EPA Report focuses on Wexford water quality

By Dan Walsh

Over 99.5% of samples taken in 2020 across Ireland’s 740 public drinking water supplies are compliant for microbiological and chemical standards producing water that is safe to drink according to the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Drinking Water Report. This work continued throughout 2021, with an additional six supplies removed so far this year, benefitting over 660,000 people.

Since 2014, Irish Water has been working in partnership with Wexford County Council, to address water quality issues across the county. “We have built new drinking water infrastructure in towns and villages across the county, improving water quality and benefitting local communities.  

The RIVER SOW at beautiful Edenvale, Castlebridge.

“By building this new infrastructure we have improved drinking water for over 11,000 people and facilitated the removal of the Sow Regional Water Supply Scheme from the EPA’s Remedial Action List. 

“Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, are progressing works for the delivery of the Gorey Regional Water Supply Scheme. The project provides for a new water treatment plant (WTP) and reservoir at Ballyminaun Hill, upgrades to an existing reservoir at Ballyminaun Hill and associated interconnecting infrastructure. Works are due to be completed by the end of this year. The existing scheme is operating at maximum capacity. This project will increase capacity to the area and facilitate growth and development. This project will benefit businesses and residents of Gorey and the surrounding area through improvement of security of water supply.”

Progress has been made in other projects and programmes including the Wexford Disinfection Programme.

“We’re investing €65 million to upgrade and standardise disinfection systems across the country. The programme involves over 864 water treatment plants, pumping stations, and reservoirs across the country.

“Delivering clean, safe drinking water is our top priority. Disinfection is an important part of the water treatment process. The disinfection progress kills disease-causing organisms in water.

“Irish Water is upgrading Water Treatment Plants across Wexford as part of the National Disinfection Programme. This programme has resulted in upgrades and standardisation of disinfection systems at 25 water treatment plants, pumping stations and reservoirs across the county. 

To date, upgrades have been completed in Ballindaggin, Boolavogue, Bree, Carrickduff, Castledockrell, Clonroche, Coolgreaney, Davidstown, Vinegar Hill, Killagooley, Edermine, Ballygarron, Kiltealy Ballycrystal, Ballinellard, Newtown, Woodview Drive Adamstown, Monagear-Moin Rua, Camolin, Chestnut Grove, Raheen, Terrarath, Creagh, Glynn and Carrickbyrne Water Treatment Plants.

A symbol of the past. An old water pump preserved in Kilmyshall.

The report also refers to Irish Water’s lead programme which involves the replacement of lead service connections in the public network. There are an estimated 180,000 lead service connections in Ireland and Irish Water has replaced over 35,000 to date. 

Commenting on the report, Eamon Gallen, General Manager of Irish Water, said: “Irish Water acknowledges the report. Overall, in 2020 public water supplies were 99% compliant which is a world class level of compliance with the drinking water regulations. Given the size and scale of the legacy issues and continued need to upgrade plants and the network, Irish Water is delighted to achieve a 99% compliance rate. 

“The report is clear, however, that much more remains to be done. The building, repair and upgrading of Irish Water’s water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, water and sewer network will require a multi-billion euro investment programme over many years.

Gardai renew appeal for witnesses

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí in Thomastown are renewing their appeal for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the N25 at Gaulstown in Glenmore, Co. Kilkenny, on Wednesday evening December 1st, 2021.

The incident occurred at approximately 6.30pm and involved two cars. The driver of one of the cars, a Wexford woman in her 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three women, two aged in their 20s and one in her late teens, were taken to University Hospital Waterford to be treated for serious injuries.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward. Any road users who were travelling on the N25 in Glenmore on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 between 6.15pm and 6.40pm and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make it available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Thomastown Garda Station on 056 7754150, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Confusion reigns around animal welfare

By Dan Walsh

Over €130,000 has been allotted to animal welfare organisations in County Wexford at a time when the hunting industry has been wiped out and point-to-point racing is about to be axed due to insurance difficulties resulting in the destruction of the livelihoods of hundreds of people who have contributed with dignity and success to the breeding and subsequent welfare of our equestrian champions over many decades.

Horses in action at the Lingstown point-to-point a few weeks ago. We may never see these sporting scenes again.

Minister of Agriculture has supported animal welfare organisations operating in Co. Wexford as part of a €4 million package announced yesterday, which was themed National Animal Welfare Awareness Day 2021.

The Wexford funding allocations are as follows: Chipper’s Sanctuary, Gorey €4,500; New Ross SPCA €16,000; North Wexford SPCA €30,000; Seal Rescue Ireland €20,625 and Wexford SPCA €62.500. This funding is appreciated and deserved by the recipients who play a vital role in looking after our animals.

Senator Malcom Byrne told WexfordLocal.com; “This is very welcome funding, and it is also important to highlight the great work that our animal welfare charities do and to encourage people to be aware of the importance of good animal welfare practices.”

I don’t normally express personal views on this page, however, I must bring to light the mixed-up and confusing situation as mentioned on the opening paragraph.

Talks are still taking place, morale is at an all-time low, a pleasant outcome is unlikely, and the Government are sitting on the fence and offering no help to the racing and equestrian industry where Wexford is in the top five in the country. And no Teachta Dail shows any interest? No place for country pursuits in the 21st century?

Seizure of goods at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized approximately 11,660 ‘L&M’ brand cigarettes, 20 litres of spirits and almost 224 litres of beer at Rosslare Europort last week. The seized goods have a combined retail value of over €10,200, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €7,700.

Detector dog GUS at Rosslare Europort (Pic; Revenue)

The smuggled cigarettes and alcohol were discovered with the assistance of detector dog Gus and Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, when Revenue officers stopped and searched an Irish registered vehicle that had disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France.

A Polish national in his 40’s was questioned.

Investigations are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and smuggling. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

War at sea becomes war of words at Council meeting

By Dan Walsh

An incident at sea involving an Irish registered trawler, the Mary J from Kilmore Quay, who was put off her fishing grounds by the Irish Navy vessel, the William Butler Yeats, was raised at today’s meeting of Wexford County Council held in ‘the Street’ at Carricklawn Headquarters, Wexford, under Covid-19 guidelines, by Aontú and Rosslare District member Cllr Jim Codd.

Cllr Codd said the Mary J WD-17 was fishing alongside another Kilmore Quay based fishing vessel on grounds south of Cork when they received a call from the Navy over the VHF allegedly stating “This is the warship William Butler Yeats. Prepare for boarding’.

CLLR JIM CODD… defending the local fishing industry.

Cllr Jim Codd said a €65 million warship with a crew of 44 threatened a thirty-year-old ‘rust bucket’ from their own country with a crew of four while ignoring foreign vessels working in the area.

At the time, there were Belgium trawlers working in the same area. “The two Kilmore Quay fishing vessels were fishing an area of Irish waters, along with four Belgian vessels when an Irish navy ship approached,” alleged Cllr Codd, who added; “It ignored the Belgian boats and engaged the Kilmore ships following a stark warning.”

The Mary J was boarded and escorted back to Kilmore Quay Harbour where the Navy carried out their investigations.

Cllr Codd demanded to know what was going on at the port and called on the Council to write to the relevant Minister in search of answers.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy told the meeting that Wexford County Council did not send the naval ship?

Cllr Tom Forde said he agreed with Cllr Codd and pledged support for the fishermen and in support he felt that writing to the Minister could be supportive.

Cllr Jim Moore objected to the term ‘rust bucket’ being used. He said it was a poor representation of the very worthy and high-quality fishing fleet at Kilmore Quay. Cllr Codd reiterated that the reference to ‘rust bucket’ was a description used by the skipper. Cllr Moore was also critical of the Sinn Féin influence and the European agenda.

Liam Mellows remembered in Castletown

By Dan Walsh

The annual Liam Mellows Commemoration ceremony took place today (Sunday) at his graveside in Castletown Cemetery where Sinn Féin’s Johnny Mythen became the first Wexford TD since 1924 to deliver the oration.

“I am humbled and proud to speak at the graveside of this great Irishman,” said Deputy Mythen who described Mellows as “one of the giants of the Irish Republican struggle. “A man of tremendous conviction, who had a gift of leadership and ability to see further than his peers.”

A feature of this year’s commemoration was the unveiling of Liam Mellow’s original Sam Browne Belt, given in trust with the long term aim of finding a permanent venue in which to suitably display it in North Wexford.

At the annual Liam Mellows Commemoration in Castletown graveyard today. Johnny Mythen TD (who delivered the oration), Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (master of ceremonies), Anne O’Sullivan (displaying Liam Mellows’ Sam Browne Belt) Ger Sheehan (singer) and members of Enniscorthy Re-Enactment Group. (Pic- courtesy of Sinn Féin).

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súileabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, was master of ceremonies and welcomed all. “It is certainly great that we are holding this commemoration today in person (and not just on zoom) especially as we stand on the cusp of his centenary -which we need to work have as one of our party’s major national commemorative events next year as well as having a programme of events throughout 2022-not just to be left until December commemoration.”

Cllr ó Súilleabháin continued; “Every winter since 1924 Republicans from all over Ireland have gathered at this windswept grave of one of Irelands greatest patriots, making this annual pilgrimage to honour one of Irelands greatest – Republican, Socialist, Gaeilgeoir – Liam O’Maoliosa or Liam Mellows, who as a prisoner of war in Mountjoy jail 99 years ago, was taken out to be executed by Free State forces – the Cumann na nGael predecessors of Fine Gael- during the Civil War (or as his friend Máire Comerford called it -the counter-revolution.

“It took until 1924 to have his body released to be buried here in Castletown, as he requested, and where he had spent his formative childhood years. As well as being an organiser for the Republican Youth wing-Na Fianna Eireann he also led the Western Division during the 1916 Rising and later went on to become the IRAs Director of Supplies.

He proudly stated the following: “I am a citizen of the Irish Republic proclaimed at Easter 1916 which has the allegiance of the overwhelming majority of the people of Ireland. I owe allegiance to one country only – Ireland –and the cause of Irish freedom, which is the cause of God.”

Captured after Free State forces shelled the Four Courts, with cannons provided by the British, Liam Mellows was later executed by firing squad on the morning of December 8th, 1922, along with Ruairi O’Connor, Joe McKelvey and Dick Barrett.

At today’s ceremony, wreaths were also laid at the grave of the Kavanagh brothers; the Proclamation was read by Cailín Ní Ghiolla Phádraig and Ger Sheehan performed a song. The Enniscorthy Re-Enactment Group were present, and the ceremony concluded when Michael Roche played Amhran na bhFiann.

Doubles for four Wexford stables at Borris

By Dan Walsh at Borris House

It was a busy afternoon on the point-to-point circuit with doubles for four Wexford handlers, Ellen Doyle, Cormac Farrell and Michael Goff at Borris House and Donnchadh Doyle saddled a brace of winners at Boulta, Co. Cork.

Ellen Doyle’s Baltimore Stables at Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, won both divisions of the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Criquette in division one by half a length and Halka Du Tabert by an amazing 45 lengths in division two. Both were having their first outing, and both were ridden by Alex Harney from the Naul in North Dublin.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was divided three ways and Cormac Farrell’s Ballypeacus, Bunclody, yard won the first two, both ridden by Mullingar rider Simon Cavanagh. First in was Jet Powered by eight lengths in the first division and Dancing City completed the double by a dozen lengths in division two.

Division three was won by Path D’Oroux – one length was the winning distance- ridden by Liam Gilligan and the first leg of a double for Michael Goff’s Monageer stables. Goff also saddled Goodoldbill, the 15 lengths winner of the maiden race for five-year-olds with Aaron Sinnott, Enniscorthy, in the saddle.

Point-to-point action at Borris House with the Carlow Farmers’ Hunt

Division two of the five-year-old geldings’ race was won by Colin Bowe’s Gold Emery with James Kenny, Craanford, driving home the gelding to a three lengths success.

Two divides in the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards. Division one was won by Moral Of The Story, owned and handled by John Hurley, a first winner for rider Nora Walsh from East Cork. Division Two provided local rider Rochelle Murphy with a fine success on Truckers Tangle in the colours of Belinda O’Brien and trained at Belmont, Clonroche, by Daryl Deacon.

The Open Lightweight Race provided Donnchadh Doyle with his third victory of the day – two at Boulta – when Eh Dancer had six lengths to spare with Alan Harney, Kilmacow, in the saddle.

Mallow rider Finian Maguire took the ride on Camilla’s Choice for owner/handler Maike Magnussen and the winner of the maiden race for five-year-old mares.

There were eleven races at Borris House where the organisers were rushing things along at a mighty pace in a bid to finish up before fading light, which they accomplished admirably, ground conditions held up well and there was a fine attendance. A good show from the Carlow Farmers Hunt.

Donnchadh Doyle and Rob James had an afternoon double at the Cork venue. Madmansgame won division one of the maiden contest for four-year-old geldings by three lengths and Grandero Bello added more success with a six lengths victory in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.  

Enniscorthy boil water notice is lifted

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council wishes to notify customers on the Enniscorthy Public Water Supply that following the completion of remedial measures and the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results, the boil water notice which has been in place is now lifted with immediate effect. 

This decision follows consultation undertaken with the Health Service Executive. Following Storm Barra and in consultation with the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Wexford County Council issued a boil water notice on the Enniscorthy Supply on Tuesday, December 7th.

All consumers on the Enniscorthy Public Water Supply can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

Irish Water and the Local Authority/Health Service Executive Water Liaison Group will continue to meet and will review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

Irish Water and Wexford County Council acknowledge the patience, cooperation and assistance of the general public during the period of the boil water notice and greatly regrets any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community. 

The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on www.water.ie. 

€100,000 support for New Ross plan

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €2.6 million in funding to deliver the first ever Town Centre First Plans, which will be key to tackling dereliction and revitalising town centres.

SOUTH STREET, NEW ROSS

As part of the initiative Wexford County Council will receive €100,000 to support the development of a unique master plan for New Ross (population 8,040).

Minister Humphries said; “Our rural towns and villages play a central role in the lives of people in rural areas. They are where we live, work, shop and socialise. It is important that we ensure our towns and villages remain vibrant, vital and relevant places. Each town selected as part of this initiative will has its own strengths and each will face different challenges as it maps out its future path. No one size fits all policy will work. The Plans will be developed in tandem with Town Teams that are representative of the local towns and who can bring a wealth of knowledge and local expertise.”

Friday is Digitisation Day

By Dan Walsh

The Wexford War of Independence and Civil War Digitisation Day takes place tomorrow (Friday) at Wexford Library, Mallin Street, Wexford on Friday, 10th December 2021, from 11am to 4pm.

WEXFORD LIBRARY

Members of the public are invited to bring photographs, postcards, letters, diaries, medals or other memorabilia in relation to this turbulent time in our history.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy told WexfordLocal.com; “I’m delighted that we are holding this digitisation day. It is a chance for us to engage with families whose ancestors were directly involved in events which led to the formation of our state and to the rich history of county Wexford.”

Staff from Wexford Library will record the story of whom they belonged to and why they are important. The objects will be scanned or photographed. Historians and experts will also be on hand to discuss the significance of these treasures.

Advance booking is essential. ContactWexford library branch at wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie or 053 9196760.