Rosslare Europort has issued an information statement requesting truck drivers and hauliers not to park their vehicles in neighbouring villages while waiting for access to Rosslare Europort for ferry departure deadlines.
“The villages (presumably a reference to Kilrane and Tagoat) are residential and are not available for parking day or not,” says the information leaflet that is endorsed by TFI (Transport for Ireland) and Iarnród Éireann.
It is suggested that drivers waiting for a ferry departure should park their vehicle at Gorey Service Station, Ballyellin, on the M11, or at Barntown Service Station, at Larkin’s Cross near Wexford town!
In further news, Cllr Ger Carthy has announced works that are about to commence or be completed within the next two weeks. They include;
Installation of water filled barriers between the entrance to Murphy’s Supermarket and St Marys Terrace.
Installation of the double yellow lines on the opposite side of the road from St. Marys Terrace. Burning off existing road markings on Kilrane Link Road and paint the new line marking to facilitate temporary HGV parking x 20. Temporary corriboard signs will be erected to alert HGV’s that there is parking available on the link road. These will be made permanent as time allows. Further works in addition to those above will also be carried out with outline details of these works becoming available in the coming days.
Wind turbines working near Castledockrell this afternoon..
AUDIO ADDITION ; The sound of working wind turbines near Castledockrell at 4pm today. Recording taken from the public road.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Council Chamber
A notice of motion by Cllr John Fleming regards the Draft Plan and wind turbines was eventually withdrawn following a discussion at Monday’s March meeting of Wexford County Council at Carriglawn.
Cllr Fleming was calling to amend Section 5.7 of Volume 10 energy contained in the Draft Plan to require that wind turbines be located a minimum of 400-metres from an adjoining landholding and a minimum of six times the tip height of the wind turbine or 900-metres, whichever is the greater, from a residential property.
Cllr Fleming cited the reason being; “To minimise impacts on adjoining residences and properties in the interest of proper planning and development of the area.” He alluded to wind turbines along the River Boro and felt they should be offshore,” while Cllr Bridín Murphy agreed, she queried the effect on existing wind farms!
Executive County Planning Officer Diarmuid Houston said he was “totally against the motion” and if the wording was to end up in the County Development Plan it would lead to delays and “it is completely contrary to the national policy and would have a legal impact on existing wind farms even after public display.”
Cllr Pat Barden said Cllr Fleming lived in the same area and he referred to a 180ft high tower and one hundred people living in that area.
Cllr Barden mentioned the effects on families, and children with autism needed safeguarding. Cllr Mary Farrell said; “we need to be clear regards our future” and she questioned evidence of children living with autism. She outlined a situation known to her where a mother said; “her child lives in the calm of the turbines.”
Cllr Jacker Owens pointed out the importance of good mental health and offered support for the motion.
Cllr Jim Codd said wind turbines at sea impacted on fishers. “They would have a sizeable portion of their fishing grounds taken away as trawlers do not travel where there are turbines.”
Cllr Davy Hynes added that if “the vote ends up NOT legal it would be better to defer the motion until we get more information,” and Cllr John Hegarty believed changes could have lengthy considerations for the County Development Plan.
Cllr Oliver Walsh expressed concerns about the implications for existing wind farms where people were perfectly happy to live.
Cllr Fleming asked Mr Houston about the possible delays in dealing with the Plan and said he did not want a lengthy delay, and he was happy to withdraw the motion. Mr Houston indicated that there would be power at the end of the process to gain advice on the environmental side of things.
Following in the footsteps of leading Irish artists who took part during their early lives – renowned figures such as Graham Knuttel, Robert Ballagh, Dorothy Cross and Bernadette Madden – young artists who submitted entries to this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition, including a number from Co. Wexford, are currently having their works evaluated as the judging process gets underway.
Pictured is adjudicator, Seán Kissane, holding two of the entries received from Co. Wexford this year – a work entitled ‘Let’s face it’ (left) by a pupil from Bunclody Vocational College, and another entitled ‘Outside Dancing’, by a pupil from St. Anne’s National School, Rathangan.
Winners in the seven age categories, including one exclusively for artworks by young artists with special needs, will be announced in late May.
Currently in its 68th year, the Texaco Children’s Art Competition is the longest-running art sponsorship in Ireland. First held in 1955, it is hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand.
The cast of Kilmuckridge Drama Group in this scene from The Playboy of the Western World in Carnew recently.
By Dan Walsh
The stage is set for the 63rd Kilmuckridge Drama Festival which opens on Friday night in the KMH (Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall) and runs for seven nights. The adjudicator is Pauline Byrne and curtains up each night at 8pm.
THE LINE UP IS AS FOLLOWS; Friday, April 1st – OPEN SECTION- Ballycogley Players Drama Group presents The Beacon by Nancy Harris.
Saturday, April 2nd – CONFINED SECTION – Kilmuckridge Drama Group presents The Playboy of the Westren World by John Millingon Synge. Note; It looks like this play will be in the All-Ireland finals later in the month, so take note!
Sunday, April 3rd – CONFINED SECTION – Skibbereen Theatre Society presents Brighton by Jim Nolan.
Tuesday, April 5th – OPEN SECTION – Brideview Drama Group presents The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh.
Thursday, April 7th – OPEN SECTION – Kilrush Drama Group presents Class by Iseult Golden and David Horan.
Friday, April 8th – CONFINED SECTION – Camross Drama Group presents The Kings of the Kilburn High Road by Jimmy Murphy.
Saturday, April 9th – OPEN SECTION – Kilmeen Drama Group presents Conversations of a Homecoming by Tom Murphy.
Tickets available at the door. Season Tickets €50, Adults €12, Children €5. Visit the website kilmuckridgedramafestival.com for a synopsis of the plays.
The Reverends Ian Cruikshank and Nicola Halford were installed as Chancellor and Treasurer, respectively, at a ceremony in St. Edan’s Cathedral, Ferns, last Sunday.
CANON NICOLA HALFORD
Dean Paul Mooney installed both Canons to fill these dignities in the Cathedral Chapter in Ferns in the presence of Bishop Michael Burrows, diocesan clergy and laity. Unfortunately, Canon Ian Cruikshank was unable to attend the service and so he was installed by proxy with the Reverend Margaret Sykes standing in for him on the occasion.
Bishop Michael Burrows spoke a few words about the appropriateness of gathering in the Ferns diocese “Mother Church” on Mothering Sunday and paid tribute to the two new Canons who were installed. Canon Nicola Halford said she was honoured to have been asked to join the chapter in Ferns and looks forward to a close relationship with St. Edan’s Cathedral and the other members of the chapter. The Ferns diocesan choir was gathered by the Reverend Leslie Crampton and provided wonderful singing on the evening.
Chief Executive Officer Tom Enright gave an update on refugees arriving at Rosslare Harbour and he gave the figure at 1,171 with more expected on two sailings into the port later in the week. “One-third of those arriving are under 18 years old,” he told Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.
Mr Enright said Rosslare could be accepting up to 200 per sailing at the volunteer centre with support from the State agencies. He added that the OPW has started temporary accommodation (large marquee) for all parts of the country.
TOM ENRIGHT, CEO Wexford County Council
He spoke about a Community Response Programme and the need for holiday homes and vacant hotel places. “We are facing a challenge from Easter and accommodation is critical,” he added.
He said the real work will be in education, transport and language supports as they settle into the county. “This crisis is not going to be sorted quickly,” concluded Mr Enright who promised to continue to brief the members on the situation.
Cllr Ger Carty outlined the logistics of the humanitarian efforts and he thanked Rosslare Harbour Friends of Ukraine (RHFU) for their volunteerism and any assistance is welcome. “They have already spent €14,000 over 14 days,” he concluded. There was also support for RHFU volunteers from Cllr George Lawlor and other members.
On March 9thWexfordLocal.com were informed by Irish Water that heavy rainfall led to the deterioration in water quality at the water treatment plant in Ballindaggin and a Boil Water Notice was issued with immediate effect to protect the health of 193 consumers. No more was heard!
At Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council Cllr Cathal Byrne asked for “an update on the Ballindaggin Boil Water Notice issued 18 days ago” and was told by Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, that “the Boil Water Notice for Ballindaggin expired six days ago (March 22nd).”
Pictured in the Wexford County Council Chamber last Monday were (left to right); Tom Enright, CEO Wexford County Council, Eoin Larkin, Cllr Barbara-Ann Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Tony Larkin and his wife, Adrienne.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Council Chamber
Today (Tuesday) was the final working day in the office at Carriglawn Headquarters for popular Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services, Economic and Development and Planning at Wexford County Council, Tony Larkin, who has taken well-earned retirement after 42 years of public service.
In-house tributes were due to be paid today, but yesterday the announcement was officially announced at the March meeting of Wexford County Council and glowing tributes were paid by members in attendance.
The Enniscorthy native spent all his working life with Wexford County Council, with the exception of a short 18 months stint with Bray Urban District Council many years ago. It is estimated he attended over 400 County Council meetings.
CEO Tom Enright acknowledged Mr Larkin for his immense contribution to many projects including Min Ryan Park, Wexford, the Hatch Lab in Gorey, Enniscorthy Technology Park and Trinity Wharf. “Thanks for the friendship over the past eight years (Mr Enright’s time with Wexford County Council) and I will miss your vast knowledge,” added Mr Enright.
Cllr Ger Carty recalled his late father (Cllr Leo Carty) working with Mr Larkin and he complimented him on his great achievements and outstanding contribution to public service.
Cllr Oliver Walsh asked that he be associated with the tributes from the Chamber. “I have known Tony for a long number of years – I’m 21 years here myself – he is a pure gentleman and a hard worker and I want to thank him for all he has done,” he concluded.
Cllr Davy Hynes recalled working with Mr Larkin when he was Manager at Wexford District and he joined in wishing him and his family well in retirement.
On Behalf of the Labour Party, Cllr George Lawlor said “42 years public service is nothing to be sneezed at”, and he wished him well.
Cllr Pip Breen said Mr Larkin “will be missed, he always wore the Wexford jersey. He had the best interest of all at heart always.”
There were also tributes from Cllrs Jackser Owens, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, and Jim Codd.
Colleague and Director of Services Eamonn Hore described Mr Larkin as “a friend and advisor” and he admired his “vast experience and in-depth knowledge.” He added that the people of Co. Wexford are all better for his years of public service and he offered best wishes in his retirement and thanks for his outstanding contribution.
Tony Larkin said he appreciated the kind words, but, refused to solely accept all the kindness; “no individual does projects, we are a team,” he stated. He recalled his good relationship with the members over the 42 years and he enjoyed the work. He concluded that “it doesn’t seem like 42 years and I enjoyed working on the high profile jobs having grown up in a housing estate in Enniscorthy.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy added to all the good wishes and tributes and concluded by stating “Tony, we are all going to miss you.”
Mr Larkin’s wife Adrienne and son Eoin were present in the Chamber to hear the tributes on his retirement day and a small reception followed.
Revenue officers seized over 2,800 litres of various types of alcohol at Rosslare Europort over the weekend.
The smuggled alcohol, which included Wine, Limoncello and Sambuca, has a combined retail value of approximately €24,300, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €15,600.
The alcohol was discovered following the search of two vehicles and an unaccompanied trailer that had disembarked ferries from Cherbourg, France last Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
Investigations into these seizures are ongoing.
These operations are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
Gardaí in Enniscorthy are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 17 years old Gessica Batulescu, who is missing from the Enniscorthy area since Friday.
Gessica is described as 5ft 5ins in height, of slim build with long black hair. When last seen she was wearing a blue jacket, black jeans and black Nike runners.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 9233534.
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