Odour anger at Ballyminaun Hill steps up!

By Dan Walsh

There is a palpable anger at the lack of action by Wexford County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to the obnoxious odours constantly diminishing the quality of life in the neighbourhood and the town of Gorey from the compost plant on Ballyminaun Hill.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN who is campaigning with the residents affected by odour emissions in the Ballyminaun Hill neighbourhood of Gorey.

About 30 residents attended a public meeting last night (Thursday) held in the Barnadown Equestrian Centre and there was anger and support for the campaign to be stepped up as the winter months approach.

The attendance included Cllrs Joe Sullivan and Diarmuid Devereaux while apologies were noted on behalf of Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin. Mr Dermot Leahy attended on behalf of the Environment Section of Wexford County Council.

WexfordLocal.com understands that representatives of the Custom Compost Plant were invited to attend the meeting, but there was no response!

AUDIO ADDITION – CLLR JOE SULLIVAN comments on last night’s meeting on the Ballyminaun Hill campaign.

It was a lively discussion with the residents standing firm in their quest for a clean environment and the campaign is set to drag on. There is also grievous disappointment locally that Wexford County Council and the EPA have not done enough and the residents of Ballyminaun Hill feel strongly that they have been let down badly at official level.

Three angry residents from Ballyminaun Hill were guests of Wexford County Council at the June meeting where Cllr Joe Sullivan raised several issues relating to an obnoxious odour emanating from a compost plant.

Submissions were made by the plant owner in 2012 and 2017 and an extension to the chimney stack was added but the smell persists, and the neighbours have resorted to public protest and are calling for a quick solution to a long-standing problem.

CEO, Tom Enright told the members that Wexford County Council was aware of the situation at the mushroom compost site and indicated that there is a proposal by the owners for an alternative system. Mr Enright was assured of “the goodwill to get the matter resolved and find a good technical solution.”

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin supported Cllr Sullivan and stated that the Ballyminaun smell affects the school’s environment in Gorey town where there are over 1,000 students.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux, who told the members that he lives in the area, was critical of the compost plant owners and their lack of communication with the neighbouring households and outlined that in 2012 planning permission was granted to deal with the problem.

“It’s appalling, nobody should have to put up with that stink” and he added it is not about conflict between the jobs and people’s wellbeing – it is possible for a trap and hold system in a confined space – it has been going on for ten years and he concluded “while the company representatives will talk to the Executive they will not speak with the neighbours.”

New service on Rosslare-Dunkirk route

New DFDS service between Rosslare and Dunkirk starts on Friday.

By Dan Walsh

A new passenger service between Ireland and France will be launched on Friday on the DFDS Rosslare-Dunkirk route when passenger travel will be introduced on a trial basis, as an addition to the existing freight service between the two ports.

For the first time, DFDS will offer tourists a direct link between South-East Ireland and Northern France. The new service will be focused on car and motorhome traffic at launch, with limited capacity to complement our freight traffic.

Chris Parker, route director, said; “We launched a freight service between Rosslare and Dunkirk in January 2021 and it has proved extremely popular with customers looking to move goods between Ireland and continental Europe without the need to use the land-bridge via the UK. Adding passenger services to the route will further strengthen the service and we expect strong demand from holidaymakers in Ireland and in Northern Europe. Rosslare is at the heart of the ‘sunny southeast’ and a short drive from Dublin and Cork, making it a very popular destination. Irish customers will benefit from a direct link into the heart of Europe.”

Crossings on the route will take 23 hours and 45 minutes, with the overnight sailings providing an opportunity for customers to relax and recharge before driving on to their holiday destination. Against the backdrop of a looming summer of disruption at airports, the launch of the new route offers a stress-free alternative for holidaymakers looking to getaway. No luggage restrictions apply when you take your car to Europe by ferry.

There will be up to five sailings per week from Rosslare to Dunkirk and prices for a car and four passengers with a standard cabin onboard will start from €550, with all meals included.

€186,000 for Wexford outdoor amenities

By Dan Walsh

Funding of €186,000 has been awarded for outdoor amenities in Co. Wexford. Deputy Paul Kehoe welcomed the news from Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. The funding falls under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities such as walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes, and beaches.

Deputy Kehoe said: “This funding will develop 200 outdoor adventure projects across rural Ireland will attract visitors to mountain trails, forest walks, rivers, lakes and beaches.

“It will also provide a major boost to local economies by attracting visitors and furthering our reputation in Wexford as a destination for adventure tourism. Almost €4.3 million will be used to improve some 163 outdoor amenities across the country. Each project will receive up to €30,000 to support their enhancement.

  • €49,500: Extension to the Enniscorthy Riverside Walk.
  • €26,500: Relocation of a section of the Forge Trail, Carrickburn to improve safety.
  • €30,000: Resurfacing of the Oldbawn Carpark, Cahore Point.
  • €30,000: Upgrading the River Slaney banks trail and rerouting link to Blackstoops Road.
  • €20,250: Upgrading trails in Curragh, Kilaneran, Newtown and Annagh.
  • €30,000: Installing a range of seating types on the easy graded trails through Wexford.
ENNISCORTHY RIVER WALK (File Pic)

“Outdoor activities in Wexford play a key role in communities and we have seen this throughout the recent pandemic. Recreation tourism is growing internationally and has the potential to have major economic spin-off benefits for our rural towns and villages,” said Deputy Kehoe.

Minister Humphreys added: “Every county will benefit from today’s announcement so if you’re a walker, a swimmer, a cyclist or even a fisherman – check out the list to see what’s happening in your county.

“Some of these amenities are often hidden gems on our doorsteps so I’m encouraging people to get out and discover them over the rest of the summer”, Minister Humphreys concluded.

Fly-tipping ‘disgrace’ on Vinegar Hill

The scene of weekend fly-tipping on Vinegar Hill this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh

Indiscriminate dumping has appeared on Enniscorthy’s tourism ‘jewel in the crown’ Vinegar Hill over the weekend and is strongly condemned as determined efforts to make the famous 1798 battle site more visitor friendly are in the making.

“I’m really annoyed about anyone doing any kind of dumping but this is fly-tipping. Someone has renovated their bathroom and either they themselves or someone else has come and dumped this up on Vinegar Hill”, said Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy who is a member of Enniscorthy District Council and Chair of the Board of the National 1798 Centre Committee, who added: “It’s a disgrace and we need to find out who did it and if anybody knows they should come and tell us and immediately notify the Council. It’s an absolute disgrace. It’s sacrilege to that Hill.”

A trailer load of what appears to be the contents of an unwanted bathroom demolition were deposited over the boundary wall in the car park. It appears the rubbish was there over the weekend when thousands of visitors were in town for the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival and many of them may have visited Vinegar Hill.

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY condemns dumping on Vinegar Hill.

If anybody has any information regards this vandalism, or similar incidents countywide, they should contact Wexford County Council on 053 916000.

Motorcyclist in crash near Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí at Enniscorthy are appealing for any witnesses to come forward following a serious single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle that occurred shortly before 7am on Saturday at the Clohass Roundabout on the R744 Enniscorthy-New Ross road.

ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION 053 9233534 (File Pic).

The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was taken to University Hospital Waterford with serious injuries.

Gardai is appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam, and were travelling on the R744 or the area of the Clohass Roundabout between 6.30am and 7am are asked to make this footage available to the Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 9233534, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Thousands enjoyed Enniscorthy festival

Crowds waiting for the ‘Rockin’ Express’ steam train at Enniscorthy Railway Station today.

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy town centre is returning to normal tonight, the food stalls have left, there is music in venues till the late hours, after many thousands visited the town at the super successful Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival.

Thousands thronged the streets over two days with the only blip on the Saturday night when rain dampened proceedings from around 7pm. It is reckoned that the crowds were the biggest seen in the town since the glory days of the famous Strawberry Fair festival.

The event was described as “Ireland’s biggest rock and roll festival” and there was continuous music and dancing on the Market House stage every day. Night-time music and merriment took place at 14 venues and were well attended with visiting groups praising the festival organisers and hosts and thanking them for “a wonderful time in Enniscorthy.”

The food stalls were busy throughout the weekend. They reported a busy trade and were pleased with the town centre location which augurs well for the future development of the festival.

The funfair is still going late into the night. Long queues throughout the day as children and teenagers took on the thrill of the bumping cars and other fairground activity.

The exciting arrival of the steam train was delayed by half an hour, but nobody minded, and an energetic bunch of dancers kept everybody entertained at Enniscorthy Station until the 300 passengers from Dublin disembarked and were given a warm welcome to Enniscorthy.

The ‘Rockin’ Express‘ emerges from Enniscorthy tunnel this evening.

The steam train excursion was sold out within hours when it was first advertised. At Enniscorthy the visitors from the capital were replaced by 300 more passengers, mostly family groups, who enjoyed a return day excursion to Rosslare Strand.

The train was more than an hour late on arrival back in Enniscorthy where the locals disembarked, the 300 from Dublin, having enjoyed the delights of Enniscorthy, took advantage of the return trip and steamed away with wonderful memories.

It was a truly family fun occasion experienced in pleasant weather conditions.

And good news for the town’s age friendly and family friendly image, the weekend was successful in a safe and friendly way, as it should be, and no issues of anti-social behaviour or unsavoury happenings were reported.

Fishing boat in distress off Wexford coast

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare RNLI lifeboat responded to a local fisherman located 10 miles north of Rosslare Europort after he reported that his boat was taking on water rapidly at 9.40am yesterday (Saturday).

ROSSLARE RNLI (File Pic)

The volunteer crew arrived on the scene and passed over the salvage pump to help remove the water from the boat, but with the water waist high, the crew were concerned and close to abandoning ship.

The coxswain of the lifeboat ordered the Y boat to be deployed for the crew of the fishing vessel, but eventually the salvage pump made better progress in emptying the water from inside the hull.

After several hours, all the water was pumped out and the casualty vessel was stabilised. The vessel was towed back to the safety of Rosslare Europort.

Eammon O’Rourke, RNLI Coxswain at Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat Station, says; “This was an excellent service where the power and speed of the Severn lifeboat combined with our well-trained volunteer crew undoubtedly saved the fishing boat crew and their vessel.”

Enniscorthy becomes ‘a growing community’

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Community history was made in Enniscorthy this morning when Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council congratulated the committee and cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Enniscorthy Community Allotments at Gort na Gréine.

The new development consists of 64 plots, 20 raised beds and 60 spaces in the polytunnel. Cllr Browne, who lives locally and is a member of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) said it was a great honour to be privileged to perform the opening, he complimented everyone associated with the project and said it was a great community facility for Enniscorthy.

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR AIDAN BROWNE talking to DAN WALSH at the opening of Enniscothy Community Allotments this morning.
Pictured at the opening of the Enniscorthy Community Allotments – Anna Davis (Treasurer); Cllr Lisa McDonald, Chair LCDC; Cllr Aidan Browne, who cut the ribbon and performed the launch; Michael Devereux, Chairman Enniscorthy Community Allotments Committee; Noreen Kehoe (Secretary); Dr Cara Daly, Head of Horticulture Studies at SETU; Eimear McCauley (PRO) and Mark Cook (Vice-chairman).

Noreen Kehoe, Committee Secretary, told WexfordLocal.com that it was grass field up to February when the sod was first turned, it first opened on April 11th the purpose of the Open Day was to show “what has been achieved.

“Michael Devereux had an idea, he needed help, our first meeting was online because of Covid, we got a committee together, we applied for LEADER funding and the support of the community made it all come together,” explained Ms Kehoe.

Michael Devereux, Chairman of Enniscorthy Community Allotments Committee thanked everyone from his committee to Wexford County Council and Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for part played in bring the site from a grass field to a growing community.

Other members of the Committee include Mark Cook, Vice-Chairman and master of ceremonies; Noreen Kehoe, Secretary; Anna Davis, Treasurer; Eimear McCauley, PRO, and Committee Members Cllr Aidan Browne and Shelly Doyle.

Chairperson of Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Cllr Lisa McDonald, who is also Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District said it was great to be at the opening of the Allotments this morning. “This is a fantastic addition to the town where the entire community can come together. Well done to all involved, the LCDC look forward to continuing to support you in the future,” she concluded.

Dr. Cara Daly, Lecturer and Head of Horticulture at South East Technological University (SETU) gave a lengthy account of the relationship between horticulture and the community and outlined the satisfaction of sowing in the soil, caring for it, harvesting it and enjoying the food. “You have a growing community here and I would like to see it rolled out in all communities, and you have only been growing since April!” she added.

Amongst the attendance at the launch were Cllr George Lawlor, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Minister James Browne, Deputies Paul Kehoe and Brendan Howlin, Cllrs Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathal Byrne and Kathleen Codd-Nolan. Mr Ger Mackey, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council was also present.  

Minister Browne gets Enniscorthy ‘Rockin’

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle

Minister of State James Browne TD launched the 2022 Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival at a pleasant outdoors reception hosted by Dunnes Stores on the roof of Enniscorthy Castle this evening.

MINISTER OF STATE JAMES BROWNE TD launching the Rockin’s Food and Fruit Festival on the roof of Enniscorthy Castle this evening.
AUDIO ADDITION; Minister of State JAMES BROWNE TD talking with DAN WALSH at the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Festival launch.

Cllr Aidan Browne, Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, said he was delighted to be invited to the launch of the festival and he acknowledged the work of the committee and the sponsors. “This festival has grown into the most successful summer festival in Co. Wexford. This success is being directed and managed by the festival committee under the chairmanship of Eric Barron and I would like to compliment Eric and his committee.

“The festival would not be able to proceed without the wonderful support of the sponsors – Wexford County Council and Dunnes Stores – and all the hard work will attract many thousands of people to Enniscorthy over the weekend. This will create offer a wonderful opportunity to showcase the town and offer a great boost to business.”

Eric Barron said; “It falls to me as Chairman of the Rockin’ Food and Fruit Committee to welcome you here this evening and I do so in the confident knowledge that this year’s event will live up to, if not surpass, the growing reputation our festival has gained over the years.

“In 2018 and 2019 the festival was adjudged as ‘the best festival in the South-East’ and that accolade was upmost in our minds when we set out about organising this year’s event. Organising an event of this magnitude is a huge undertaking and here I would like to thank my colleagues on the committee; Maree Lyng, Amanda Whitmore, Aisling Coady, Emma Fox, Jimmy Gahan and Richie Cotter. Their commitment and enthusiasm for the task in hand made it all worthwhile and as chairman I publicly. applaud their efforts.”

Attendance included Deputy Paul Kehoe, Cllrs Kathleen Codd-Nolan, Cathal Byrne and Jackser Owens, Bishop Denis Brennan, sponsors, committee members and other invited guests.

Over 50 food stalls will take over the centre of Enniscorthy overnight and the festival will be rockin’ from early Saturday morning until Sunday evening and large crowds are expected and a warm welcome awaits locals and visitors alike.

The programme includes a huge range of free events such as Artisan Food and a Craft Market, a Food Marquee and a superb line-up of celebrity chefs, including Kevin Dundon, Zack Gallagher, Paul Hynes and Trudy Power from Trudie’s Kitchen, to name a select quartet, with tastings and special guests.

The Live Outdoor Stage at Market Square will be booming all weekend with special guest dancers who are the heart and soul of the festival.

The Rock and Roll Town Gig Trail provides a huge choice of live music at 14 venues around town and at the Rockshore Main Stage in Market Square.

The Midnight Crawlers and The Due-Tones are arriving in the shadow of Vinegar Hill from the UK, Memphis Lee and the Creepers are a five-piece band from south Wales, Barry Darcy is an Ireland’s Got Talent finalist, Irish Elvis is one of Ireland’s multi-award-winning tributes to the King- Elvis Presley, and many others.

The advice from the organising committee is to take a stroll through the medieval streets of Enniscorthy and savour the very best of both local and national produce as chefs and food producers have the finest fare of offer.

For full details contact www.rockinfoodandfruitfestival.ie    

‘Great Weekend’ promised at Gorey Festival.

Great weekend of music and entertainment for all the family at Gorey Market House Festival (Pic; Joe Dixon Photography)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

“We’re going to have a great weekend. We are really looking forward to it. It is something that we have been missing for the last few years,” said Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, and Chair of the Festival Committee speaking at the launch of the Gorey Market House Festival in Gorey Civic Centre this afternoon.

Cllr Kenny thanked the organising committee, the local Council, sponsors and everybody who have been associated with the revival of the festival which opens tomorrow (Friday) night and continues over the weekend. “It is great to have the festival back and we are really looking forward to it and hoping that everyone has a great time,” added Cllr Kenny.

Philip Knight, Gorey District Manager said; “I am excited that the Market House Festival is going ahead this year. This will be my first festival as District Manager in Gorey and I hope that people will enjoy the weekend that we have in store for them. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Festival Committee for all the hard work they have put in.”

This year’s Gorey Market House Festival promises to be the best yet with music and events suitable for the whole family and an eclectic mix of music, arts and events happening throughout the town.

The weekend will be filled with free music on the Main Street from artists including Ireland’s best Queen tribute act Qween, Zooropa (U2 Tribute), Live Forever (Oasis Tribute), Beatles for Sale (Beatles Tribute), Dave Clark and Matt McManamon (The Dead 60s) to name a few. This year, we are delighted to welcome back Tan and Sober Gentlemen (North Carolina) who entertained the crowd in 2019.

Friday sees the return of Qween, who rocked the town in 2019. On Saturday, Tan and Sober Gentlemen will get the crowd ready for Zooropa, Ireland’s Ultimate U2 Tribute Band. And, on Sunday, there will be live music on the street to get the crowd in the mood for Beatles For Sale followed by Live Forever. 

This year the festival promises to be action packed for all the family with various events happening throughout the weekend across the town including the ever-popular Play Day, which will take place in Gorey Town Park on Saturday from 12.30pm to 5pm, showcasing fun for the whole family with DJ Liam Sharkey, Puppet Shows, Magicians and Face Painting. 

AUDIO ADDITION; DAN WALSH talking to CLLR DONAL KENNY at today’s official launch of the Gorey Market House Festival at the Civic Centre.

The Annual Busking Competition in association with Making Music will also take place on Saturday with €1000 worth of vouchers up for grabs for budding musicians. On Sunday afternoon there will be a craft market on the Main Street with music from Stratus, Matt McManaman, Cian Fitz and Turas followed by The Pucas with Liam Byrne, Beatles For Sale and Live Forever.

Pictured at the launch of the Market House Festival – Cllr Pip Breen, Liz Hore, Director of Services, Cllr Donal Kenny, Chair of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Chair of Gorey Market House Festival Committee, Inspector Pat Cody, and Philip Knight, District Manager.

Gorey Market House Festival 2022 takes place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, Friday to Sunday inclusive, with music, arts and events suitable for the whole family. For more information on the festival, please visit LoveGorey.ie or Gorey Market House Festival on Facebook.