 2nd, Enniscorthy will host a special commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Enniscorthy, which raged for four days on the streets of the town from July 1st-4th, 1922.

The proceedings open at 11am, local historian Barry Lacey will give an outline of the events in 1922 and

A re-enactment of the Battle of Enniscorthy will take place at Enniscorthy Castle featuring re-enactors from Lord Edwards Own and Enniscorthy Historical Re-Enactment Society.

The keynote speakers will be Sean Haughey, grandson of Seán Lemass, who fought at the Battle of Enniscorthy and Carmel Smyth, author of Monteith – The Making of a Rebel.

There will also be a prayer for all who died in Enniscorthy and Wexford in the War of Independence and Civil War.

It promises to be a wonderful commemoration located around Enniscorthy where all the action and activity occurred in 1922. WexfordLocal.com will bring more details as the event gets closer, but this advance publicity is aimed at information for families and friends to decide to attend and make plans. All are welcome. Enniscorthy welcomes everybody!  

Man arrested after €1.3m drugs seized

By Dan Walsh

A man has been arrested after heroin and cocaine, with an estimated street value of €1.3 million were seized at Rosslare Europort this morning.

Revenue officers stopped and searched an unaccompanied trailer after it arrived on a ferry from Dunkirk in France.

The search was carried out as a result of routine profiling and using Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner.

The officers found over 5kg of heroin and 8kg of cocaine, which were concealed in a hidden compartment of the trailer.

A man in his 30s was arrested and is being held at Wexford Garda Station.

Investigations are continuing.

If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295. 

Great day at Gorey Show

Admired these cars at the Gorey Show. Can you believe that these were fuel guzzlers – not too many miles to the gallon – but €2.15 per litre would probably run them for a decade. Food for thought. 1920-2022?

By Dan Walsh at Ashton, Ballycanew

I dropped in yesterday afternoon to the 161st Gorey Agricultural Show at Ashton, Ballycanew, the overcast sky was pleasant to the attendance, and it was wonderful to see this historic rural occasion restored after the pandemic.

It was a truly family occasion – I would say the dog classes were the most popular attraction – but the vintage section added a traditional flavour and reminded us of the way machinery used to be on the family farm in times past.

Wexford and Clare were playing their hearts out in the All-Ireland senior hurling quarter final, and thanks to the committee, patrons were able to follow every stroke of the ball. Sadly, the cheers faded towards the end, but there is always another day!

Declan Flanagan had them all up dancing and Stacey Breen sang good country ‘n’ western songs while Seamus Long kept the little folk entertained. And the mammies and daddies clapped along and hailed their little heroes!

Great to see people of all ages out and about again in a spirit of entertainment and enjoying themselves in a no-pressure environment. After two years of lockdown, let’s appreciate the simple things in rural life, the outdoor setting, the renewal of friendships, and the weather played its part!

Pity the showjumping and horse and cattle classes were missing, but there are reasons beyond the control of the volunteers and organising committee for that, but hopefully, they will be back soon!

And finally, and on a personal note, I was very impressed with the traffic arrangements and general layout of food stalls, commercial stalls etc. and everything worked out perfectly without stress or complaint. Well done, to the Gorey Agricultural Show Committee… great show!

Death of ex-Kilanerin PP Canon O’Brien

The death has occurred of Very Rev. Patrick Canon O’Brien, Chambersland, New Ross, a former President of St. Peter’s College, Wexford, and parish priest of Kilanerin for 28 years. He was in his 89th year.

VERY REV CANON PATRICK O’BRIEN

Ordained at Maynooth in June 1958, he spent 26 years at St. Peter’s College where he held the positions of Professor of Philosophy (1959-1981), Dean (1976-1981) and President (1981-1985).

He served 28 years as parish priest at Kilanerin (1985-2013).

He died peacefully on Friday surrounded by his loving family. Eldest son of the late May and Walter O’ Brien, Cushinstown. Predeceased by his sister Peg.

Sadly missed by his loving sisters Maureen and Stasia, brothers Maurice, Wally and Lar, Bishop Ger Nash and the priests of the Diocese of Ferns, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, extended family, friends and former parishioners. May His Gentle Soul Rest in Peace.

Reposing at Cooney’s Funeral Home, New Ross, (Y34 N677) today Saturday from 3pm concluding with Rosary at 6.30pm followed by removal to St. Mary’s Church, Cushinstown. Requiem mass on Sunday at 2pm. Followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining church grounds.

Ballyfad heritage on the world wide

Folklorist MICHAEL FORTUNE and CLLR FIONNTAN Ó SUILLEABHÁIN who performed the launch of A Ramble Through Time in Ballyfad Hall last night.

By Dan Walsh

A series of interviews with local people in the Ballyfad area are available on the world wide web following last night’s launch of ‘A Ramble Through Time – Vol. 4 and 5, by local Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, held in Ballyfad Hall.

The work was done by well-known folklorist, Michael Fortune, a few years ago, however due to the death of the parish priest of Kilanerin Fr. Donal Berney (August 24th 2019), and two years of the pandemic lockdown, it has taken until now for the work to be launched and it is universally available on the internet via folklore.ie.

“It was a great event and many of the people involved were here tonight to hear Michael Fortune who played excerpts from the recordings, and I wish to thank Michael for his great work with the community over a number of years,” concluded Cllr Ó Súilleabháin.

Amongst the locals who appear in the visual recordings are Tom Cullen, Mary Fortune, Joe Miller, Peter Kelly, Maureen Cullen, Tom Boland, Kathleen Kinsella, Eileen O’Sullivan, Paddy and Nellie Murray, and Cllr Ó Súilleabháin.

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN speaking at the launch of A Ramble Through Time in Ballyfad Hall last night.

New shipping route Rosslare to Zeebrugge

By Dan Walsh

A new freight route between Rosslare Europort and Zeebrugge, Belgium, will commence on July 23rd launched by Finnlines, and will provide a new direct link between Ireland and Continental Europe, which also offers a new connection from Finland to Ireland.

The route will be operated by the ro-ro vessel, Finnpulp, which has the capacity to carry 3,259 lane metres of cargo, equivalent to around 225 trailers. The vessel can also accommodate 12 drivers.

There will be two departures per week from each direction.

Demand for freight services from Ireland to Continental Europe has grown in the wake of Brexit and the new route will provide a crucial link for Irish industry. The Finnish industry, as well as German and Spanish industries, will also have an easier access to Ireland via transshipment in Zeebrugge.

“We are delighted to support the growing post-Brexit Irish trade to the Continent and provide transport operators with an important alternative route, which will greatly benefit all stakeholders and the Irish economy. Finnlines provides cost-efficient and high frequency liner services to its customers with the lowest CO2 emissions per transported cargo unit,” says Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines.

“Finnlines is proud to expand its route network and upgrade its services to support its customers to grow and develop new businesses,” confirms Tom Pippingsköld, Finnlines President and CEO.

Finnlines specialises in freight transport and the extensive line network provides Finland’s export industry with a regular and reliable way to the European market, while ensuring imports of goods that are important for security of supply.