WexfordLocal.com

‘Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink’

By Dan Walsh

This is a famous line from ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, (1772-1834, English poet) and suggests that ‘despite being surrounded by something you cannot benefit from it’. It is an interesting theory – a bit like support local! I learned that quote at primary school… a long long time ago. Politicians take note!

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Scotland at the world leaders summit and he will return in a few days and attempt to railroad through a climate change programme in Dáil Éireann, and it looks like he is pushing an open door. But then, he selected the team following the last General Election.

But like most of the world leaders who gathered in a ‘third world country’ following Brexit and the UK exit from Europe, democracy is taking a hammering, many leaders do not enjoy popular support in their own countries and consideration for the environment is superseded by favouring the science over the welfare of the people – health, comfort, food and respect.

The metrological forecast of heavy rain last week was on target. 60mls in a few hours at Mayglass Treatment Plant, but the consumers were safe. It is a modern plant. Except the high content of lime ensures that new saucepans and kettles are permanently on the Christmas present list!

The high amount of rainfall resulted in an overflow of dirty and cloudy water. The Boil Water Notices were as regular as flushing the toilet!

Creagh Plant in Gorey had been making the headlines since an episode in August when fifty-two people were ill and some hospitalised. It made the national news headlines and a report involving the Environmental Protection Agency, the Health Service Executive and Wexford County Council is pending.

Last week’s heavy rain created Boil Water Notices for Creagh (Gorey), Enniscorthy and Wexford town. It was the right decision in the interest of public health. It appears that it will be the end of the week before there is any sign of lifting…and rainfall dependant.

Drink as much water as you like in New Ross or use it as a mixer because the Barrowside escaped as it is fitted with an Ultra Violet (UV) system, and we believe that it was installed before Irish Water gained control of the scheme.

The UV process is effective in treating the cloudy and dirty water and killing bacteria that gets through the system.

Cllr Tom Forde claims that Irish Water need to invest in UV treatment systems in plants. They are scheduled to do so in 2023. Instead of constantly attacking Irish Water and the County Council, why are the TD’s of the political alliance in government not pushing for serious investment in County Wexford’s water system? There is an investigation… now is the chance!

Meanwhile, Enniscorthy’s proposed Flood Relief Scheme must be wrapped in a glove and resigned to a lonely project on the long finger.

€70,993 for North Wexford outdoor projects

By Dan Walsh

Funding to the tune of €70,993 has been secured for four projects in the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District are under ORIS (Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme. Distribution is as follows;

Crab Tree Car Park Tara Hill €17,478.

Kilanerin Trail Car Park and Ballyfad Wood Trail €16,640.

Cahore Pier Car Park €16,875.

Ryehill Lane Cahore Point €20,000.

Welcoming the good news for the district Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “A special thank you to Rory O’Mahoney of Wexford County Council for his work with these projects and applications and, of course, to the volunteers in the successful areas who make it all happen on an ongoing basis. Well done and continued success with your endeavours to make North Wexford a key area for outdoor activities.”

Some additional funding has also been announced. Ferns Heritage Trail gets €8,242. There is €20,000 for accredited walking trails across the county and the Raven Rock Trail on the outskirts of Wexford town receives €20,000.

Success is spread around at Ballycrystal

By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal

Conditions were testing at the Island Hunt point-to-point at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, this afternoon but there was a good attendance, and the fixture went off safety with the six races won by six different handlers.

The four-year-old mares maiden race brought the first success of the season to Ellen Doyle from the Baltimore Stables at Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, when Dollar Bae prevailed by an impressive 26 lengths with Brian Dunleavy in the saddle, deputising for regular stable rider John O’Neill who is out of action with a broken collarbone. Speaking afterwards, James Doyle said; “She is a smart filly. Not very big.”

Handler Mark Scallan, Cleariestown, who was absent and in Limerick, saddled Abegudsam, a first winner for Rathangan owner, Gavin O’Brien, by three and a half lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. The winning rider was Shane O’Rourke, Foulksmills, and 14 ran.

Five runners went to post for the maiden race for five- and six-year-old mares and provided a victory for owner/handler Martin Corrigan from Ballinaclash, Blackwater with Katlaur. Bred by Jonathan Hore at Mount Eaton Stud, Bridgetown, Katlur scored by three lengths and was the first leg of a double for 20-year-old rider Dan Nevin, who hails from Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, and is just ‘up the road’ from the track at Ballycrystal.

Nevin teamed up with Michael Murphy from Redbridge Stables, Duncormick, to win his second race of the day on Battle Frontier by two lengths in the maiden race for five-year-olds. The partnership shared success with Red River Valley in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings at Kinsale on Saturday.

The Open Lightweight Race was confined to lady riders and Tipperary-based Susie Doyle was successful on the family favourite Samanntom by three lengths beating off Liz Lalor on Drylow.

**Bobby Bowe leading in Five Dollar Fine following victory at Ballycrystal. Also in picture is handler Colin Bowe and winning rider James Kenny.**

Colin Bowe saddled the winner of the final race – the maiden race for six-year-olds and upwards – Five Dollar Fine ridden by Craanford rider James Kenny who brought his career total to 25 ‘between the flags’. Six lengths were the verdict.

There were also point-to-point races at Rathcannon, Co. Limerick, today, and just one Wexford winner – first timer Maximilian by three lengths for Ballindaggin handler Donnchadh Doyle and Caim rider Pearse Rogan. The race was a maiden geldings contest for five-year-olds and upwards and Maximilian was best with three lengths to spare.

All roads lead to Ballycrystal

By Dan Walsh

Eighty-two entries were received for the Island Hunt’s point-to-point fixture at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, tomorrow (Sunday). The going is described as “yielding to soft” and the first race is off at 12.30pm.

**MICHAEL GOFF trained a winner at Kinsale, Co. Cork, today.**

It should be noted that persons intending on attendance must register with P2P.ie to gain admission.

There were two Wexford winners today (Saturday) at the South Union Foxhounds meeting at Kinsale.

First time Rath Gaul Boy in the colours of Caitriona Goff and trained by her husband, Michael Goff at Clondaw, Ferns, and ridden by Aaron Sinnott, Enniscorthy, was the eight lengths winner of the maiden race for four-year-olds.

Duncormick handler Michael Murphy saddled Red River Valley in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and with Kilkenny rider Dan Nevin, (20), in the saddle scored by half a length

Boil Water Notices for Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

An estimated 43,842 customers of Irish Water are on a Boil Water Notice after Wexford town (25,196), Enniscorthy (11,187) were added to the list by Wexford County Council today and Gorey (7,459) have been affected since Thursday.

The Boil Water Notice for Wexford town has been put in place and the notice affects all areas supplied by Wexford Town Public Water Supply including Newtown, Barntown, Taghmon, Ballindinas, Shelmalier, Colestown, Coolcots, Carriglawn, Clonard, Townparks, Park, Mulgannon, Maudlintown, Town Centre and surrounding areas.

A Boil Notice Water for Enniscorthy Public Water Supply was issued just before mid-day. A notice last night said that “for conservation purposes it was necessary to shut off the water supply until 7am”.

A Boil Water Notice has been in place in Gorey since Thursday and this notice applies to all consumers on the Gorey (Creagh) Urban Public Water Supply. All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking. Areas affected are Gorey Hill, Gorey Corporation lands, Ramsford Park, Ballytegan, Clonattin Upper, Clonattin Lower, Gorey Bridge and Millands.

**The River Slaney at The Promenade, Enniscorthy, this afternoon**.

Irish Water’s Pat Duggan said: “Public health is Irish Water’s number one priority and we appreciate the impact that this notice will have on the residents and businesses. However, the restriction has been put in place to protect our consumers. Irish Water and Wexford County Council are working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the plant and lift the boil water notice as quickly as it is safe to do so.”

Extra bus routes for rural Wexford

By Dan Walsh

There will be a 25% increase in the number of rural bus services over the next five years, under proposed plans published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) today, which seeks to increase public transport connectivity, particularly in areas outside of the country’s big cities and towns.

**New bus routes planned for rural Wexford**

The extra routes proposed for Co. Wexford include:

Improved inter-urban bus services between Wexford and Dublin via Enniscorthy and Gorey.

Enhanced inter-urban bus services between Wexford and Waterford via New Ross

Enhanced inter-urban bus services between Wexford and Rosslare Strand / Harbour

Improved inter-urban bus services between Wexford and Portlaoise via Enniscorthy and Carlow

New local bus route from Oulart, Ballaghkeen and Ballymurn to both Wexford and Gorey

New local bus route from Bree, Ballyhogue and Killurin to both Wexford and Enniscorthy

New local bus route from Newbawn, Ballycullane and Ballyhack to Waterford (via Passage East Ferry)

The NTA said it intends to finalise its implementation plan during the first half of next year, before proceeding with the implementation in the second half of the year.

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the NTA, said; “We know that for many people, living in a village or in a rural area can mean that accessing services, or employment, or education, or even retail is difficult if not impossible, without using a private car. We want to change that.”

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D. said the plan represents a ‘step-change’ for rural Ireland. “If we are to deliver on our emissions targets, we need to make sure that people have the services and alternatives they need. Hundreds of rural villages and areas will for the first time will be served by a viable public transport link,” he added.

HSE should reverse Gorey healthcare decision

By Dan Walsh

Public representatives in Gorey are calling on the Heath Service Executive (HSE) to reverse a decision that the popular Saturday Morning Urgent Care Service at The Palms medical practice at The Avenue, Gorey is to cease after 68 years!

It is understood that the HSE have ceased payments for the Urgent Care Saturday morning clinic at The Palms Medical Centre, Gorey and are advising that from next Monday, November 1^st, patients should instead attend Caredoc.

This service has been provided on the Avenue, Gorey since 1953.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said; “They have now been forced to cease this service from next Monday. Unfortunately, Caredoc is understaffed and no substitute for this medical service and simply do not adequately cater for local people’s health needs, regularly advising people to just go to Wexford Hospital A&E instead, sometimes for relatively minor issues.”

“We are going backwards in terms of healthcare, including at Primary Care level,” said Cllr Ó Súilleabháin, who added: Johnny Mythen TD and I are calling on the HSE to reverse this crazy decision. We are asking members of public locally to please help pressurise the HSE into reversing this decision.”

AUDIO ADDITION; CLLR FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN is calling on the HSE to reverse decision on Saturday Urgent Care Clinics

7,459 affected by Gorey Boil Water Notice

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water has announced that working in partnership with Wexford County Council customers on the Gorey Creagh Urban Public Water Supply that due to issues at the water treatment plant, which may have compromised water quality, and following consultation with the Health Service Executive, that a Boil Water Notice is being put in place with immediate effect to protect the health of consumers.

It is unknown when the Boil Water notice can be lifted, however, Irish Water and Wexford County Council will continue to liaise and consult with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice as soon as practicable

This notice applies to all consumers on the Gorey (Creagh) Urban Public Water Supply. All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking. A map of the Gorey (Creagh) Urban Public Water Supply, detailing the areas affected is available on www.water.ie
It is unknown when the Boil Water notice can be lifted, however, Irish Water and Wexford County Council will continue to liaise and consult with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting the Boil Water Notice as soon as practicable

**A BOIL WATER notice has been issued to over 7,000 customers in the Gorey town area with immediate effect.**

Customer queries should be directed to Irish Water Customer Contact Centre on 1800 278 278. Vulnerable customers who have registered their details with Irish Water will be directly contacted. Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of all public water and wastewater services in Ireland.

You will be kept informed by WexfordLocal.com or the website: www.water.ie

Wexford fights to contain the sea!

By Dan Walsh

The challenging fight against coastal erosion continues and Wexford County Council CEO Tom Enright presented some updates to members at the monthly meeting in October.

A new emergency beach exit is installed at Ballinamona beach, near Kilmuckridge, and local Cllrs Oliver Walsh, Pip Breen and Mary Farrell have been praising the engineers for their valuable work. Rock armour has been installed to protect against the elements at this picturesque beach located in a secluded setting.

**New rock armour to protect coastal erosion at Ballinamona beach.**

Tenders for consulting engineers are being assessed this month (October) and an appointment will follow assessment for the Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme.

At St. Helen’s Bay a preliminary coastal erosion risk a management study has been assigned consultant engineers to assess risk to assets including twenty-three properties.

Consulting engineers have been appointed to design a suitable coastal protection scheme and beach access at Seaview, Kilmore.

An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission for the Lady’s Island Water Level Management Structure. A foreshore licence application is lodged and is under consideration by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

At Grange, Fethard-on-Sea tender documents have been finalised on works to protect sections of the public road from coastal erosion.

The Morriscastle Sand Dunes are marked for restoration and the project involves fencing and maram grass planting “to restore and manage the dune system at the main branch entrance.” Works are underway.

Call to identify human remains

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí at Enniscorthy are renewing an appeal to the public for assistance in identifying human remains discovered on a beach in Co. Wexford in December 1995.

On the morning of 12th December 1995, Gardaí were alerted following the discovery of a badly decomposed body at Ballinamona beach, near Kilmuckridge.

Local Gardaí attended the scene, and the remains were removed to the mortuary at Waterford Hospital. Following a post-mortem examination foul play was ruled out.

The pathologist reported the remains to be a female aged between 25 and 40 years, approximately 176cm in height who had undergone a lot of dental treatment including a brace fitted on her bottom teeth.

At the time of her discovery, she was wearing a pair of blue ‘Lee’ jeans (sized 33/31) and brown laced shoes (size 39) with white socks. Two Volkswagen keys were recovered in the pocket of the jeans.

In April 1996, the then State Pathologist Dr Harbison carried out an examination of the body. There was no evidence of foul play disclosed and suspected drowning was deemed to be the cause of death.

Despite exhaustive enquires at the time via international policing channels, including Interpol and Missing Persons Organisations, the deceased was never identified.

The deceased was interred at Crosstown Cemetery, Wexford in May 1996.

In November 2007, an exhumation was carried out a DNA sample was harvested from the remains before re-burial. This profile has since been uploaded onto the Interpol database for comparison with profiles from missing persons worldwide but to date there have been no matches identified.

Investigating Gardaí are renewing their appeal to the public for assistance in identifying the deceased and in bringing this case to a conclusion. Anyone with information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station (053) 924 2580, The Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.