Damaged bridges in the Enniscorthy Municipal District area during the Christmas Day torrential rainfall are making progress according to Neil Dempsey, Executive Engineer, in his report to members at Monday’s monthly meeting,
A section of the road damaged by floods has been resurfaced and stone walls rebuilt on the Kilcarbry to Borrmount road. Works on the bridge are progressing well and it is anticipated that the road will re-open to traffic by the end of March.
Resurfacing works have started on the Ballyroebuck-Kiltilly road in North Wexford. Repair to Kiltilly Bridge is awaiting on ESB approval, but Wexford County Council is ready to start works once the ESB make safe their services.
KILCARBRY BRIDGE (File Pic).
At Wilton Bridge, near Bree, works are expected to commence in early April with the removal of a damaged section and debris from the River Boro and the Council is awaiting contractor availability.
Subject to a thorough inspection it is a possibility that Wilton Bridge may be demolished altogether and replaced by a new structure; such is the extent of the damage.
WexfordLocal.com has learned from expert sources that the massive damage to the bridges at Kilcarbry and Wilton was mainly caused by massive tree trunks breaking their roots and carried at speed on the rushing flood waters and striking the bridges with excessive force.
It was reported by Council Engineer, Eamonn Hore at the January meeting of Wexford County Council that the Christmas Day rainfall was the greatest since 1947!
On Christmas Day, 2021, at Johnstown Castle 58.9mm fell in 24 hours, however, 55.2mm fell in 12 hours and 34.7mm fell in six hours which indicates the severity of the rainfall in a concentrated time frame. This was a climate record in the 81.1 years of the metrological station at Johnstown Castle.
Members and officials expressed universal anger and disappointment during today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Chamber at the decision of Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath T.D, who on March 4th, based on the advice of environmental consultants and officials, refused the River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Defence Scheme, submitted by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Project Engineer Larry McHale told the meeting that the scheme was refused on March 4th and went through details of the scheme which took a great deal of time for the Wexford County Council staff and he said “Personally, I am hugely disappointed” and he explained that the scheme failed on eight points and that five of them could have been dealt with!
Mr McHale felt “it was the wrong decision” and concludes that the entire approval process met with consultants and OPW requirements. An update on ecology and dredging timeline is planned for the next meeting. “I am frustrated and disappointed by the Minister’s decision, but we must keep trying to get back on track.”
Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan said the flood relief scheme was so dependent on the development of the town and she thanked Mr McHale for his work. She suggested writing to Minister McGrath “to tell us funding will be there to proceed with the flood work and ask for a time limit in writing from the Minister’s office.”
Cllr Jackser Owens said the issue was “a national disgrace” and “a joke” that the flood scheme was turned down. He felt it “isn’t good enough” and made a call to bring Minister McGrath before a public meeting in Enniscorthy.
ENNISCORTHY in flood on St. Stephen’s Day (File Pic).
Cllr Owens said the Minister had two pieces of paper on this desk – and he decided to sign the one that said “No – however, Cllr Aidan Browne said it wasn’t like that – it refused for legal reasons. “It’s not like the Minister doesn’t like Enniscorthy, that’s his advice,” and he felt the issue will get back on the table.
Cllr John O’Rourke claimed the exchanges were getting “a bit tetchy” but he claimed “we have to put the plan in place and move it forward.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Cathal Byrne agreed that a letter be sent to the Minister.
Mr McHale returned to the debate and called for a panel of independent experts to review the situation. He felt the ecologists report didn’t give the scheme “a fair hearing.”
The ministerial decision is based on a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed scheme which concluded that the scheme would have considerable adverse impact on the environment.
The River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Defence Scheme, was submitted by the Office of Public Works in April 2020.
A public consultation was held in 2020. Additional information was sought from OPW towards the end of 2020 and this was submitted in April 2021.
Following discussions with the consultants and with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, it was deemed that the environmental impact of the scheme was such that the scheme should be refused under section 7E(b) of the Arterial Drainage Act.
A local ceremony of reflection and remembrance took place at Wexford County Council headquarters at Carricklawn, Wexford, this afternoon. Cllr John Hegarty, Deputy Mayor, welcomed the attendance.
“We are here today to remember those who have been affected by Covid 19; those healthcare and frontline staff who have put their lives at risk to protect us all; to the retail staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty; those who have lost loved ones; and for all those who have put their lives on hold for the past two years,” said Cllr Hegarty, who added; “We are here today to say thank you for all your combined efforts to keep the country and this county going through these unprecedented times.”
An Ecumenical Service was performed by Bishop Ger Nash, Catholic Bishop of Ferns, Rev. Michael Anderson, Presbyterian Church, Rev. Katherine Kehoe, Methodist Church, and Rev. Trevor Sargent, Church of Ireland Diocese of Ferns.
Readings and musical performances including the Bride Street Folk Group and Mark Redmond from Gorey were included in the ceremony which concluded with the Last Post and Reveille played by Anthony Nolan and the raising of the flag.
Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick is having a brilliant season and a double at Ballyraggett today brings him onto the 16-winner mark for the season. Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle also enjoyed double celebration at the Kilkenny track.
Hendrick was in the winners’ enclosure following the maiden race for four-year-old mares after Cormac Doyle’s newcomer Fancy Girl came home two lengths to the good.
JACK HENDRICK rode a double at Ballyragett races today.
Hendrick’s double came on Gary Murphy’s newcomer Ya Know Yaseff by three lengths in the maiden race for mares aged five years or over. Running in the Turbine Syndicate colours the Ballymitty handler indicated that Ya Know Yaseff will be heading for the sales.
Sean Doyle saddled Private Ryan in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and with Jamie Scallan up gained a one length victory. Doyle’s double occurred in the Open Race for novice riders with Is A Real Champ ridden by Robbie Jackson who will be aimed at a hunters’ chase at Cork over Easter.
The father and son team of John Walsh (owner/handler) and James Walsh (rider) from Tinahely were also amongst the Kilkenny winners when newcomer Cash Book scored by three lengths in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus.
Ballindaggin handler SEAN DOYLE saddled two winners today.
Cormac Farrell, Ballyprecus, Bunclody, travelled to Dunhallow, Co. Cork, for today’s point-to-point action and was successful in the maiden race for four-year-olds with newcomer Hurricane Highway with rider Simon Cavanagh. Ten lengths the verdict. Luke Murphy, Gorey, also tasted success at the Cork track. He was aboard his 60th career winner on Kilbunny Aplasia for handler Richie O’Hara and the partnership had ten lengths to spare in the maiden race for five year old mares.
Also Sunday racing at Belclare in East Galway and a five lengths victory for Leading Force in the Winner of Two race for Ballyduff owner Connie Rooney and handled by John Paul Brennan at Monasootha, Camolin. Sean Staples from Duncormick was the winning rider.
Barry O’Neill looked like riding a Cheltenham Festival winner on Friday as he lead the field up the straight in the Foxhunter’s Chase on the leader Winged Leader (David Christie) only to be caught on the nod at the finish line (neck verdict) by Patrick Mullins on Billaway, however, there was a small consolation at the North Tipperary fixture at Nenagh on Saturday when he won the five year old plus mares race on Annie Magic for Carlow handler Aidan Fitzgerald by ten lengths.
Meanwhile, Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard teamed up with Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, to win the hunter’s chase at Down Royal on St. Patrick’s Day with Lawlor’s Choice at 50/1.
SOUTH WICKLOW DRAMA COMMITTEE 2022 (Pic; Eamonn Doran).
By Dan Walsh
The 15th annual South Wicklow Drama Festival will be officially opened by popular veteran All-Ireland winning producer Mick Byrne from Kilrush Drama Group in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew on Sunday night and it runs for seven nights.
There is a strong Wexford involvement with six groups taking to the stage. The adjudicator is Ciaran McCauley with curtains up at 8pm nightly, except Saturday, March 26th when a 7.30pm start is planned to facilitate the final adjudication and presentation of prizes.
Line up of Plays for the Festival:
Sunday 20th March: Coolgreany Amateur Dramatic Society – The Odd Couple by Neil Simon
Monday 21st March: Ballycogley Players – The Beacon by Nancy Harris
Tuesday 22nd March: Kilmuckdridge Dramp Group – The Playboy of the Western World by John Millington Synge
Wednesday 23rd March: Bunclody /Kilmyshal –The Good Fatherby Christine O’Reilly
Thursday 24th March: Camross Drama Group – The Kings of the Kilburn Highroad by Jimmy Murphy
Friday 25th March: Prosperous Dramatic Society – God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza
Saturday 26th March: Saturday 26th March – Class by Kilrush Drama Group
Patron Tickets for the Festival are available from any of the Festival Committee, from Mark Kennedy in Hall’s Shop, Main Street, Carnew; Carnew Training & Development Centre and from Candy’s, Carnew. Purchasing a patron ticket enables audience participation to the seven plays listed for just €35.
Gorey Grand Marshal JOE DIXON accompanied by frontline workers is given a warm reception at Gorey St Patrick’s Day parade today.
By Dan Walsh at Gorey and Curragraigue
The ‘HAPPY’ was put back into St. Patrick’s Day as crowds gathered in big numbers at parades across Co. Wexford today. It was 16 degrees in Gorey as thousands lined the entire parade route on both sides of the Main Street.
It took forty minutes for all the groups and exhibits to pass the reviewing stand on Esmonde Street. The parade was led by Gorey Pipe Band, followed by a colour party, and Grand Marshal Joe Dixon who was accompanied by frontline workers as his guests in public tribute for their commitment to the people of the community during the pandemic.
Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Council pledged the support of North Wexford when the flags from Poland and Ukraine reached the reviewing stand.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen shows solidarity with the people of Ukraine from the reviewing stand at today’s Gorey St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The parade was colourful, the crowds were cheerful, the participants were rejoicing at the freedom of public recognition and community spirit was once again overflowing.
I also took in the world’s shortest parade at Curragraigue where the small close-knit community turned out in big numbers with Bridget the sheep stealing most of the attention! Great fun with the children getting most attention and refreshments for all in the rural setting.
Ballindaggin Pipe Band was represented having played in Bunclody earlier in the day before heading to Enniscorthy for the afternoon parade where the crowds were also reported to be out in force.
The rural setting of Curragraigue hosted the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade today.
By all accounts it was the happiest St. Patrick’s Day for a long time, aided in no small way by the pleasant weather conditions, and great credit must go to all the organisers who rejuvenated community spirit and brought a smile back on people’s faces.
While attending today’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities many parents may be addled by their children asking about the absence of the local councillor – the one that came to the house a few years ago and Daddy threatened Mammy that if she didn’t vote… – well, they are not on the reviewing stand today, and the young ‘uns are curious!
While the traditional St Patrick’s Day parades and associated festivities return to Co. Wexford for the first time in two years seven elected representatives will be missing their neighbourhood after Wexford County Council agreed at the February meeting to pay their expenses to splash the green in the United States.
It was decided by the Council’s Corporate Policy Group (CPG) to send the sitting Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara- Anne Murphy and Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Garry Laffan, but also included the previous years’ Cathaoirleach – Cllrs Ger Carthy and Michael Sheehan – and Mayors Cllrs Leonard Kelly (who withdrew and decided to celebrate on Wexford Quay instead) and George Lawlor, all who missed out on any kind of foreign trips due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Five members are in Savannah, Georgia, however, the CPG also decided that the current Deputy Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllrs Anthony Connick and Lisa McDonald should represent Wexford in New York.
CLLR LEONARD KELLY declined to take up the airline tickets to the USA and preferred to stay in Wexford town on St. Patrick’s Day.
All will to be accompanied by officials and Wexford County Council will foot the bill.
Cllr Tom Forde objected to sending six members to Savannah for St Patrick’s Day. I think the current Cathaoirleach and Mayor would be plenty,” he stated, before adding “I think it would be wrong to send so many on this trip when resources are so tight.”
Cllr John Hegarty said that fostering links with Savannah would show “real economic benefit” for Wexford.
There was a small number against the motion, however, it passed by a large majority. Cllr Cathal Byrne voted against his Fine Gael colleagues, while Cllr Jim Codd felt the decision sent out “the wrong message. It is not sensible. We need to lead by example.”
County Secretary David Minogue pointed out that Wexford would not be the only county to send a delegation from the past three terms. “Those who signed up would be away from their families for a while, which was not easy for some and the trip to Savannah is seven days and New York is four.”
There were no objections towards sending two members to New York and Rosslare district would send two members to Dunkirk in France. Cllr Ger Carthy suggested Cllr Jim Moore (Cathaoirleach) and Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Jim Codd, but Cllr Codd refused the offer.
Enniscorthy-based Minister of State James Browne is in the Czech Republic.
Thankfully, the pandemic has gone and the St. Patrick’s Day festivities are welcome back restoring pride in our nationhood, celebrating in our own inimitable style, music and entertainment at the parades and a social gathering that is all-inclusive and a joy to experience. There is a parade near you and WexfordLocal.com has compiled a list (not every event may be listed, there may be a few around that county that we missed out on!) so choose your location, or scrutenise the timetables and you may be able to include several. Lá Féile Padraig.
WEXFORD; The Wexford St. Patrick’s Day parade dates from 1904, making it the oldest parade in the country. This year’s event will be led by St. Patrick’s Fife & Drum Band, with an 11am start, and concluding on Wexford’s famous quayside. Always popular with family groups, Wexford town’s annual presentation is renowned for its colour and musical traditional style supplemented with modern dancing and choreography from local youth groups.
GOREY; Gorey St. Patrick’s Day parade takes the familiar route from the ’98 monument through the long Main Street to the review stand at Esmonde Street. A 3 o’clock start and Gorey Pipe Band will lead. The Grand Marshal is ace photographer and ‘Cycle for Suicide’ activist Joe Dixon who claims to be the “longest Grand Marshal in history” having been selected in 2020 but denied this opportunity until now due to the pandemic lockdown.
THE HARROW-BOOLAVOGUE; Groups will march from The Harrow to Boolavogue and return to The Harrow starting out at 1pm. The honour of Grand Marshal falls to Dorothy Hall who has been described by her friends as “Queen of Boolavogue”.
COOLGREANY; After an absence of two years Coolgreany is all set to restore the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities and the parade moves off at 12.30pm. The Grand Marshal for 2022 is Declan Merrigan, a staunch supporter of committees, organisations and sporting activity in the Coolgreany area. One of a small number of rural parades across the county and always entertaining and a great day out for all the family it is cleverly marketed as “the friendliest” parade anywhere.
ENNISCORTHY; Enniscorthy’s Grand Marshal is ex-public representative Sean Doyle, who is chair of Enniscorthy Castle and the National 1798 Rebellion Committee and a life-long activist for many causes in support of a better life for the people of Enniscorthy. Starting in the Shannon at 3pm, the parade route crosses the River Slaney and concludes in Market Square. Enniscorthy is not only celebrating Ireland, we are also raising much needed funds for UNICEF Ukrainian Appeal, Admission to both Enniscorthy Castle and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre will be €5 per person or €10 per family with all proceeds being donated. There will also be live music by the brilliant Jason O’Connor in Enniscorthy Castle from 1pm-3pm on St. Patrick’s Day. All are welcome.
NEW ROSS; The St. Patrick’s Day parade by the River Barrow gets underway at 2pm in the Irishtown and follows the traditional route to the Quay. Michael Fottrell, a musician, teacher, conductor of brass bands, producer in the ‘tops of the parish’, are just a few of his community achievements over the past half century has been chosen as Grand Marshal 2022 and this honour is truly deserved. Look out for the ‘best dressed window’ competition and the Barrow Princess introducing a river cruise service between New Ross and Waterford will be quayside ahead of Friday morning’s maiden voyage!
CURRAGRAIGUE, BALLINDAGGIN; Already in the history books as the smallest, shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, the Curragraigue event sets out at 1pm and ends five minutes later (maybe four)! A piper, a vintage vehicle and some sheep, goats, dogs and ducks will be admired from the reviewing stand placed on a secure tar barrel. A humorous tribute in rural surroundings.
BANNOW-BALLYMITTY; Organised by Bannow Ballymitty Local Community Development Group this event honouring the memory of St. Patrick sets off from the School Field at 2pm. Local groups are invited to participate.
CLONROCHE; Always a gala occasion the Clonroche St Patrick’s Day parade assembles at Cloughbawn Church at marches to the village at 1pm. The organisers say “some surprise inclusions” may occur, but, plenty of music and teas and refreshments in Clonroche Community Hall afterwards. All participants are welcome.
BUNCLODY; Proceedings commence with the traditional blessing of the shamrock at 10.45am and shortly afterwards the parade will take place from Market Square and up one side and down the other along The Mall and the organisers claim it’s “the viewing is the best in the country.”
CARNEW; Carnew St. Patrick’s Day parade starts a little earlier than traditionally -at 12.30pm – and travels from the Gorey Road, through the Main Street, and the reviewing stand is opposite St. Brigid’s Hall where the 15th South Wicklow Drama Festival opens next Sunday. The 2022 Grand Marshal is Emer Kennedy, star player with Wexford Youths Women’s FC.
A traditional view of St. Patrick’s Day in this shop window display in Enniscorthy.
The Boil Water Notice issued for Wexford Town Public Water Supply remains in place and has also been extended to include the Taghmon area due to necessary changes that will ensure a continued water supply to the area.
Irish Water and Wexford County Council are continuing to assess the situation with a view to having the notice lifted as quickly as possible. In the meantime, all customers in Wexford Town and Taghmon are advised to boil water before use until further notice.
Ronan Walsh, Water Operations Lead for Irish Water said; “Our number one priority is public health and the safety and well-being of our customers. Following an issue at the treatment plant last night, there continues to be high turbidity – or cloudiness – in the water source supplying the area meaning the disinfection of the water may be compromised. Therefore it is important that all customers continue to boil the water before use.
“We will continue to work closely with Wexford County Council and the HSE to monitor the supply and lift the notice as quickly as it is safe to do so. An update will be issued as soon as we have any developments, but we can expect the Boil Water Notice to remain in place until next week at least. We understand and apologies for the inconvenience this notice is having and thank you for your patience and cooperation.”
For customers who wish to check if their property is on the Boil Water Notice, please go to the following link on the Irish Water website: https://www.water.ie/?map=supply-and-service-updates, and enter the property’s Eircode. Customers can also call our customer care helpline on 1800 278 278.
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