WexfordLocal.com

Glanbia Ireland plants 100,000 native trees

By Dan Walsh

Glanbia Ireland and its farm family suppliers have achieved their Operation Biodiversity target of planting 100,000 native trees and hedgerow plants one year ahead of schedule and to celebrate the landmark sustainability commitment and to mark the significant decision taken by Glanbia Co-op to take full ownership of Glanbia Ireland.

10,000 potted native trees are provided at no cost to farm family suppliers and customers through the network of CountryLife Garden Centres. In Wexford, CountryLife has centres in Campile, in New Ross where the give-away were launched, and in Bunclody.

The trees are limited to one potted tree per customer. In-store horticulturists are available to discuss which variety best suits different soil types and where trees will thrive. The trees are available on a first come, first served basis.

Wexford-based John Murphy, Chairman of Glanbia Ireland and Glanbia Co-op said: “Our farm family suppliers have demonstrated strong commitment to sustainability action by embracing the Operation Biodiversity initiative with great gusto. We pledged to plant 100,000 native trees and hedgerows in two years. It was one of several on-farm commitments also included in our ‘Living Proof’ sustainability strategy. Today, we are delighted to report we have reached this target – a full year ahead of schedule.

“Our farm family suppliers and customers have embraced this initiative and joined us on our Living Proof sustainability journey. Our Co-op members have also taken the positive decision to acquire full ownership of Glanbia Ireland.

“This will ensure that we continue to better serve our communities, farmers and colleagues for this generation and the next generation to come. We want our farm family suppliers and our customers to celebrate this decision and mark it by planting a native tree in their garden or on the farm,” concluded Mr Murphy.

At the launch of the initiative in CountryLife New Ross, Wexford, were, from left: Noel Leacy, Horticulturist at CountryLife New Ross; farmer and Glanbia Ireland council member, John J Murphy and his daughter, Bridget Mai Murphy Ballyfoyle, New Ross and John Murphy, Chairman of Glanbia Ireland and Glanbia Co-op. Photograph: Patrick Browne.

The 10,000 free native trees include Alder, Birch, Crab Apple and Oak and are now available for pick up in Glanbia Ireland’s CountryLife Garden Centres. The latest stage of the Operation Biodiversity programme continues for 2022. Separate to the 10,000 trees made available at no cost, bundles are also available for sale through the programme.

Tree and hedgerow bundles is grouped by soil type, ensuring everyone chooses the right variety with the best chance of flourishing for generations to come.

Progress at Enniscorthy Technology Park

By Dan Walsh

A new state-of-the art office block is taking shape at Killagoley and at the January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Acting District Manager, Bernie Quigley, reported that the building is “progressing well and the windows are currently being installed on site.”

Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park has progressed well in recent months and many passers-by on the Enniscorthy-Wexford road and by rail across the River Slaney have noticed the growth of the modern building and generally people are impressed.

**ENNISCORTHY BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY PARK is progressing well.**

The sod was turned on Enniscorthy Technology Park in August 2018, located on 35 acres on the southern outskirts of the town, the land was purchased for €18,000 per acre from the HSE, and when completed at an estimated cost of €2.5 million it is designed to accommodate small and medium enterprises and bring jobs to the Enniscorthy town and district.

Death of Canon Doyle, ex-PP Craanford

By Dan Walsh

The death has taken place of Very Rev. Canon Tom Doyle, retired parish priest of Craanford, at Oakfield Nursing Home, Courtown. He was in his 86^th year.

Born in 1936 at Monagrena, Boolavogue, he was educated at Boolavogue National School and St. Peter’s College, Wexford, where he was ordained to the priesthood in June 1962.

He served as a curate in Ballyfad from 1962 until 1970 when he took up a similar position at Courtnacuddy where he served for 20 years until 1990. When Rev Noel Hartley became parish priest in Kilmuckridge Canon Doyle replaced him as parish priest in Adamstown in September 1990.

He became parish priest of Craanford in September 1999 where he served the community until his retirement in 2015 after 16 years. He was a popular pastor and celebrated his Golden Jubilee in 2012.

FAMILY NOTICE; Very Rev. Canon Tom Doyle, Craanford, Gorey. Peacefully at Oakfield Nursing Home Courtown on the 25th January, 2022. Retired Parish Priest of Craanford.

Beloved brother of Breda, Eileen, Carmel, Benny, Eamonn, James, Micko and the late Rene, Elsie, John and Mary. Deeply regretted by his loving sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, friends and his devoted house-keeper Anne Steadman, Bishop Ger Nash, fellow Clergy and Parishioners. May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey on Thursday from 2 pm with removal at 6.30 pm to St. Patrick’s Church Craanford. Funeral Mass on Friday at 11am, followed by Burial in St. Cormac’s Cemetery, Boolavogue.

Oulart trails will extend to Boolavogue

By Dan Walsh

Oulart Hill Development Association has brought many local projects to fruition over the years and now that the pandemic has gone it has plans to increase its tourism potential and attract greater numbers to the district.

The walking trails have proved popular, especially during the lockdown and travel restrictions, and the Association has plans to bring back the vibrant community that has been hindered for the past two years.

The original walking trail starts in Oulart village and leads to Oulart Hill, a second walking trail starts in Blackwater and links with the Unyoke on the Gorey-Wexford road and leads to the 1798 battle site and there are plans locally to extend the trail to Boolavogue.

There are upwards of 40 memorials on Oulart Hill, but the jewel in the crown and a memorial of international significance is Tulach na tSolais (“the mound of light”) which was constructed in the 1990s.

**Brian Ó Cléirigh and Breda Jacob at the famus Tulach a’ tSolais memorial on Oulart Hill.**

Oulart Hill Development Association have launched a GoFundMe project and two of the members, Breda Jacob and historian Brian Ó Cléirigh, will be taking listeners on an audio tour of Oulart Hill and district on MidWeek Voices on South East Radio on Wednesday (8pm, 95.6 or 96.4FM).

“We need to carry out maintenance and expand the trails. There are also repairs to be done,” stated Breda Jacob, while Brian Ó Cléirigh concluded; “There is a lot of grass to be cut. We need a lawnmower – a big one!”

AUDIO ADDITION; Breda Jacob tells Dan Walsh about the magnificent plans for Oulart Hill Development Association.

€4.4m for walking and cycling in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Commuters and nature enthusiasts are expected to benefit from National Transport Authority funding of €4.4m allocated to Wexford County Council for high quality upgrades for walking and cycling infrastructure announced today.

Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com; “I am pleased that Wexford County Council has been awarded funding which is part of an overall total of €289 million for approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects across the country.

“Ensuring we have a good and efficient transport system in Wexford is essential for the future as we aim to make our communities and town centres more vibrant, in addition to making commuting to work and school safer and easier.

“Over the past two years we have spent more time enjoying our outdoor amenities and investing in active travel will also help us to meet our climate change obligations. Funding amount for Wexford and projects to be delivered include:

Beechlawn/Clonard Avenue Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town	€390,000
Newtown Road Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town	€1,000,000
Monck Street Pedestrianisation Scheme, Wexford Town	€770,000
Rosslare Harbour to Kilrane Cycle Scheme	€80,000
R723 Oakland Roundabout to Kents Cross, New Ross – Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme	€150,000
Cycle Repair/Rest Facilities: Kilmore Quay and Hook Head	€13,296
New Footpaths Package A: Including works in Enniscorthy, Davidstown, Kiltealy, Milehouse, Ballyhogue, Clohamon and Tombrack	€46,746
New Footpaths Package B: Including works in The Ballagh, Gorey, Ballycanew and Riverchapel	€210,336
New Footpaths Package C: Including works in Duncannon, Ballinaboola, Killanne, Campile, Ballymitty and Bridgetown	€30,483
Footpath Improvement Schemes: Including works in Oilgate, New Ross, Fethard, Piercetown, Taghmon, Wellingtonbridge and Wexford Town	€250,000
Light Segregation Cycle Schemes: Including works in Gorey and Wexford Town	€100,000
Low Cost Junction Tightening/Pedestrian Crossing Schemes	€100,000
Low-Cost Permeability Measures	€40,000
Safe to Schools Programme – Support Infrastructure	€150,000
Enniscorthy Footpath Improvement Schemes: Including Works at Promenade River Slaney Walk, Drumgoold, Ferns Village and Enniscorthy Town	€150,000
Gorey Footpath Improvement Schemes: Including Works in Gorey to Courtown, Ballymoney, Monaseed and Ramsfort Park	€150,000
R772 Cycle Scheme	€121,000
New Footpaths Package D: Including Works in Goat Hill, Ballywilliam and Oaklands to Priority Street	€100,000
Pedestrian Improvement Schemes including Works in Our Lady’s Island, Tomhaggard, Murntown, Barntown and Shelmaliere Commons	€39,000
Non SRTS School Walking and Cycling Infrastructure, Wexford Town	€90,000
Roxborough Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town	€100,000
Wexford Town Local Transport Plan	€150,000
Wexford County Council Active Travel Office – Staff Costs	€209,140

**The River Slaney Walk at the Promenade, Enniscorthy, is included in the list of projects in line for walking and cycling funds.**

Deputy Kehoe continued;“There has been substantial progress in this area over the last number of years. Expenditure on and delivery of Active Travel, as funded by the Department of Transport, has seen a significant increase, quadrupling from ca-€45 million in 2019 to €184 million in 2021.

“Further amendments are also expected to the Road Traffic and Roads Bill in the coming weeks, which will help our local authorities progress experimental traffic management schemes and other measures which will fast track active travel infrastructure,” he added.

Love Gorey or Craanford or Blackwater?

By Dan Walsh

Promotion of Gorey and North Wexford going forward was the theme of a presentation to the members of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council at last Tuesday’s January meeting held in Gorey Courthouse under Covid-19 guidelines given by Norma Quinsey. Cllr Pip Breen was in the chair.

Ms Quinsey gave a detailed account of LoveGorey.ie and pointed out that during the height of the pandemic LoveGorey adapted to assist communication for the region and social media posts on services were available even in the rural areas, details of how businesses adapted, such as takeaway meals, new opening hours adaptation and click and collect services.

The annual Big Switch On for the Christmas lights were cancelled and in its place was “a positive seasonal video” to remind people that Santa and the spirit of Christmas belonged to Gorey!

Some were overwhelmed and wrote to the committee. Fiona Doyle said; “It was absolutely gorgeous! It would bring a tear to a glass eye! What an amazing little town! Very well done to all involved. Missing home even more now.”

Director of Services Liz Hore said LoveGorey was an example of the local authority working in partnership with the businesses. She added that a review of the funding model is needed.

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux stated that LoveGorey be used to its maximum and suggested that if we (Council) are going to fund it, we should fund it with additional funds, but questioned; “what do we get back in return?” He added that LoveGorey has evolved as a promotional unit, and we (Council) should give it funding to do so properly.

Cllr Joe Sullivan said the people of Gorey are very committed to LoveGorey and the funding from Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council was 10 or 15% when he was in the chair. “It would be better able to exist with extra funding,” he concluded. He also suggested that Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen be added as a committee member.

Cllr Mary Farrell described LoveGorey as “a fabulous tool’ and she found the Christmas video “amazing.” Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said Love Gorey was “money well spent.” Cllr Donal Kenny was satisfied and felt “Gorey is one of the greatest towns in Ireland,” Cllr Andrew Bolger felt it was “a great example of excellent marketing and attracting people” via Visit Wexford.ie

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said; “LoveGorey is a great success story, and they are doing a brilliant job.” Cllr Oliver Walsh thanked Ms Quinsey for the presentation and there was a small bit of banter to end this part of the meeting – members were left smiling on whether the title should be LoveGorey, LoveCraanford or Love Blackwater?

Tributes paid to Fr Jimmy Ryan

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Rev. Fr. James (Jimmy Ryan), in his 79^th year, who was priest in residence at Cleariestown and acting parish priest of Rathangan. He died in Wexford General Hospital after a short illness.

Tributes have been paid on social media including Cllr Jim Codd who described Fr. Ryan as “a kind, compassionate man who always had a friendly and often witty word for everyone.”

A native of Horeswood, Fr Ryan was born in 1943 and ordained to the priesthood at St. Peter’s College, Wexford, in June 1967. He was immediately posted as curate to Mayglass and also served in Kilmyshall from 1972 and Bunclody in 1989.

Fr Ryan was appointed parish priest to Riverchapel-Courtown in 1995 where he served for 11 years until his retirement in 2006. In retirement he settled in Cleariestown where he celebrated over 50 years of his ministry.

FAMILY NOTICE; Rev Fr. James (Jimmy) Ryan Cleariestown, Priest in residence at Cleariestown and acting parish priest of Rathangan. Beloved brother of Nicholas, Peggy (Rowe) and the late Paddy, Johnny and Breda (Rowe). Deeply regretted by his brother, sister, nephews, nieces, Bishop Ger Nash, Fr. Denis Brennan and his fellow priests and parishioners. May He Rest In Peace

Reposing in Ryan’s Funeral home Wellingtonbridge on Sunday from 2pm, with removal at 6pm to St Mannon’s Church, Cleariestown arriving at 6.30pm. Funeral Mass on Monday at 2pm, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery, with adherence to government guidelines on Covid 19.

Repair plans for damaged Kiltilly Bridge

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council, the Fisheries Authority and the ESB are working in tandem to restore Kiltilly Bridge which was seriously damaged following the infamous torrential Christmas downpour. The bridge closure is causing annoying inconvenience forcing some local families to take an 8km round trip.

There has been a bridge at Kiltilly since the early 1700’s carrying traffic between the parish and half-parish of Kilrush and Askamore. The current bridge consisted of five stone-built arches, but four were long ago blocked off by overgrowth and the single arch was capable of coping with all storms for generations until the Christmas Day deluge.

The crystal clear fast flowing stream that flows beneath Kiltilly Bridge rises in the high ground and flows towards Ballamon, about 3kms away, and from there is piped to Ferns where it serves houses and residences as the Ferns Public Water Supply constructed in the 1970’s.

Power cables controlled by the ESB also use the bridge crossing. The underground cables originate at the Knocknalour windfarms and are carried in the direction of Tombrack.

**Local resident Jimmy Lancaster and Cllr Donal Kenny inspecting the damage to Kiltilly Bridge in the Christmas Day floods.**

Local Cllr Donal Kenny has been to visit the damaged bridge and speak with affected residents. He told WexfordLocal.com that Senior Engineer at Wexford County Council Eamonn Hore visited the site on Thursday and confirmed that “a full under bridge inspection” will be held and “all foundations must be checked.”

Local resident Jimmy Lancaster told WexfordLocal.com that the stream approaches the bridge from the side, which he claimed “is unusual” and it escaped any damage. It was the exit of the arch that gave way. “We have never seen anything like this before,” he concluded.

AUDIO ADDITION ; CLLR DONAL KENNY talks to DAN WALSH about the damage to Kiltilly Bridge and plans for its safe restoration.

Wexford football will not tolerate abuse at matches

By Dan Walsh

The Wexford Football League, The Wexford & District Schoolboys League, The Wexford & District Womens/Schoolgirls League and The Wexford Branch of the Irish Soccer Referees Society have issued a joint statement condemning the increasing level of abuse towards match officials in all grades of football.

The statement reads; “We have noticed the increasing level of abuse towards Match Officials in all grades of football. They are being abused before, during and after matches, with decisions they make being questioned by Players, Managers, Coaches and Supporters. This type of behaviour is unacceptable, and it is a trend we do not want in our game.” Zero tolerance will be applied.

The statement also notes reports of racist and discriminatory remarks are also on the increase. The League’s condemn Racism in any form, either on or off the field of play, and FAI sanctions will be applied.

The statement continues; “Some of the comments being made on social media platforms are inappropriate, offensive and derogatory. Players/Clubs should note that comments made on any social media platform are in the public domain as soon as they get posted.” FAI sanctions will apply.

“Match officials deserve our utmost respect in carrying out their duties as without them we would have no games,” concludes the statement issued on Thursday night.

Glanbia Co-op advances acquisition of Glanbia Ireland shareholding.

Glanbia Co-operative Society (“Glanbia Co-op”) today announced that it has completed the placement of 5.75 million ordinary shares in Glanbia plc (equivalent to approximately 2% of Glanbia plc’s issued share capital) at a price of €12.25 per share. The share placement will raise approximately €70 million for Glanbia Co-op.

Following the completion of the share placement, Glanbia Co-op holds approximately 30.5%* of the issued share capital of Glanbia plc.

Glanbia Co-op has also confirmed that it has raised €250 million through the launch of an Equity-Linked Exchangeable Bond. The five-year Exchangeable Bond is linked to a pledge of approximately 15.1 million Glanbia Plc shares (5.3% of the issued share capital). The Co-op retains full ownership of the pledged shares until such time (if any) as an exchange is exercised in accordance with the terms of the Exchangeable Bond and will continue to benefit from any dividend paid by Glanbia plc on the shares.

The share placement and exchangeable bond issue follow the decision taken at a Special General Meeting (SGM) of Glanbia Co-op shareholders on 17 December 2021 to approve the acquisition of 40% of Glanbia Ireland from Glanbia plc. Completion of the share placement and exchangeable bond completes the funding arrangements of Glanbia Co-op in connection with the proposed acquisition of Glanbia plc’s 40% shareholding in Glanbia Ireland (as originally announced on 10 November 2021).

Subject to satisfaction of outstanding conditions, including the approval of the proposed transaction by Glanbia plc independent shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) at a date to be confirmed, Glanbia Co-op proposes to pay €307 million to acquire Glanbia plc’s 40% shareholding in Glanbia Ireland.

Currently, Glanbia Ireland operates as a strategic joint venture, 60% owned by Glanbia Co-op and 40% owned by Glanbia plc.

John Murphy, Chairman of Glanbia Co-op, said: “I am pleased to confirm to Co-op Members that we have successfully completed the financing arrangements required to put in place the funding for our proposed acquisition. Our Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking 100% ownership of the world-class processing assets closest to our farmers’ interests and we look forward to closing that transaction in the coming months, subject to the approval of Glanbia plc’s independent shareholders at their EGM.”

JOHN MURPHY Glanbia Co-op Chairman, and JIM BERGIN, Glanbia Co-op CEO, pictured at the Glanbia Co-op virtual Special General Meeting on 17 December, 2021. Glanbia Co-op shareholders approved a proposal to acquire full ownership of Glanbia Ireland at the meeting. Picture Dylan Vaughan.

Glanbia Co-operative Society Limited is Ireland’s largest Co-operative, with 11,200 members and a current value of approximately €1.6 billion. Glanbia Co-op is the largest shareholder in Glanbia plc, holding approximately 30.5% of the issued share capital of the Company as at the date of this announcement.

Glanbia Ireland is a world-class integrated agri-food and nutrition business with eleven processing facilities, 52 agri-branches and over 2,100 employees. It is Ireland’s number one dairy company, with a three billion litre milk pool and paying over €1.3 billion directly to farm families for milk and grain this year. It is the largest buyer and user of Irish grains, with over 270,000 tonnes handled each year.

Its award-winning brands are household names in Ireland, with Avonmore fresh milk being Ireland’s number one dairy brand. Glanbia Ireland has a strong global footprint with a market presence in the UK, France, Germany, UAE, the US, North Africa, Japan and China. Glanbia Ireland currently exports to over 80 countries.