Relief as toilet flushes on Vinegar Hill

The scene at Vinegar Hill car park on Saturday evening. The new toilet on the far left, the green doggy-poo bin in the centre, and the bag of dog shit on the right.

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Jackser Owens has welcomed what he describes as “the first ever public toilet” on Vinegar Hill and he visited the site on Friday as the workers placed ‘the trial unit’ in place.

Cllr Owens had called for public toilets on the popular tourist destination that is Vinegar Hill at district and county meetings of the Council for a long time. Jackser gets the plaudits.

This is a modern development for visitors to Vinegar Hill, however, no such facilities existed during the Insurrection of 1798 when, it is recorded and never forgotten, “lads pissed in the powder” and it was no use to the canons and the guns!

The provision of public toilets on the hill must be welcomed and improves the image of the area, however, it is a long way from improving mindless filthy bad habits.

I visited the hill twice today. At the entrance to the hill from the car park is a green dog poo bin – very prominent – and I didn’t check to see if it was full, but I avoided stepping in dog shit – it had been flattened so somebody brought home a souvenir on their shoe – and a bag full of the canine excrement in a white bag is dangling from the hedge beside it! Not a great image.

Last weekend WexfordLocal.com recorded the dumping of bathroom contents over a wall in the car park on Vinegar Hill. It has been completely removed.

On my way back to town, on the pedestrian crossing at the top of Drumgoold, opposite the new school, is rubbish, now scattered about, that has been there for a week!

Extensive rubbish dumping on the Killagoley to Springvalley road above the Turret Rocks. Other parts of the town are affected too, at the recent meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr John O’Rourke referred to fly-tipping in the Carley’s Bridge area, on the opposite side of town.

Local representatives and reporters like me get it in the neck when we are termed ‘negative about the town’ but realism must be recognised – the people of Enniscorthy and visitors to the town demand the respect of a clean and healthy environment and urgent action is required to meet these simple human expectations. Cover-ups are no good unless it goes into the bins provided.

Rachael is Ladies Day favourite at Wexford

Finalists in the Ladies Day competition at Wexford races this evening.

By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park

Leading jockey Rachael Blackmore was in brilliant form at Wexford this evening where she recorded a winning favourite double on Watch The Weather (1/1 fav) for Ray Cody’s stable in the handicap hurdle and Coole Arcade (15/8 fav) for the Waterford stable of Henry de Bromhead in the handicap chase.

The Brouder brothers had a winner each. First up in the maiden hurdle was Bold Approach (9/2) owned and bred by Mrs Jim Bolger with Gearoid Bruder in the saddle beat Willie Mullins’ High City Roller (Brian Hayes) by a short head. Winning trainer Brendan Duke said afterwards; “That win is for Paddy Bolger (from Oylegate who passed away recently). He was a terrific friend of mine and is an unbelievable loss to the Bolger family and to humanity, so that’s for him.”

There was a Wexford winner in the bumper. Lodilomoco (7/2) bred at Oylegate by Tim Nolan, who was on hand to congratulate the winning owner, Lorcan Higgins from Askamore and Tom Harney was the winning rider. The verdict was two and a quarter lengths.

Kieran Buckley, born in England with strong Clonroche connections, rode his second winner since arriving in Ireland, on the John McConnell trained Battle of Benburb (6/1) in the handicap hurdle.

Veteran Tipperary trainer Edward O’Grady saddled Act Of God (3/1) to win the beginner’s chase with Darragh O’Keeffe on board.

Gavin Brouder made in a Wexford double for the brothers on Val O’Brien’s Avec Espoir (33/1) in the opportunity handicap chase.

It was a very exciting evening’s racing – themed Ladies Day – held in brilliant summer conditions and the attendance was one of the largest seen at Bettyville for some time.

The four finalists in the Ladies Day competition were Anne Marie Blake (overall winner), Veronica Murphy, Melody Redmond and Sharon Curtin. Lorraine Booth was guest judge was Lorraine Booth and the sponsors were Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, and New Mood.

The Tote aggregate was €120,884.24 compared to €80,840.25 last year. The next race meeting at Bettyville Park takes place on Saturday, September 3rd.

Odour anger at Ballyminaun Hill steps up!

By Dan Walsh

There is a palpable anger at the lack of action by Wexford County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to the obnoxious odours constantly diminishing the quality of life in the neighbourhood and the town of Gorey from the compost plant on Ballyminaun Hill.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN who is campaigning with the residents affected by odour emissions in the Ballyminaun Hill neighbourhood of Gorey.

About 30 residents attended a public meeting last night (Thursday) held in the Barnadown Equestrian Centre and there was anger and support for the campaign to be stepped up as the winter months approach.

The attendance included Cllrs Joe Sullivan and Diarmuid Devereaux while apologies were noted on behalf of Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin. Mr Dermot Leahy attended on behalf of the Environment Section of Wexford County Council.

WexfordLocal.com understands that representatives of the Custom Compost Plant were invited to attend the meeting, but there was no response!

AUDIO ADDITION – CLLR JOE SULLIVAN comments on last night’s meeting on the Ballyminaun Hill campaign.

It was a lively discussion with the residents standing firm in their quest for a clean environment and the campaign is set to drag on. There is also grievous disappointment locally that Wexford County Council and the EPA have not done enough and the residents of Ballyminaun Hill feel strongly that they have been let down badly at official level.

Three angry residents from Ballyminaun Hill were guests of Wexford County Council at the June meeting where Cllr Joe Sullivan raised several issues relating to an obnoxious odour emanating from a compost plant.

Submissions were made by the plant owner in 2012 and 2017 and an extension to the chimney stack was added but the smell persists, and the neighbours have resorted to public protest and are calling for a quick solution to a long-standing problem.

CEO, Tom Enright told the members that Wexford County Council was aware of the situation at the mushroom compost site and indicated that there is a proposal by the owners for an alternative system. Mr Enright was assured of “the goodwill to get the matter resolved and find a good technical solution.”

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin supported Cllr Sullivan and stated that the Ballyminaun smell affects the school’s environment in Gorey town where there are over 1,000 students.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux, who told the members that he lives in the area, was critical of the compost plant owners and their lack of communication with the neighbouring households and outlined that in 2012 planning permission was granted to deal with the problem.

“It’s appalling, nobody should have to put up with that stink” and he added it is not about conflict between the jobs and people’s wellbeing – it is possible for a trap and hold system in a confined space – it has been going on for ten years and he concluded “while the company representatives will talk to the Executive they will not speak with the neighbours.”

New service on Rosslare-Dunkirk route

New DFDS service between Rosslare and Dunkirk starts on Friday.

By Dan Walsh

A new passenger service between Ireland and France will be launched on Friday on the DFDS Rosslare-Dunkirk route when passenger travel will be introduced on a trial basis, as an addition to the existing freight service between the two ports.

For the first time, DFDS will offer tourists a direct link between South-East Ireland and Northern France. The new service will be focused on car and motorhome traffic at launch, with limited capacity to complement our freight traffic.

Chris Parker, route director, said; “We launched a freight service between Rosslare and Dunkirk in January 2021 and it has proved extremely popular with customers looking to move goods between Ireland and continental Europe without the need to use the land-bridge via the UK. Adding passenger services to the route will further strengthen the service and we expect strong demand from holidaymakers in Ireland and in Northern Europe. Rosslare is at the heart of the ‘sunny southeast’ and a short drive from Dublin and Cork, making it a very popular destination. Irish customers will benefit from a direct link into the heart of Europe.”

Crossings on the route will take 23 hours and 45 minutes, with the overnight sailings providing an opportunity for customers to relax and recharge before driving on to their holiday destination. Against the backdrop of a looming summer of disruption at airports, the launch of the new route offers a stress-free alternative for holidaymakers looking to getaway. No luggage restrictions apply when you take your car to Europe by ferry.

There will be up to five sailings per week from Rosslare to Dunkirk and prices for a car and four passengers with a standard cabin onboard will start from €550, with all meals included.

€186,000 for Wexford outdoor amenities

By Dan Walsh

Funding of €186,000 has been awarded for outdoor amenities in Co. Wexford. Deputy Paul Kehoe welcomed the news from Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. The funding falls under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities such as walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes, and beaches.

Deputy Kehoe said: “This funding will develop 200 outdoor adventure projects across rural Ireland will attract visitors to mountain trails, forest walks, rivers, lakes and beaches.

“It will also provide a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation in Wexford as a destination for adventure tourism. Almost €4.3 million will be used to improve some 163 outdoor amenities across the country. Each project will receive up to €30,000 to support their enhancement.

  • €49,500: Extension to the Enniscorthy Riverside Walk.
  • €26,500: Relocation of a section of the Forge Trail, Carrickburn to improve safety.
  • €30,000: Resurfacing of the Oldbawn Carpark, Cahore Point.
  • €30,000: Upgrading the River Slaney banks trail and rerouting link to Blackstoops Road.
  • €20,250: Upgrading trails in Curragh, Kilaneran, Newtown and Annagh.
  • €30,000: Installing a range of seating types on the easy graded trails through Wexford.
ENNISCORTHY RIVER WALK (File Pic)

“Outdoor activities in Wexford play a key role in communities and we have seen this throughout the recent pandemic. Recreation tourism is growing internationally and has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for our rural towns and villages,” said Deputy Kehoe.

Minister Humphreys added: “Every county will benefit from today’s announcement so if you’re a walker, a swimmer, a cyclist or even a fisherman – check out the list to see what’s happening in your county.

“Some of these amenities are often hidden gems on our doorsteps so I’m encouraging people to get out and discover them over the rest of the summer”, Minister Humphreys concluded.

Fly-tipping ‘disgrace’ on Vinegar Hill

The scene of weekend fly-tipping on Vinegar Hill this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh

Indiscriminate dumping has appeared on Enniscorthy’s tourism ‘jewel in the crown’ Vinegar Hill over the weekend and is strongly condemned as determined efforts to make the famous 1798 battle site more visitor friendly are in the making.

“I’m really annoyed about anyone doing any kind of dumping but this is fly-tipping. Someone has renovated their bathroom and either they themselves or someone else has come and dumped this up on Vinegar Hill”, said Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy who is a member of Enniscorthy District Council and Chair of the Board of the National 1798 Centre Committee, who added: “It’s a disgrace and we need to find out who did it and if anybody knows they should come and tell us and immediately notify the Council. It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s sacrilege to that Hill.”

A trailer load of what appears to be the contents of an unwanted bathroom demolition were deposited over the boundary wall in the car park. It appears the rubbish was there over the weekend when thousands of visitors were in town for the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival and many of them may have visited Vinegar Hill.

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY condemns dumping on Vinegar Hill.

If anybody has any information regards this vandalism, or similar incidents countywide, they should contact Wexford County Council on 053 916000.

Motorcyclist in crash near Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí at Enniscorthy are appealing for any witnesses to come forward following a serious single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle that occurred shortly before 7am on Saturday at the Clohass Roundabout on the R744 Enniscorthy-New Ross road.

ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION 053 9233534 (File Pic).

The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was taken to University Hospital Waterford with serious injuries.

Gardai is appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam, and were travelling on the R744 or the area of the Clohass Roundabout between 6.30am and 7am are asked to make this footage available to the Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 9233534, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Thousands enjoyed Enniscorthy festival

Crowds waiting for the ‘Rockin’ Express’ steam train at Enniscorthy Railway Station today.

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy town centre is returning to normal tonight, the food stalls have left, there is music in venues till the late hours, after many thousands visited the town at the super successful Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival.

Thousands thronged the streets over two days with the only blip on the Saturday night when rain dampened proceedings from around 7pm. It is reckoned that the crowds were the biggest seen in the town since the glory days of the famous Strawberry Fair festival.

The event was described as “Ireland’s biggest rock and roll festival” and there was continuous music and dancing on the Market House stage every day. Night-time music and merriment took place at 14 venues and were well attended with visiting groups praising the festival organisers and hosts and thanking them for “a wonderful time in Enniscorthy.”

The food stalls were busy throughout the weekend. They reported a busy trade and were pleased with the town centre location which augurs well for the future development of the festival.

The funfair is still going late into the night. Long queues throughout the day as children and teenagers took on the thrill of the bumping cars and other fairground activity.

The exciting arrival of the steam train was delayed by half an hour, but nobody minded, and an energetic bunch of dancers kept everybody entertained at Enniscorthy Station until the 300 passengers from Dublin disembarked and were given a warm welcome to Enniscorthy.

The ‘Rockin’ Express‘ emerges from Enniscorthy tunnel this evening.

The steam train excursion was sold out within hours when it was first advertised. At Enniscorthy the visitors from the capital were replaced by 300 more passengers, mostly family groups, who enjoyed a return day excursion to Rosslare Strand.

The train was more than an hour late on arrival back in Enniscorthy where the locals disembarked, the 300 from Dublin, having enjoyed the delights of Enniscorthy, took advantage of the return trip and steamed away with wonderful memories.

It was a truly family fun occasion experienced in pleasant weather conditions.

And good news for the town’s age friendly and family friendly image, the weekend was successful in a safe and friendly way, as it should be, and no issues of anti-social behaviour or unsavoury happenings were reported.

Fishing boat in distress off Wexford coast

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare RNLI lifeboat responded to a local fisherman located 10 miles north of Rosslare Europort after he reported that his boat was taking on water rapidly at 9.40am yesterday (Saturday).

ROSSLARE RNLI (File Pic)

The volunteer crew arrived on the scene and passed over the salvage pump to help remove the water from the boat, but with the water waist high, the crew were concerned and close to abandoning ship.

The coxswain of the lifeboat ordered the Y boat to be deployed for the crew of the fishing vessel, but eventually the salvage pump made better progress in emptying the water from inside the hull.

After several hours, all the water was pumped out and the casualty vessel was stabilised. The vessel was towed back to the safety of Rosslare Europort.

Eammon O’Rourke, RNLI Coxswain at Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat Station, says; “This was an excellent service where the power and speed of the Severn lifeboat combined with our well-trained volunteer crew undoubtedly saved the fishing boat crew and their vessel.”

Enniscorthy becomes ‘a growing community’

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Community history was made in Enniscorthy this morning when Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council congratulated the committee and cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Enniscorthy Community Allotments at Gort na Gréine.

The new development consists of 64 plots, 20 raised beds and 60 spaces in the polytunnel. Cllr Browne, who lives locally and is a member of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) said it was a great honour to be privileged to perform the opening, he complimented everyone associated with the project and said it was a great community facility for Enniscorthy.

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR AIDAN BROWNE talking to DAN WALSH at the opening of Enniscothy Community Allotments this morning.
Pictured at the opening of the Enniscorthy Community Allotments – Anna Davis (Treasurer); Cllr Lisa McDonald, Chair LCDC; Cllr Aidan Browne, who cut the ribbon and performed the launch; Michael Devereux, Chairman Enniscorthy Community Allotments Committee; Noreen Kehoe (Secretary); Dr Cara Daly, Head of Horticulture Studies at SETU; Eimear McCauley (PRO) and Mark Cook (Vice-chairman).

Noreen Kehoe, Committee Secretary, told WexfordLocal.com that it was grass field up to February when the sod was first turned, it first opened on April 11th the purpose of the Open Day was to show “what has been achieved.

“Michael Devereux had an idea, he needed help, our first meeting was online because of Covid, we got a committee together, we applied for LEADER funding and the support of the community made it all come together,” explained Ms Kehoe.

Michael Devereux, Chairman of Enniscorthy Community Allotments Committee thanked everyone from his committee to Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for part played in bring the site from a grass field to a growing community.

Other members of the Committee include Mark Cook, Vice-Chairman and master of ceremonies; Noreen Kehoe, Secretary; Anna Davis, Treasurer; Eimear McCauley, PRO, and Committee Members Cllr Aidan Browne and Shelly Doyle.

Chairperson of Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Cllr Lisa McDonald, who is also Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District said it was great to be at the opening of the Allotments this morning. “This is a fantastic addition to the town where the entire community can come together. Well done to all involved, the LCDC look forward to continuing to support you in the future,” she concluded.

Dr. Cara Daly, Lecturer and Head of Horticulture at South East Technological University (SETU) gave a lengthy account of the relationship between horticulture and the community and outlined the satisfaction of sowing in the soil, caring for it, harvesting it and enjoying the food. “You have a growing community here and I would like to see it rolled out in all communities, and you have only been growing since April!” she added.

Amongst the attendance at the launch were Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Brendan Howlin, Cllrs Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathal Byrne and Kathleen Codd-Nolan. Mr Ger Mackey, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council was also present.