Christmas floods could cost €millions

By Dan Walsh

Christmas flooding across Co. Wexford is expected to cost millions of euro after numerous bridges have either collapsed or being swept away and road surfaces have been torn apart. Many roads are still closed.

Enniscorthy is under water today. There is single passage through Enniscorthy with the areas of Island Road, Templeshannon, Templeshannon Quay, Abbey Quay and The Promenade all under water. Advice to roadusers is to avoid Enniscorthy town centre at all costs.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was visiting flood damage in the district including Enniscorthy. “It is devastating with bridges down, roads closed, it will cost millions of euro. The entire county is destroyed,” she told WexfordLocal.com

Staff from Wexford County Council are directing traffic at Enniscorthy and roadusers are urged to obey ‘closed’ signs and to avoid travel unless the journey is necessary.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY inspecting the flooding at Enniscorthy this morning.

Overnight bridges have collapsed at Kilcarbery and Wilton. Yesterday, bridges at Chapel, near Clonroche, and Courtown are completely gone.

Roads are closed at Clohamon, Ballycarney and Edermine. The condition of hundreds of other bridges are precarious and safety reviews will be necessary and some may be closed for months.

AUDIO ADDITION – CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY speaking to WexfordLocal.com at Enniscorthy this morning.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Lisa McDonald in the Rosslare Municipal District, is calling for the immediate opening of emergency humanitarian aid schemes following yesterday’s significant flooding across the District.

“This morning I’m joining the call from Minister James Browne for the opening of emergency humanitarian aid schemes following yesterday’s horrendous flooding in the Rosslare District,” said Cllr. McDonald.

“The Emergency Humanitarian Aid Scheme from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment provides urgent funding of up to €20,000 to small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations that could not secure flood insurance and have premises that have been damaged.”

Fethard RNLI Lifeboat crew assisting people get out of their homes on Main Street, Bridgetown. (Pic Cian Cassidy)

“The Department of Social Protection may activate the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme. This income-tested scheme provides emergency financial assistance to households who are not able to meet costs for essential needs immediately following flooding. The scheme aims to provide financial support to people who have suffered damage to their home.”

“It is incumbent on Minister’s Leo Varadkar and Heather Humphreys to open these schemes with immediate effect. The damages to homes and businesses across the district are significant and the least these people deserve at this traumatic and stressful time is financial aid,” she concluded.

Enniscorthy prepare for tidal surge

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

The next few hours are ‘batten down the hatches’ time in Enniscorthy as the river Slaney has burst its banks on both sides.

A spokesperson for Wexford County Council told WexfordLocal.com that the next few hours is crucial, and the high tide will reach Enniscorthy around 11pm.

There is some optimism that the water may not flow over the Seamus Rafter bridge and allow passage between two sides of the town. Measurement levels in Wexford show the fast-moving water has not risen significantly in the last few hours. Weather conditions are mild for the time of year with no wind to contend with.

A submerged seat and flood waters on Templeshannon Quay at 8.30pm . The street is closed to traffic.

Templeshannon Quay and The Promenade are flooded and closed off since earlier this evening, but in the last hour Abbey Quay and Templeshannon are also closed. Residents of Island Road have the sandbags out and are prepared for an anxious Christmas night and the threat of damage to their homes. These areas are under water. Traffic should avoid the town. Diversions are in place. Premises have used sandbags to ease the potential flood damage.

The River Slaney flowing towards the Seamus Rafter Bridge at 8.30pm tonight as the town prepares for overnight floods.

Wexford County Council, the Gardaí, the fire service and Co. Wexford Search and Rescue will remain at the scene overnight.

Enniscorthy on flood alert

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Emergency services are monitoring the rising flood waters of the River Slaney at Enniscorthy where high tide happens at 10.12pm.

Templeshannon Quay is already in flood and is closed to traffic. Sandbags have been deployed.

The message from the Gardaí and Wexford County Council is to avoid Enniscorthy overnight unless the journey is necessary. Diversions are in place.

The River Slaney at Eniscorthy at 6pm. Templeshannon Quay on the eastern side of the river is flooded and closed to traffic tonight.

Torrential rain fell overnight and into the afternoon causing considerable road flooding and in many instances road surfaces have been washed away or are in a dangerous condition. Roadusers should take extra care or avoid travel altogether until the damage is investigated and roads are made safe.

There was considerable flooding in the Enniscorthy district at Carley’s Bridge, The Still Pond overflowed onto the road, Davidstown, Ballybrennan, Kilcarbery, Edermine and Borodale. Roads along the Rivers Boro and Urrin was particularly badly affected.

A small bridge being washed away at Chapel, near Clonroche, on the road from Adamstown to Ballymackessy.

Roadusers beware. There are reports of a stone peer and a stone wall washed onto the centre of the road at Ballybrennan, on the Ballymackessy to Killurin-Wexford road.

Reports also that many roads were badly damaged and flooded in the Bridgetown area of south Wexford and Search and Rescue Helicopter 117 answered a call in the Kilmore Quay where a person was trapped in a car.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL LOYAL READERS

Our special image for Christmas 2021 is this traditional crib in Oylegate village on the busy road leading to the M11 constructed by the community.

It is that special time of year again and WexfordLocal.com wishes all our loyal readers and followers a HAPPY CHRISTMAS.

WexfordLocal.com is your e-paper covering news, sport and events that matter across Co. Wexford since June 2020.

Unfortunately, everybody is restricted by the Covid-19 regulations and guidelines, and the scope for news stories is affected accordingly, however, we have managed to bring you all the breaking news and coverage of many events held through zoom or virtually, and hopefully, a return to normality is on the horizon.

We would like to thank everybody who have co-operated in generating news stories, those who regularly share their press releases, those generous people who often give us a ‘thumbs up’ or a ‘tip-off’ on a breaking story, and, of course without readers there would be no point in keeping the local news and events to the forefront.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Dan Walsh, Managing Editor, WexfordLocal.com

Gorey turkeys making the news

Kevin Molloy will be well-known in Gorey having worked in the post office for his working lifetime and he is actively involved with Age Action Ireland nowadays being Chairman of the Wexford branch and Vice-Chairman at national level.

Kevin was on Mid Week Voices on South East Radio this week talking with presenter Dan Walsh and he told an amazing story about sending turkeys through the post from turkey farms in Wexford to exiles in England.

WexfordLocal.com has grabbed a small audio segment of the interview as a little Christmas treat. It is amazing stuff…have a little listen and feel free to share.

KEVIN MOLLOY from Gorey talking to DAN WALSH on South East Radio about the adventures of the turkey.

Sad passing of Elizabeth Yates

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Elizabeth Mary Yates (née Forbes), peacefully at her home in Blackstoops, Enniscorthy, who will be best known to a modern generation as the proud mother of former Minister for Agriculture and radio and television broadcaster Ivan Yates.

ELIZABETH MARY YATES

She married into the Yates family who were a prominent business family located on Templeshannon Quay since 1884 and held farming interests at Blackstoops and her husband, John F Yates died in February 1979. In her own right, Mrs Yates was Chair of the Board of Management at Davis-Mosse Ltd, which was a very successful flour milling business. She was a well-known and respected member of the community and many are deeply saddened by her passing and have expressed their condolences.

FAMILY NOTICE; Beloved wife of the late John F, dearly loved mother of John, Christine, Ivan and Valentine (Mernagh) and cherished sister of Ann Campion, Margaret Dungan and the late Rev. Frank Forbes.

Sadly missed by her loving daughters, sons, sisters, daughter-in-law Deirdre, son-in-law Sean Mernagh, grandchildren Andrew, Ciara, Sarah, John, Simon and Jacqui, great-grandchild Beth, sister-in-law Marie-Louise Forbes, nieces, nephews, family, relatives and friends. At Rest Reposing at Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy on Sunday (St. Stephen’s Day) from 10 o’ clock with removal at 1 o’ clock to St. Mary’s Church, Enniscorthy.

Talking to the Lamp Post in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

In association with Dublin City University Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District and Wexford County Council are engaging with a pilot project using the latest technology to explore smart tourism and public engagement! It’s called Hello Lamp Post.

The public is encouraged to engage with objects in local streets in an innovative and playful way while exploring how technology can change how the public think about and interact with the public realm in Gorey.

Starting at the Market House, people will be able to ‘talk to’ objects along the stretch which finishes at the Ashdown Park Hotel, including Gorey Garda Station and the Civic Centre. With an SMS enabled phone, you can say ‘Hello’ – sending a text to a particular object, for example ‘Hello Bench’ and have fun conversations with each object.

Yes, work it out for yourself! It appears to me as a type of social gathering information, so if you want to influence the Gorey of the future just talk to the lamp post!

A Christmas welcome at Gorey Civic Centre.

This pilot project is part of a wider ‘Town of Things’ project funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Digital Innovation Programme 2021.

In addition to Hello Lamp Post, connected sensors will also be placed along Gorey Main Street to measure air quality and noise throughout the day as well as the number of vehicles and pedestrian traffic passing through the street.

Those living or visiting Gorey are encouraged to watch out for the QR codes popping up around the town presently and engage in a playful exchange or informative chat about the places visited most. Hello Lamp Post can’t wait to hear from you!

Blackwater are environmental winners

By Dan Walsh

Blackwater Tidy Towns were the overall winners at the Wexford County Council Annual Environment Awards under the banner ‘Keep Wexford Beautiful’ which were announced during a special environmental programme broadcast on South East Radio hosted by Alan McGuire.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, congratulated all the participants and went on to acknowledge the magnificent voluntary work that is carried out throughout the county. “It is heartening to see groups of local volunteers showing such spirit and endeavour and, in the process, inspiring others in their community to follow their example. The voluntary work undertaken makes a great contribution to improving our towns and villages, making them better places to live, work and visit,” she stated.

“The Environment Awards are about recognising and celebrating the inspirational tireless work being done by communities all over the county. Wexford County Council is very lucky to have such vibrant, enthusiastic and positive minded people living in communities throughout the county who embrace key environmental messages and promote them extensively in their local areas,” she concluded.

Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, Wexford County Council recognised the commitment and dedication of all committees and individuals who make such a real difference at a local level. She said; “Your dedication is an inspiration to communities everywhere and illustrates the real benefits of pulling together for the greater good of the place we call home’.

Alan McGuire read a citation about the winners. “Blackwater is a large and thriving village whose population expands a great deal during the summer months. This is not surprising considering its ideal seaside location in the sunny south-east,” he said, and added; “The unique character of Blackwater can be seen in its traditional buildings and architecture. It’s not surprising then that Blackwater Tidy Towns are again being recognised for their outstanding commitment to the local environment and the very high standards achieved as they continue to maintain and enhance their beautiful village. Congratulations to Blackwater Tidy Towns.”

Blackwater Tidy Towns’ members on a clean-up in the village. (File Pic.)

Results 2021; 

CATEGORY: BEST OVERALL ENTRY    

Overall – Blackwater Tidy Towns

CATEGORY:  BEST ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE AND PRESENTED HOUSING ESTATE. 1st. Westwinds Residents Association, Kilrane. 2nd, Portside Residents Association, Rosslare Hbr. Joint 3rd. Greenore Park Residents Association, Rosslare Hbr, and Milehouse Residents Association, Enniscorthy. Highly Commended; Bernadette Place Residents Association, Wexford. Highly Commended; Cois Abhainn Residents Association, Blackwater.

CATEGORY: BEST ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE AND PRESENTED TOWN/VILLAGE 1st, Kiltealy Tidy Towns; 2nd, Gorey Tidy Towns; Joint 3rd, Ballyduff Development Group and Ferns Tidy Towns. Highly Commended; Clean Screen Team.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVE 1st, Croghan Barrack Community Project; 2nd, Duncormick Area Action CLG; 3rd, Clonroche Development Association. Highly Commended; Ladhra Residents Association, Blackwater.

CATEGORY: BEST HERITAGE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION PROJECT  1st, Gorey Tidy Towns; Joint 2nd; Barntown Heritage Group and Askamore/Muintir na Tire Community Project Ltd; 3rd, Tomhaggard Pastoral Council. Highly Commended; Clonegal Tidy Village Committee, Highly Commended; St. Garvan’s Well – St. Garvan’s Church, Caroreigh.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY COASTAL MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE  1st. Tomhaggard Clean Coasts Group; 2nd, Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns; 3rd. Rosslare Harbour Kilrane Environment Group. Highly Commended; Curracloe Tidy Village.

CATEGORY: BEST NEW ENTRY  1st. Wellingtonbridge Tidy Towns Group; Joint 2nd; Ballyfad Tidy Towns and Carraig Dubh Residents, Blackwater. 3rd, Ballymoney Kildermot Community Development Group. Highly Commended; Rathpierce Community Group and Kilrane Tidy Village Group.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY TO INFRASTRUCTURE  1st, Our Lady’s Island Community Development.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT TO IMPROBE ACCESSIBILITY IN GARDENS/PARKS  1st, Kiltealy Tidy Towns.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT THAT TACKLES AND REDUCES THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE 1st, Seal Rescue Ireland, Courtown; 2nd, Ferns Tidy Towns.

CATEGORY: BEST COMMUNITY BIODIVERSITY PROJECT 1st, Monageer Parish Grotto Group; Joint 2nd; Blackwater Junior Tidy Towns and Killanne Development Group; 3rd, Ferns Tidy Towns. Highly Commended; Hollyfort Development Group.

CATEGORY:  BEST COMMUNITY WASTE PREVENTION/RE-USE PROJECT  1st,Foulksmills Tidy Towns; 2nd, Gorey Tidy Towns; 3rd, Monageer Parish Grotto Group.

Wexford school says No to plastic! 

By Dan Walsh 

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council is leading the congratulations to Presentation Secondary School Wexford on their work in helping their local community to reduce single use plastic.

Speaking at the prizegiving where she presented them with their prize of a contactless water station and reusable water bottles, Cllr Murphy said; “This is a great campaign for communities up and down the county to get involved in. It encourages schools and businesses alike to act against plastics, thus preventing waste and acting against climate change. This competition has united communities in a common goal to responsibly refill a reusable bottle and continue to contribute to the positive results the campaign has seen to date.”

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY presents prizes to Presentation Secondary School, Wexford, for project on reducing the use of single plastic.

“Schools across the county have done tremendous work for this competition”, commented Cliona Connolly, Environmental Awareness Officer with Wexford County Council. “This campaign has highlighted the benefits of refilling and reusing, not just within the school but across the wider community I would encourage everyone to look at the Tap Map on Refill.ie to check where their local refill points are located. We were delighted to receive LAPN funding from the EPA to run this competition.”

The competition held for secondary schools across Wexford and Waterford had huge success in encouraging action against single use plastic bottles.

Plans for Enniscorthy town centre

Wexford County Council has announced that it has agreed to acquire the site of the former Murphy Floods Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in September 2005, in Enniscorthy town centre.

Having recently acquired the adjoining property which has also been vacant for a number of years, this announcement means that Wexford County Council will be the full owner of a strategically-located large-scale brownfield site in the heart of Enniscorthy, with significant development potential.

News that the Council has developed ambitious plans to completely redevelop the site, which has been derelict for many years, is sure to be of interest to the people of Enniscorthy and the surrounding area, who have long campaigned to have the town centre site redeveloped and restored to its former prominence at the commercial heart of the town.

Those plans would see the site redeveloped to accommodate a modern, mixed-use purpose built building to include a new modern library for Enniscorthy, commercial units, 18 residential apartments and basement parking in a major project with an estimated cost of approximately €8 million.

An artist’s impression of a proposed new development at Enniscorthy town centre. (Image; Wexford County Council)

At a meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Centre on Monday, Chief Executive Tom Enright said the project has been advanced by the Council to assist Enniscorthy town in realising its undoubted potential as a destination town, where traditional shopping facilities, supported by modern and vibrant commercial, social and residential facilities can continue to attract locals and visitors alike to the town centre.

Welcoming the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr. Cathal Byrne described the development as having the potential to transform and reinvigorate not just Market Square but the entirety of Enniscorthy town, and he thanked the Chief Executive and his staff for their initiative and commitment in bringing this transformative project forward.

The necessary planning application for the redevelopment of the site and accompanying public consultation will proceed early in the New Year, while the Council is in early discussions with a number of private investors who have expressed interest in supporting the project.