News and Sport and Events that matter across County Wexford.
A man in his 50’s has died in a workplace accident at Baku GLS Limited in Kilrane Business Park, Rosslare Harbour.
The incident occurred around 1 am today (Saturday) when the deceased was crushed beneath a load of plastic sheeting.
Emergency services attended the scene.
An Gardaí and the Health & Safety Authority will hold separate investigations into the incident.
By Dan Walsh
Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and Cllr Garry Laffan, Mayor of Wexford joined members of Wexford Tidy Towns to officially launch the gum litter education campaign on Wexford Quay today (Friday).
Cllr Murphy asked people to get behind the Gum Litter Taskforce campaign which is an environmental initiative set up to develop and implement an awareness campaign to reduce gum litter in the most sustainable way. “Supported and funded by the chewing gum industry, the GLT initiative has made very real and significant improvements in relation to gum litter awareness and disposal behaviour over the last 14 years since its inception in 2007. The 2019 campaign maintained an all-time high of 93% of people stating that they regard chewing gum as litter, up from 74% when the campaign first began in 2007, pointing to the attitudinal impact which the campaign has had.”
Mayor of Wexford Cllr Laffan hoped the campaign will continue to further build on those results. “Each year we see communities coming together with the common aim of reducing the level of littered gum in our county.”
The campaign is looking to build on the positive momentum of previous years’ campaigns and is making a strong return for 2021 after being postponed last year due to COVID-19.
Research commissioned by the Gum Litter Taskforce and conducted by Kantar Millward Brown during the 2019 campaign highlighted the campaign’s continued positive effect on people’s behaviour towards gum disposal. In 2019, the results showed that 88% of people said that they always dispose of their gum correctly, which was up from 54% when the campaign first began. This shift in public behaviour has been evident throughout the 13 years that the campaign has been running, as the proportion of gum as a percentage of litter has decreased by 64%.
Paul Kelly, Chairman of the GLT added; “It is great to see the GLT campaign return and continue its success in changing the public’s behaviour towards gum litter.
Nicola Forde, Corporate Affairs Manager, Mars Wrigley Ireland said; “Mars Wrigley are pleased to support the return of this positive and vibrant awareness campaign in 2021. It is important that we maintain momentum on our journey to achieving a cleaner, greener Ireland through initiatives like the GLT and build on the success that the campaign has achieved since it commenced in 2007. “COVID-19 has brought more people outdoors to gather, socialise and enjoy the beauty of their local area. As a result, both younger and older generations are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining the surrounding natural environment.”
By Dan Walsh
One person was injured and taken to Wexford General Hospital with minor injuries following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on a straight stretch of road on the N11 at Brownswood, near Enniscorthy, today.
The collision occurred at around 4pm when a van turning into an entrance was in collision with a car travelling from behind. Road conditions were dry and good at the time.
Emergency services were quickly on the scene. Two units of Enniscorthy Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service Wexford and Gardaí attended.
The road was closed to traffic for a time but has been cleared and is fully open again.
By Dan Walsh
New infrastructure such as footpaths, cycleways, public transport, landscaping and signage are included in the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) masterplan costing in the region of €2 million and covering zoned land extending from the roundabouts at Blackstoops and Scarawalsh.
Last March Wexford County Council announced that Malachy Walsh & Partners were appointed to provide design services for the masterplan which was presented to members of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the May meeting. A public consultation process recorded comments during the ongoing design process.
At the July meeting, Bernie Quigley, Acting District Manager informed members that “a contract for the initial Phase 1 works is expected to be awarded in October.”
The masterplan is divided into Zone A and Zone B.
Zone A is the developed business district area where improvements envisaged include enhancing the existing street and road infrastructure, the formation of an active travel route, welcome signage on the approaches, landscaping with trees and low hedging and the provision of meeting or rest areas at key locations.
Zone B will consider the underdeveloped business district area and the plan makes proposals for new infrastructure and services, (footpath, cycleways, public lighting), the expansion of an active travel route around Zone A into Zone B, and a continuation of the landscaping and signage strategy.
Wexford County Council plans to develop short, medium and longer terms programmes of works to support the implementation of the programme of the masterplan and to support funding applications for the works.
By Dan Walsh
The world of GAA is mourning one of its greatest stalwarts as a player, official and mentor, Willie Carley, a native of Wexford town who grew up and lived at Lambstown, Killurin, who sadly passed away on Monday.
Leading the tributes is Wexford GAA who recorded on social media its sympathy to the Carley family on the sad passing of Willie: “A Wexford All-Ireland Minor Hurling winner in 1963, a former St Mary’s Maudlintown player, former Wexford GAA Coaching Officer, member of Leinster GAA Council, a Wexford senior hurling selector, a county senior hurling title winner with his beloved Faythe Harriers and steering Glynn-Barntown as senior hurling manager to county finals and mentor on several county under-age teams, A good friend to everyone connected to Wexford GAA and a true Gael. R.I.P.
In the book, Gallant boys and girls of Glynn Barntown- 1885 to 2010 – marking the 125th anniversary of the club, compiled by Jim McGovern and John Wickham, Willie said the GAA had been “a way of life for him.”
Willie played in the Wexford town street league’s and captained Wexford CBS to victory in the schools’ championship. His greatest memories were playing on the victorious 1963 All-Ireland minor team and later in his career to play with two of his greatest heroes – Ned Wheeler in the 1968 county senior hurling final and Billy Rackard in the 1967 Leinster Intermediate Hurling Final against Dublin.
His six sons all played GAA as did his grandsons and grand-daughter, achievements that made him so proud and had a huge effect on his life. He added; “my family because of their involvement in the GAA married into GAA families and the tradition goes on.”
Willie was a very kind and well-liked person whose passion for the GAA and his family were paramount and his contribution to making the world a better place will be forever recalled in Maudlintown and Glynn-Barntown.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Willie Carley, formerly of Maudlintown, Wexford town and Lambstown, Killurin. Beloved husband of Catherine loving father of Angela, Shane, William, PJ, Mark, Paul, and Paschal and brother of Francis, Richard and the late Thomas, Theresa and Mary. Sadly missed by his loving wife, daughter, sons, sisters in law, brother in law, daughters in law, son in law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. R.I.P.
Due to government guidelines, a family funeral will take place on Wednesday for (max) 50 people, and you are welcome to view Willie’s Requiem Mass on www.wexfordparish.com at 12 noon at Bride Street Church, Wexford, walking to church on Wednesday morning at 11.30am. Burial will take place afterwards in Glynn Cemetery.
By Dan Walsh
A national total funding of €250,0000 was announced by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman today (Tuesday) as part of the Government’s Summer of Play initiative which means new government grants will be available for Parent and Toddler Groups in Co. Wexford.
Deputy Paul Kehoe told WexfordLocal.com; “This funding will be allocated to all not-for profit Parent and Toddler groups throughout Wexford who actively involve the participation of parents in the local community. The grants available will range from €100 to €1,250.
“Existing Parent and Toddler Groups can apply for a maximum of €800 while new start up groups may apply for maximum grant of up to €1,250. The funding can be used for expenses including toys, play equipment, books, and activities for the children.
“Training for parents can also be covered under the grants including for example, paediatric first aid, committee skills and parenting courses.
“Limited funding will also be available towards insurance, rent or minor refurbishment, up to a maximum of 30% of total funding for existing services. Further limited funding will be available towards insurance or rent, up to a maximum of 70% of total funding for new services.
Deputy Kehoe hopes all local groups will apply for these grants to assist them in bringing parents and children together to play and socialise again. “The groups should apply for a grant under this scheme through Wexford County Council who can also give them full details on the programme,” he concluded.
The Summer at Play grants has been welcomed by Senator Malcolm Byrne who told WexfordLocal.com that many parent and toddler groups in Co. Wexford had been inquiring of him about such supports. “Children deserve to enjoy the chance to play and these small grants, through the County Childcare Committee, will be helpful in providing opportunities in our communities,” said Senator Byrne.
Good news for theatre enthusiasts as Ballycogley Players presents the Summer Outdoor Theatre Festival featuring four plays to three popular south Wexford venues – Tomhaggard, Our Lady’s Island and Piercestown – commencing in Tomhaggard Social Centre this Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm sharp.
Wednesday’s plays are Lockdown in Little Grimley by David Tristram and Lovers Winners by Brian Friel. On Thursdays it’s Give A Little Love by Alan Stockdill and Where Is This Mailbar by Liam Howard.
Tickets are €10 and pre-booking is essential. Booking for Tomhaggard is 085 1506791; for Our Lady’s Island 087 6733575; Piercestown 085 1510236; or info.ballycogleyplayers@gmail.com
By Dan Walsh
While warm weather and water conservation dominated the headlines, it was another big week for the public and customers of Irish Water for a different reason as three key pieces of infrastructure in the South, West and East of the county were being announced helping to safeguard water supplies and eliminate the discharge of raw sewage into the environment.
The announcement of new infrastructure was welcome news locally for the residents, politicians and local business of Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Mayo and Wexford as Irish Water continued to deliver essential projects across the country. The projects mean a more secure water supply for customers in the East and improved water quality for swimming, angling and tourism in Mayo and Wexford.
It was sun, sea, sand and a sod turning in Wexford as Irish Water began works to end discharge of raw sewage with the sod turning for a new Wastewater Treatment Plant for Arthurstown, Duncannon and Ballyhack. Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy said: “The commencement of this vital sewerage infrastructure development will lead to enhanced tourism opportunities for the beautiful villages of Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon. In Wexford we pride ourselves on our expansive well-maintained beaches and coastline with all the amenities they offer.
“The removal of untreated wastewater to this estuary has long been a goal of Wexford County Council, and we can now look forward to all the benefits of a cleaner environment, previously denied due to the lack of treatment in the area. These works will also hasten the return of our Blue Flag Beach status to Duncannon. I very much welcome the investment from Irish Water in conjunction with Wexford County Council.”
The Greater Dublin area, a water supply zone spanning five counties, saw the official sod turning in Saggart of a new 100 million litre covered treated storage reservoir that will help to safeguard the water supply to homes and businesses.
In Killala, Co. Mayo Minister Peter Burke and Managing Director of Irish Water Niall Gleeson officially opened Killala, Foxford and Charlestown Wastewater Treatment Plants following a €19m investment which has ended the discharge of raw sewage to Killala Bay and will bring environmental benefits to the River Moy.
By Dan Walsh
A major inquiry is likely into the delay in completing works at Gorey Town Park, value for money and the escalating cost to the taxpayer and following a verbal attack on a public representative by the contractor the issue has been thrown into the public domain with renewed vigour.
Cllr Joe Sullivan has made a formal complaint for an official explanation into an unpleasant and unprovoked incident that occurred in Gorey Town Park during a viewing on site in the presence of fellow public representatives, Council officials and the approved contractor for the site, on a recent date.
The group walked the park and council officials gave an updated progress report, a photograph was taken for the local press, and Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council addressed all present and as he finished his address the contractor requested and was permitted to address the gathering.
Cllr Sullivan said; ‘Mr Contractor’, then proceeded to lambast me in relation to reports in the local press around questions I as a public representative had asked around the progress of the park going so far as to threaten legal action.”
“Surely as a public representative I am entitled to represent the people who elected me without public humiliation from people who hold county council contracts,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “I have huge concerns about contractors who can reprimand elected representatives who dare to question their work or timelines!”
Work on Gorey Town Park is long over the completion date, in the region of €1 million over budget and has been debated at numerous meetings of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council where the members have expressed disappointment over delays, although, it must be acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic has played a role in delaying completion.
Cllr Sullivan is pursuing the matter with vigour and is calling for public availability of all contracts awarded to the current contractor at Gorey Town Park since June 1st 2014 and an analysis on how the money was spent and an investigation into value for money for the taxpayer.
The matter was raised at last Tuesday’s meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, however, Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen was reluctant to allow Cllr Sullivan address the matter in any great detail. Cllr Breen said; “I have to stop you. This happened on a restricted site and if this can go on a legal route, as we are not in camera, I think this has to be referred back to a different forum than this.”
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux asked that it be placed on the record that “I was very embarrassed and upset as a councillor of how the meeting (in the Park) ended up that day. I felt I was ambushed as a public representative and in all my years in the public service I have never experienced a contractor speak like that to officials or a design team in that manner. I just found it very frustrating and very upsetting and unless I get a guarantee that that kind of thing won’t happen in future I will not be attending any more site visits.”
By Dan Walsh
A drop in the recent ‘heatwave’ conditions today brought pleasant relief to many people and was appreciated, however, it was very warm, especially, in areas sheltered from the moderate east to northeast winds, but fresher near the coast.
I visited Rosslare Harbour this evening where people were enjoying the walking trails and the ferries were busy with the StenaLine departing for Fishguard passing the Irish Ferries Blue Star 1 between Tuskar Rock and the harbour.
From the cliff on the walking trail some enthusiasts were launching their hang gliding craft and they informed me that the wind was 22 knots from the northeast. It was 19 degrees Celsius. The breeze posed a small bit of a challenge for the talented flyers and on one occasion safe landing was on the beautiful beach that was occupied by a small number, but it is all part of adventure and fun and appreciation of the summer beauty where the sea and the sky meet the land and nature merges for benefit of us all.
And the outlook for tomorrow! It’ll be a gorgeous day for the great outdoors, and we must all make the most of it.
WexfordLocal.com 