WexfordLocal.com

New shipping route Rosslare to Zeebrugge

By Dan Walsh

A new freight route between Rosslare Europort and Zeebrugge, Belgium, will commence on July 23^rd 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.

Bloomsday launch for Anne Ireton’s book

**Author ANNE IRETON with her new book *Spirit of our Times- Zeltgeist* at the launch in the Tara Vie Hotel, Courtown, last night.**

By Dan Walsh

We are assured that it was coincidental, but Anne Ireton’s second book Spirit of our Times – Zeitgeist, was launched last night at a pleasant function in the Tara Vie Hotel, Courtown Harbour, which was the famous Bloomsday. It was a nice literary twist to a special occasion.

This is the second collection of poetry and short stories from the creative Anne Ireton, a native of Courtown Harbour, now living in Ardamine, and one of the rapid rising stars of the literary world in Co. Wexford.

Anne joined Gorey Writer’s Group in 2016 and it was the founder of that group, and “Anne’s great friend and alloy”, Bernie Walsh, who was given the privilege of launching the publication. “I launch this book and send it far out there into the galaxy and I have great hopes that you will continue writing great works on those blank pages that can be very difficult to accomplish. I look forward to many books to come in the future, well done Anne,” concluded Bernie.

There was also support from Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, who spoke highly of Anne’s creative talent, congratulated her, and read his favourite extract from the book.

“I am delighted and honoured that Anne asked me to say a few words. Anne has been known as a prolific and inspiring writer, very well read, rich in vocabulary and a very deep spiritual writer,” he concluded.

Best selling author and writer with HOT PRESS, Jackie Hayden, praised Anne Ireton’s “high-quality thought-provoking material.

In reply, Anne Ireton said she was “overwhelmed and grateful and a bit emotional” and she thanked everyone for the kind words and for all the support over the last few years.

The author’s sister Jane Hughes acted as master of ceremonies and readers included Álanna Hammel, Mary Keogh-Hanson and Amy Eastwood. Following the speeches and readings and some fine food the literary celebration continued with a music session with local musician Noel Dunbar.

AUDIO ADDITION – ANNE IRETON talking to DAN WALSH about her latest book at last night’s launch in Courtown.

Sensible water usage urged for Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water has plans to upgrade the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment plant to bring a safer and more reliable supply to homes and businesses in Enniscorthy. Similarly, an upgrade is planned for the Newtown Water Treatment Plant in Wexford town. This will bring a more robust and safer supply to 20,000 people around the town.

Since March, Irish Water has been carefully monitoring all raw water sources in county Wexford, that is the water from lakes, rivers, springs and ground sources that feed water treatment plants.

Speaking about the developing situation, Irish Water’s Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald said: “We are appealing to the public in Wexford to be mindful of how they use their water at home, as we have had a very dry period recently. As the busy summer holiday period kicks in, many people will be outdoors a lot more, watering the garden or washing cars. We are just asking people to be sensible about how they use their water so that we have enough for everyone to use during the daytime and that the businesses of Wexford can function to their optimal.

“The prolonged dry weather has exacerbated the demand on water. Our main areas of concern at the moment would be the Wexford Town and Enniscorthy areas as they have on-going supply issues, but we also have challenges elsewhere in the county such as Bunclody. Water is such a precious natural resource, and we are working hard along with our colleagues in Wexford County Council to ensure the people in Wexford have a safe and reliable water supply.”

New research by Irish Water shows over half of Irish households (53%) admit to wasting water, despite 78% acknowledging it’s important to take steps to conserve it. The news comes as Irish Water launches a new Conservation Calculator, which will assist households across the country to assess their water usage habits and find out how much water they are saving on a daily basis. It also offers useful and practical tips on how to reduce water usage and track their progress. Pictured at the launch of Irish Water new Conservation Calculator were pupils from Scoil Treasa Naofa, Dublin 8, Mia Fahy (age 9), Abdullah Bilal (age 11), Amira Dziri (age 8), Yataro Tsuba (age 11), Cali Atkinson (age 7), Eve McLean (age 11), Abderahim Taicha (age 7), Mohnish Shaniloll (age 10) and Asmaa Ibn El Banna (age 11). Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

The Irish Water 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. Irish Water and Wexford County Council regret any inconvenience caused.

Summer Féte in Enniscorthy Showgrounds

By Dan Walsh

Lots of fun for all the family is promised at the Summer Féte and Family Fun Day taking place in the County Showgrounds at Enniscorthy (X21 XP63) from 2-5pm on Saturday afternoon and everybody is welcome.

The event is a fundraiser for Enniscorthy Union of Parishes (which include St. Mary’s, Enniscorthy, Clone, Clonmore, Monart and Templescobin, but the emphasis is on community gathering and renewal of friendships and acquaintances following two years of lockdown and disruption to normal family life. A renewal of neighbourliness in a spirit of fun.

“We would love to see everybody there. All are welcome,” Rev. Canon Nicola Halford, Rector, told WexfordLocal.com.

AUDIO ADDITION; REV CANON NICOLA HALFORD talks to DAN WALSH about the Summer Féte and Family Fun Day.

There will be the best of local food such as cakes and country produce, plenty of activities for the children, lots for everybody, including books and toys, and not forgetting the Pet Dog Show – nothing to do with pedigree or good looks! Bring your pet – if he could do some magic tricks he could win a prize or if he just snores in the warm sunshine he could also be a winner! It’s all about a fun day for all the family.

Calling the shots at Rebellion Day

**Rebellion Day happens next Sunday in the grounds of Enniscorthy’s National 1798 Rebellion Centre.**

By Dan Walsh

The inaugural Rebellion Day takes place next Sunday from noon until 4.30pm in the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy and the organisers are hopeful of a large attendance and promising an action-packed afternoon of activities suitable for all the family.

Deputy Manager Eve Furlong told WexfordLocal.com; “This community family afternoon acknowledges the efforts of locals in the fight for Irish independence over many centuries and, in particular, June of 1798. We hope to celebrate our history and how far we’ve come in terms of peace along with showcasing our facilities and offering in the 1798 Centre”.

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre, in association with the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, is calling for all County Wexford 1998 Banners to join them on the day and represent their communities.

Local Re-enactment organiser, Ray Murphy, says: “Re-enactment societies are actively recruiting new members and we will have sign-ups on the day. Members have an opportunity to pay homage to our past heroes and participate in commemorations and re-enactments throughout the year. The Enniscorthy Re-enactors Society will set up camp in the gardens of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre on the day. Watch out – there may even be a few shots fired!”

Gorey blacksmith, Finín Liam Christie, will be on hand to demonstrate making a forged iron pike, while The Wild Turkeys provide live traditional music sessions throughout the afternoon. Bring the Dads and Granddad’s and make a day of it with Jack’s Burgers, kids activities by Red Moon and stalls to include crafts and fresh Strawberries. National 1798 Rebellion Centre Tour Guide, Derek Meyler will perform two weapons demonstrations during the day showing the weapons used on both sides during the Battle of Vinegar Hill to remind us of the valiant efforts made, against the odds.

The Centre will be open for tours from €5 between 12-5pm, so if you haven’t been in to see the exhibition or it has been a while, come show your support and see inside some local interactive history. The Café will be open for coffee, tea, cold drinks, and snacks with the toilet facilities available to all.

Driving test jobs could be lost?

By Dan Walsh

Gorey-based Cllr Andrew Bolger has expressed frustration at the RSA’s decision to reduce the working week of driving testers to 35 hours a week and has written to the Department of Transport and the Road Safety Authority pleading with them to provide clarity on the matter.

The RSA have confirmed that testers who have been doing an extra test per day under the longer working week will have their hours reduced.

Cllr Bolger said; “It is my understanding that there are a number of testers that have been told that their job could be gone by the end of August, but they are left in limbo without answers it seems. It’s frustrating for them. If you look at the bigger picture you have young people looking for driving tests.”

Cllr Bolger is particularly concerned about the backlog on tests and ‘young people have been disproportionately affected’ by the pandemic, based on research by the ERSI.

“They need to get the license to be able to work or for example drive to college in September because of the shortage of housing around the colleges. We need the RSA and the Department to make decisions that will benefit young people. I believe this will prolong the waiting lists,” concluded Cllr Bolger.

Elliott dominates at Wexford races

By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park

Three victories for Meath trainer Gordon Elliott and a first racecourse success for Peter Smithers on his first ride in a steeplechase were the highlights at this evening’s race meeting held in summer conditions at Bettyville Park.

Elliott, who wasn’t present, saddled Dartington (16/1) to win the novice hurdle with Corey McGivern up; added number two with the red-hot favourite Call Me Lyreen (1/4 fav.) with Conor McNamara in the saddle, held off the strong challenge of Trans Wood, trained at New Ross by Gordon Doyle, by four lengths in the novice chase and made it three in the bumper by ‘a nose’ with Silver Breeze (2/1 fav.) ridden by Harry Swan.

Stake And Onions (Gary Noonan) won the mares maiden hurdle for Eoin McCarthy from Limerick and in third place was Talkingthetalk from Leonard Whitmore’s Blackwater yard.

Chapel Street (4/1) from the Castlemartyr yard of Joseph Hennessy was the five and a half lengths winner of the Slaney River Ladies Handicap Hurdle with top rider Jody Townend on board.

There was another Cork winner in the Opportunity Handicap Chase where the Robert Tyner trained Nelly’s Memory (6/1) prevailed by one and three-quarter lengths for jockey Ambrose McCurtin.

Peter Smithers from Monasterevan enjoyed his first success on Padraig Roche’s Outside The Door (8/1) after the last fence fall of leader Mica Malpic and scored by six and a half lengths with Philip Rothwell’s Walking The Walk finishing third for the local yard at Tinahely.

The Tote aggregate was €79.523. 22 (7 races) compared with €97,008.31 (8 races) last year. The next fixture at Bettyville Park is scheduled for Friday evening, July 1^st.

Residents fed up with Ballyminaun Hill stink!

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Meeting

Three angry residents from Ballyminaun Hill, near Gorey, were guests at the rear of the chamber at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council where Cllr Joe Sullivan raised a number of issues relating to an obnoxious smell from a compost plant and asked the Executive “What can you tell these people who continue to live with it?”

Cllr Sullivan asked what was the implications for children, people in the neighbourhood trying to dry clothes, having a normal outdoors existence, which everybody is entitled to, not to mention a devaluation of property in the area?

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 Sullivan said it was time for Wexford County Council and the EPA to get together and make a move!

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.”

County Secretary “to hang up my spurs”

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Meeting

County Secretary David Minogue told today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council that he is to retire on July 1^st after 38 years’ service in local government. “I will hang up my spurs,” Mr. Minogue told members and officials and thanked everyone for their support and said; “I enjoyed my time with Wexford County Council.”

“It was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed my press friendship and hold huge respect for the elected members – they were always very fair – but each has a job to do. I also want to thank my colleagues at the top table, and I am content in my decision.”

Mr Minogue announced that his replacement as County Secretary will be Michael Drea, a native of Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny, who is already on the staff at Wexford County Council.

Many tributes followed. Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan described Mr Minogue as “very approachable” and she wished “yourself and Anne the best of luck. Cllr Pip Breen wished him well. Cllr John Fleming said; “Thanks for your years of service. You were always fair. Enjoy your retirement.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne wished him well “in the next phase of your life. 38 years is a long time. Very best of luck.” Cllr Michael Sheehan joined in the good wishes and recalled Mr Minogue’s time at New Ross Urban Council. “You knew from day one how the system worked. Congratulations and farewell. You can be proud of your legacy at Wexford County Council.”

Cllr Michael Whelan thanked Mr Minogue for his service and courtesy. “You were always at the end of the phone, and I wish you a long and exciting retirement.” Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin recalled that Mr Minogue “did a lot of good work in the Gorey area” and wished him well.

“Thanks for your guidance,” said Cllr Willie Kavanagh. “I wish you the best in retirement,” added Cllr Davy Hynes. Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “I wish you the very best after a long and distinguished career in Co. Wexford.

Cllr Par Barden sent his best wishes. “You were always at the other end of the phone,” he added. Cllr Garry Laffan said; “you were always helpful and welcoming”. Cllr Andrew Bolger said; “good luck in the next phase of life” and Cllr Donal Kenny said; “you were always helpful” and wished him the best of luck.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy recalled a Council related trip to New York on St. Patrick’s Day with Mr Minogue, and she praised his courtesy and joined with everyone in the chamber in wishing him a happy retirement.

Chief Executive Officer, Tom Enright, thanked Mr Minogue for his “dedication, devotion to duty and he understood the role of councillors,” and said; “you will leave a huge loss for your knowledge, dedication and expertise.”

Mr Enright said Mr Minogue joined the local authority in Kildare in 1983, came to Wexford in 1990 and served in New Ross, Enniscorthy and Gorey before settling in County Hall where he took up the role of County Secretary and Communications Officer in succession to Pat Collins on his retirement. Mr Minogue’s father, Denny, was an overseer with Clare County Council for 40 years.

Water works on the Old Dublin Road

**OLD DUBLIN ROAD, ENNISCORTHY (File Pic)**

By Dan Walsh

Water mains rehabilitation works on the Old Dublin Road in Enniscorthy, commenced today, with the road closure and traffic management being put in place and the actual mains rehab works starting next Monday, June 20th.

Irish Water’s Joe Carroll said; “The works involve the replacement of over 2km of problematic water mains on the Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, as part of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.

“The section of works will take place along the Old Dublin Road (L2008) between the Clovass Roundabout and Fran Cullen sales garage. The works will be carried by Wexford County Council in partnership with Irish Water and are expected to be completed by mid-October 2022.”

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 our website www.water.ie