Wexford Ógra Fianna Fáil have called on Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD to take immediate action to address the state of the road network in the county.
RUAIRÍ RYAN, Chair Wexford Ógra Fianna Fáil
Chair of Wexford Ógra Ruairí Ryan told WexfordLocal.com; “We as an organisation are calling for this to be addressed seriously by the minister. If you drive anywhere in the county (Wexford) you’ll see how bad this for yourself. The roads are particularly bad where I live around Enniscorthy, being quite dangerous for drivers. It’s affecting road safety for everyone. It’s quite clear to me that Wexford has been forgotten by the Minister in this regard.”
The call comes in the wake of recent published research which show “that Wexford had the worst roads in the country.”
The Business Post recently reported that a study from the National Audit and Oversight Commission in 2020 found that 31% of primary roads, 44% of secondary roads, and 39.5% of tertiary roads in the country were “structurally distressed” in 2020.
“It is clear that additional funding from central government is now needed to address this ever-growing problem,” concluded Mr Ryan.
Colin Bowe’s charges were in winning form at Inchydoney, Co. Cork, today where the Kiltealy champion handler saddled three winners bringing his seasonal total to 44 and his 10th national title is only a week away!
Alden and Barry O’Neill were victorious by one length in the maiden race for four-year-olds and O’Neill shared a double with Bowe as Brents Hollow came home five lengths to the good in the maiden race for mares aged five years or older.
Rob James completed the Bowe treble when he virtually led all the way on D’Last Spetz to score by ten lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
BARRY O’NEILL in winning form this weekend
Kieva Hynes, (21), from Adamstown, had her very first winner as a rider aboard Local Rogue for owner Edward Power and handler Sean Doyle, by one length, in the maiden race for geldings of six years or older.
There was a two-day point-to-point fixture at Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, and the maiden race for four-year-old geldings run today (Sunday) was won by newcomer Wrestligwithrae from the Cormac Doyle stable. The winning rider was Luke Murphy, Gorey, and the verdict was one and a half lengths.
Barry Stone was also on the scoresheet. The Cleariestown rider won by four lengths on Woodfield Symphony for Rosemary Connors in the maiden race for seven-year-olds and over.
Action at Balingarry also took place yesterday (Saturday) and two Wexford winners were recorded. On Se Calme was the two lengths winner of the maiden race for four-year-old mares for the Monbeg Farm Partnership, handler Cormac Doyle and rider Harley Dunne.
Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill won the auction maiden race for four-year-olds with newcomer Atlanta Brave who got the verdict by ‘a head’.
The scene of a major fire in Castlebridge village this evening.
By Dan Walsh at Castlebridge
Roads through Castlebridge village are closed to traffic this evening as firefighters deal with a massive fire at a premises adjacent to a local pub.
Smoke was noticed billowing from a premises and shortly after 5.30pm the popular licensed premises – The Porter House – was evacuated.
Locals at the scene claim that the licensed premises is under new management and only re-opened for business on Friday following an extensive renovation and refurbishment programme. It is unknown, at this stage, how much damage has been caused to the pub and beer garden, but the adjoining two-storey premises is completely destroyed and roofless.
Gardaí and several units of the fire service from Wexford Fire Service were joined by a special high-rise unit from Wicklow County Council.
Roads through the village leading to Gorey and Enniscorthy are closed to traffic.
The cost of the damage is estimated to run into big figures and a major investigation into the cause of the outbreak will be vigorously pursued.
Wexford County Council and Creative Ireland have announced that ‘live’ and ‘in person’ events will be returning on Saturday June 11th. Cruinniú na nÓg has become a key date in the calendar for families, children and young people to unleash their creativity and this year will be no different.
Wexford County Council is pleased to be able to work together with Creative Ireland’s strategic partners to increase access to events on June 11th. These include a forest school at Kilmokea House, Pop-Up Dance workshops and performance in New Ross with 2 Many Dance Moves, introductory theatre workshops with Bare Cheek Theatre, Wexford and an online juggling project led by ISACS.
Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach, told WexfordLocal.com; “Wexford County Council is delighted to partner with Creative Ireland to deliver creative and fun events for children of all ages in County Wexford for Cruinniú na nÓg. We relish the opportunity for our children and young people to come together once again in person to enjoy culture and creativity activity on June 11th.”
Some of our highlight events happening across the county on the day include Sounding Seams III: Sound Chimes Workshop with Music Generation Wexford and artist Laura Hyland. Laura will take young people on a journey exploring sound with chimes and everyday objects, from glass bottles and metal to wooden blocks and water. This event will take place in the wonderful surroundings of the Irish National Heritage Park and is suitable for young people aged 10 – 18 years old.
After its big success in last year’s programme, there is a welcome back the Tara Hill Art Trail designed by Gorey School of Art’s Paul Carter and Emma Roche. This self-guided family-friendly event explores the natural landscape of Tara Hill, known for walking trails that play host to a wide range of heritage sites, biodiversity and scenic views overlooking the Gorey district.
NATIONAL OPERA HOUSE, Wexford, will stage some events from Cruinniú na nÓg this summer. Search the programme of events.
Another programme highlight will be the family friendly growing and drawing workshops hosted by Blackbird Cultur-Lab, who will offer families a chance to engage with nature in a unique setting facilitated by Blackbird’s founder, Karla Sánchez and artist David Begley. There are many more free activities in the programme, including stop motion animation in the Gorey Library, musical discoveries at the National Opera House, a singing and ukulele workshop with Music Generation Wexford, historical fiction writing with Caroline Busher, opportunities to create costumes for a biodiversity parade with the Presentation Arts Centre or bring an instrument to the Seomra Traidisiúnta in Gorey and learn to record, light and edit your performance.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2022 is a collaboration betweenthe The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Creative Ireland Programme, local authorities and RTÉ.
Wexford coastal areas have performed well in the An Taisce International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2022. The awards were presented by Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and Electoral Reform at a ceremony on Curracloe Beach on Friday.
Ballymoney North Beach is one of seven beaches nationally not awarded Blue Flag status in 2021, but the good news is that the popular North Wexford resort is flying the flag this year.
Also included are Courtown, Morriscastle, Rosslare Strand, Ballinesker, Rosslare Strand and Carne, while Kilmore Quay Marina and New Ross ‘Three Sisters’ Marina’ were awarded Blue Flag status 2022, in recognition of consistent excellent standards.
The Green Coast awards for Wexford beaches in 2022 are: Cahore Point Beach, Old Bawn Beach, Culleton’s Gap, St Helen’s Bay, Ballyhealy, Cullenstown Strand, Baginbun Beach, Booley Bay and Grange.
COURTOWN (File Pic).
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister Noonan stated that; “This year celebrates 35 years of the Blue Flag as an international programme and during that time the Blue Flag has become an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. I am pleased to be presenting 95 blue flags and 62 green coast awards today and want to commend the great efforts made by local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and volunteers for their work around the country.”
Mr. Ian Diamond, Coastal Awards Manager for An Taisce said; “We were delighted to be welcomed to the Sunny Southeast today for the opportunity to celebrate the beaches and marinas awarded for the 2022 season. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to manage a beach or marina to the excellent standards required by these award programmes. It’s been too long since we’ve had the opportunity to acknowledge these efforts in person, and I would like to thank all in attendance and our hosts Wexford County Council for helping us make today’s event worth the wait.”
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats around the world. The 85 Irish beaches and 10 marinas that have achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Award sites are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.
Turning the sod on the Kilmore Quay Wastewater Treatment Plant; Cllr Ger Carthy, Tom Enright, CEO, Wexford County Council, Paul Kehoe TD, Michael Tinsley, Irish Water, Cllr Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach, Rosslare Municipal District Council, Brendan Howlin TD, Verona Murphy TD, Cllr Frank Staples and Cllr Jim Codd. (Pic; Patrick Browne).
By Dan Walsh
The rain tumbled down as if making a climate statement at Kilmore Quay this morning where the sod was turned for the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and related infrastructure with Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council.
The works had already commenced on the new sewerage scheme and wastewater treatment infrastructure for the village, however due to Covid restrictions, the ceremonial aspects of the works were put on hold, until today.
Cllr Jim Moore, Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District stated; “I am delighted to see this most welcome infrastructure which will give a huge impetus to the development of Kilmore Quay in terms of environment, industry, community, housing, and tourism. I would like to thank all concerned for their efforts in reaching this important milestone for Kilmore Quay and the surrounding district and region. It comes at an opportune time with the Wexford County Development Plan under consideration as well as the Local Economic Development Plans for the District.”
Irish Water’s Michael Tinsley said; “It is really fantastic to be here in Kilmore Quay this morning. Irish Water is really looking forward to delivering this important project to benefit the local community for the generations to come. This project will improve water quality around the quay and wider harbour area, enhance the amenity value of the coastal waters and ensure compliance with national and EU regulations relating to the treatment of urban wastewater.
“All new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth and will play an integral part in the development of Kilmore Quay. We look forward to working with the local community to deliver this essential project with our partners in Wexford County Council and Jon Sisk & Sons Ltd. Irish Water has a strong track record of completing projects on time and on budget once we get boots on the ground.
“Indeed, we have good news in this regard not too far away from here. We turned the sod on the Duncannon, Arthurstown and Ballyhack project in June 2021. Later this summer, the Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Arthurstown will begin operation, with the overall project being on course to be fully completed by the end of 2022, ahead of schedule.
Will Merriman, Managing Director, Ireland Civils, Sisk added; “Sisk is delighted to be selected for this vital new wastewater treatment project, that will significantly improve water quality in Kilmore Quay. Sisk is also in the process of completing a similar wastewater treatment project at Arthurstown. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Irish Water and Wexford County Council, creating a positive legacy for all stakeholders and the local community of Kilmore Quay.”
The proposed scheme will involve the design and construction of the following works, a new wastewater treatment plant that will serve existing and future populations. New below ground pumping stations with above ground kiosks along with pipelines to transfer sewage from the pumping stations to the wastewater treatment plant. A new treated wastewater pipeline to discharge treated wastewater from the new wastewater treatment plant to the existing discharge pipe. Testing and commissioning of the works once complete.
Cllr Joe Sullivan spoke out strongly against what he termed “lack of action from the housing department” and told last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council of the housing situation being “in a sorry state” with only nine houses available since January and no prospect of any more in the near future?”
Cllr Sullivan questioned the situation at St. Waleran’s, stated that there are 12 houses idle in Tober Mhuire View and claimed the list gets longer and frustrated by lack of action from the housing department. He added that there are “failures in outrageous circumstances” and North Wexford is facing “serious problems.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh recalled attending a photo shoot in The Ballagh three years ago and told the houses would be ready in a year! He blamed Irish Water for holding up progress at The Ballagh.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN at the new housing development at Tober Mhuire View on Scholar’s Way, Gorey,; 12 units are ready but have yet to be occupied.
Helen Frayne from Wexford County Council housing department told the meeting that four houses (out of a scheme of 16) would be ready next week in Blackwater. She outlined delays in relation to Tober Mhuire View in Gorey.
Cllr Anthony Donohoe addressed the St. Joseph’s site on Wexford St., Gorey, and he hoped “there would never be a house on it and it would be the worst decision ever made and it should be a car park.”
Cllr Andrew Bolger had a query about an affordable housing site at Ramsfort Park and asked about modular housing as a means of speeding up matters.
“Gorey is in crisis. We need houses,and it is an emotional issue” noted Cllr Mary Farrell. Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said “We need to be honest with the signals we send out and not be building up people’s hopes. We need to be realistic and tell people there are no houses!”
Cllr Kavanagh returned to the debate and suggested that vacant houses could be put back in use quicker.
Cllr Sullivan wondered if we (the Council) could be given any hope? “There are 900 on the housing list and there is nothing to tell us?” Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen ended the debate, which became heated at times, by admitting “there are no houses.”
Cllr Anthony Donohoe had questions about progress at the St. Waleran’s site. “We have that site for three years and if some of the big builders had been brought in, we would have families living on that site today?” Liz Hore, Director of Services, is to bring an update to the June meeting.
An artist’s impression of the proposed housing development at Kilnahue, on the outskirts of Gorey.
By Dan Walshat Gorey Civic Centre
Members of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council today gave their full backing to an application to An Board Pleanála for the construction of housing development including 421 residential units on lands at Kilnahue and Gorey Hill, the Carnew Road and Kilnahue Lane at the May monthly meeting held in the Civic Centre.
James Lavin, Senior Executive Planner with Wexford County Council addressed today’s meeting to discuss the application with members and to display maps and documents relating to the application and to listen and address any concerns members may have before the application is submitted at the end of May.
Cllr Donal Kenny said; “You could not be interested in housing if you didn’t support this application”, he stated the road would be widened and residents’ concerns addressed. “We need houses. Families are desperate trying to find homes for their children.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh promised that “If we can remove any obstacles, we will get them removed. We need houses.”
Cllr Joe Sullivan, who has been a vociferous critic of the Housing Section of Wexford County Council regards ‘the lack of housing in North Wexford’, gave his support to the application and was “confident” it will work out well even if it causes “an upsurge in traffic in the area.”
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux believes it is a great step forward for the town (Gorey). He said those buying the units would free up more units. “People have been waiting for a long time for this to come along and we (the Council) have a duty to support it.”
Cllr Anthony Donohoe said he was happy with the development and happy with the access on the Carnew Road. “It is massively ambitious and well thought out,” he added.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen accepted the full support of all members for the 37.8-acre development and expressed support for the An Bord Pleanála application which may be decided in about six months. “Full support. No dissenting voices,” concluded the Cathaoirleach.
Gerard Gannon Properties are making the application to An Board Pleanála. The development will consist of the demolition of all existing, derelict structures on site and the construction of a mixed-use development comprising of 421 residential units (133 houses, 228 apartments, and 60 duplexes); with one childcare facility, two retail units and two community rooms.
The development provides for a total of 759 car parking spaces and 480 bicycle spaces. The development also provides for two vehicular accesses and one pedestrian/cyclist crossing and associated road upgrade works, all on Kilnahue Lane (L10112); one vehicular access on Carnew Road (R725) and associated road upgrade works; proposed upgrades to public realm including footpaths and cycle lanes, with proposed upgrade of the Carnew Road/Kilnahue Lane junction to a signalised junction; landscaping including a neighbourhood park, a playground and MUGA with associated neighbourhood parking; pocket parks; boundary treatments; public lighting; and all associated engineering and site works necessary to facilitate the development including proposed new sewer and associated upgrade works to existing engineering infrastructure on Carnew Road, Kilnahue Lane, Main Street and Esmonde Street.
The application contains a statement setting out how the proposal will be consistent with the objectives of the Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019 and Gorey Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2017-2023.
The application contains a statement indicating why permission should be granted for the proposed development, having regard to a consideration specified in section 37(2)(b) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, notwithstanding that the proposed development materially contravenes a relevant development plan or local area plan other than in relation to the zoning of the land.
Bunclody Bridge over the River Slaney. The beautiful wooded area on the western side of the river could be used as walking trails in a new river strategy project proposed by Wexford County Council.
By Dan Walsh
The development of Bunclody Town Park incorporating the Market Square with the introduction of riverside walking trails and a river strategy was welcomed by members following a presentation by Shay Howell of Wexford County Council at Monday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District held in the Presentation Centre.
The project is in the early stages and discussions are planned with local landowners and the development would include about 12 extra car parking spaces and a children’s playground covering approximately one acre.
Cllr Jackser Owens called for a united approach from the members in support of the project and he felt “it would be grand for the town.”
Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan described the project as “very positive for Bunclody” and she encouraged the positive use of natural resources, the river strategy and felt it could really develop an environmental approach.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy pointed out that Bunclody has two rivers – the Cody and the Slaney – and no public access to either one. She encouraged the project and said Bunclody was a hub for walking trails and cycle ways and lead to trails in nearby Carlow and Wicklow.
Mr Howell said it wasn’t “the finished article yet”, he hoped to gain more land and was hoping for support. The acquisition of more land is important.
Cllr John O’Rourke enquired as to the potential cost of the project, but Mr Howell felt “it is too early” to speculate, however, Cllr O’Rourke received a more positive response when he asked if the playground would be suitable for children with disability and autism.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Cathal Byrne gave a “cautious welcome” to the project as he believed that some projects don’t always turn into solid reality and take years to complete so he is looking forward to “a solid plan” and removing obstacles to planning permission.
An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy officially launched National Biodiversity Week last Friday when she attended the planting of a native Irish Rowan tree in the grounds of St. John’s Community Hospital accompanied by representatives of Enniscorthy Men’s Shed, St. John’s Community Hospital and staff of Wexford County Council.
CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY launched National Biodiversity Week.
Cllr Murphy said she was delighted to officially launch National Biodiversity Week in Co. Wexford. “This week is all about connecting people with nature and the benefits of protecting and enhancing our biodiversity. Spending time in nature can improve our health and well-being. It is great to see the wide range of initiatives being undertaken by Wexford County Council, including the increased support for biodiversity in our urban areas, a notable example of which is the enhancement of the Gorey ecological corridor.”
Catherine McLoughlin, Heritage Officer Wexford County Council also attended the event and stated: “National Biodiversity Week is also about learning and having fun. Many of the events this week are family friendly and there is something for everyone to enjoy,”
Clare Kelly, Climate Officer with Wexford County Council agreed with Ms. McLoughlin. “A simple action that we can all take as individuals or communities to help biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions is to plant a native tree,”
Tonight (Monday) Wexford County Council supported a talk on the barn owls of the south-east by Birdwatch Ireland and the Wexford Barn Owl project, while this coming Thursday, Barntown Community Centre will host a public talk on the fascinating underwater biodiversity of the Wexford coast at 7.30pm.
