WexfordLocal.com

New funding for Gorey water plant

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

It was a good Friday for the residents and businesses of Gorey with the announcement from Irish Water that additional funding will be provided for the Creagh Water Treatment Plant. Irish Water has invested €100,000 on the Creagh Water Treatment Plant since August.

Irish Water states that it has expedited steps to secure funding to upgrade the Creagh Water Treatment Plant in Gorey. A team of experts have been examining the short and long-term solutions while work on the short-term solutions has already begun.

This involves a refurbishment of the existing filtration plant, but due to the complex nature of these works, they will be carried out over the next fortnight. This is to minimise the disruption to supply, and Irish Water will endeavour to lift the Boil Water Notice once these works are complete, plant performance is assessed and having consulted with the HSE.

**GOREY’S MAIN STREET earlier tonight.**

Irish Water has invested €100,000 on the Creagh Water Treatment Plant since August 2021 on a range of capital works and is also pleased to announce that it received approval in principle, subject to specifications and costings to acquire an additional treatment system to provide further resilience to the water treatment plant.

The treatment plant’s long-term solution is also being explored currently and risk analysis has been carried out on the supply and the current treatment process. This is the starting point for developing the long-term solution for the treatment plant at Creagh. Further information on the long-term solution will be shared once complete.

Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald told WexfordLocal.com; “We are pleased to announce that we are in a position to lift the Enniscorthy Boil Water Notice immediately, having consulted the Health Service Executive (HSE), however the Boil Water Notice remains in place for Wexford Town and Gorey until further review next week.

**WATER TREATMENT PLANT AT CREAGH, GOREY.**

“The recent weather event has proven extremely difficult to treat our water on a few river supplies in Wexford. The issues from last weekend had a big impact on water produced and the priority now is to recover reservoir levels on the supply. We will monitor the plant performances closely over the coming days and we hope to lift the Boil Water Notices in Wexford Town and Gorey as soon as possible, having consulted the HSE.

Prior to last week’s excessive rain, Irish Water had committed an investment of €2 million for the Newtown Water Treatment Plant (Wexford town). In recent days Irish Water has engaged with several process experts to look at various options of the treatment process at Newtown, while also looking at options to expedite delivery of critical elements of €2m investment.

Mr. Fitzgerald added; “I would like to reiterate our commitment and that of Wexford County Council’s in getting all of the Boil Water Notices lifted across Wexford as soon as it is safe to do so. We regret the inconvenience this causes households and business, but public health is our number one priority.”

Vulnerable customers who have concerns can contact the Irish Water customer care team on 1800 278 278.

Future plans for Enniscorthy town centre

By Dan Walsh at Riverside Park Hotel

The regeneration of Enniscorthy town centre was central to discussion at a public consultation meeting in the Riverside Park, Enniscorthy, on Wednesday night last, where Wexford County Council and Loci Urban Design Consultants facilitated the meeting where close to one hundred people in attendance were invited to contribute their views on the future of the town.

Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr. Cathal Byrne said; “The Government has confirmed that there will be funding made available in 2022 for the regeneration of towns across the country. It is vital that a comprehensive and well thought out plan for the town (Enniscorthy) is prepared as part of any application for this funding.

“This public meeting has offered local residents an opportunity to have their say and give feedback directly to Wexford County Council. If anyone has any feedback on what they wish to see in a regeneration plan for Enniscorthy they can still do so through the Council’s website,” concluded Cllr Byrne.

After some short presentations, the meeting moved into workshop mode and the groups were asked to work on questions posed by the Urban Designers. Detailed feedback was presented back to the meeting by representatives of each group.

Diarmuid Houston Senior Planner told WexfordLocal.com; “The meeting was set up so everyone could add to the discussion. I was most impressed with how quickly the attendees got down to work and the fact that they gave so much of their time to help us in this process. We gained a lot of information from the evening, and I want to thank everyone who got involved.”

Conor Norton of Loci said; “It was a hugely productive workshop. We gained many new insights into the critical issues, opportunities and the general way forward for the town centre. The commitment of the community to the future of the town centre was more than apparent in the enthusiasm and contributions on the night.”

The consultation process will be continuing over the next few months. Individual submissions and information updates on the process can be accessed via Wexford County Council’s Web page consult.wexfordcoco.ie

Enniscorthy Boil Water Notice lifted

By Dan Walsh

The Boil Water Notice issued for the Enniscorthy Public Water Supply on October 30^th is now lifted with immediate effect.

A statement issued this afternoon states that Irish Water and 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.

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, the Health Service Executive and Wexford County Council will continue to meet and review ongoing process control, monitoring and testing of the drinking water supply.

The Irish Water Consumer Contact Centre (1800 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this notice.

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

Kilrush Drama Group back on stage

By Dan Walsh

There is palpable joy and excitement as Kilrush Drama Group embarks on its first stage performance since the beginning of the pandemic and it happens in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, tonight (Friday).

The presentation is a One-Act Comedy called Red Carnations by Glenn Hughes directed by Mick Byrne and curtains up at 8pm.

In this light, comedic play, a boy, a girl, and a man engage in a very amusing trialogue near a park bench. This is a satire written with wit, humour and distinction and performed by Caitlin Clauson, Michael Dunbar and Timmy Connaughton.

**The cast of** **Red Carnation; Michael Dunbar (back), Timmy Connaughton and Caitlin Clauson. (Pic; Mary Doran)**

In the expert hands of award-winning director Mick Byrne, it is certainly a play not to miss.

The group will travel with the play on the One-Act Festival Circuit to festivals in Cavan, Cork, Carrigallen, Kiltimagh and Gorey.

Tonight’s performance will be followed by a short concert, featuring the McCabe Family, who, following their success on TG4’s Realta agus Gaolta’s- Most Talented Family are in high demand. Also performing in the concert are the talented, PJ Arthur, Lar White and Ellie Willoughby

This amateur production of Red Carnations is presented by arrangement with Concorde Theatrical Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordetheatricals.co.uk)

New freight link between Le Harve and Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

Brittany Ferries has announced the opening of a new freight link from Le Havre in Normandy to Rosslare Europort starting on Friday, November 12^th. It will be operated by the company’s freight only Cotentin vessel with the capacity for 120 freight units and 120 cabins.

The new freight line will be provided based on a return trip on weekends; Departure from Le Havre on Friday at 7pm. Arrival in Rosslare on Saturday at 2.30pm. Departure from Rosslare on Saturday at 5.45pm. Arrival in Le Havre on Sunday at 3pm.

Independent Wexford Deputy Verona Murphy recalled that in October 2019, as President of the Irish Road Hauliers Association (IRHA); “I led a delegation to Le Havre in France for discussions around linking Rosslare and Le Havre. At the time I said this would be a game changer and I stand by that. The hugely positive impact for the entire South East region through such a route cannot be overstated.”

Thirty direct Ro-Ro services will now operate between Rosslare and Europe.

General Manager of Rosslare Europort, Glenn Carr, says this is cementing Rosslare’s status as Ireland’s number one port for direct Ro-Ro services to Europe.

Irish Water says significant progress in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

In a statement issued today, Irish Water claims consistent progress in upgrading wastewater treatment and eliminating the discharge of raw sewage to Ireland’s rivers, lakes and coastal areas is benefiting communities and enhancing the environment throughout Ireland.

In Wexford, investment in wastewater infrastructure in Courtown Gorey increased capacity to 36,000 population equivalent and Enniscorthy where the treatment plant at Saint John’s increased capacity to 26,200 population equivalent and has led to improvements in water quality, while also supporting housing and economic development in these areas.

The latest EPA Urban Wastewater Treatment Report, published today, shows the progress being made, while also highlighting the need for continued investment in essential wastewater services.

In the last six years, Irish Water has prioritised areas where it can support housing and development and have the greatest environmental impact, particularly in locations where raw sewage was discharging into our rivers and seas.

Over 60% of raw sewage discharges have been eliminated since 2015 – and replaced with treatment capacity for the equivalent of 120,000 people. As a result of the targeted investment in wastewater infrastructure, communities around Ireland are now reaping the rewards of a cleaner environment, safer bathing waters and greater opportunities for the development of new homes, businesses and tourism.

Turning the sod on the Duncannon, Arthurstown, Ballyhack Waste Water Treatment Plant last June; Minister James Browne, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council and Paul Fallon, Irish Water. (Pic; Patrick Browne).

Again, in Wexford, Irish Water is on track to end the discharge of raw sewage by 2024 with the construction of new wastewater treatment plants in Arthurstown and will serve the communities of Arthurstown, Duncannon and Ballyhack. Construction on the project began in June 2021. In early 2022, construction will also begin on a new Wastewater Treatment Plant at Kilmore Quay. The Enniscorthy Main Drainage Scheme is also at design phase, with the Wexford Town Distillery Road Pumping Station Upgrade also at design phase.

Nationally, most all raw sewage discharges are on track to be removed by the end of 2025

Michael Tinsley of Irish Water commented: “Having a modern, sustainable and functional wastewater network is critical to protect our environment and to support housing and economic growth in the years ahead. Irish Water is working closely with the EPA and our other partners, including local authorities, to ensure this can be delivered in the most efficient and sustainable way using cutting-edge technologies, science and engineering expertise, and meaningful engagement with local communities around Ireland.”

University status planned for next May

By Dan Walsh

The long-awaited Technological University of the South East (TUSE) will see a merger of IT Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology on May 1^st 2022. It will be the fifth of its kind in the country and will include a campus in Wexford.

Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris T.D. made the announcement on Tuesday, however, there were no details as to where the main Headquarters of TUSE will be; expressions of interest for the roles of chairperson and two external members of the first governing body has yet to come; and no site for a campus has so far been acquired for Wexford.

Speaking on social media in the company of Deputy Paul Kehoe, Chairman of the Higher Education Committee, Minister Harris said; “I am delighted today to be joining with colleagues across the South East that after years of debate, years of discussion, years of hard work, the South East is finally getting what it needs and what it deserves – a new technological university -I believe it is going to make a real difference to higher education in Wexford and across the South East and I also think it is going to make a difference in investment and jobs. It will open its doors in 2022 and it is going to be a game changer for the region.”

**THE BULL RING in Wexford. The fight was tough in 1798 and the battle for a Wexford campus at the TUSE is not over yet. (File Pic)**

Deputy Kehoe confirmed that has been working on this project for the last eleven years since he came into government in 2011 and he was aware that Minister Harris’s department had been working with Wexford County Council on the Wexford site.

In reply, Minister Harris stated; “I want to thank Wexford County Council for their commitment to this project. Let me be very clear and let there be no misunderstanding or misrepresentation in relation to this we will secure a site in Wexford for this Third Level Campus. It is absolutely essential and a core part of a Technological University of the South East and I want to thank, particularly, Mr Tom Enright the Chief Executive of Wexford County Council for working with us. We are going to use every leverage in our power to have a site fit for purpose in Wexford and I expect some progress in the coming months.”

Deputy Kehoe thanked Minister Harris and his hard working officials in the Department of Higher Education for the hard work over the past number of months in getting this over the line and stated it is fantastic news for the South East and Co. Wexford.

AUDIO ADDITION: MINISTER SIMON HARRIS in conversation with PAUL KEHOE T.D.

Has anyone seen Martin Donohoe, (29)?

By Dan Walsh

Family and An Garda Siochána have launched an urgent appeal to trace the whereabouts of Martin Donohoe, (29), who was last seen a week ago.

A native of Monageer, Enniscorthy, Martin is living in Cromwellsfort in Wexford town and had been working on a building site in Co. Tipperary. He has not turned up for work and missed family occasions.

On Monday morning, Martin’s white Volkswagen Caddy van (Registration 161 CW 998) was located at the side of the road near the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge in New Ross. Martin’s phone was inside.

Martin is 1.85m (6’1″) of slim build with dark short hair. When last seen he was wearing labourer workwear.

Gardaí are currently investigating the matter and Martin’s family are now making a direct appeal to anyone who may have spotted him or his van in the last few days, or anyone who may have any information in relation to Martin’s whereabouts, to get in touch with Gardaí at Wexford Garda Station (053 9165200), Enniscorthy Garda Station (0539242580) or New Ross Garda Station (051 426030).

€367,740 for coastal erosion at Kilmore

By Dan Walsh

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has approved funding of €367,740 for the installation of rock armour cliff toe protection to help combat the risk of erosion at Seaview, Kilmore.

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Mr. Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., today announced the approval of Wexford County Council’s application under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Speaking in Kilmore Minister O’Donovan said: “The OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme offers important support to local authorities to carry out necessary flood mitigation works and improvements. I am pleased these works will proceed without delay and will help to protect the cliff frontage immediately adjacent to the access road to fourteen properties at immediate risk of erosion in Seaview, Kilmore.”

**MINISTER PATRICK DONOVAN, CLLR JIM MOORE, CHAIR ROSSLARE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT, CLLR GER CARTHY and local residents at Seaview, Kilmore, today where severe coastal erosion has occurred. (PIC; OPW).**

Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, stated; “County Wexford’s extensive sandy coastline is highly vulnerable to erosion. Over the past number of years Wexford County Council has developed a coastal protection scheme at Seaview, Kilmore to manage the risk of coastal erosion to fourteen properties and their access road. Wexford County Council appreciates the assistance and funding provided by the Office of Public Works.

“Today’s funding announcement will see the construction of emergency works to protect a number of properties and a section of the access road which is at immediate risk of erosion. The emergency works will form part of the overall coastal protection scheme which is progressing under funds announced by the Office of Public Works in April 2021,” added Mr Enright.

Rosslare need capacity for freight and tourism; Murphy

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Independent TD Verona Murphy has indicated that good news is pending for Rosslare Europort with the introduction of a new ferry route from Le Havre to Rosslare.

Speaking from Leinster House on Tuesday morning, the Deputy has said; “A new route connecting Le Havre and Rosslare is due to be announced. This route will operate one sailing a week which is welcome news for both freight and tourist traffic, however, much more needs to be done.

“I have been told unofficially that Irish Ferries are already almost booked out with tourist traffic for 2022 which inevitably leaves very little room for freight traffic. We cannot have a situation in Rosslare where it is freight traffic versus tourist traffic, we need the capacity for both and with that the Port urgently needs investment of €200 million to allow pressing infrastructure improvement, crucial IT development and the progress of future wind energy development.

Deputy Murphy continued; “Two years ago, in October 2019, as President of the IRHA (Irish Road Hauliers’ Association), I led a delegation to Le Havre in France where we met with the French government for discussions around linking Rosslare Europort with Le Havre. At the time I said this would be the real game changer for Rosslare and I stand by that. The hugely positive economic impact for the entire South East region through such a route cannot be overstated”

The Independent Deputy added; “In direct contradiction to the Governments IMDO (Irish Maritime Development Office) report of November 2020 which would, if allowed, have completely impeded the 400% traffic through put increase at Rosslare Europort, the port continues to need additional sailings and more capacity. The port needs a service that is not more than 20 hours duration.