There is general relief tonight at the news that all occupants aboard a light aircraft with apilot and three passengers on board that crash landed on the beach near Carnsore Point are reported to have ‘non-life threatening’ injuries. The crash landing occurred at around 5.10pm.
Four people – two men in 20’s and 50’s and two women, both aged in their 30’s was removed to University Hospital Waterford by both Health Service Executive (HSE) ambulances and the Waterford and Dublin-based Coast Guard helicopters.
Latest information is that their injuries are ‘non-life threating’. WexfordLocal.com has been informed that the pilot suffered two broken legs and the front seat passenger also has a broken leg. The rear seat occupants walked from the ambulance to the hospital shocked from their ordeal, but suffered no significant injuries.
It is understood that the pilot alerted the Irish Coast Guard before deciding to attempt an emergency landing on the beach at Carnsore Point, south of Rosslare Harbour.
Emergency services responded immediately, and the evacuation was supported by Gardaí, Wexford Coast Guard units and HSE paramedics.
The crashed plane at Carnsore Point (Pic; RTE)
The twin-engine aircraft appears to have experienced technical difficulties off the coast of south Wexford and the pilot showed excellent skills by bringing it down on the beach and avoided crash landing in the sea. Emergency workers at the scene say that if the plane had landed in the sea the rescue efforts would have been far more challenging.
Weather conditions good at the time with light winds and excellent visibility.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit and the Irish Aviation Authority have been notified.
A light aircraft with a pilot and three passengers on board has crash landed on the beach near Carnsore Point at around 5.10pm today.
All four have been taken to hospital, two were airlifted by Irish Coast Guard helicopters from Waterford and Dublin, and two others were transported by ambulance.
Their condition is currently unknown.
So far, the origin and destination of the flight has not been determined.
Weather conditions in the area were perfect at the time.
The children are feeling ‘super present’ anxious and demand that Christmas will be happening again, and the positive news is that Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in partnership with Enniscorthy Castle, Enniscorthy District Chamber and Rathnure Pantomime Society are delighted to confirm Santa’s Enchanted Castle returns to Enniscorthy for Christmas 2021.
CLLR CATHAL BYRNE, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District.
Cllr Cathal Byrne, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council is a believer in Santa Claus and the overall Christmas theme. He told WexfordLocal.com; “Christmas will be more important this year than ever before as we have a chance to gather and celebrate it in public. I am heartened to see so many groups working together with the Council, Chamber and organisers to have Enniscorthy light up and ready for Christmas.”
Acting District Manager, Bernie Quigley is asking everyone to “come to Enniscorthy this Christmas for a magical festive time. You will be guaranteed Christmas cheer and a great offering in the Castle and indeed about the town streets”
She added; “It is important we attract visitors to the banks of the Slaney to bolster the local economy while also lifting the spirits of our townspeople. Event and patron safety will be our main priority along with ensuring we present an entertaining event reflective of the magic of Christmas.”
In the planning since August, the towns’ festive season is sure to be a winner with locals and winter tourists. The event will return to its base in the castle from Saturday, November 27th, November until Thursday, December 23rd. The popular children’s event will operate Thursdays to Sundays before a festive finale Christmas Eve afternoon in Market Square.
General sale tickets will go live this Saturday, September 25th online from noon through www.santasenchantedcastle.ie with priority ‘sleep over’ packages to include entry tickets- already on sale – direct from hotel partner The Riverside Park Hotel.
The five-day Write By The Sea literary festival was opened this evening in Kilmore Quay by the Chairman of the Arts Council of Ireland, Kevin Rafter.
Famine memorial at Kilmore Quay (File Pic)
It is a virtual event this year again due to the Covid-19 pandemic because it had to be organised and finalised many months ago, but the organisers are delighted with the line-up of contributors and the event brings an autumnal atmosphere to the seaside village.
There is a series of workshops, readings, panel discussions daily and many recognised figures in the literary world are featured including Douglas Kennedy, Carmel Harrington, Fiona Ennis, Niall Ó Muirí, Paula Lowney, Mike Hanrahan, Jackie Hayden, Celestine Murphy, Tom Mooney, Peter Murphy and Colm Toibín.
The festival runs until Sunday and an online events programme is available. Booking and more information; writebythesea.ie
The death has taken place of Michael (Mick) Quigley who devoted his life to boxing and progressed from action in the ring in his younger days to referee of international standard and club trainer. He was 87 years old.
There has been many tributes. “St Aidan’s Boxing Club are very saddened to hear the sad news of the passing of one of our members Mick Quigley. Mick was a gentleman and was always willing to extend his help at all of our tournaments as well as all of the other club tournaments from all the other clubs too, never a man to keep advise to himself, he was always there to listen and advise anyone who sought out his vast experience in boxing, judging, refereeing or any other issues in our sport. It has been an honour to have known Mick and we as a club send our deepest condolences to his family and friends from far and near.”
MICK QUIGLEY in the ring in 1959.
“Arklow Boxing club are saddened to learn of the passing of Mick Quigley who was a great friend of boxing in Wicklow , Wexford and particularly Arklow. Mick was a top class referee and judge and began his boxing interest when he came to work in Arklow driving a lorry in the 50s and boxed as part of the Marion arts. Shows with contests being held between acts. Mick met and married Annie who hailed from St Patrick’s Terrace and visited often especially when our club held tournaments.
Mick while he could, officiated in our county championships tournaments and was a firm but talented referee. He had a dry wit and was hard to figure out if he was been serious! Anyone who knew Mick would agree he was a gentleman a good friend. A top class official and a big loss to boxing in Enniscorthy Wexford Wicklow and Arklow.
A native of Enniscorthy, Mick won many trophies with Arklow Boxing Club and Boolavogue Boxing Club in the 1950s and later trained young Boolavogue club members.
He was a founder member of St. Patrick’s Boxing Club, Enniscorthy. He was a popular and fair referee and had a busy schedule in championships and tournaments in many counties. He also coached young boxers and helped keep the club running smoothly and bringing national titles to the town on occasions.
He was also well known as a long time member of Enniscorthy FCA and was employed as a lorry driver with Wexford County Council based at the Machinery Yard, Enniscorthy.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Michael (Mick) Quigley, Greenville Lane, Enniscorthy, and formerly of Pearse Road, Enniscorthy. Peacefully surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of the late Annie, dearly loved father of Mary, Anne, Bernie, Teresa, Michael and Thomas and beloved brother of Tommy, Kitty, Lizzie and Mary. Sadly missed by his loving sons, daughter, brothers, sisters, daughters-in-law Eleanor, Audrey and Ann, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Reposing at Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy, for family and friends today (Wednesday) from 5.30pm, concluding at 8pm. Funeral Mass at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy on Thursday morning for Funeral Mass at 10am, which can be viewed online on the following Michael’s Funeral Mass. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Enniscorthy.
Independent TD for Wexford, Verona Murphy, has called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, to appoint an independent investigator to the recent contamination of the water supply in Gorey.
DEPUTY VERONA MURPHY
Deputy Murphy brought the issue to the Dail today (Wednesday) in the form of a topical issue. She said; “The investigation into the contamination of drinking water in Gorey in recent weeks which is presently an internal investigation by Wexford County Council and Irish Water into their own activities will not resolve public confidence in the provision of clean drinking water”.
The Deputy added; “An Independent investigation must be conducted without delay, people could have died because of the mismanagement and communications debacle around this incident. The investigation into this most serious matter must be both transparent and yield real accountability and no scapegoating at junior staff level in either organisation.
“I have called on the Minister this morning on the Dail Floor as well as writing to him on behalf of the people of Wexford asking that an Independent investigation be conducted immediately, concluded Deputy Murphy, who added; “It is not best practice that an investigation of such a serious matter would be conducted by those involved, being judge and jury from the inside is neither transparent nor effective in ensuring this never happens again.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, has apologised to the people of Gorey for failures that caused unsafe water to enter the public water supply at Creagh Water Plant in Gorey and has promised “to support a full investigation with Irish Water and the HSE to see what happened and to put measures in place to ensure nothing like this happens again.”
Mr Enright was addressing members at the monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held at County Council Headquarters, Carricklawn, Wexford, on Tuesday. Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, was in the chair.
Mr Enright admitted that there was “unacceptable delays in finding out what was happening”, however, he concluded that “all testing shows no further issues” and gave an assurance to members that “in the last few weeks the water is fit to drink.”
TOM ENRIGHT, CEO WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
Eamonn Hore, Senior Engineer in Water Services, gave a detailed account of happenings at the plant during this time, and while admitting “a serious water incident occurred” he said a full review of settings and repairs were carried out and Irish Water issued a statement stating that “the issues had been resolved and the water quality is now compliant and there are no further health concerns.”
Mr Hore said the failures occurred on August 19th to August 24th, and was first reported on August 26th. “Nothing like this has every occurred in Wexford’s water supply” and he said ‘sorry’ to the people of Gorey.
Many issues relating to the incident and the operation of the Creagh Water Plant were also directed to Fionnuala Callery, Senior Engineer.
Cllr Joe Sullivan asked about testing prior to August 26th, questioned the absence of a power outage back-up system, and he said it was important to have “a transparent thorough investigation to find out where the problems were and to make sure it never happens again.”
Cllr Andrew Bolger queried the timeline. “When the elected members were made aware or why members were not made aware?” He suggested that the HSE be asked for consent from the fifty-two people who became ill to open dialogue with them. He also suggested that the water services are Victorian and this incident be used to leverage investment and upgrading of the system.
Mr Hore assured Cllr Bolger and the members that “the investigation will be thorough and factual and everything will be out in the open.”
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain believed far more than 52 people suffered an illness. He was relieved that systems are now in place and described the event as “a catastrophe due to human error.”
Cllr Mary Farrell thanked the officials for a comprehensive report and felt there was “no point in blaming anyone at this stage.”
Cllr Anthony Donohoe described the event as “an awful incident” when everything went wrong at the same time. He said two staff were out on stress leave and was critical of comments on social media.
Cllr Donal Kenny told the meeting that Gorey is growing bigger than any town in Leinster and he is hoping that the Council will go for more funding for the overhaul of the system.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh supported the officials and called for a back-up power supply. Cllr Oliver Walsh said it was “a serious unfortunate incident” and left the team at Wexford County Council and Irish Water had a service agreement. He did not want to see “staff left hung out to dry and should not be vilified on social media.” He added that this was an opportunity for the Council to get more investment in Gorey.
Cllr Joe Sullivan rejected the “blame game”, but he stated that people were angry, very sick and lost time off work and it is an issue for Irish Water and Wexford County Council to repay. He believed that the matter went back further than August 19th and he would like to see it included as part of the investigation.
Summing up, Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen said the incident came as “a great shock to the town (Gorey) and he lamented that the ‘Boil Water” notices didn’t go out, but concluded that “a lesson has been learned countrywide.”
Three people were seriously injured in a three vehicle road traffic collision on the R734 Dunmain road outside of New Ross this afternoon.
Two were transferred by ambulance to University Hospital Waterford and one was airlifted by Medivac 112 to Dublin. Their condition is unknown currently.
Emergency services were alerted at around 4 pm and National Ambulance Service personnel from Wexford, Waterford and Tipperary attended the scene with Fire Service crews from New Ross and the Gardaí.
The road remained closed on Tuesday evening as a technical examination is taking place.
Emergency vehicles at road traffic collision at Dunmain, near New Ross, this afternoon.
It was inevitable that the success of the Rapparees in the county senior hurling final on Sunday would be showered with congratulations at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Cllr Jackser Owens was first up on his feet.
“I am delighted with the Rapparees winning the county title after 43 years. I was on that panel 43 years ago. I am calling for a reception for the greatest achievement – the highest score in the history of the GAA.”
CLLR JACKSER OWENS
Cllr Aidan Browne said he knew a lot of the personnel on the team and described the team as “great ambassadors for the town.” He added that Rapparees-Starlights are reigning county senior football champions and could achieve the double in a few weeks time!”
Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan said it was “a brilliant day for the youngsters of the district” and Cllr John O’Rourke was impressed as “the town was painted in red and green for the weekend”, but he wondered about ‘gender bias’ and saw no such colour for the camogie and ladies football teams a few weeks earlier.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy offered her congratulations and agreed with Cllr O’Rourke that the scene was not so colourful for the camogie (won) and the intermediate footballers (lost) marking their big day in Croke Park. “We didn’t go the extra mile for the girls!” she declared.
But Cllr Browne was back in again and pointed out that the Wexford flags had been flying on the Seamus Rafter bridge since before the intermediate football weekend. The girls were not forgotten in Enniscorthy!
Cllr Owens felt ‘everyone should be honoured’ and Cllr Codd drifted back to “a three-in-a-row winning Wexford camogie team,” when Cathaoirleach Cllr Cathal Byrne added his congratulations to the Rapparees on “a tremendous success” and he is referring the notion of a reception to a special sub-committee and there will be further news at the next district meeting.
Irish Water has apologised to the people of Gorey as investigations continues into how, when and why unsafe water entered the public water supply at Creagh Water Plant in Gorey and “late notification of issues relating to the disinfection process at the plant potentially put public health at risk.”
A full investigation is now under way involving Wexford County Council and Irish Water following contamination of the public water supply between August 19th and the 24th. The incident was not reported until August 26th.
Some sources have informed WexfordLocal.com that some earlier outbreaks may have been reported by the public – circa-August 11th and 12th and are calling on Irish Water to trawl their records for the purpose of conducting a thorough investigation.
There were 52 confirmed cases of illness associated with the Gorey failure, including bacteria linked to E.coli and a number of associated hospitalisations. Again, local sources believe that the figure may be considerably higher and went unreported.
SENATOR MALCOLM BYRNE organised a meeting between local councillors and senior officials from Irish Water today.
Senator Malcolm Byrne organised a meeting between local councillors from the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District and senior officials at Irish Water this morning and has been outlining a summary of events on his social media page.
“The meeting delegation appreciated the apology from Irish Water to the people of Gorey for the recent incident that led to contamination of the water supply from the Creagh treatment plant.
“The HSE is preparing a final report on the level of illness in the community in August 2021. It seems to be linked to a problem from August 19th to August 24th and the report will identify the nature of illnesses experienced.
There has been no bacterial problem identified since August 24th and the meeting delegation has been reassured that water in the area is now safe.
“We appreciate Irish Water’s apology, but we need action to ensure this never happens again. Over fifty people were left ill. There is still a long way to go to ensure that there is full public trust in the water supply.
“People were vomiting, passing blood and with cramps. The seriousness of this issue should not be underestimated.
“There was an acknowledgment of the failure of communications between Wexford County Council and Irish Water.
“Those who were made ill should contact Irish Water with details about the problems they experienced.”
Irish Water has agreed to meet again with Senator Byrne and Gorey-Kilmuckridge councillors once the independent investigation report is published.
There are indications locally that some of those who contracted illness from the drinking water without a ‘Boil Warning’ or ‘Do Not Consume Notice’ warning may seek compensation through the legal system, however, the HSE will have a role to play and GDPR and ‘patient confidentiality’ may prove to be a difficult obstacle to surmount.
The monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council takes place tomorrow (Tuesday) in County Hall, Wexford, and further discussion is expected with councillors chasing many unanswered questions in relation to the incident which is attracting nationwide media publicity.
WexfordLocal.com 