WexfordLocal.com

Option C selected for Oilgate-Rosslare extension

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has today announced that Option C has been confirmed as the scheme option that can best deliver the objectives of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour scheme. This critically important infrastructural project aims to significantly improve road safety, expand capacity, and shorten journeys for both private and commercial traffic in the Wexford region, particularly considering the increased importance of Rosslare Europort post-Brexit.

Scheme Option C is approximately 31km in length and utilises a mix of both the existing road corridor, which will be upgraded, and new corridor that will bypass significant constraints and deficiencies on sections of the existing corridor.

An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cilr Ger Carthy said; “County Wexford and Rosslare Europort are strategically located gateways between the island of Ireland and mainland Europe. This brings both opportunities and challenges, and high-quality connectivity is essential to the county’s economic competitiveness, its ability to attract inward investment and its attractiveness as a tourism destination. I welcome the announcement of this major milestone in the project’s progress, and trust that the project will continue to actively engage with local communities, local land and property owners and other project stakeholders as the scheme further develops towards the planning processes”.

**M11 before the approach to the Scurloughsbush Roundabout**

Wexford County Council’s Chief Executive Tom Enright welcomed the announcement stating “The development of the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour project is a key strategic objective of the County Development Plan and a key enabler for the further economic development of the county. The project will significantly enhance regional and international connectivity, thereby helping to both solve the some of the challenges caused by Brexit and to capitalise on opportunities to attract further investment to the region.”

Wexford County Council’s Director of Service Eamonn Hore, said; “The impacts of Brexit have significantly intensified Rosslare Europort’s strategic importance as a gateway for Irish trade and tourism. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, weekly continental ferry services at the Port have increased to 34 per week. Freight volumes with continental Europe increased by approximately 460% in the first half of 2021, and overall freight volumes, including Britain, have increased by 60%. The N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour project aims to secure the future resilience of this critical international land-sea corridor by delivering a safe, sustainable, high-quality and cost effective transport connection with Rosslare Europort”.

Currently, the preferred scheme option is presented as a 300m wide corridor. This does not represent the actual width of the road scheme once the design has been developed, or the extent of lands that are needed. The next phase of the project will involve a more detailed analysis of this 300m corridor to develop a specific road alignment to minimise or mitigate impacts on properties and the environment.

Scheme Option C is unchanged since the public consultation in July and August 2020. It also follows a similar route to the option previously selected in 2011, albeit factoring in several significant considerations that have emerged since then, especially regarding transport and environmental policy, guidelines and standards.

Over 28,000 residents in the municipal districts of Enniscorthy, Gorey-Kilmuckridge, Wexford and Rosslare are being issued with information on the route and anticipated next steps from today (Thursday 17^th June). The public is also being invited to visit www.oilgate2rosslareharbour.ie to view all details and documentation related to the scheme.

Attempt to ban jet ski’s in Courtown fails!

By Dan Walsh

A contentious motion moved by Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin (and seconded by Cllr Joe Sullivan) stating “We remove the permission for jet ski’s from Courtown bye-laws in line with other beaches in the county.” was defeated by 5 votes to 4 at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held with Microsoft Teams in line with Covid-19 protocol and guidelines.

Members were divided at the decision to take the motion to a vote because earlier in the meeting there was a presentation on the marine bye-laws by Capt. Phil Murphy, Harbour Master with Wexford County Council who announced that a detailed meeting with An Garda Siochana is scheduled for today (Thursday) and why not wait until the outcome was brought before the Council and members would be better informed?

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen favoured postponing the motion but the proposer was having not of it and won the support of the majority to proceed with the vote. IN FAVOUR 4 (Cllrs Devereux, Ó Suilleabháin, Sullivan and Bolger) AGAINST 5 (Cllrs Breen, Donohoe, Farrell, Kavanagh and Kenny). The motion was NOT CARRIED.

Cllr Breen felt that the members could only deal with the law while Cllr Joe Sullivan spoke about the dangers of jet ski’s in the water as exists and felt that designated areas were required if they were going to be used,

Cllr Willie Kavanagh felt the water should be there for everyone and he pointed out that Courtown is a designated marina. Cllr Kavanagh suggested acquiring more control over the operation of jet ski’s.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe felt that anything that moves from Courtown to somewhere else just because the municipal authority pass a motion that will ban them from Courtown would not deter them from launching their craft at Kilmichael or somewhere else!

Cllr Mary Farrell was against ‘banning’ jetskiing and said what was needed is to control it, You will always have individuals who will disregard the rules but it is controlling it, monitoring it and enforcing it that matters. If it is banned they will move somewhere else as they don’t all need a jetty or a pier to launch off. “I agree with the motion that we have to do something about it but I don’t believe banning is the way to go,” concluded Cllr Farrell.

Wexford double for trainer Paul Nolan

By Dan Walsh

A first and last race double for Davidstown trainer Paul Nolan was the highlight at today’s races run at Bettyville Park.

Valentia Lady (2/1), winner of a bumper in November 2019, was a good winner for Nolan in the first divide of the Loch Garman Mares Opportunity Maiden Hurdle with Jordan Gainford, Caim, sporting the familiar John Brennan colours.

Sent to the front before the final flight, she was ridden and extended her advantage on the run-in, going on to score by three and a half lengths.

Afterwards Paul Nolan said; “She is a nice mare and is a winter type. It’s great that the ground is safe and you could run anything on it. I’m just delighted that she has won her maiden hurdle now and won the €5,000 bonus as well.”

Nolan’s double was achieved when Jeremys Jewel (15/8 fav.) owned by loyal owner Phil Byrne scored by a length and three-quarters in the Hook Head (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race ridden by champion point-to-point rider Barry O’Neill.

Paul Nolan said; “We think she will improve a good bit from that. Barry thinks she has enough pace for the flat, so we will look at things like that, maybe over a mile and a half. She seems to love that ground and I’m just delighted now that she has gone and done it.”

Cashel jockey Mike O’Connor completed a 34/1 double at Wexford with a chance spare ride aboard Brogine in the Tuskar Handicap Chase having scored on Cavalry Master in the previous race – a novice chase.

The day’s Tote aggregate was €97,008 compared with €85,259 last year.

Search for missing man in Rosslare Harbour

A search is continuing in Rosslare Harbour this evening for a man reported missing.

**Stuart Van Der Bliake (Pic; An Garda Siochana)**

Gardaí are seeking the public’s help in tracing the whereabouts of Stuart Van Der Bliake, (59), who has been missing from the Rosslare Harbour area since yesterday (Tuesday).

Stuart is described as being approximately 6 foot in height with a heavy build, blue eyes and grey hair. He has a tattoo of an eagle on his left arm.

Anyone with information on Stuart’s whereabouts are asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Two Gorey players on Ireland team

By Dan Walsh

Terrific news for Gorey RFC with two players named on Ireland teams this week. Paul Boyle has been named in the Ireland squad for the upcoming Vodafone Summer Series and Foster Horan was named in the Ireland Sevens squad for next week’s World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco, as the team bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Paul Boyle (24) played from Mini’s right through Youths section at Gorey RFC winning many accolades along the way.

The Ballymoney man Captained the Ireland Under 20s Rugby team in the 2017 Under 20s World Rugby Championship with nine appearances, before joining Connacht Rugby ahead of the 2017-18 season as an academy player, making his debut in January 2018 against Munster. His outstanding performances, including Man of the Match, earned him a full professional contract with the province, which was only recently extended.

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.

11 shares €673,000 for street dining

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has been allocated €673,000 by government for redesigning outdoor areas and street furniture for street dining across the county this summer. The funding comes from the Street Furniture – Outdoor Infrastructure Fund.

According to Senator Malcolm Byrne; “This is a significant commitment to help support business but also so that we can enjoy the summer outdoors safely. In addition, the funding will help with our town and village centres and is aimed to encourage activity.”

Projects are as follows;

ROSSLARE STRAND; Will provide seating, parklets and planters with low level lighting and decorative paved areas for outdoor dining and meeting area within the village of Rosslare Strand.

SOUTH MAIN STREET, WEXFORD; Remove on street parking to create a driving lane to allow for the footpath on the western side to be used for outdoor dining. Works will include installing a combination of bolards as delineation between traffic and pedestrian.

NEW ROSS TOWN at QUAY ST., MARY ST., SOUTH STREET and FETHARD VILLAGE; Remove on street parking to create outdoor dining area. Works will include installing a combination of bollards as delineation between traffic and pedestrian. A combination of solid screens and planting boxes will be installed to maintain separation and access to other retail units not engaged in outdoor dining.

**HENRIETTA STREET and SOUTH MAIN STREET in the heart of Wexford town.**

HENRIETTA ST, WEXFORD; Temporary closure of street 24/7 to allow outdoor dining areas and outdoor space public house. Work include installing planters to close road and enhance appearance of closed street.

CIVIC SQUARE, GOREY; It is proposed to construct an outdoor dining area within the existing green area at Civic Square, The Avenue, Gorey. The proposed work includes the installation of hard paving and picnic benches.

MAIN STREET, BUNCLODY; Provide parklets by cordoning off car parking spaces in the town centre. It is also intended to provide some partitions, planters and refurbish existing seating in the area.

GOREY and COURTOWN; It is proposed to construct outdoor dining areas within the parking spaces adjacent to the footpath along Main St., Esmonde St., and Courtown.

NORTH MAIN ST, WEXFORD; Pedestrianisation of North Main St from its junction with Georges St to and including Charlotte St. Automated bolard required to manage traffic 24/7 closure.

ENNISCORTHY STREETS; Provide four parklets by cordoning off three or four car parking spaces on the Main St. Provide planters and partitions to allow pedestrians and cyclists to meet, stop and enjoy the outdoor space. Provide partitions on Market Square to place tables and chairs, parklets and planters on the Square.

KILMORE QUAY; Provide seating with low level lighting and decorative paved areas for outdoor dining and meeting area within the village of Kilmore Quay.

BALLYCOGLEY; Provide a small seating area, meeting place within the village centre adjacent to the Community Centre. It is proposed to provide a small landscaped area with seating provided.

Gorey Town Park ‘open for anti-social behaviour’

By Dan Walsh

Years of frustration on the length of time taken to complete Gorey Town Park re-development and the escalating cost of the project exploded into anger at today’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held under Microsoft Teams Covid-19 protocols where members were vociferous in calling for a completion of the work.

New Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pip Breen, who replaced Cllr Joe Sullivan in the chair took charge. The new Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabhain following the annual general meeting held earlier today.

In the District Manager’s Report, Liz Stanley referred to the Gorey Town Park re-development and stated that the current date for completion of external works is July 9^th assuming weather conditions permit and assuming one or two supply issues are resolved by the contractor.

A large shutter for the café building coming from Germany will not now arrive until the week commencing July 15^th and it was stated that the contractor advises that completion of the building is now expected during the week commencing July 22^nd!

The members were not impressed at the Town Park update. Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said; “There are children up there drinking and it’s a construction site and they are not supposed to be in there,” but like Cllr Sullivan mentioned, “anytime I go in there the work seems to be like a Yoga class – everybody is waving their arms – but there is no dust being generated and I don’t see any progress being made from one week to the other.”

Cllr Andrew Bolger felt “we need to finish it up. I don’t know what pressure we can put on and I know there is frustration about bringing the matter up at every meeting but we have a right to represent the people on behalf of the Town Park and I want to see the work wound up as soon as possible. Disappointed to see that it is being pushed out once more,” he concluded.

Cllr Joe Sullivan said he was up there recently in the early night and it wasn’t a nice environment and then he went up during the day and there were a few workmen up there but he didn’t see a lot going on. “Somebody got a contract and they haven’t done it,” added Cllr Sullivan.

Newly elected Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pip Breen quipped that the Town Park will be open someday! He felt it would happen “in this quarter – (mid-August?) and he referred to the delay of material coming from Germany. There was an exchange between Cllr Sullivan and Director of Services, Amanda Byrne. Ms Byrne said everyone was frustrated by the situation. “We should be there – we should have been there a year and a half ago, but we just have to work with where we are. We are almost there.”

Cllr Devereux returned to the debate. “The Park is open. All you must do is walk up to the gate with your slab of cans, walk in and pick your spot, “All it is short of is you, Chairman, turning up with your chain of office to cut the ribbon!”

Cllr Devereux claimed there was a recent clean up and he understands that up to a dozen sacks of cans were taken away. “It is open for anti-social behaviour and any other purpose you want to put it to, but what we are asking is when is it going to be open to the stage that someone walks up there with a chain of office and a scissor in their hand and cuts a ribbon and we can get it off our agenda?

Regional Hockey Centre for Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Hockey Ireland and Enniscorthy Hockey Club have announced ambitious plans to develop a Regional Centre for Excellence for Hockey in the South-East located at the County Showgrounds, Enniscorthy.

A formal agreement and 25-year lease contract is due for completion this month in agreement with Enniscorthy Greyhound Track and County Showgrounds. Enniscorthy Hockey Club will commence a fundraising drive to raise the necessary thirty per cent of any future grant monies assigned from a joint application in conjunction with Hockey Ireland to the Sports Capital & Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Funding scheme.

Chairperson of Enniscorthy Hockey Club, Irene Doyle pointed out that Enniscorthy has a long association with hockey and the club’s many achievements include winning the Irish Junior Cup. “The club is successful and progressive, entering teams of all ages in the Leinster leagues. It is unique in the county because it is the only club which offers hockey for all ages and genders and is also noteworthy in Leinster as a club with no feeder schools in a town with DEIS status,” she added.

Announcing the development of a Regional Centre of Excellence for Hockey at the County Showgrounds, Enniscorthy; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, President Enniscorthy Chamber, James Hendrick, Chairman County Show Committee, Irene Doyle, Chairperson Enniscorthy Hockey Club, Nora McGinty and Rachel Gainford.

Suzanne O’Leary of the club pitch working group said; “The sport of hockey currently ranks fourth in terms of world sport viewing statistics and second in terms of European sport participation. The Irish Women’s Hockey team is currently ranked eighth in the world. It is managed by an Enniscorthy local and former international player Lisa Jacob. The team are currently preparing for this year’s Olympics and is a fast growing and high profile sport which is going from strength to strength in Ireland. The development of a regional centre would enable all clubs to increase participation in sport and further develop hockey in the town and county”.

There are currently three hockey clubs in County Wexford and none have a home pitch. All currently play in Enniscorthy at the Astro Active Centre but access time is limited at this multi-purpose shared pitch facility. Unlike other field sports hockey cannot be played on grass so an urgent need exists to secure independent tenure of facilities and to copper fasten access to competitive hockey locally. There are plans to investigate the development of the pitch on the grounds to an international pitch standard in the coming years.

Man dies in Enniscorthy workplace incident

A man who was seriously injured in a workplace incident at the Showgrounds, Enniscorthy, yesterday (Sunday) has died. He has been named as Paul Martin, (48), from Cromogue, Bunclody.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident that occurred around 1.10pm.

The man was airlifted to Tallaght Hospital, Dublin.

The Health and Safety Authority are carrying out an investigation.

Bishop-elect Ger Nash ‘privileged to be chosen’

By Dan Walsh

Speaking on his appointment as Bishop of Ferns in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, on Friday, Bishop-elect Ger Nash said; As we gather here in this beautiful cathedral, it is with a great sense of unworthiness that I accept the gracious invitation of Pope Francis to the ministry of Bishop here in the historic Diocese of Ferns.

“I am privileged to be chosen by Pope Francis to lead this historic Diocese and I feel very humbled. I would like to thank His Excellency, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, for his presence here this morning, leading us in the celebration of the Eucharist, as well as his kind support and detailed preparations for this announcement.

“My links to Ferns Diocese is principally through the Ferns students who were classmates in Maynooth. Fr. John Carroll, Diocesan Secretary, has been a source of both welcome and help over the past week and whose deep knowledge of the Diocese I know I will draw on frequently during the coming years. I also mention today with great affection, the late Fintan Morris who was a great friend in Maynooth and afterwards and who would no doubt have a raised eyebrow at me standing here.

BISHOP DENIS BRENNAN (Retiring), BISHOP-ELECT GER NASH and His Excellency ARCHBISHOP JUDE THADDEUS OKOLA, Papal Nuncio to Ireland, pictured in the grounds of St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, following last Friday’s historic announcement. (Pic; Diocese of Ferns).

“I would like to thank Bishop Denis Brennan for the welcome extended to me from the moment he heard of my appointment. Thank you Bishop Denis – and I also want to offer thanks on your behalf for his leadership and care of the Diocese over the past 15 years. I wish you good health and time to enjoy your retirement. Thanks also to John Carroll and Fr’s Odhrán Furlong and Jim Doyle here in the Cathedral Parish for their co-ordination of the preparations for today. Thanks also to the Vicars of the Diocese, Joe McGrath, Denis Browne, Aodhan Marken and Brian Broaders and to Trish Murphy in the Diocesan Office.

“My hope and prayer is that we can work together here in Ferns with the Spirit of God sustaining us to nurture the faith and to ensure that our Church is a place of welcome and hospitality for all.

“I have a sense that we are at a turning point in our Church story in Ireland, and it is exciting to be asked to take a leadership role at such a time. I look forward, with the help of God, to walking with the people and parish communities throughout the diocese of Ferns as we respond to that call to synodality.

“Today (Friday) is the Feast of the Sacred Heart, an image familiar to most of us reared in 20^th century Ireland with its distinctive Sacred Heart picture and lamp. Can I suggest that its expression today is to remind me that I am called to have a heart for all people and to paraphrase the old prayer “Christ has no heart on earth but ours”.