New Rosslare Municipal District Offices open

By Dan Walsh

The Administrative Offices of Rosslare Municipal District have been officially opened by District Cathaoirleach, Cllr Frank Staples, alongside the Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Mr Tom Enright and other members and staff of the Rosslare Municipal District in a small, socially distanced ceremony.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Staples said; “I am proud to officially open the new office today and I am delighted to see dedicated facilities in place to allow the administrative staff and elected members to provide the best possible service for the citizens of the Rosslare District.”    

Chief Executive Mr Tom Enright, added; “It is important to have an established office space for each of the five Districts in the county and while the delivery of the office for Rosslare district was delayed by public health measures over the last year, the preparatory work undertaken by the staff to ensure construction works could be completed as quickly as possible following a relaxation of the restrictions is to be commended.”  

Pictured at the official opening of Rosslare Municipal District Offices (left to right); Cllr Ger Carthy, Chairman Wexford County Council, Dean Waters, Staff Officer, Rosslare Municipal District, Nóirín Cummins, District Manager, Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Frank Staples, Chairman Rosslare Municipal District, Tom Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Wexford County Council, Cllr Jim Codd, Annette O’ Neill, Rosslare District Director, Mark Collins, District Engineer, and Chris Bailey, Clerical Officer, Rosslare Municipal District.

The official opening of the office marks a significant milestone for the new Municipal District, formally established in 2019. The dedicated Municipal District Office is located in County Hall, Carriglawn, Wexford, and will be the focal point for facilitating and enabling the administration and elected members of the Rosslare Municipal in the delivery of the programmes and objectives for the district. 



Kilanerin Vaccination Centre opened today

By Dan Walsh

The eagerly anticipated Kilanerin Vaccination Centre opened its doors today and activity got off to a good start in the community centre where ten vaccination booths have been created for the Covid-19 HSE programme.

KILANERIN VACCINATION CENTRE opened for the Covid-19 vaccination programme today.

The new centre has the capacity to offer 1,200 vaccinations a day, operating 8am to 8pm and catering mostly for those in the south Wicklow and north Wexford catchment area.

Local contractors have improved the car parking area while electrics and plumbing have been installed.

When the announcement was made a few weeks back, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly praised the work done by the HSE in finding the new location. He said: “An immense amount of work has gone into finding suitable premises for the vaccination centre which was not an easy thing to do as there are a lot of criteria that have to be met. I had asked the HSE that they make it a matter of urgency to find somewhere suitable which after a lot of hard work they have now done. Kilanerin is ideal for people in the area to get to.”

Minister meets Kilmore Quay fishermen

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue invited producer organisations and industry representatives involved in today’s Dublin protest to a meeting this afternoon.

In a statement, Mr McConalogue said that he and the Government “stand with our fishers” and welcome engagement with them, and that he recognised “the challenges facing the industry because of Brexit and the pandemic.”

A dozen fishing vessels sailed from Kilmore Quay yesterday and joined fishermen from Donegal, Galway, Louth, Dublin, Waterford and Cork taking part in a protest involving 55 trawlers gathered at the entrance of Dublin Port this morning.

The children and grandchildren of some of the fishermen taking part in the protest delivered a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the National Convention Centre, where the Dáil is sitting.

The protest is in response to quotas cuts, the impact of Brexit and the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The Irish fishing industry is worth over €1 billion to the Irish economy and employs 16,000 people. Following Brexit, the national quota was cut by 15%, seriously impacting jobs and livelihoods in the industry.

Lack of “level playing field” under the EU Common Fisheries Policy is destroying the Irish fishing industry and coastal communities. An Taoiseach was told Government is failing to defend Irish rights and is destroying coastal communities. 

Fishermen have also raised concerns in response to a recent EU ruling that states fish need to be weighed on piers, which they state could lower the quality of the catch and create logistical difficulties.

Fishing vessels resting in Kilmore Quay (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr Jim Moore, who has given active support to the local fishing industry since 1989, opinioned two main problems to WexfordLocal.com “EU management and the share of the quotas is problematic,” said Cllr Moore, who added; “We need to be managing our affairs better because we got into this business because of weigh on the pier policy and that is mismanagement.”

Fish is transported by road to the Dublin markets daily starting at Kilmore Quay and collecting catches at Rosslare, Wexford, Cahore, Courtown, Arklow and other coastal centres in Co. Wicklow.

On May 26th last around 50 boats from the coastal areas Kilmore Quay to Dingle sailed through the night and assembled at Roche’s Point at 7am before the public awareness flotilla of boats sailed up the River Lee to Cork City to highlight the huge strain on the fishing industry and delivered a plea for help at An Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s constituency office.

Rosslare Harbour gives up its Secret Garden!

Rosslare Harbour Village Park and Gardens have been recognised by the Wexford Gardens Trail as worthy of being included in the guide of visitor attractions in the county. The Secret Garden is no longer secret!

It is great that Rosslare Harbour can now boast the distinction of being a member of both the Wexford Walking Trail and the Wexford Gardens Trail. Over 21,000 people have visited the Cliff Walk so far this year and it is planned to grow increasing numbers of visitors to the area to enjoy this new experience.

Michael Delaney, Chairman of Rosslare Harbour Development Group and also Chairman of Wexford Walking Trails told WexfordLocal.com ; “The whole area of the Gardens is four and a half acres. It is quite an extensive piece of property. It is a plantation of Scots Pines. The Village Park and Gardens is composed of five different areas – the Memorial Park, the Sensory Garden, Peter’s Garden, Seamus’s Garden and the Landfill Garden – now it is part of the Wexford Garden’s Trail.”

This is testimony to the great work begun by Seamus Kirwan and Peter McCormack and continued from humble beginnings by the volunteers of the Environment Group with the support of local Tús workers.

The new visitor experience at Rosslare Harbour is attracting strong media attention. Mid Week Voices on South East Radio with Dan Walsh will air interviews recorded recently on location on tonight’s (Wednesday) programme starting at 8pm.

Tracks and Trails programme also visited the Village Park and Gardens and this programme hosted by Pól Ó Conghaile, travel writer with the Irish Independent, will feature on RTE 1 at 7.30 on Friday night. 

AUDIO ADDITION – Michael Delaney talks to Dan Walsh about the Rosslare Harbour Village Park and Gardens.

Don’t miss either programme!! Check out Wexfordtrails.ie to access both trails.

Bertram Allen nominated for Wexford and Ireland at Tokyo Olympics

Enniscorthy-born world class showjumping rider Bertram Allen will represent Wexford and Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics.

BERTRAM ALLEN in action ( Pic; Kaitlyn Karssen)

The official selection of the athlete and horse combinations for both the Showjumping and Eventing disciplines at the Tokyo Olympics will be made by the Olympic Federation of Ireland in the coming days, but WexfordLocal.com can confirm that nominations include Bertram Allen with Pacino Amiro (ISH) – 2012 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Carnone Dancing Queen (ISH) by NC Amiro (AES). Breeder: Simon Scott, Co. Donegal. Owner: Aiden McGrory.

Bertram Allen told WexfordLocal.com; “I am most grateful to be nominated to represent Team Ireland at the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer together with my team-mates Cian O’Connor, Darragh Kenny, Shane Sweetnam and Michael Duffy. To compete for my country on the Olympic stage is a tremendous honour for me! “I am also incredibly proud of my Irish bred partner Pacino Amiro, who has kept on getting better and better this season to reach the highest level despite his young age!

New facilities announced for Rosslare Harbour

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council have purchased three acres of prime development land in Rosslare Harbour which incorporates a site for a much needed and long-awaited purpose-built community facility, playground, car parking and associated works. The news was announced today by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy.

CLLR GER CARTHY Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council

“This will deliver, through the co-operation of Wexford County Council, the Rosslare Harbour Kilrane Village Development Team and local community groups the enhancement of the area’s rich social, cultural, sporting, and maritime traditions,” said Cllr Carthy, who added; “This progressive project will serve as a catalyst for vast improvements in the community of Rosslare Harbour and Kilrane for the years ahead.”

VERONA MURPHY TD

The announcement has also been warmly welcomed by Independent TD Verona Murphy who complimented everyone involved at a local level and to Wexford County Council for their ongoing work and commitment.

“I continue to fight hard at national level to secure additional funding to allow for the further development of Rosslare Europort to unlock the incredible potential of the area which has been neglected now for decades,” said Deputy Murphy, who added; “Confidence and investment in Rosslare Europort will bring confidence and investment to the environs of the port and this announcement is only the start.”

The lands adjacent to the site announced today are currently the subject of advanced negotiations, co-ordinated by Wexford County Council with a view to the delivery of a healthcare facility, which has the potential for the establishment of a €1.5 million investment in healthcare.

These exciting developments come against the backdrop of last week’s announcement relating to the granting of full planning permission on the nearby former Great Southern Hotel site, where a 95-bed nursing home and 25 independent living units are to be constructed.

Gorey’s Foster Horan on his way to Tokyo Olympics

By Dan Walsh

There is great sporting excitement in North Wexford this weekend after the brilliant news emerged that Gorey RFC player, Foster Horan has qualified for the Olympics as part of the Rugby Sevens team.

The Ireland Men’s Sevens is first Irish Rugby team to compete at the Olympics, in what will be the second staging of the Sevens competition following its introduction in Rio 2016.

Foster Horan (28) played with Gorey RFC up to Under 12s level before heading off to Kilkenny College. The Ferns native also played for the Ireland Under 20s team at the 2012 IRB Junior World Championships, before switching to Seven’s Rugby where he debuted for the Irish team at the 2018 London 7s Tournament.

For the core of the squad – captain Billy Dardis, Jordan Conroy, Terry Kennedy, Harry McNulty, Foster Horan, Ian Fitzpatrick, Mark Roche and Bryan Mollen – qualification for sport’s showpiece event is the culmination of six years of hard work, and a major moment for the National Sevens programme.

The Olympic Men’s Rugby Sevens competition will take place July 26-28, with all the action taking place at Tokyo Stadium, which hosted the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2019.

In a message sent to WexfordLocal.com tonight Senator Malcolm Byrne offered “Heartiest congratulations to Foster, to Gorey Rugby Club and to the Irish team. It is a superb achievement.”

World Rugby Sevens Repechage, Stade Louis II, Monaco 20/6/2021 Ireland vs France The Ireland team celebrate qualifying for Tokyo 2020 Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Manuel Blondeau

Active Tribe Courtown set to open soon

By Dan Walsh

The former Courtown Adventure & Leisure Centre has found new owners, and will be renamed Active Tribe Courtown, however, the price paid by new owners Active Tribe has not been disclosed, but reliable sources claim the complex was sold for more than €1 million.

Active Tribe Courtown is expected to open in the coming weeks with plans to employ upwards of 50 people.

Active Tribe is a new entrant into the Irish leisure and adventure industry, and the company’s philosophy is to foster active, healthy communities, re-energise interest in sport and encourage positive well-being.

It is backed by a group of investors headed by Cameron Wallace and Scott Baigent, founders of Eight Degrees Brewing, an award-winning craft brewery located in Mitchelstown in Cork.

Cameron and Scott, who are originally from New Zealand, have over 20 years of experience in establishing and managing a range of diverse businesses in Ireland.

The sale of the property was handled by agent JLL on behalf of Neil Hughes and Conor Noone of Baker Tilly, the court-appointed liquidators of Courtown Water World Limited and Gorey Courtown Forest Park CLG in July 2020.

The former Courtown Adventure and Leisure Centre has been renamed ACTIVE TRIBE COURTOWN and is set to re-open in the coming weeks.

As part of the sales process, the joint liquidators and selling agent gave due consideration to the various interested parties’ respective track records, financial strength, and business plans for reopening the property, and making it available to the public, local community, schools, and swimming groups.

The Courtown facility includes a large variety of amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, a separate children’s pool, a spa pool, a 65-metre water slide, fun pool, gym, cafe, and beauty salon. Outdoor activities at the centre include two high rope courses, a climbing wall, dual zip wires, laser tag, archery, and a forest walk. The complex also incorporates a standalone seal rehabilitation centre which is operated under licence by Seal Rescue Ireland (licensee not affected).

Included in the sale is a 53-acre land holding, which contains lands zoned “commercial leisure”, “open space and amenity”, and “natural amenity” under the Courtown and Riverchapel Local Area Plan.

These lands are freehold and the natural amenity lands, bounded to the north and north-west by the Ounavarra River and to the east by the canal, known locally as Courtown Woods. These woods date back over 150 years and are currently home to popular walking trails.

Barrow bridge wins for engineering excellence

By Dan Walsh

The prestigious Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge linking Wexford and Kilkenny located south of New Ross and crossing the River Barrow has won a prestigious international award for engineering excellence and design.

The International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering said the bridge is “a landmark structure” that has pushed the boundaries for the span of a “concrete extrados bridge”. The association is a scientific and technical group with members in 100 countries, was founded in 1929 and has its seat in Zurich, Switzerland.

The bridge was awarded the Outstanding Structure award in the Bridge or Other Infrastructures category.

ROSE FITZGERALD KENNEDY BRIDGE, NEW ROSS

It was built as part of the N25 New Ross bypass project and is one of most remarkable bridges in Ireland, rising from the east and turning north, before making landfall on the west of the Barrow.

Most bridges are built along straight lines. But this one contains the longest post-tensioned all-concrete spans in the world. While there are longer spans in bridges, they all take advantage of a lighter steel composite section in the central part of the main span.

Rose Katherine Kennedy Townsend, the great-grandchild of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, and grandchild of Ethel and Robert (Bobby) Kennedy, brother of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar at the opening of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge near New Ross on January 29th 2020. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge carries the N25 road over the River Barrow, it has a total length of 887 metres (2,910 ft), is made of concrete and the design is described as ‘extradosed bridge’.

It has nine spans, the longest is 230 metres (750 ft). Construction began in 2016 and was completed in December 2019. It was ceremoniously opened on January 29th 2020 by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Rose Katherine Kennedy Townsend and opened to traffic the following day – January 30th.

€19,000 cash seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue Commissioners officers were granted a three-month cash detention order by Judge John Cheatle at Gorey District Court yesterday (Thursday).

This followed the seizure of €19,000 cash on Wednesday, June 16th 2021 at Rosslare Europort. The cash was discovered when, as a result of routine profiling, Revenue officers stopped and searched a car intending to board a ferry to Bilbao, Spain.

The cash is suspected to be the proceeds of, or intended for use in, criminal activity and was seized by Revenue in accordance with proceeds of crime legislation. A man originally from Romania but now living in Ireland was questioned.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the shadow economy and the supply and sale of illegal tobacco products. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on free phone number 1800 295 295.