The first sod on the South East Greenway was turned today with Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Ger Carthy, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council and other local representatives, marking a significant milestone for the project.
Meanwhile, plans for another greenway from Rosslare to Waterford are in jeopardy due to moves to bring the rail link back into operation.
The U-turn for that route has happened due to a Strategic Review which is being undertaken on many old rail lines nationwide.
The impressive RED BRIDGE crossing the River Barrow north of New Ross. (Pic; visitnewross.ie)
Cllr Carthy told KCLR it is due to fortunate timing of the project that the Kilkenny Greenway was not similarly affected. “We turned the sod on the New Ross to Waterford line and we’re fortunate that we were so advanced before the strategic review was called upon that the line and development may have come to a shuddering stop the same as the Rosslare to Waterford one. We were extremely fortunate that we had the line cleared, the rail was taken up and indeed today we turned the sod at Rosbercon, New Ross.”
The South East Greenway will bea state-of-the-art 24km cycling and walking route linking New Ross with Ferrybank, Co. Waterford through south Kilkenny.
The South East Greenway is a joint initiative of Wexford County Council, Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City & County Council, supported by the local Partnership organisations. The three Councils have together committed funding of €5.3m towards the overall project costs of €13.3m, with a recently announced €8m grant from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport providing the balance.
The Greenway is to be constructed along the former railway line between Mountelliott and Waterford, crossing the River Barrow via the renowned Red Bridge and passing through the scenic countryside of south Kilkenny, before reaching Abbeylands and Ferrybank County Waterford.
The disused railway line has remained in the ownership of CIE / Irish Rail since the discontinuation of passenger services in 1963 and discontinuation of freight services in 1995.
Two of the most exciting aspects of the old railway line are located Barrowside -the atmospheric Mount Elliot Tunnel is the starting point in New Ross for the South East Greenway. The 680 metres long tunnel is a reminder of the rich railway heritage of the South East.
The impressive Victorian railway bridge north of New Ross – known as the Red Bridge – spans the River Barrow, with views of unspoiled countryside on both sides of the bridge.
Despite 15mm of rain on Thursday, another 4mm overnight, Wexford survived an early morning precautionary inspection and racing went ahead today (Friday) in showery and heavy conditions.
For the second Bettyville Park fixture in a week – no Wexford trained or ridden winners. Seamus Neville’s Brideswell Lad (9/4 fav.) ridden by Brian Hayes narrowly lost out by a short-heard to Mamaslittle Star (17/2) in division two of the handicap hurdle.
Another to lose out was Sadies Pride (6/1) for Craanford father and son, trainer and jockey, Liam and Jimmy Kenny, beaten a neck by Mrs Underwood ridden by Jody Townend in the bumper.
Philip Rothwell managed two ‘third placings’ from his Tinahely stable. Miss Anfield, 18/1 with P.K. O’Donovan in division one of the handicap hurdle and Hide Out (15/2), with Camolin jockey James O’Sullivan in the saddle in a later race.
Also third was Rock of Tuskar (3/1) with Sean O’Keeffe, Taghmon, riding for Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan.
The Government has allocated €26,775 for two projects to support biodiversity in Co. Wexford.
All roads lead to Morriscastle Beach
€15,300 is aimed at estates across that have been identified where there are active community groups who maintain the estates green/open space areas. The estates have not been selected yet.
The funding will also be used to continue the rollout of Community Apple Orchards planting and encouragement to change lawn mowing habits to enhance clover growth in lawned areas.
€11,475 in funding will protect and restore the dunes along Morriscastle beach and the erection of approximately 355 metres of chestnut fencing to encourage movement along designated routes. Community information sessions are also planned.
Concerns about road safety in Ballymoney have been raised on social media in a statement issued by Ballymoney Kildermot Development Group following a recent good spell of weather that has seen an increase in families with young children out and about enjoying a walk.
Traffic calming outside Ballymoney village.
“We saw a big increase in traffic especially at the crossroads and the shop area. The new unfinished footpath leading down from Kildermot steers people straight into oncoming traffic and on the opposite side drivers are blind to walkers coming up the New Line. As you go towards the shop walkers are forced into a tiny margin of grass as cars overtake parked cars.
“We have been campaigning for a pathway and other road safety measures for some time now, but once again we have been told there is no additional funding for works on the footpath in Ballymoney under this year’s Active Travel allocation.”
The community is asking for support from local public representatives to provoke positive action from Wexford County Council as the lockdown disappears and huge numbers of visitors will be joining with the locals in the popular seaside resort during the busy summer months.
On hot summers’ days in previous years Gardaí were called to alleviate traffic problems in the interest of public safety and to maintain access to emergency vehicles between the village and the beach at Ballymoney.
Kilmore Seafood Limited is to cease trading with a loss of 32 jobs after suffering significant financial losses connected to Brexit.
THE VIGIL SCULPTURE grieving for job losses in the fishing community
The company, part of the Errigal Bay group, is entering into a collective redundancy process with its 32 employees.
According to a statement from the company, the decision to cease trading comes after turnover dropped 64% between 2016 and 2019 and in 2020 it dropped to just 9% of 2016 levels.
The majority of employees were laid off in April of 2020 as social distancing measures could not be implemented. Kilmore Seafood has acknowledged that all 32 jobs are at risk.
Aontu’s Cllr Jim Codd claims this will have a huge impact on the area. “This is another hammer blow to an area that has received more than enough blows in the last while.
“There was a sustainable fishing community in Kilmore, it seems there’s very little regard for out there, and it breaks my heart to hear so many people whose futures are now in question,” he concluded.
We hear a lot about revitalising rural villages and small towns and there are a number of developments taking place as we slowly emerge from the lockdown and no where is more vibrant than Boolavogue village.
Boolavogue Development Group secured funding of €97,934 for the restoration of the vacant National School and transformation into a digital hub and Community Centre in addition to creating a landscaped garden.
Chairperson Barry Turner and his excellent and hardworking committee have put a lot of pre-planning into the project and are challenged with raising the community supplement to the grant which is approximately €20,000.
CLLR PIP BREEN and DERMOT BREEN outside the old Boolavogue school where a new community development begins shortly.
The old two-room school that served the educational needs of the community from 1890 until 1962 and afterwards was used by local organisations.
Dermot Breen confirmed that the grant will be used “to lift the area a small bit” with a sensory garden and a multi-function room. An acre of ground to the rear has been cleared off and soon work will commence on the site.
Cllr Pip Breen told WexfordLocal.com they are thankful for the funding and “it will be a huge benefit for the community.”
AUDIO ADDITION; Dermot Breen and Cllr Pip Breen talking to Dan Walsh about community developments in Boolavogue
The 10-member Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council voted in favour -6 votes to 4 -calling on Wexford County Council to take public ownership of Courtown Woods in response to the controversial campaign known locally as ‘Protect Courtown Woods’ which notched up around 8,000 signatures in a local petition and was supported by 800 visitors last Saturday.
The issue was top of the agenda at the May meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held by Microsoft Teams in keeping with Covid-19 guidelines and protocols today (Tuesday).
The motion submitted in the names of An Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cllrs Andrew Bolger, Diarmuid Devereux, Donal Kenny and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin was worded as follows;
“We, the members of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District wish to call on Wexford County Council to take into public ownership, Forest Park Leisure Complex and the adjoining 40 acres of protected Woodland for the use and enjoyment of our local community and visitors to the area for the future.”
Neil Hughes of Baker Tilly, Enniscorthy, (with Conor Noone), appointed by the High Court as Liquidators on July 28th 2020, gave an update in relation to the status of Gorey-Courtown Forest Park and Courtown Waterworld where existed a fast developing situation and had just received Department approval in terms of transition of ownership of the facilities there.
Entrance to COURTOWN WOODS
Mr Hughes said the potential operators are successful entrepreneurs who were recently involved in a successful crafts food and beverage business who have put together a business plan and a team, they will be looking to recruit a general manager and he quoted their vision;
“We wish to enhance Courtown Adverture and Leisure Centre further so that it becomes a more integral part of the community. We seek for it to be a place where the holistic well-being of the Courtown community can be nurtured. Courtown Woods has always been an important amenity and we intend to keep it that way. We are committed to maintaining public access throughout the woods.”
A substantial seven-figure investment is being made available. The plans guarantee continued access to local community groups and they are aware that the support of the community is essential going forward and they want to engage with that immediately.
Mr Hughes said that they would be looking to progress so that plans can be started and Phase One would involve immediate maintenance and painting other essentials to ensure that the pool and gym opens as a matter of urgency. “If we can get this done quickly we think that can happen within approximately eight weeks; i.e it will open early in July!”
Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said twenty times more public funding than has gone into it than what was the debt at the time of going into liquidation. This is wrong, he believed, and he alleged there is no way that public money and a woods that has been there for two hundred years should be given to a private consortium for a seven figure sum.
Cllr Pip Breen who declared he is a forestry owner pointed out that the woods were never in local ownership. They belonged to Lord Courtown and then passed to Coillte who sold them on to Waterworld and the Swimming Pool. He recommended the plan that Neil Hughes outlined, it could be open in July, and he felt that is what Courtown needs. “The guarantees that support the public right-of-way are cast iron. To get a felling licence in Courtown could not happen,” he added.
BALLINATRAY BRIDGE… one of the longest in Ireland… keeping watch on Courtown Woods since 1847.
Cllr Andrew Bolger felt the woods should be in public ownership. “I spent a lot of time over the past number of weeks listening to the public and their views are clear. The people have spoken and it is our job to represent them. If it is in public ownership I think this issue will never arise again.”
Cllr Donal Kenny was impressed by Neil Hughes’ presentation. “I am more a walker than a swimmer and I would be concerned about insurance claims coming in and premiums going up and would the gates be closed on it sometimes? Is there a chance of the Council taking over some of the woods where the walks are?” he enquired.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh noted that the Council had poured a lot of money into it over the years to try and keep it going for the people of Courtown, but the management allowed it into voluntary liquidation, “If we financed it again as a Council would we be throwing good money over bad and be back in the same boat again in a few years’ time,” he asked.
Cllr Oliver Walsh agreed with a great presentation. He wondered if there was any contribution coming from the Executive or the Manager? “From what I gather there is no intention by Wexford County Council taking over this development and I think by voting for this motion we are only giving the people of the area false hope,” he concluded.
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said that the liquidator will be off the stage so he is not in any position to give guarantees. “This is not a row between a community and a liquidator this is a situation where on 17 different occasions I was told by senior management at Wexford County Council that they could not interfere in this process because it had nothing to do with Wexford County Council it was only a matter for the liquidator. I think, Chairman, we can take it now – that is not exactly the case.”
Cllr Devereux continued; “What Section 38 means is that there is no guarantee and the new owner using language like “I guarantee access – what exactly does that mean? The 8,000 people may not be experts but the community group in Courtown fighting this case have chartered engineers, health experts, retired solicitors and retired barristers and they are all hardworking decent people and there is absolutely no way that I am not going to vote for that motion and anyone that votes it down today, so be it you have beaten us, but letting down 8,000 of the electorate – that is not democracy!
Cllr Anthony Donohoe agreed with Cllr Devereux that changes can occur in the local area plan, but he pointed out that the local area plan is put together by councillors who sit around the table and zone land and as long as I am sitting around the table zoning will not be changed for Courtown Woods.
Cllr Mary Farrell instanced that if something drastic were to happen in the future to the woods then it is up to the sitting councillors of the time to stand up and make the decision to speak up and protect the woods. “As long as I am here I will never agree for Courtown Woods be sold and private development put into it,” concluded Cllr Farrell.
Director of Services, Amanda Byrne insisted that the facts be looked at; no sense in speculation or looking at mistakes that happened in the past. “Wexford County Council did everything in their power to support the running and operation of the pool – that didn’t have the effect that it should have – and in the end the voluntary Board put it into liquidation. At this point BakerTily have successfully secured an investor, the preservation of the woods are protected and absolutely guaranteed by zoning, access is guaranteed by Section 38 and there are also the various environmental designations. “So, in effect you have the best of both worlds. The Council’s only involvement was to safeguard the community interest as a creditor,” concluded Ms Byrne.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan thanked everybody for their contributions and acknowledged respect for all points of view. “The very essence of public representation is to represent the views of the people – the people who elected us to represent them and I believe that the people of North Wexford and the Gorey area and the Courtown area don’t wish to see the ownership of the woods going to a private investor. You are talking about 40 acres of woodlands there for hundreds of years through generations, and I, as an elected representative in this area would be very slow to make any decision that would endanger that heritage and can I be sure that if that land goes to a private investor that in ten years’ time it would be the same as today – no I cannot – the only assurance I can give is that it will remain as woodlands in public ownership. For that reason, I will be supporting the motion,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.
The Council voted in favour of the motion by 6 votes to 4. In favour – Cllrs Bolger, Devereux, Donohoe, Kenny, Ó Súilleabháin and Sullivan. Against; Cllrs Breen, Farrell, Kavanagh and Walsh.
Cllr Jackser Owens moved a motion at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, held with Microsoft Teams with regards to Covid-19 guidelines and protocols, “To have proper toilets installed in Enniscorthy.”
“We have one at (old) Dunnes Stores. We had one outside the Cotton Tree in the 70s or 80s, but the population of Enniscorthy is 12,500 – the population of the district is about 30,000 and we have one toilet – it is just not good enough in 2021. We need proper toilets for the people of Enniscorthy and now I need a seconder (Cllr Cathal Byrne).”
Cllr John O’Rourke added his support and asked the meeting if members got an email from a company (un-named) that provide electronic portable toilets. Other members didn’t get the email but Cllr O’Rourke promised to circulate his copy amongst his fellow members and he already had passed the information to the District Manager Ger Mackey.
Support also from Cllr Aidan Browne. “With so much happening outdoors, it is badly needed.”
ENNISCORTHY has one public toilet.. on the old Dunnes Stores carpark site in the town centre.
Director of Services Carolyne Godkin said the toilet unit in the old Dunne Stores carpark is under contract for another number of years and suggested it could be re-located down near The Promenade but the numbers using it is not sufficient in terms of the cost.
These are expensive to provide but Ms Godkin indicated that post-Covid days there may be a small bit of support if businesses were willing to allow their toilets to be used by members of the public. That is something that she asked the members to consider.
Cllr Jackser Owens felt The Promenade would be ideal because there is good footfall towards the playground and the Country Walk every day.
Ms Godkin was aware of the electronic toilets that Cllr O’Rourke mentioned. “It is an automatic toilet and they are really expensive to install and there are maintenance contracts and even the ones at Curracloe, Kilmore Quay and Duncannon employ paid staff to clean them several times a day, so, no matter what way you do it there is an expense.” And anti-social behaviour can be an issue!
Cllr Owens came back to the meeting and suggested closing at 6 o’clock in the evening – I’m talking about shopping hours when people are in town – We could have people on schemes looking after them and locking up at 6 o’clock in the evening!
The people of Enniscorthy are to be given another opportunity to officially name the Municipal Cemetery at Summerhill through submissions subject to approval by the local councillors, but saints names are NOT permitted!
The naming of the multi-denominational cemetery had already sought submissions – but the Council got no public suggestions – and now the matter is going back to the public today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held with Microsoft Teams under Covid-19 guidelines and protocols heard.
Michael Sweeney from Wexford County Council said the members had the powers to substitute a new placename for the Municipal Cemetery at Summerhill but no submissions were received under the public consultation process that expired on April 16th so it is referred to the members to propose a different name.
Due to lack of submissions a number of names were submitted (four in all) Summerhill and Blackstoops, in English and Irish, suggesting that the names should reflect the local townsland, a landscape, culture or historical persons associated with the area, placenames should be easy to pronounce and the use of the Irish language is encouraged.
Cllr Jackser Owens said some people suggested to him that it be called St. Mary’s New Cemetery to compliment St. Mary’s Old Cemetery opposite, Mr Sweeney replied that he had concerns that this may cause confusion – duplication of names is not permitted within the same electoral area!
Cllr Owens was disappointed at the reply and had already asked for a statute there with a lovely flowerbed but it was refused. “I cannot see why?” he retorted.
Cllr John O’Rourke said it is commonly referred to as Enniscorthy Cemetery and “can we not leave it like that?” He added that there are plots there designated for different denominations, including the Muslim community, and it would be indicative of staying with Enniscorthy Cemetery.
Mr Sweeney said Cllr O’Rourke correctly pointed out that the burial place is multi-denominational and non-denominational so naming a saint might be an issue there! As regards Enniscorthy Cemetery he said’ absolutely’ but it was up to the members to decide.
ENNISCORTHY
Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan wondered if a decision was expected today and said it was a pity that people did not submit names and she hopes to do some research on it for the next meeting. “It is sad to think that no-one bothered to make submissions,” she concluded. Cllr Aidan Browne agreed and suggested to wait and get the opinions of people around the town. He said that being St. Aidan’s Parish that could be considered. Of the four nominated Cllr Browne favoured Blackstoops.
Cllr Cathal Byrne said “this is an important decision” and he suggested sending it back for public consultation given that it was during the lockdown and people were poorly informed. He said people had been in touch with him about the naming of the cemetery for years so it was quite surprising that nobody sent in any ideas!
Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy suggested posting information in the vicinity informing people that they are seeking a name for the cemetery because people who visit regularly may not be aware of the campaign going on. “People who visit the graves of their loved ones on a regular basis may wish to have an input, but they may not be aware of it,” she added.
Mr Sweeney warned about the dangers that could occur in a public place, but it is the members choice!
“The fact that it is a burial ground for all faiths and none should mean moving away from saints. We shouldn’t be reflecting our faiths but the faiths that are buried in it,” concluded Cllr Murphy.
Mr Sweeney replied that there are 75 Muslim plots in that cemetery and the bye-laws reflect that it is a multi-denominational cemetery. Cllr Owens asked about going back to the people of the town for opinions, which was confirmed, but it would be appreciated to omit the saints’ names!
Cllr Codd-Nolan agreed because if you do name it after a saint “it is very much our own faith, and as someone who practices, I would be very cognisant of other people’s faiths as well.” Cllr Byrne seconded the proposal not to call the cemetery after a saint!
Cllr O’Rourke also added his support to omitting the word saint. “I am fundamentally aware that there will be people other denominations and other faiths buried there as well and I would go with something that coincides with everyone interred in that area.”
Coincidingwith National Biodiversity Week, the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Garry Laffan, this morning announced the launch of Rewilding Wexford, a programme of activities to combat climate change and the Rewilding Wexford project will contribute to this vital work.
CLLR GARRY LAFFAN Leas-Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council
Cllr Laffan told WexfordLocal.com; “It gives me great hope today to officially launch Rewilding Wexford. The inclusion of new sites as identified biodiversity habitats will support native species of flora and fauna in their local area which over time will allow them to become firmly re-established. This is just one of many projects in support of the Wexford County Biodiversity Action Plan and it will mean a great deal to the future of the county.”
The project will help to fulfil Wexford County Council’s objectives as set out in the Wexford County Biodiversity Plan, the Corporate Plan and the Climate Change Adaption Plan. The project will also help fulfil national policy objectives including the National Biodiversity Action Plan, All Ireland Pollinator Plan and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Rewilding Wexford has identified sites for development as biodiversity habitats. In simple terms the objective will be to encourage and actively promote the evolution of these sites as natural habitats, to allow the native life to flourish. This has been hampered in recent years with modern agricultural practices which can inadvertently create environments which are difficult for pollinators and fauna to survive and thrive in. The Rewilding sites will provide islands of natural flora which will assist in combating this phenomenon.
Rewilding Wexford is currently working with Manus Crowley of Enfor Ltd to create 20.83 acres of native woodlands on Council owned lands, with Wex Bee Aware creating pollinator friendly sites and promoting a number of wetland sites with 50 acres of unmanaged rewilding area designated to the project.
WexfordLocal.com 