WexfordLocal.com

Deal is off at Gorey Market House

By Dan Walsh

The future of Gorey Market House is once again uncertain despite negotiations and proposals over a long number of years; however, WexfordLocal.com understands that during discussions at a ‘behind closed doors’ meeting in the town the Chief Executive Officer of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, informed local councillors that the Council has no future plans for the Market House.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council Cllr Joe Sullivan confirmed that a meeting had taken place and the Council has no future plans for the Market House.

“I am deeply disappointed, saddened and worried about the future of Gorey town in view of the demise of this venture,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “The elected representatives in the Gorey district will be working flat out with any potential investor to restart the project.”

An iconic building and an integral part of the fabric the Market House has had a prominent place in the history, heritage and culture of the town.

Wexford County Council had been seeking to restore the prominence of the Market House as a focal point on Gorey’s Main Street and to further develop its relationship with the commercial life and public realm of the town.

It was considered as a museum and other public uses, including Harry Crosbie’s Vicar Street South dream of a 1,500-seater events and convention centre. A Part VIII planning application advertised in February 2018 was adopted by Wexford County Council in May 2018.

In July 2019, following a decision by members of the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Committee, the Council was requested to re-examine options for the development of a multi-functional performance venue at the site. This required re-tendering for a services concession contact.

Cllr Sullivan said that while some Gorey people were sceptical of the concept initially, familiarisation with the plans got substantial backing and the project was eagerly anticipated.

Keeping it green and clean this summer

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council is seeking the public’s help in ensuring the county’s beaches, parks and beauty spots are amongst the cleanest in Ireland this summer, as the local authority launches a new waste and litter prevention campaign titled Green Your Picnic.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy told WexfordLocal.com; “The Summer months of June, July and August this year will expect an increased number of people holidaying at home, taking day trips and visiting all public amenities in the county. As evidenced from the Summer of 2020, these staycations will result in pressure on waste disposal at these locations.

“We are asking people therefore to bring their litter home with them after they have enjoyed the many beautiful outdoor sites Wexford has to offer, and to use reusable items wherever and whenever possible. Leaving no trace and reducing the amount of single use items is not difficult and in fact can be quite fun.”

Environmental Awareness Officer with Wexford County Council Cliona Connolly said; “Simply using reusable cups and bottles is a great way to minimise the amount of waste generated. It is worth noting that reusables were not banned during the Covid-19 pandemic. Government policy continues to promote contactless coffee and advocates for reusable options. There are many free tap water points in businesses, public buildings and outdoor locations across the county thanks to Refill Ireland. This saves us all from bringing large bottles of single use bottled water with us on our day trips, allowing us to fill up as we go,” stated Ms. Connolly.

**The beautiful grounds of Johnstown Castle.**

Over the coming weeks Wexford County Council will run a campaign on media and social media, as well as several workshops outlining some simple ways to make a difference this summer, while also having many stress free, memorable trips throughout the county.

Anger grows at Courtown Woods

By Dan Walsh

Meetings have been taking place ‘in committee’ in recent days between local public representatives and the Chief Executive Officer of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, over the future of Courtown Woods in the wake of a majority vote to bring the Woods into public ownership at a recent meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

WexfordLocal.com and the members of the Press are not privy to what happened at the discussions, however, late last night (Monday) a statement was released by Protect Courtown Woods group that allege last week’s talks with Wexford County Council have led to nothing but empty promises and the Protectors of Courtown Woods say; “it’s time to get angry.”

“They’ve seriously underestimated the fury out there – people aren’t going to tolerate this underhanded sell-off and privatisation of our irreplaceable ancient woodland.

“In the wake of the widespread anger of the North Wexford community at the recent media spin of the liquidators and the apparent double-dealing of Wexford County Council, we condemn their misleading disinformation campaign and reject their laughably hollow ‘assurances’.

“Wexford County Council is making a grave mistake if it thinks the good and moral people of North Wexford can be hoodwinked so easily with media “disinformation campaigns.”

WexfordLocal.com understands that the protect the Courtown Woods campaign is set to escalate with advice and support from several national advocacy organisations and possible legal action on behalf of the community.

Sunday chaos at Courtown and Cahore

By Dan Walsh

A North Wexford public representative is calling on Wexford County Council to place greater focus on coastal resorts on sunny weekends following problems that arose last weekend when huge numbers soaked up the sunshine and placed immense pressure on services.

“While it was fantastic to see so many people back on our beaches, living and breathing freely again, we did have problems, mainly due to lack of facilities, infrastructure and enforcement of bye- laws,” said Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, who added that there was a lovely atmosphere where he spent the afternoon around Clone and Saleen, but Courtown was choc-a- bloc, which is good to see, “but we’re going to have to do something to tackle the littering problem as it was left filthy after the weekend.”

Cllr Ó Súilleabháin told WexfordLocal.com; “Down at Cahore things were chaotic. Jet Skis racing amongst children on the North Beach at dangerous speeds with some users smoking drugs on the shore while taking a break. We had a similar problem with jet skis in Courtown!

“Parking was crazy – chaotic, with cars abandoned everywhere, and local residents barricaded into their homes by cars, and with no access in or out. If an incident occurred on the North or South beach or at the pier on Sunday it would have been simply impossible for emergency services or the lifeboat to access.

“Hundreds of people but with access to just two portable toilets so one can imagine what were the consequences. This is a health issue that must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he concluded.

Who wants to live beside the seaside?

By Dan Walsh

Yesterday (Sunday) was the hottest day of the year…so far…and with a small slice of freedom from the 15-month shackles of Covid-19 it was a tonic to inhale fresh air and feel good in mental and physical health.

But the sunshine brings with it -so many problems, especially in relation to coastal areas – all of them by the guidance of geography ends in a cul-de-sac!

On Facebook you will find a litany of complaints; overflowing car parks, parking on yellow lines or opposite the entrance to private property and the possible obstruction of access for emergency vehicles.

Then there are the overflowing bins, people not bringing home their litter and cans, and a declaration of war on premises that sell convenient food without their name on the label and an opportunity to bring forward prosecutions. Obey the signs and always observe the rules… and if you believe that is par for the course… you will be tormented every day!

My sources are questioning how often these bins are emptied? And we must not forget the kindness of the good people who took their rubbish home with them or acknowledge the crows who sorted the good food from the bad!

There is a war against Jet Ski’s. I think Courtown is about to consider a ban on the use of jet ski action by Wexford County Council? They are adjudged to be noisy and dangerous – like a normal visit to a Night Club!

Camper vans are coming in for some criticism too. Now that the staycation is the only game in town the camper vans are multiplying and last weekend upwards of 20 of them took up the parking spots at Cahore and the beachgoers had to park further away than usual. Acrimony with camper vans along the south Wexford coast too. The big conundrum and unnecessary worry is… where do they empty their toilets?

So where do we go from here? A summer of welcome return for visitors…or a summer of discontent due to inconvenience…leaving the locals (full-time and part-time) to their own retreat and privacy?

This story will become warmer as the summer progresses and the hardship of Covid-19 becomes an unspeakable subject…and there still exists the short-taken minority who will defecate in the woods and urinate in the corners and while nature has been tolerant in this regard since humans were created…21^st century etiquette has refreshed an Edwardian ethic that is doomed to fail!

Titles for O’Neill, Bowe and Rogan

By Dan Walsh

The 2020-21 point-to-point campaign ended in celebration and sunshine at Grennan, Co. Kilkenny today with winners for three Wexford champions.

Barry O’Neill becomes National champion rider for the fifth time, and also made a piece of history by taking the titles in all four regions – north, south, east and west -for good measure!

O’Neill celebrated with a one and a half lengths success on Croi Corcra for owner PJ Fortune and handler Colin Bowe in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. His 54^th winner of the season and runner-up was Jamie Codd on 19 winners.

Colin Bowe (44 winners for the season) clinched his 9^th handlers’ championship with a double today. His second winner was Gold Buckle Dreams for Milestone Bloodstock Ltd by eight lengths in the mares’ maiden race for five-year-olds and over with James Kenny, Craanford, in the saddle.

Incidentally, the top four handlers’ are all from Wexford – Bowe (44), Donnchadh Doyle (25), Denis Murphy (19) and Sean Doyle (15).

Pearse Rogan started the day level with Liam Gilligan on seven winners each for the national under 21 riders’ championship but the young Caim rider got the vital eighth winner and the victory trophy aboard Secret Scripture for Donnchadh Doyle and the Monbeg Syndicate in division two of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

The season ended prematurely when the remainder of Grennan’s meeting was abandoned after the second division of the fourth race.

And so, the curtain comes down on a year of point-to-pointing held behind closed doors and under strict Covid-19 protocols and guidelines, but fingers crossed that come the late autumn the crowds will return, and some sort of normal sporting action will have resumed!

Pearse Rogan challenges for U21 title

By Dan Walsh

Two Wexford trained horses were involved in a dead-heat in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings at Kirkistown, Co. Down this afternoon.

**Point-to-Point action at Ballycrystal (File Pic)**

Long time leader Rathmacknee in the colours of the Final Furlong Bloodstock Ltd for Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill was caught at the finish by Galunggung trained for the Monbeg Syndicate and Ballindaggin handler Donnchadh Doyle and Pearse Rogan (19). The judge failed to separate the pair and declared a dead-heat.

Rogan from Caim added a second winner of the afternoon on Creadan Grae by four lengths for Helen and Peter McBurney in the Open Race for novice riders.

This brings Pearse Rogan onto the seven-winner mark with Liam Gilligan for the under 21 riders’ championship with only tomorrow’s fixture at Grennan, Co. Kilkenny, left of the 2020-21 season. Michael O’Sullivan from Mallow and Sean Staples, Duncormick, are both one behind on the six-winner mark, so it is all to play for amongst the four talented riders.

Jack Hendrick, Mayglass, was aboard Getalady for owner/handler Peter Flood for a two and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for five-year-old mares’ and over.

Craanford handler and rider Liam and James Kenny were successful with Ranger Kid by three-quarters of a length in the maiden race for ‘older’ geldings in the Big Zeb colours of Gorey owner Paddy Redmond.

Duty Free shopping returns on Rosslare ferries

By Dan Walsh

With the easing of lockdown restrictions, and a hope that international tourist travel will resume shortly, Stena Line is anticipating a busy summer. And after a 21-year absence, duty-free shopping onboard Stena Line’s ferries will now be available following Brexit.

Meanwhile, sailings between Rosslare Europort and Fishguard remain suspended as the Stena Europe‘s stay in dry dock is extended to Friday, June 4^th.

**STENA EUROPE will soon return from dry dock in Belfast for the Rosslare-Fishguard route.**

Writing in The Western Telegraph reporter Becky Hotchin said the Irish Sea crossing was temporarily cancelled, initially until May 22^nd, when Stena decided to send the vessel for repair at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, following a routine inspection of the ferry.

It was initially anticipated that the repairs would be completed by May 21^st and the ferry back on the run by the 22^nd. However, the company still has no Irish Sea crossings from Rosslare to Fishguard and it was confirmed that the Europe’s stay in dry dock has been extended.

“Stena Line is continuing to carry out works on the Stena Europe (Rosslare-Fishguard) while travel restrictions with the Republic of Ireland remain in place,” said a spokesperson for the company.

“An announcement from the Irish Government is expected imminently on Digital Green Certificates and International Travel and Stena Line plans to have the Stena Europe back in service on June 4^th.

The Fishguard to Rosslare route was severely affected by Brexit and Covid-19 at the beginning of this year with freight crossings down by 70% and a reduction in services.

Papal Knighthood for Eugene Doyle

By Dan Walsh

During 7pm Friday evening Mass in St. Senan’s Parish Church, Enniscorthy, Bishop Denis Brennan conferred a Papal Knighthood on local parishioner Eugene Doyle on behalf of Pope Francis in recognition of his personal and professional contribution to the Diocese of Ferns.

**EUGENE DOYLE receives a Papal Knighthood from Pope Francis**

Since becoming Diocesan Finance Officer in 2004, Mr Doyle has helped to shape and oversee diocesan financial policy in a time of acute challenge – and as responses were being shaped – to a new evolving human, pastoral, spiritual and economic reality.

Bishop Denis Brennan said; “The focus of the last twenty years in the diocese has been genuine engagement and honesty with major issues that have confronted the diocese. As Diocesan Finance Officer, Eugene Doyle played an invaluable part in restoring trust and in helping chart a sure course through turbulent waters.

“In the conferral of the honour on one of our parishioners, I am conscious that it will be warmly received at all levels here in Ferns diocese and will – in some part – recognise the selfless and very often unnoticed heroic effort that marks daily life here in our parishes, and within the Diocese of Ferns,” concluded Bishop Brennan.

New Vaccination Centre at Kilanerin

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced the welcome news that the HSE has secured a site for a new vaccination centre that will serve both south Wicklow and north Wexford at Kilanerin Community Centre.

The new centre is expected to be fully operational by the middle of June and will have the capacity to offer 1,200 vaccinations a day.

The Kilanerin Community Centre, which will have ten vaccination booths, is an ideal location for the new vaccination centre as it has both parking facilities and enough space for the vaccination teams to operate and is located in the village.

Minister 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.

Kilanerin Community Centre has been developed and enlarged by Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Development Association in recent years and will remove the need for people from north Wexford to travel long distances for the Covid-19 vaccine.