This new photograph taken to display the changing landscape around Enniscorthy combines the past and present and the new Business Hub emerging alongside the mid-19th century brickwork and turrets of the disused St. Senan’s Hospital.
On August 3rd 2018 the first sod was turned at Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park which is a €2.5 million project to be built beside the River Slaney on a 35-acre site at Killagoley on what was once part of the farm land for St. Senan’s Hospital. Speaking on that occasion the then Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr Keith Doyle said; “The Technology Park has the potential to bring hundreds of jobs to Enniscorthy and will be the key to economic revitalisation of Enniscorthy town.”
ENNISCORTHY January 2022.
The steel arrived and the new building is progressing well. And also in the picture the Rosslare Harbour to Dublin train arrives at Enniscorthy. The railway needs support too, no point in crying crocodile tears if Irish Rail were to sideline Enniscorthy at any time in the future!
Public representatives from the Rosslare District were voiciferous at this week’s Special Meeting of Wexford County Council, held via Microsoft Teams, in relation to Christmas Day flooding in south Wexford and calls were made to meet with Office of Public Works and concerns were expressed about protection of the low-lying flood plains in the area and action on a drainage programme.
Cllr Lisa McDonald put forward a successful motion (seconded by Cllr Jim Codd); “Calling upon Wexford County Council to amend their flood plan immediately to include a new flood response plan for three villages in the Rosslare District; Bridgetown, Wellingtonbridge and Duncormick.”
“I was glad that my motion was passed at yesterday’s meeting”, Cllr. McDonald said, “It called upon Wexford County Council to amend their flood plan immediately to include a new flood response plan for three villages in the Rosslare District; Bridgetown, Wellingtonbridge and Duncormick.
Poor visibility but flooding at Bridgetown on Christmas Day seen from the cockpit of Rescue 117 Coast Guard Helicopter.
“The motion that I presented also stated that flood alleviation measures should be actioned in the aforementioned villages immediately,” she added.
At the meeting, a graph was presented which showed that Johnstown Castle experienced its highest level of rainfall over a 24-hour period on Christmas Day 2021 since records began in the 1940’s.
“This weather event caused considerable damage to homes, businesses and roads and it is vitally important that we take necessary action now to prevent what was experienced in the Rosslare District on Christmas Day from happening again.
“I would encourage all home-owners and businesses affected to apply for aid through the schemes that have been opened by the government as soon as possible”, Cllr. McDonald concluded.
The winter woes of 1947 are part of Wexford lore and whenever there is a significant weather event it is inevitable that 1947 will be the base line for measurement, however, it is official where intensive rainfall is concerned – 24 hours on Christmas Day was the heaviest downfall in living memory and slightly greater than 1947.
This information emerged after a tsunami of facts, figures and detail were presented at a Special Meeting of Wexford County Council held with Microsoft Teams today to discuss the damage and hardship caused across the county and to take action to get roads and bridges reopened and to protect the general welfare of the county.
Reports and calls for assistance were heard from all the Cathaoirleach of the regions Cllr Cathal Byrne (Enniscorthy), Pip Breen (Gorey-Kilmuckridge), Bridín Murphy (New Ross), Jim Moore (Rosslare) and Mayor Garry Laffan (Wexford Borough), Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services for the Emergency Services, Eamonn Hore, Senior Roads Engineer and County Secretary David Minogue.
There was widespread support for all sections of Wexford County Council staff who gave up their Christmas family time to respond to what was happening. Chief Executive Officer Tom Enright also acknowledged the dedication of Council staff and the assistance of various local agencies who responded in a time of great fear and anxiety for many communities.
Mayor Laffan said many country roads were scoured and returned to a poor state. “Central Government needs to be involved,” he echoed, a call that was also brought to the table by other public representatives.
It was a very comprehensive presentation lasting more than three and a half hours – too much or WexfordLocal.com to condense into a single article so I am going to break it down to about half a dozen articles outlining a mixture of hardship and damage and suggested actions for the future –from now until the weekend.
Helicopter Rescue 117 on Christmas Day duty at Bridgetown village (Pic; Wexford County Council).
We begin with dark clouds over Wexford on Christmas Day and the rain starts to fall; A Yellow level rainfall from Met Eireann warned; “persistent rain on Christmas Day will give totals of 30 to 50m. This may cause localised flooding.”
The highest national rainfall accumulations were recorded in Wexford on 25th December 2021, with lower accumulations recorded generally in the rest of the country, highest in the east.
The 24-hour total rainfall observed of 58.9 mm at Johnstown Castle, is 54% of its monthly long-term average (1981-2010). However, this is the highest 24-hour rainfall total observed at this station in any December measured.
On Christmas Day 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.
A graph is available that shows the rainfall values for each day of December 2021 at Johnstown versus previous December daily rainfall totals in the climate record in 81.1 years the station is open.
Mayglass Water Tower observed similar rainfall volumes over the period 24-25th December 2021. Countywide, rainfall volumes in excess of the above have been reported.
Significant flooding events were subsequently reported across County Wexford. Enniscorthy town as well as Bridgetown, Blackwater and Foulksmills, Duncormick villages were substantially flooded, with many other smaller areas across the county as well as single incident properties impacted due to flood water.
River and canal breaches as well as significant land run off to roads and property were reported across the county. It is estimated that approximately 100 individual properties have been damaged to some degree by flood water –with a large portion of farmland also significantly flooded.
N.B.; For anybody seeking further information detailed reports are available from Wexford County Council.
The heart-breaking final journey for Julieanne Kehoe, (29), takes place on Thursday with mid-day Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Craanford and burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
JULIEANNE KEHOE
A local mother of three was one of the three people killed in a horror head-on road traffic collision on the N52 beside the M3 Motorway in Kells, Co. Meath on New Year’s Eve.
Daughter of Geraldine and the late Jack Kehoe, Juileanne attended Craanford National School and is a former care worker at Castle Garden Nursing Home in Enniscorthy and held plans to marry her partner Dessie and they were building a new house in Baileborough, Co. Cavan.
Julieanne’s untimely and tragic death has generated tears and prayers across the wider community and deepest condolences are expressed to her family and friends. R.I.P.
FAMILY NOTICE; Beloved daughter of Geraldine and the late Jack, partner of Dessie Heery, (Bailieborough, Co Cavan) mother of Jack, Grace and Hannah and sister of Ger, Martina and Ciaran. Deeply regretted by her mother, partner, son, daughters, brothers, sister, sister-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, relatives and friends. May She Rest in Peace
Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey on today Wednesday, from 3 pm until 7 pm. Funeral arriving to St. Patrick’s Church, Craanford on Thursday, for Funeral Mass at 12 noon followed by Burial in the adjoining Cemetery. Family Flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, Children’s Unit. Social Distance Rules will apply in the Funeral Home, Church and Cemetery for the safety of the Family and all in attendance. Please wear face masks.
The family very much appreciate your support and co-operation during this very sad and difficult time.
Eleven-year-old Tommy Kehoe was one of approximately sixty swimmers who completed the fundraising challenge, 20 Dips in December, on the Little Beach in Kilmore Quay on New Year’s Eve in aid of Kilmore Quay RNLI.
The event was organised by three local ladies, Melinda Kehoe, Grainne O’Brien and Simmi Duffin, 20 Dips in December, saw local swimmers take part in, not one, but twenty sponsored swims in the sea during the month of December. The weather and sea conditions throughout the month were a key consideration for the swimmers.
Young fundraiserTOMMY KEHOE is saluted by the crew and friends of Kilmore Quay RNLI after the 20 Dips challenge. (Pic; RNLi/Elaine Walsh)
Even though there were some days where conditions did not allow for a dip, there were enough favourable days to allow for the challenge to be completed safely by the hardy swimmers. Not least of all by Melinda’s son Tommy who even fitted in a dip in the morning before school!
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, fundraising in aid of Kilmore Quay lifeboat has taken place throughout the year as COVID guidelines allowed. Dedicated supporters of the RNLI in the area have organised walks, swims, cycles, vintage runs, online bingo, and head shaves among other activities, raising vital funds to maintain the charity’s lifesaving services. Speaking following the final swim on Friday, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Grace, said: “There is a fantastic community spirit here today. Tommy has raised an incredible sum of money for the RNLI, as have all the participants. We cannot thank everyone who took part and all who support Kilmore Quay RNLI throughout the year enough for all their efforts and generosity.”
Cllr Bridín Murphy from Clonroche is the new Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District taking over from Cllr Pat Barden and one of her immediate priorities is to liaise with Council officials and engineering staff for the quick restoration of bridges damaged by the torrential Christmas Day rains across a terrain that stretches from Killanne to the Hook, New Ross to Adamstown and lots of townlands in between.
Cllr Murphy has been checking on the bridges in her district and amazingly two of them are on her doorstep. She has been speaking with the roads engineer who have been updating the position at present.
CLLR BRIDÍN MURPHY surveying the damage to Aughnaglower Bridge on the R735 linking Adamstown and Clonroche.
The road likely to take priority as ‘a regional road’ is the R735 linking Adamstown with Clonroche and on towards Enniscorthy. “This is Aughnaglower Bridge, more commonly known as Chapel Bridge which was badly damaged. The road has completely disappeared as has the bridge,” she added.
Just over the road is Raheen Bridge linking Clonroche with Bree. “The damage is quite deceptive. The bridge is completely washed away underneath. The damage is not visible from the road, and it will take an assessment to determine how to proceed with this.
“Just across the M25 close to Taghmon, Little Cullenstown Bridge has been completely swept away. And the road from Assagart to Little Cullenstown is impassable now.” concluded Cllr Murphy.
AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR BRIDÍN MURPHY tells DAN WALSH about the damage to bridges in the New Ross Municipal District.
Communities have been cut off. Farms are split, and some unfortunate farmers must travel long round distances to care for animals and continue normal business. Some inconvenience for some time but public safety is a priority at this time and Cllr Murphy and her fellow members in New Ross Municipal District will be keeping on the pressure and seeking a fair share of the repairs to the damage that is felt across Co. Wexford since Christmas Day.
RAHEEN BRIDGE between Clonroche and Bree via Ballybrennan where the top of the road is mostly intact but the underneath has been swept away.
It looks like a child has grown up but the adults have not! While driving at Kiltrea between the N30 and Caim I came upon the contents of a child’s bedroom sitting on the side of the road in the winter sunshine. They were in good condition but totally abandoned!
It is understood that the owner can have them back. They may have accidentally fell from some vehicle and recovery would be a good news story!
The scene on a country road at Kiltrea, near Caim this afternoon.
Apparently, this road is popular for indiscriminate dumping and the contents of the nursery were not the only rubbish thrown here in recent times. It is a quiet narrow road, well maintained, and the residents deserve the respect to have it stay that way.
“I have reported dumping many times,” one local resident out for a walk told WexfordLocal.com, and he added; “In fairness the County Council have come out and cleaned the place up, but they don’t seem to be able to catch the culprits. It’s all that GDPR stuff.”
One week into the New Year and the old problems have not gone away. Indiscriminate dumping remains a blot on the landscape and is firmly back on the agenda for Wexford County Council.
The death has taken place of John Doyle, (87), of Doyle’s Bar, The Duffry, Enniscorthy, who was a well-known member of the Licensed Vintners’ Association.
John grew up in the famed licensed premises of his parents, Joe and Brigid Doyle, and worked at Enniscorthy Post Office for many years, but when his father passed away John and his sister Mary ran the pub and on reaching retirement John concentrated fully on running of the popular meeting place for generations of customers.
JOHN DOYLE
There was always a strong family and customer relationship within the premises where sports and family celebrations were occurring on a regular basis. Strangely, it was always referred to locally as ‘Joe Doyles’.
FAMILY NOTICE. Beloved husband of Ann, dearly loved and loving father of the late Joseph and cherished brother of Bessie, Anne, Mary, Patrick and the late Breda. Sadly missed by his loving wife, brother, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he Rest in Peace
Reposing at Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy today (Monday) from 7 o’ clock to 9 o’ clock for family and friends. Removal from Browne’s Funeral Home on Tuesday morning to St. Aidan’s Cathedral arriving for Funeral Mass at 10 o’ clock. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
A small Wexford contingent descended on Ballindenisk, Co. Cork for this afternoon’s point-to-point races but there was a Wexford trained winner as first timer Joe’s Turn took up the running before two fences out and lead the field home in division two of the maiden race for six year olds plus.
Point-to-point action (File Picture)
Ridden by Harley Dunne, Blackwater, Joe’s Turn was in control from two obstacles out and ran on gamely for a New Year’s victory by three lengths success for Richie Rath whose stables are located at Ballybawn, Screen.
A bay gelding by Jet Away out of Mileshogue Queen, Joe’s Turn is bred and owned by Laurence O’Brien, Oylegate. So a true Wexford victory for the competitive team.
One of the three people killed in a horror head-on road traffic collision on the N52 besidethe M3 Motorway in Kells, Co. Meath on New Year’s Eve at around 4.25pm has been named as Julieanne Kehoe, a native of Craanford, near Gorey.
JULIEANNE KEHOE
Ms Kehoe, a mother of three in her mid-20s, who was due to get married this year was travelling to Cavan where she is building a house.
Three children who were travelling in her car – a 12 year old boy and two baby girls – were taken to hospital where the boy’s condition is said to be ‘serious’ and the girls injuries were described as ‘not life-threatening’.
Tributes are pouring in as the tragic news is breaking in North Wexford where Julieanne is fondly remembered and her families are well-known and respected. Cllr Donal Kenny said; “She was a great mother. It is an unspeakable tragedy. We are hoping and praying the kids will be okay.”
Gardaí are appealing to witnesses, particularly any road users who were travelling in the area at the time and who may have camera footage, including dashcam, to contact Kells Garda Station on 046 9280820 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
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