WexfordLocal.com

Courtown to conduct community survey

By Dan Walsh

Courtown Community Council will shortly commence a survey to gather the views of the community on the future investment and development of Courtown, Riverchapel and surrounding areas.

The Council will put to good use all of the information gathered to help develop the Courtown Smart Village Strategy.

According to the European Commission, “Smart Villages are rural areas and communities which build on their existing strengths and assets as well as on developing new opportunities”, where “traditional and new networks and services are enhanced by means of digital, telecommunications, technologies, innovation and the better use of knowledge”.

Members of Courtown Community Council engaged in training which was facilitated by the LEADER programme 2014–2020 to learn about the Smart Village Strategy with the aim of developing a strategy for the coastal area.

Linda Sinnott from Courtown Community Council told WexfordLocal.com; “It is vital that all members of the community take the opportunity to feed into the development of this Strategy as we hope it will serve as the blueprint for future investment and development of our local area.”

Some of the topics that aim to address through the Smart Village Plan include service provision gaps; key investment projects; transport, environmental projects and challenges; enterprise opportunities and challenges.

The public consultation will launch in the coming weeks and Courtown Community Council looks to the people to “take a few minutes to share your views with us on the future of Courtown and Riverchapel,”

Timelines include; September: Draft survey for general public, organise logistics for public meetings, advertise public meetings and launch survey.

October: Host public meetings, close survey. Begin analysis.

November: Develop recommendations.

The key people the Council want to consult with?

● Long term residents

● Holiday home/mobile home residents

● Business owners

● Community groups

● Education providers – school and Courtown LTI.

Medieval Day in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

**Guided tours of Wexford Town Wall on Saturday.**

Living history comes alive next Saturday with a Medieval Day taking place at the old Town Wall in the Green area behind Westgate Tower/Heritage Centre. It is part of National Heritage Week and is a free event.

Monica Crofton will be leading guided tours of the Town Wall at 12pm and 3pm from Westgate Centre. Ms Crofton is author of 30 Paces Outside the Town Gate which explores the history of Wexford Castle and Military Barracks.

Other atractions include Weaponry and Combat Displays, Living History Tents and Craft Displays with Fingal Living History Society. Striking Viking Coins and Falconry Display with the Irish National Heritage Park. Baya The Storyteller, The Big Dig Workshop, School of Irish Archaeology, Shield Painting, Face Painting, Children’s Art Competition, and Music by Craobh Loch Garman Comhaltas.

AUDIO ADDITION; County Heritage Officer CATHERINE McLOUGHLIN tells DAN WALSH about Medieval Day in Wexford town on Saturday.

Enniscorthy stage set for ‘Farsiders’ premiere

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Summer theatre comes to the Presentation Arts Centre at Enniscorthy with the world premiere of Farsiders, a new play written and directed by local talent Fintan Kelly from August 24-27^th which was launched at a pleasant reception held tonight (Wednesday) in the IFA Farm Centre at Enniscorthy.

Liam Doyle, Chairman of Enniscorthy Drama Group thanked Fintan Kelly for writing the play “because without a play we couldn’t have any great cause to be here,” and he complimented Fintan for giving his time to produce and direct the play as well, and he thanked the cast and committee in producing this play.

Local journalist and broadcaster Jimmy Gahan said he was privileged that Fintan asked him to launch his play. “apart from being a wonderful actor and theatrical personality” Fintan is a wonderful and successful person that has appeared in many plays and film pieces, including Fair City (RTE 1). Gahan gave a detailed outline of his progress and success and he wished him well with the world premiere of Farsiders which marks his additional debut as a playwright.

AUDIO ADDITION; Fintan Kelly speaking at the launch of his play Farsiders at the Farm Centre, Enniscorthy, tonight.

Maria Nolan acted as master of ceremonies welcomed the invited guests, especially Minister James Browne and Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan whom she stated “both have been tremendous supporters of drama in Enniscorthy” and she acknowledged the absence of Deputy Paul Kehoe who is enjoying holidays, on behalf of the talented super star Fintan Kelly.

€122,400 for 64 Wexford community groups

By Dan Walsh

Community groups responsible for managing walking trails in Wexford will receive grands of €1,000-€3,000 under new funding announced today.

Deputy Paul Kehoe welcomed news from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, that funding of €122,400 will be available to support and improve some 64 walking trails across the Wexford.

Deputy Kehoe said: “Trail walking is a great activity for families in Wexford to enjoy the great outdoors and explore our hidden gems this summer. These trails also attract visitors to small businesses in our rural towns.

“The community groups receiving the grant in Wexford can use it to maintain, improve and promote its use to locals and visitors. “This vital work is done by the groups which are known as Community Trail Management Organisations.

“Community Trail Management Organisations are registered with Sport Ireland and work in conjunction with Wexford County Council, Coillte and the Local Development Company (LDC) in maintaining their local trails.

**CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SUILLEABHÁIN welcomes everyone to the walking trails at Annagh Hill in North Wexford.**

Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the funding and told WexfordLocal.com; “There are wonderful walking routes that are much appreciated. I make use of many of them myself and know they are great for physical and mental health,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.

Senator Byrne praised the work of various community development groups who maintain these trails and where these small grants will be put to good use. “We are second only to the much larger County of Cork for the number of trails we have. Walking in Wexford is Wonderful!” he concluded.

Minister Heather Humphreys added some sound seasonal advice; “With the sunshine set to continue this week, I would encourage everybody, young and old, to get active and enjoy the wonderful walking trails we have all across rural Ireland”, she suggested.

Castletown River and Nature Festival

**CATHY LEE at the information board close to the bridge taking the Ahare River towards Clone Strand.**

By Dan Walsh at Castletown

Busy days ahead with a variety of events happening across Co. Wexford for National Heritage Week – and WexfordLocal.com will endeavour to inform readers of the most interesting and unusual events, and most of them are free to the public – and with climate change a major concern and biodiversity and the environment high on the agenda, we begin with the Castletown River and Nature Festival taking place Friday to Sunday inclusive, August 12-14^th.

Events on Friday evening commence with Michael O’Donnell with a Moth Workshop at Castletown and on Saturday morning there is a Moth Identification session.

There are two events of particular interest at Toss Byrne’s Inch on Saturday; at 2pm the unveiling of the new River Sign will be performed by a well-known celebrity and at 2.30pm there is an opportunity to Discover the Secret Life of the River with Donal O’Keeffe, followed by some refreshments!

Sunday at 12 noon facilitates a Seashore Nature Treasure Hunt and Litter Pick with Jeshua Taucher from Seal Rescue Ireland.

Bring a picnic and don’t be left out at 1pm and in the afternoon there is a Family Sant Art Competition and Make a Seashore Mobile. Not sure what that’s all about so discover the secret by being there!

AUDIO ADDITION – CATHY LEE tells DAN WALSH about the Castletown River and Nature Festival.

Cathy Lee, Chair of the Ahare River and Biodiversity Development Group, speaking to WexfordLocal.com is urging everybody to turn out in big numbers. “Bring the family and enjoy a wonderful weekend of events,” said Cathy, who added that it is also possible to book places via Cathy Lee (087 6254863) or Jackie Byrne (087 1231525) or friendsoftheahareriver@gmail.com

Be mindful of water usage in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water is reminding the public in Wexford to be mindful of their water usage in the coming weeks as some supplies are experiencing increased demand in the current spell of warm weather.

Irish Water has over 750 water treatment plants nationwide and the majority of these are continuing to meet the demand for water. A small number (13 at present) nationwide have been impacted by shortage. In all these areas the advice is to keep the water flowing and minimise the impact on customers. These include tankering and/or night time restrictions.

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 our water treatment plants.

Speaking about the issues, Irish Water’s Ronan Walsh told WexfordLocal.com; “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 and the temperature is set to soar again over the coming days. As the busy summer holiday period continues, many people are outdoors a lot more, watering the garden or washing cars. Demand on Sunday 7th August saw an increase of 7.5% from 1st August which is likely to be attributed to the good weather and high temperatures.

“Met Éireann has forecast high temperatures for the coming week with weather to remain hot and dry through the weekend with a good deal of sunshine. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain in the mid to high twenties across Wexford. Met Éireann has issued a high temperature warning for the week ahead so 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.

“Our main areas of concern around the county currently would be;

• South Regional Water Supply Zone – Ballyhack, Arthurstown, Duncannon, Fethard-on-Sea

• Fardystown Water Supply Zone – Rosslare, Carne, St.Helen’s, Kilmore, Bridgetown, Piercestown, Murrintown

• Wexford Town, Barntown and Taghmon

• Sow Regional Water Supply Zone – Ballymurn, Castlebridge, Crosstown, Ardcavan, Curracloe, Blackwater

• Askamore supply zone (tankering)”

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.”

There are lots of helpful tips for conserving water on water.ie however, the most effective tips would be to leave the hose and the pressure washer in the shed; minimise the use paddling pools; reuse household water for the garden; and take shorter showers. Safeguarding the supply of water is essential currently when hand washing and hygiene is of critical importance. We are calling on everyone to play their part.”

The Irish Water customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on Twitter @IWCare with any queries.

Death of Jackson Owens, (98)

**CARLEY’S BRIDGE, Enniscorthy, beside the residence and the pottery enterprise run by the Carley Owens family for over 300 years.**

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Jackson Owens, (98), who was a director of the Carley’s Bridge Potteries, on the outskirts of Enniscorthy, made famous by the RTE David Shaw-Smith series about traditional crafts called ‘Hands’ which was also shown on various UK channels.

Carley’s Bridge Potteries were the oldest in Ireland, located in the townland of Carrigabruce, at Carley’s Bridge that owes its origins to the Carley brothers who arrived from Cornwall in 1654. They found suitable clay for pottery manufacture and the business flourished for more than 300 years!

Jackson, who was born in 1924, passed away in the wonderful care of Brabazon Trust Home and their kind and loving staff today (Monday). He was a well-known and respected businessman in Enniscorthy and his passing will be mourned by an elderly section of the town who survived him and sympathies are expressed to his family and friends.

Loved by Dorothy, who died in 2009, and his son Peter (d, 1985), he is survived and will be so sincerely missed by his daughter Valerie, son Philip, daughter-in-law Elizabeth and grandson Asa.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 11^th at 4pm at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Cemetery and Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, prior to cremation. A Service of Interment will be held in All Saint’s Church, Castleconnel, Co. Limerick at a future date.

€781k for Wexford lanes and rural roads

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D. has allocated €781.027 to Wexford County Council under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2022.

**KNOCKDUFF LANE, near Bree, one of the many beautiful and environmentally friendly roadways located across rural Co. Wexford.**

Welcoming the news Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com;” This extremely positive announcement will see our laneways and non-public roads in Wexford receive improved access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities.

“Prior to this news, Wexford Local Authority consulted with local residents and landowners to identify road and laneway projects where works could start immediately and be completed this year.

“Fine Gael is working to build stronger, safer communities and we want to see more people living, working and raising a family in our rural communities throughout the country. We will continue to fight for rural homeowners in Wexford and make the case for further increases in funding.

“The funding provided by the Department will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/households. There is a ceiling of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost,” concluded Deputy Kehoe.

Senator Malcolm Byrne told WexfordLocal.com he also welcomes the news saying that the government announcement today is incredibly positive news for many rural dwellers in Wexford who are looking to have their roads resurfaced or upgraded.

“With a doubling of the allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme to €781k, a lot more work will be done over the next year,” said Senator Byrne who added; “Residents that would like to see their lanes / roads improved apply in the first instance to Wexford County Council. I’ll be happy to assist anyone who wishes to apply.”

Minister Heather Humphreys added; “The scheme provides substantial grant aid for the upgrade of these routes and assists homeowners with the costs. In many cases where there are multiple homes on a lane, neighbours will work together to draw down funding under the scheme.

Relief as toilet flushes on Vinegar Hill

**The scene at Vinegar Hill car park on Saturday evening. The new toilet on the far left, the green doggy-poo bin in the centre, and the bag of dog shit on the right.**

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Jackser Owens has welcomed what he describes as “the first ever public toilet” on Vinegar Hill and he visited the site on Friday as the workers placed ‘the trial unit’ in place.

Cllr Owens had called for public toilets on the popular tourist destination that is Vinegar Hill at district and county meetings of the Council for a long time. Jackser gets the plaudits.

This is a modern development for visitors to Vinegar Hill, however, no such facilities existed during the Insurrection of 1798 when, it is recorded and never forgotten, “lads pissed in the powder” and it was no use to the canons and the guns!

The provision of public toilets on the hill must be welcomed and improves the image of the area, however, it is a long way from improving mindless filthy bad habits.

I visited the hill twice today. At the entrance to the hill from the car park is a green dog poo bin – very prominent – and I didn’t check to see if it was full, but I avoided stepping in dog shit – it had been flattened so somebody brought home a souvenir on their shoe – and a bag full of the canine excrement in a white bag is dangling from the hedge beside it! Not a great image.

Last weekend WexfordLocal.com recorded the dumping of bathroom contents over a wall in the car park on Vinegar Hill. It has been completely removed.

On my way back to town, on the pedestrian crossing at the top of Drumgoold, opposite the new school, is rubbish, now scattered about, that has been there for a week!

Extensive rubbish dumping on the Killagoley to Springvalley road above the Turret Rocks. Other parts of the town are affected too, at the recent meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr John O’Rourke referred to fly-tipping in the Carley’s Bridge area, on the opposite side of town.

Local representatives and reporters like me get it in the neck when we are termed ‘negative about the town’ but realism must be recognised – the people of Enniscorthy and visitors to the town demand the respect of a clean and healthy environment and urgent action is required to meet these simple human expectations. Cover-ups are no good unless it goes into the bins provided.

Rachael is Ladies Day favourite at Wexford

**Finalists in the Ladies Day competition at Wexford races this evening.**

By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park

Leading jockey Rachael Blackmore was in brilliant form at Wexford this evening where she recorded a winning favourite double on Watch The Weather (1/1 fav) for Ray Cody’s stable in the handicap hurdle and Coole Arcade (15/8 fav) for the Waterford stable of Henry de Bromhead in the handicap chase.

The Brouder brothers had a winner each. First up in the maiden hurdle was Bold Approach (9/2) owned and bred by Mrs Jim Bolger with Gearoid Bruder in the saddle beat Willie Mullins’ High City Roller (Brian Hayes) by a short head. Winning trainer Brendan Duke said afterwards; “That win is for Paddy Bolger (from Oylegate who passed away recently). He was a terrific friend of mine and is an unbelievable loss to the Bolger family and to humanity, so that’s for him.”

There was a Wexford winner in the bumper. Lodilomoco (7/2) bred at Oylegate by Tim Nolan, who was on hand to congratulate the winning owner, Lorcan Higgins from Askamore and Tom Harney was the winning rider. The verdict was two and a quarter lengths.

Kieran Buckley, born in England with strong Clonroche connections, rode his second winner since arriving in Ireland, on the John McConnell trained Battle of Benburb (6/1) in the handicap hurdle.

Veteran Tipperary trainer Edward O’Grady saddled Act Of God (3/1) to win the beginner’s chase with Darragh O’Keeffe on board.

Gavin Brouder made in a Wexford double for the brothers on Val O’Brien’s Avec Espoir (33/1) in the opportunity handicap chase.

It was a very exciting evening’s racing – themed Ladies Day – held in brilliant summer conditions and the attendance was one of the largest seen at Bettyville for some time.

The four finalists in the Ladies Day competition were Anne Marie Blake (overall winner), Veronica Murphy, Melody Redmond and Sharon Curtin. Lorraine Booth was guest judge was Lorraine Booth and the sponsors were Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, and New Mood.

The Tote aggregate was €120,884.24 compared to €80,840.25 last year. The next race meeting at Bettyville Park takes place on Saturday, September 3^rd.