Last year (2021) Aldi sourced over €9.5 million of locally produced food and drink from Wexford based suppliers. Aldi partners with nine Wexford producers including long-term relationships with Sean Stafford Bakeries and O’Connor Nurseries. Last year Aldi began working with two Wexford suppliers for the first time, Wild about Food and The Ring of Hook Smokehouse.
Niall O’Connor, Group Managing Director, Aldi Ireland said: “Our goal is to make a positive impact in every local community that our stores serve. Our operations and stores contribute to businesses, communities and families right across Wexford.
“We have invested €23.5 million in our Wexford stores over the last number of years, while we sourced more than €9.5 million of locally produced food and drink from Wexford based suppliers last year. Multiple local charities have also availed of our support through our FoodCloud partnership and Community Grants initiative.”
Operating seven stores in Wexford, Aldi employs 185 full time staff, spending €5 million on wages annually.
All available opportunities can be found on the Aldi Recruitment website.
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS at Carricklawn, Wexford.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Meeting
Proposed conditions attached to an advertising deal with editorial control and conditions between Wexford County Council’s Head of Communications, David Minogue, and the Managing Director of South East Radio, Eamonn Buttle, publicly leaked and published in a national newspaper at the weekend, fitted the agenda at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.
Mr Minogue gave a detailed account of the matter. It emerged that Mr Minogue had asked that, going forward, South East Radio would not broadcast “personal views or opinions of presenters”; that they retain all raw recorded material for a period of two years in case of a dispute with the local authority and that once Wexford County Council avails of a right to reply on an issue, that this should be the end of the matter and it should not be raised again.
“I’m the Head of Communications and I didn’t ask or discuss the matter with Tom (Enright) at all. I did this myself and I won’t have Tom dragged into this, “said Mr Minogue.
Explaining his actions, Mr Minogue stated that he had reached out to South East Radio following the SIPO investigation to “move matters on and rebuild what I considered to be a necessary working relationship”.
Mr Minogue stated that he had a constructive meeting with Mr Buttle at South East Radio on January 24th and they discussed how similar issues to those raised in the SIPO report could best be avoided in future. “When I left the meeting that day, I felt we made quite good progress,” he said.
“In that meeting I indicated to Mr Buttle that I fully expected the council to continue advertising with the radio station and, for the record, we never stopped. We’ve no plans to stop. I estimated the value of that to be around €40,000 to €50,000 per year, which is roughly what we’re spending now. At the end of the meeting, we agreed I would go forward to South East Radio’s advertising department and would agree a service level agreement, basically setting out the criteria for how we might deal with each other going forward.”
Mr Minogue said that he indicated to Mr Buttle that Wexford County Council intended to proceed with advertising as planned in an email on March 23th, adding “I further stated in my email that there were a few criteria that the council would like to see in place as part of any annual commercial dealing with the radio going forward. Given that these things were not necessarily advertising related,
“Mr Buttle replied on March 25th and expressed his thanks that South East Radio could budget for €40,000 to €50,000 in advertising and in his email, he asked if I could elaborate by what I meant in relation to criteria I’d like put in place. I replied on the same day and it appears that the content of this particular email is the one which has led to Saturday’s coverage in the national press.”
On the first point, Mr Minogue had asked that the station retain raw interview recordings, even those not broadcast, for a period of two years, stating “such material can then be made available for review should a dispute between the radio and Wexford County Council arise.”
Secondly, his email to Mr Buttle stated: “Wexford County Council does not consider it appropriate that a South East Radio broadcaster offers personal views or opinions on South East Radio. I ask for assurances that South East Radio will take steps necessary to ensure that such personal views or opinions are not broadcast in future.”
Mr Minogue and Mr Buttle exchanged emails and Mr Minogue expressed his disappointment that the contents of the emails had been leaked to the press.
“Suffice to say that I’m surprised and disappointed that someone has seen fit to bring our correspondence to the attention of national media, that’s an understatement to be frank,” he said, and he added; “I completely fail to understand his purpose in doing so. The sole motivation for engaging with Mr Buttle since January last and my email was to seek to put the recent differences behind us and to look to renew the excellent working relationship that has always existed between the Council and South East Radio.
“I believe the tone and input of my email was balanced and I think it was reasonable and the criteria set out were clearly to be considered by South East Radio. They were not conditions imposed by the Council and they shouldn’t have been represented as such. I consider Mr Buttle’s reply to be a blatant, possibly mischievous misrepresentation of my email to him. The tone and content of his email was completely at variance with our discussions at his office.
Mr Minogue concluded that Mr Buttle has significantly misinterpreted “my email and its contents.” “With that in mind, I intend to make contact with Mr Buttle this week to address that misinterpretation and clarify the nature of my request for his consideration and seek to, once again, establish a basis for a renewed professional working relationship between the Council and South East Radio; a relationship I know that both organisations wish to see in place once again. This is obviously an ongoing process and I remain confident that an amicable and mutually acceptable outcome can be achieved and I’m very happy to keep the members informed of my progress on this issue.” The matter was then opened to members. Cllr Jackser Owens said South East Radio is one of the best radio stations in Ireland and felt it should not be sanctioned.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh described the matter as “making a mountain out of a molehill” and it was “a misunderstanding” between the County Secretary and South East Radio.
Cllr Tom Forde was of the opinion that the matter “reflected badly on the Council” but he suggested “plough ahead” and he always got fair coverage on South East Radio.
Cllr George Lawlor said the Council had a very good relationship with South East Radio, and that relationship was not under question, but the importance of community service broadcasting and to repair what has gone on. He called on both parties to resolve the matter and move forward.
Cllr Jim Codd described the situation as “disappointing” and outlined the freedom of the press is paramount and testament to democracy. “Rebuild this relationship,” urged Cllr Codd.
Cllr Lisa McDonald got good support from her fellow members when she advised that “both bodies should have had a solicitor and shouldn’t have to listen to – all do your best – that is just silly.” She said the law is there regards the storage of information and told the meeting “sort it out.”
Cllr Davy Hynes recalled getting a phone call from a national newspaper regards the matter and he was not impressed!
Cllr Michael Sheehan said he was in total agreement with what was being said in the chamber but felt that some may have misrepresented the language. Cllr Sheehan said the parties were in contract negotiations, which were not completed, and he asked the pertinent question – who leaked the emails to a national newspaper?
Cllr Oliver Walsh felt Mr Minogue gave a very good explanation – it was an unfortunate episode – but he suggested they fix it as “both need each other.”
Cllr John Fleming called for a resolution and ‘move on’. Cllr Jim Moore also said – ‘move on’, but, warned about correspondence via e-mail. “The Council needs to consolidate its relationship with the media,” he concluded.
Cllr John Hegarty expressed the view that Wexford County Council and South East Radio co-exist and urged both to work on a service level agreement.
Cllr Ger Carthy called for the important relationship between South East Radio and Wexford County Council be maintained.
Cllr Pip Breen said “we should draw a line under this, we need each other I propose the County Secretary meet with Eamonn Buttle and there be no more about it.” Cllr Anthony Connick seconded.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy accepted the proposal and there were no dissenting voices.
The Communications Officer expressed ‘disappointment’ and apologised that the issue had ended up in the national newspaper headlines and stated he is open to dialogue and bringing the process forward and he would speak to Mr Buttle and South East Radio and “put the matter to bed”. “I bear no ill will to anybody,” concluded Mr Minogue.
A man in his 60s has died in a single-vehicle collision that happened in Curracloe at approximately 10.35am today. He was the only occupant in the car.
The man was taken to Wexford General Hospital where he later passed away. A post mortem will be conducted.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward and are asking any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling in Curracloe village area between 10.15am and 10.35am.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Two people, a man and a woman, both aged in their 20’s, were arrested this morning (Sunday) in relation to the seizure of approximately €160,000 worth of suspected cocaine in Enniscorthy on Friday.
ENNIISCORTHY GARDA STATION
At around 6.20pm on Friday evening, Gardaí searched a residence in Enniscorthy and found the suspected cocaine.
The cocaine was seized by Gardaí during a search conducted because of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the Arklow and Enniscorthy areas.
A man and a woman, both aged in their 20s, were arrested this morning by investigating Gardaí.
They are being detained at Wicklow Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.
Harley Dunne was the point-to-point hero today riding two winners and training three at two of the three point-to-points held across the country. There were eleven Wexford winners which reflects the strength of quality found in local stables.
HARLEY DUNNE.. two wins as a rider…three wins as a handler.
Harley Dunne whose yard is near Clonroche made his way to Tattersalls in Co. Louth where he scored a double – all owned, handled and ridden by himself – and brought his riding career total to 90.
He came in three lengths to the good on Bop Bop Bobbin in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and had four lengths to spare when taking Tango Arumba first over the line in the maiden race for mares of five years or more.
Dunne dispatched Genietoile to Dromahane, Co. Cork, and with Tiernan Power Roche in the saddle they triumphed by a length which was compensation for a penultimate fence fall on a first outing at Tinahely in February. So, a treble on the day for Dunne wearing his handlers’ hat and his horses are running in great form recently.
Back at Tattersalls, father and son Liam and James Kenny, Craanford, pleased the Orphan Girl Syndicate from the Ballymoney area when Sam Magee ran to a nine lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
The Berry family from Kilmore enjoyed success in the Open Novice Riders race with A Rated. Owned and handled by Shirley and Johnny Berry the success was all the sweeter as it was a second victory in the saddle for their son, Josh Berry. The verdict was one length.
And a fifth Wexford winner from six races at the Louth track was First Preference, home-bred and owned by Jimmy Devereux, Rostoonstown, Tomhaggard, handled by his son, Vincent, and ridden by Shane O’Rourke, Foulksmills, who had one and a half lengths to spare in the Winner of One Race.
CONOR MOORE… a double today at Stradbally point-to-point.
Conor Moore from Kilmore Quay enjoyed a double success at Stradbally this afternoon. He partnered Benefits Deu for owner Denis Moore and handler Thomas Byrne in the Winner of Three Race and half an hour later was given the leg up on first timer Bare Assets in the maiden race for mares aged five years or over by Jonathan Fogarty at Gaynestown, Cleariestown, and he got home half a length to the good to record a double.
Also at the Laois venue, Michael Goff, Clondaw, Ferns, saddled El Muchacho in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings which provided him with an eight lengths success under Dan Nevin.
Sean Doyle, Ballindaggin, was also amongst the winners in Laois. He saddled The Forge Hill in the Open Race and made all to get home half a length to the good with Sean Staples in the saddle.
Down at Dromahane where Harley Dunne’s Genietoile won (see above) Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill combined to win the maiden race for five-year-old geldings by eight lengths with Castleward.
Cleariestown rider Barry Stone was in winning form at Taylorstown, Co. Down point-to-point races this afternoon where he partnered three winners bringing his season total to 10 and his career score to 19.
BARRY STONE.. rode three winners today.
Stone got into victory mood in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings bringing newcomer Wideeyedandlegless home four lengths in front for owner Sean Connick and Rathangan handler John Martin Walsh.
Walsh saddled a double half an hour later with Cluain Aodha and Stone aboard the Thomas Browne owned two and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for mares of five-year-old or over.
Winner number three for Barry Stone was achieved when Kalanisi Flash won the Winner of One race by one length for the Inish Stables Partnership and handler Brian Jordan.
Champion rider Barry O’Neill rode his 40th winner of the current campaign aboard Colin Bowe’s newcomer I Will Be Baie in the maiden race for four-year-olds. The verdict was two and a half lengths and the winner will be sales bound.
Last Saturday’s Scottish Grand National hero Rob James returned to the domestic scene with a five lengths victory on Some Man for Fermanagh handler David Christie in the Open Race.
Gardaí have seized approximately €160,000 of suspected cocaine during a search in Enniscorthy.
As part of Operation Tara, a residence in Enniscorthy was searched under warrant on Friday evening by Gardaí from the Wicklow Detective and Drugs Units, Enniscorthy Detective Unit and the South Eastern Region Armed Support Unit.
A Garda spokesperson said the search was part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the Arklow and Enniscorthy areas
Wexford Libraries have launched “County Wexford War of Independence and Civil War: an educational resource” in Wexford Library, a booklet charting events and timeline of the War of Independence and the Civil War in County Wexford.
It is a resource for young people from 4th class in primary school to 3rd year in secondary school. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy introduced the booklet to an enthusiastic audience. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Barbara-Anne Murphy says, “This booklet is a wonderful learning resource for our young people so that they can engage with the history of their area from a hundred years ago.”
This was followed by a talk by Historian in Residence, Barry Lacey to a class of 1st year students from CBS Wexford.
The booklet was researched and written by local historian, Monica Crofton and edited by Executive Librarian, Hazel Percival and Library Assistant, Michael Dempsey. It was designed by Nicola Bailey.
The booklet will be distributed to all schools in County Wexford in the coming weeks. It will also be available in all Wexford library branches with an additional electronic version on the library website.
Schools can request a class visit from Barry Lacey, Historian-in-Residence, to discuss this important time in Irish history with the students.
Pictured at the launch of the Schools Booklet on Wexford’s History during the War of Independence and Civil War were Monica Crofton (Historian), Cllr Pip Breen, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Cllr John Hegarty, Cllr Garry Laffan, Cllr Donal Kenny, Hazel Percival (Executive Librarian), Barry Lacey (Historian in Residence, Wexford County Council).
For further information, contact the Local Studies Librarian at 053 919 6330 or libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie
Brittany Ferries is to introduce a more tourism-oriented ship Galicia on to its Rosslare/Bilbao route from November of this year.
News of the new ship for Rosslare, was announced earlier today (Thursday) by Brittany Ferries’ President Jean-Marc Roué, who earlier this year became Honorary Consul for Ireland in Brittany who, along with the company’s Chief Executive, Christophe Mathieu was in Rosslare to meet with the port of Rosslare executives and with local business leaders. He said that the introduction of Galicia was a further indication of the company’s long-term commitment to Ireland.
Speaking of the decision to introduce Galicia to the route, Monsieur Roué said that Galicia, which can take up to 1,015 passengers is closer in style to cruise-ferries like the company’s flagship Pont-Aven, with far better facilities for holidaymakers; “There is no doubt that the Rosslare – Bilbao route has been successful, and we are pleased with the way Irish hauliers have embraced it. Galicia will continue to provide a strong freight offering. However, our research has indicated that there is a demand there from Irish people wishing to holiday in Spain and Galicia will certainly make for a far more enjoyable experience for them. The job now is to work in partnership with tourism bodies in Ireland and Spain to ensure that holidaymakers fill our ships and enrich destinations in both markets.”
Glenn Carr, General Manager Rosslare Europort, welcomed the announcement by Brittany Ferries of Galicia’s introduction, saying; “Brittany Ferries are more than just customers of Rosslare Europort, they are our partners in strengthening our direct links between Ireland and Europe. The Galicia will ensure that as well as freight customers, holidaymakers will benefit from this partnership, and provide a more sustainable travel choice for tourism to and from Ireland’s South East and beyond.”
Siobhan McManamy, Tourism Ireland’s Director of Markets, said; “As we restart overseas tourism to Ireland, the announcement that Brittany Ferries will introduce its Galicia cruise-ferry on the Bilbao to Rosslare route is very good news and a real vote of confidence in Irish tourism. We already work very closely with Brittany Ferries and we look forward to co-operating with them to maximise the promotion of this service to Rosslare. Tourism Ireland is rolling out an extensive programme of promotional activity in Spain throughout 2022. Our message is very simple: Ireland is open for business again and we cannot wait to ‘roll out the green carpet’ and welcome back our Spanish visitors.”
Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, said; “The addition of increased capacity from continental Europe to Rosslare by Brittany Ferries will play an important role in tourism recovery by providing greater access into Ireland for overseas visitors. There’s so much to see in Ireland’s Ancient East. Fáilte Ireland has invested significantly in Wexford, Waterford and the South East, and the array of world-class tourist attractions and activities available will encourage international and domestic visitors alike to discover Ireland’s Ancient East, stay longer and, importantly, support jobs and deliver revenue to the local communities in the region.”
Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Anthony Connick, who also attended today’s event, added: “I am absolutely delighted at today’s announcement. This announcement demonstrates strong confidence in these routes and the resulting increased visitor traffic will contribute to and support the major investment that is currently taking place in Rosslare Europort. The additional passengers on these ferries are additional visitors to County Wexford. The challenge is to ensure that these visitors do not just pass-through County Wexford, but instead stop and savour everything that our wonderful county has to offer.”
The visit to Rosslare followed on from yesterday’s visit to the Port of Cork where Brittany Ferries confirmed that its twice-weekly service from Cork to France, which was launched earlier this year will become a permanent feature of the company’s sailing schedule.
Brittany Ferries set up its Rosslare – Bilbao route in February 2020. It was set up primarily as a freight route and this was reflected in the choice of Connemara with its relatively limited facilities for holidaymakers. This was at a time when Brexit was seen as having the potential to cause major disruptions for hauliers. The route has been a success in relation to freight.
The Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash, has made diocesan appointments that will involve Fr Tom Dalton replacing Fr Odhran Furlong as Administrator of St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy.
BISHOP GER NASH
Fr. Tom Dalton, who is Parish Priest in Riverchapel, becomes Administrator at St. Aidan’s Cathedral and retains his roles as Diocesan Master of Ceremonies; Chaplain, Intellectual Disability Services; Centering Prayer Co-Ordinator and Chaplain, Presentation Secondary School, Wexford.
Fr. Odhran Furlong is leaving St. Aidan’s Cathedral, to be Chaplain, Wexford General Hospital and to retain his roles as Diocesan Communications Officer, Chairman of St. Peter’s College Board of Management and Chaplain to Wexford GAA.
Bishop Nash and the diocese wish to thank Ken Quinn for his service as hospital chaplain and for his work in various other roles in the diocese over many years.
Fr Jim Butler, in addition to his role as Parish Priest of Ballygarrett, is to assume pastoral responsibility, pro tem, for the parish of Riverchapel pending a review of diocesan parish structures in the autumn.
All appointments to take effect on Monday, April 25th 2022.
WexfordLocal.com 