Brittany Ferries has announced the opening of a new freight link from Le Havre in Normandy to Rosslare Europort starting on Friday, November 12th. 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.
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.”
The long-awaited Technological University of the South East (TUSE) will see a merger of IT Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology on May 1st 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.
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.
MARTIN DONOHOE
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).
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.
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.
ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Picture)
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.
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.
ENNISCORTHY FLOODING (File Picture)
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.
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;
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN
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.
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.
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
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