WexfordLocal.com

Deputy Murphy fuels the headlines

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Independent TD Verona Murphy engaged in lively exchanges with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, regards massive fuel prices hikes in Leader’s Question Time in Dáil Éireann today and featured strongly on RTÉ News bulletins while celebrated columnist Miriam Lord featured the Wexford women in her writings in The Irish Times.

Deputy Murphy addressed the Taoiseach about the composition of the price of a litre of fuel this morning and outlined costs and taxes. “While it may vary around the country, the diesel pump price that I have been given this morning is €1.899 and it may be higher in certain parts of the country. The Government tax take is 96.58 cent, which is 50.86%. Taxes applied include excise duty, carbon tax and the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, levy. The actual pump price for petrol this morning is €1.922, which also may be higher in parts of the country. All Government duties include excise duty, carbon tax and the NORA levy. The actual price per litre without those duties, which add 55.23%, is €1.0653. VAT is actually applied to the aforementioned taxes at 23%. Is that not right? VAT is applied to excise at 23% and then onto the base price as well. The 23% is added to the carbon tax, the NORA levy and excise duty. The Government should not be doing that.

Deputy Murphy continued; “The reductions the Taoiseach is reporting today are not reductions at all, are they? It is the equivalent of the tax on tax because the tax that is on the tax on a litre of petrol is actually 20 cent. That is the tax that is on the excise. That is the 20 cent reduction we are supposed to be getting. The tax on the tax on a litre of diesel is 18 cent. Therefore, the Taoiseach has 3 cent to play around with, but he is trying to tell the people that he is doing them a favour. I just cannot believe it. To be fair, Dick Turpin wore a mask when he robbed the people but the Taoiseach can sit here barefaced and tell them that he has done something that he believes will save them. It is time to be honest with the people and it is time to be transparent. The Government is adding tax on tax at a time when the most vulnerable and marginalised income earners in this country are choosing between heating and eating. The Government is adding VAT to excise duty, VAT to carbon tax and VAT to the NORA levy at a rate of 23% on petrol and diesel.”

An Taoiseach said “the Government works on behalf of the people. The revenues that the Government works with are generated by the people in the economy through taxes. All revenue in this country in respect of energy taxes has been well debated in this House and across Europe. There are energy directives that we cannot flout or ignore.”

An Taoiseach continued; “The fundamental point I am making is that revenue generated across the economy, be it income tax, VAT or whatever, is used to invest in services such as education, health, social protection and across the board. That is the bottom line. The Government has decided to reduce petrol by 20 cent a litre and diesel by 15 cent a litre. It is not possible to remove all excise duty as the Deputy has suggested. It simply cannot be done.

The verbal exchanges between the Taoiseach and Deputy Murphy continued.

An Taoiseach explained; “The point is that more expenditure will be required. We are only in March and we have already allocated an extra €800 million in about five weeks because of the international crisis and the war. That is the reality. No government wants to preside over escalating energy and fuel prices. We want to cushion the blow for people, both for households, for whom we would do more if we could, and in respect of the price at the pump. However, this is an internationally traded commodity. That is a fact and we have to deal with that reality. I think the measures today will help people in bringing prices down somewhat.”

Deputy Murphy concluded; “Not removing the taxes is a measure we will all live to regret. Not doing so will increase the cost of the food the Government wants the farmers to produce up in the heavens and add to the cost of tractor fuel. Two cent a litre is a joke, but the farmers are not laughing. Not removing tax and VAT will drive inflation through the roof and drive the country head-on into a deep, dark recession that will make the 1980s look like a holiday. It would be funny except that the joke is on us.”

BREAKING NEWS; Boil Water Notice issued for Ballindaggin

By Dan Walsh

Heavy rainfall today has led to the deterioration in water quality at the water treatment plant in Ballindaggin and, consequently, Irish Water working in partnership with Wexford County Council and having consulted with the Health Service Executive, and a Boil Water Notice is being issue with immediate effect to protect the health of 193 consumers.

Speaking about the Boil Water Notice, Irish Water’s Regional Operations Lead, Ronan Walsh said; “There has been exceptionally heavy rain in Wexford all day today and there has been some flooding at the water treatment plant site in Ballindaggin, which means we will have to put a Boil Water Notice in place due to the possibility of untreated water getting into the network.

“Our colleagues and crews from Wexford County Council are on site assessing the situation and we will monitor the situation very closely over the next few days. However, as public health is our number one priority, we will only lift the Boil Water Notice when it is safe to do so and in consultation with the HSE.

“We understand the inconvenience this can cause homes and businesses, so we thank them for their co-operation and patience. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.”

For queries regarding this Boil Water Notice, customers should contact Irish Water directly on the customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1850 278 278. Updates will be available on the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website and via Twitter @IWCare. For more information, visit the Boil Water Notice page on www.water.ie. Information from the HSE can be found at www.hpsc.ie

17 Wexford schools in expansion programme

By Dan Walsh

Seventeen Wexford schools, three secondary and 14 primary schools have been incorporated into the expanded DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme.

Deputy Paul Kehoe said; “Incorporation into the DEIS programme will make a huge difference to these schools. DEIS is an internationally recognised, proven programme that provides targeted resources to schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage to support their students to have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential in education.

“This expansion is a further step towards achieving equity of opportunity in education and that all students are supported to fulfil their potential. The successful delivery of this goal means that our school system is open and welcoming for all students, regardless of background, and that in particular, students at risk of educational disadvantage will be supported to achieve their full potential. It is my intention to keep working towards achieving that vision,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.

Schools in the DEIS programme avail of a range of targeted supports aimed at tackling educational disadvantage, including additional classroom teaching posts, home school community liaison co-ordinator posts, DEIS grant funding and access to the School Completion Programme.

New Wexford DEIS Schools:

POST-PRIMARY
Christian Brothers Secondary School	Mountgarrett	New Ross
Coláiste Bríde		Enniscorthy
Gorey Educate Together Secondary School		Gorey
PRIMARY
S N Mhuire	Danescastle	Carrig-on-Bannow
Camolin N S	Camolin	Enniscorthy
Ballycanew N S	Ballycanew	Gorey
Kilrane N S	Kilrane	Rosslare Harbour
S N Bearna na hAille	The Oil	Oylegate
S N Abbain	Adamstown	Enniscorthy
S N Catriona NFA	Ballyhack	Arthurstown
Naomh Maodhog N.S.	Main Street	Ferns
New Ross Educate Together National School	Barrett’s Park	New Ross
St Canices Convent	Rosbercon	New Ross
Riverchapel N S	Riverchapel	Gorey
S N Clochar Mhuire		Rosslare
Bunscoil Nic Amhlaidh	Castlemoyle	New Ross
Bunscoil Ris	Castlemoyle	New Ross

Verona lauds the women achievers

By Dan Walsh

Thirty-six members of the 160-member 33^rd Dail are woman and Wexford TD Verona Murphy took the opportunity to speak on the topic of International Women’s Day yesterday (Tuesday).

“For the second year running, I am pleased to have an opportunity to speak on the topic of International Women’s Day. In my speech last year I spoke primarily about the positive strides that have been made over the past few decades with regard to women in politics, education and in sport, while at the same time highlighting a number of areas that needed further attention.

“I spoke last year about carers and the fact that a large number of carers are women. The programme for Government committed to a pension solution for carers. I had hoped that in the intervening 12 months a pension solution would be in place. It is disappointing that, as yet, a solution is not in place. It would provide a level of security in latter years for thousands of people who have given of themselves so selflessly by dedicating themselves to the care of others. These people are unable to build up the normal number of PRSI credits to qualify for a pension in the usual manner and deserve some flexibility.

“Last year I also mentioned the fabulous female sportspeople we have. Since then there have been further wonderful achievements by Ireland’s female sports stars. Kellie Harrington’s performance in Tokyo has cemented her place amongst Ireland’s sporting greats. Rachael Blackmore scaled new heights by being the leading jockey at Cheltenham Festival before becoming the first female jockey to win the Aintree Grand National only a few weeks later. Earlier this year Leona Maguire became the first Irish female golfer to win on the Ladies Professional Golf Association, LPGA, tour while she also put in the best performance by a debutante in Solheim Cup history. Katie Taylor won a further three fights bringing her unbeaten professional boxing record to twenty wins. In recent weeks the Irish woman, Dr. Karen Weekes, sailed solo across the Atlantic taking 80 days to be the first Irish woman to do so. Dr. Weekes worked for a period in County Wexford many years ago with Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre and, no doubt, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, it was the Wexford people who made her so resilient.

“Sophie Baker from my own town of New Ross represented Ireland with distinction at the Tokyo Olympics when she was part of the team to qualify for the final of the 400 metre mixed relay final. I must also mention the women of Wexford who are involved in camogie, football, soccer, athletics, rowing, swimming, cycling, weightlifting and horse riding. All and any sport that I have omitted, I congratulate everyone on their performances in 2021 for providing outstanding entertainment for us all with their commitment and dedication in all weathers.”

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank the two wonderful women who work with me in my Wexford and New Ross offices, Mary and Sharon, or Sharon and Mary, who help me to help my constituents every day. Happy International Women’s Day to all,” concluded Deputy Murphy.

New 96-bed extension at Wexford Hospital

By Dan Walsh

Plans are at an early stage for the construction of an MRI scanner unit and a 96-bed ward extension at Wexford General Hospital included within the HSE 2022 Capital Plan.

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne said today; “Everyone across County Wexford knows the importance of the work conducted by all the healthcare workers at Wexford General Hospital. I have been raising the business case related to the permanent MRI scanner and ward extension at the highest levels of Government. I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that plans for the further development of Wexford General Hospital are progressing well.

“Following the recent issue of a letter of funding approval, the procurement of the new permanent MRI scanner’s design team will take place in the second quarter of 2022. Once funding remains available and there are no planning delays, building works should be tendered in early 2023 with construction taking place before the end of 2023.

“The procurement of a design team to construct a 96-bed ward extension is currently underway, with building design due to get underway in the third quarter of 2022.

“The people of County Wexford gave their full support for the MRI fundraising campaign, which raised €250,000. I’m glad that plans for the new permanent MRI scanner and a major ward extension are well underway”, Minister Browne concluded.

Anna from Ferns recommends engineering

Anna Brosnan always loved Maths and Science. She attributes her love of Maths to a teacher she had in Coláiste Bríde in Enniscorthy, Sister Ella McGuinness. While she went to an all-girls’ school, engineering was not typically a career that students were encouraged to consider, but Anna said her Maths and Science teachers really brought the subjects to life for her.

Anna said, “I knew that I wanted to do a professional degree and be a ‘something’ at the end of it. With my love of Maths and Science, engineering seemed like a good fit.”

Not knowing which discipline of engineering to go into, Anna studied general engineering for her first two years in Trinity College Dublin and chose Civil Engineering for the final two years of her degree course.

“I liked the idea of building things; buildings, roads, bridges. Looking back on my childhood, I had always enjoyed construction related toys like Lego and Meccano. Civil engineering just felt like the right fit for me. During my third year in college, I spent the summer in London working on a bridge building site. I spent many days doing concrete slump tests to make sure the quality of the concrete was correct. I recognised then that the buzz of working in construction really appealed to me.

“After college, I was offered a job at WS Atkins Consulting Engineers and worked for their Water and Public Health section in Epsom, Surrey, England. I worked with them for 5 years and for 2 of those years, I was seconded to Thames Water Utilities Limited, where I worked on site as a tunnel engineer on the London Ring Water Main Project.”

“My role included surveying the tunnel and making sure that it was being built to the right line and level. The tunnels, up to 3m in diameter and 45m in depth, were built using concrete segments to form a ring. While the tunnels were under construction, we travelled underground in ‘locos,’ which are small train carriages, which also transported excavated materials, tunnel segments and other supplies to and from the tunnel face.”

ANNA BROSNAN from Ferns; “Absolutely, there is a great sense of achievement in working as an engineer. There are loads of opportunities and you can go in many directions. Engineers have the ability and opportunity to protect, shape and improve our world. (Pic; Irish Water).

Anna’s husband is a miner and she met him on that project.

During her time with WS Atkins, Anna also worked on other interesting projects, such as the investigation into the Heathrow tunnel collapse. She was then offered a site-based job directly with Thames Water Utilities.

Anna loved working on site, “There is a great sense of job satisfaction and the team approach of working on site really appeals to me.”

One of the site offices Anna worked in was in the residential cottages of an Old Treatment Works site. Back in the 19th Century, when the treatment works was built, cottages were also built for the staff who worked there. They lived in the cottages with their families and operated the treatment works. The cottages were long since abandoned, but one of them was used as a temporary site office and was believed to be haunted!

Working with Irish Water since 2013, Anna’s main motivation for working in the wastewater area is the protection of our environment. Being from Ferns in Co. Wexford, a coastal county, Anna grew up near some great beaches and developed a respect for the sea environment as well as land-based watercourses.

Anna now lives in Co. Limerick with her husband Steven and 3 teenagers. She is a chartered member of Engineers Ireland and is a keen supporter of STEM subjects for students through involvement in ‘Limerick for Engineering’ and other engineering related events.

When she isn’t working, Anna enjoys spending time with family and friends and relaxes by walking with her dogs in the Glen of Aherlow and at Lough Gur. She also loves reading, craftwork and is known to enjoy a good jigsaw, all very pandemic compatible pursuits.

When asked if she would recommend a career in engineering, Anna said, “Absolutely, there is a great sense of achievement in working as an engineer. There are loads of opportunities and you can go in many directions. Engineers have the ability and opportunity to protect, shape and improve our world.

The best advice is to find your niche, what you’re good at and really go for it. It’s so important to enjoy what you’re working at, as life is short.”

Tricolor unfurled on Vinegar Hill again

By Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill

It was cold and windy on Vinegar Hill this afternoon where Enniscorthy Municipal District Council hosted a flag raising ceremony to commemorate the 174^th anniversary of the first time the Irish Tricolor were flown from the famous Enniscorthy landmark.

The short ceremony was lead by Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who spoke briefly about the event while Bernie Quigley, Acting District Manager, welcomed the invited gathering.

The Tricolor was raised by 2^nd Lieut. Zara Bolger and Sgt. John Cooney from the Irish Defence Forces.

The attendance included Cllrs Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke and Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Johnny Mythen, Garda Superintendent Denis Whelan, Garda Sergeant Colum Matthews, Mr Sean Doyle, Chairman of Enniscorthy Castle and Irish National 1798 Rebellion Centre Committee and members of the Enniscorthy Historical Re-Enactment Society.

**Raising the Tricolor at today’s commemoration ceremony held on Vinegar Hill.**

Speaking at the brief ceremony, local historian Brian Cleary told the gathering that in February 1848, there was again revolution in Paris and the Second Republic was born. “Revolution spread to much of Europe and tricolurs of various colours were appearing in several countries. Thomas Francis Meaghar and William Smith O’Brien were in Paris to observe the strategy of the revolutionaries, As they prepared to return home, a group of French ladies made them a tricolor advocating peace between the religious persuasions in Ireland, symbolised by the Green and Orange with the White in between.”

Mr Cleary recalled his days in Enniscorthy CBS in 1958 and remembers “the late lamented and deservedly revered Micheál Tóibín telling us that the Irish Tricolor was unfurled publicly in Enniscorthy in 1848.”

“We have solid evidence for this statement,” said Mr Cleary, who added; “as the flag featured in a public parade in the town (Enniscorthy) on the same evening it was unfurled in Waterford – Tuesday, March 7^th 1848.”

Contemporary newspaper reports said “Enniscorthy was a scene of splendid rejoicings. Numerous crowds paraded through the streets, with tar-barrels burning and a tri-color flag up for the occasion. There were also several tar-barrels burning on Vinegar Hill. There fires were on the highest rocks. Everything was conducted with order and regularity.”

AUDIO ADDITION; Cathaoirleach Cllr Cathal Byrne speaking with Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill today.

Good racing at first Wexford fixture

**Jockeys in the parade ring for racing at Bettyville Park in Spring conditions this afternoon.**

By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park

A good standard of racing, but no local winners, was the order at the first race meeting of 2022 held at Bettyville Park, Wexford, today before a good size crowd in Spring sunshine.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins saddled a double with Arctic Warrior (5/2) and Egality Mens (8/15 fav) and had two ‘seconds’, the most interesting being Dancing City in the bumper beaten half a length by Gordon Elliott’s Three Card Brag, a bay gelding bred in Wexford by Roland Rothwell. It was a frantic race up the straight and both contestants got ‘close together’ near the finish, a lengthy enquiry, ensued, by the result stood.

As stated, no Wexford winners but Paul Nolan’s Saga Aravis running in the colours of the Buzzer Racing Syndicate was runner-up to Donnrua Dream (7/2) from Gavin Cromwell’s stables in Meath. A bit of ‘a political interest here,’ Cllr Jacker Owens from Enniscorthy is part of the Buzzer Racing Syndicate and Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill is part of the Green Grass Syndicate associated with the winner.

The day’s Tote aggregate was up on last year – €124,877 (today) compared with €96,224 when run on St. Patrick’s Day in 2021 behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 guidelines.

The next races at Bettyville Park is on Friday, April 1^st.

There were three point-to-points around the country today and Wexford winners emerged at each meeting. Champion rider Barry O’Neill took the short distance to Borris House for the Carlow Farmers’ fixture and clocked up two victories.

O’Neill got off the mark in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings with Demandrivingduvet for Mary Ellen Doyle’s Coolgarrow Stables, near Enniscorthy by eleven lengths and completed a double in the five-year-old plus adjacent race on Moonlight Symphony for local handler Aidan Fitzgerald.

Denis Murphy enjoyed a training double. At Borris House The Ballyboy Stables handler saddled Peaky Boy to win the maiden race for four-year-olds under Simon Cavanagh. Five lengths the verdict. Meanwhile, at the West Waterford races, Murphy saddled Givehimthehonour and with Luke Murphy up, got home by three-quarters of a length. Both were newcomers. Yesterday, the Murphy’s shared a winner at Tyrella so a fine weekend for Denis (three winners) and Luke (two winners),

Also at the Waterford track, Rob James scored on Stellar Story for Donnchadh Doyle by one and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-and-six- year-old geldings.

And there was a fairytale victory in the Open Race where A Rated won by a neck making a first ride a winning one for Josh Berry, (17), a 5^th year student at St. Peter’s College, Wexford, handled by his father Johnny Berry at Lingstown, Tomhaggard.

At Ballycahane, Limerick, Ballymitty handler and former amateur rider Garrett Murphy saddled his first winner when Cassie Parle’s newcomer Affordable Fury won by two lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. The successful rider was Shane O’Rourke, Foulksmills.

Sunday racing at Bettyville Park

By Dan Walsh

The going is officially ‘heavy’ for the opening fixture of 2022 at Bettyville Park, Wexford, tomorrow. The first of seven races is off at 2.10pm. Good crowd expected. The card is as follows;

2.10pm; Wexford Mares Maiden Hurdle, Two miles (17 runners).

2.45pm; BetVictor Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle, Two miles (12 runners).

3.20pm; M2 Construction Wexford Novice Handicap Hurdle. Two miles (14 runners).

3.55pm; Micheal Ó Murchadha Memorial Handicap Hurdle. Two miles (7 runners).

4.30pm; BetVictor Supporting Irish Racing Beginners Chase. Three miles one furlong and 100 yards (6 runners).

5pm; BetVictor Supporting Irish Racing Mares Beginners Chase. Two miles (11 runners).

5.30pm; Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction (Pro/Am) Flat Race. Two miles (8 runners).

Saturday’s point-to-point was at Tyrella in East Down and two Wexford trained winners.

First timer Jet Of Dreams achieved a three and a half lengths success in the maiden race for four year olds for handler Denis Murphy and rider Luke Murphy.

Rob James teamed up with Donnchadh Doyle for a fifteen lengths victory on Gentle Slopes in the maiden race for five- and six-year-old geldings.

The Barry O’Neill-David Christie partnership added a Winner of Two race to their impressive form sheet with Handy Headon making it home ten lengths ahead of everythingelse.

Sunday’s point-to-point is at Borris House for the Carlow Farmers with the first of six races off at 1pm. Entries total 133.

Ferns Pilgrimage to Lourdes revived

By Dan Walsh

The 52^nd Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes is taking place this year after a two-year gap due to the Covid pandemic and was launched via a Pastoral Letter from Bishop Ger Nash read at all Masses across the Diocese of Ferns.

However, the Diocesan with responsibility for the pilgrimage are being extra cautious and a number of changes should be noted!

**BISHOP GER NASH launched the Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes.**

The pilgrimage will be over four nights, instead of the usual five, departing on June 20^th and returning on June 24^th. There will be no invalid section as it would not be possible to guarantee a safe and happy experience for them. Likewise, there will be no Youth Section as their role is helping with the invalids.

Bishop Nash said; “For many people, the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes was an eagerly awaited event each year. The Lourdes Pilgrimage gathers people across the Diocese (of Ferns) and makes them friends as they travel together. This travelling together has been one of the marks of pilgrimage all down the centuries of Christianity and is even more relevant this year.”

In his Pastoral Letter Bishop Nash added; “As we take our first tentative steps to normality, it is good for us to remember that we have lost people over the past two years who were familiar faces who were familiar faces on the Diocesan Pilgrimage. Some of them travelled regularly as pilgrims and some were former volunteers and helpers. They have completed their earthly pilgrimage and we pray they are enjoying the happiness of eternal life.”