A site for Wexford University Campus?

By Dan Walsh

Speaking in Seanad Éireann on Tuesday, Senator Malcolm Byrne participated in a discussion on the future of the technological sector and highlighted the broad ambition for a university for the South East.

MINISTER SIMON HARRIS; ” “to provide a site for, let us call it, the Wexford campus of the technological university for the South East,”

Minister for Future and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Simon Harris, spoke about prioritised capital investment, but according to Senator Byrne “what we do not want to see in the South East is simply a name change. When we consider a multi-campus university with campuses in Waterford, Carlow and Wexford, it is crucial there would also be significant investments to allow the technological universities to be able to complete not only internationally but nationally. I am conscious the Minister was on South East Radio recently confirming commitments to the Wexford campus. If there is any update on that, I would be grateful if he would share that.”

Deputy Harris reaffirmed the Government commitment “to provide a site for, let us call it, the Wexford campus of the technological university for the South East,” and he added; “I am limited in what I can say other than there is active engagement on it. When people in Wexford hear that, I am conscious they will have heard there has been active engagement for many years. Let me say there is active engagement that I expect to be brought to a fruitful conclusion shortly. There is an absolute concrete commitment, pardon the pun, from the Government to delivering a Wexford campus for TUSE (Technological University of the South East).

Deputy Harris continued; “I want to assure the Senator of that. I want to acknowledge at this committee the assistance of Wexford County Council, particularly its chief executive, in that regard and the major work being done by IT Carlow. In terms of time, I will not go further than that, but I reiterate that commitment.”

The chair for this discussion was Wexford TD, Paul Kehoe.

Gorey farewell to District Manager

By Dan Walsh

Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council bade farewell to its popular District Manager of 17 months, Michael Drea, who moved to a new position with the housing department of Wexford County Council today (Monday).

“We are losing our area administrator Michael Drea who is going to higher office in the housing section in Wexford and this is his last meeting. He has made a huge contribution to Gorey, although his tenure was seriously disrupted by Covid-19, your term in Gorey was very productive we are sorry to see you leaving Gorey,” said Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan at the February meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held with Microsoft Teams in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions.

“He settled immediately and did great work. I wish you well and I wish you luck,” said Cllr Pip Breen. “I’d also like to wish Michael well. I enjoyed working alongside him. I came in very inexperienced and if I ever needed any advice or getting a job done, he was always very approachable,” added Cllr Andrew Bolger.

MICHAEL DREA leaves Gorey after 17 months as District Manager

Cllr Mary Farell thanked Michael for all his support over his time in Gorey. “You have been an absolute gentleman and professional to work with. Your passion for the town of Gorey extended to the district and working with community groups and ensuring that everyone got a fair share. Best of luck in your new job,” she stated.

Cllr Donal Kenny said Michael Drea was “a pleasure to work with and so easy to get on with, no hassle with anything we asked of you, you just got on with it and I wish you the best of luck.”

Cllr Willie Kavanagh recalled the pleasure of bringing the District Manager on a tour of his corner of the district in Oylegate and remarked, “We got on well and best of luck in your future endeavours.”

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said; “Michael was one of the easiest people I ever worked with, a very decent guy, very honourable and honest,” and he recalled Michael’s input into developments in Camolin that had been waiting for up to 10 years. “Every time the Christmas lights come on in Gorey, we think about you,” quipped Cllr Devereux.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said Michael was a pleasure to work with and made a massive contribution to community groups. Cllr Anthony Donohoe said Michael was “a gentleman to work with” and wished him the best of luck. Cllr Oliver Walsh added his best wishes.

Staff colleague Liz Stanley also paid tribute. “He was an excellent colleague to work with, he was extremely fair, we will miss you and keep in touch.”

Mr Drea thanked everybody for their kind sentiments. “I loved working in Gorey-Kilmuckridge district and I’m sad to leave. I’ve learned more in 17 months than I have in my previous tenure in local government in such a wide and varied role and I loved my dealings with community groups and with the Council members.”

Mr Drea confirmed that Liz Stanley will be taking over his position and he gave her a vote of confidence and wished her well. He also complimented Director of Services Ms Amanda Byrne.

Garda appeal following Camolin burglary

Gardaí in Gorey are appealing for witnesses in relation to an aggravated burglary that happened around 8.30pm on Sunday at a residence in Camolin.

Three masked men entered the house and demanded money. One of these men produced a knife during the incident.

A small quantity of cash and belongings were taken from the scene. No injuries were reported.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information or any road users including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who were in the Camolin area between 8-9 pm and who may have camera footage (including dashcam) to make this available.

Gardaí are also seeking information from anyone who may have seen a Silver / Green Mondeo car in the area.

Anyone with information can contact Gardaí in Gorey at 053 94 30690, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Dog patrols and licence checks

Wexford County Council wardens will be carrying out a series of dog patrols and licence checks throughout the Spring and Summer 2021.

Wardens will be concentrating on un-licensed and un-chipped dogs, dogs not under proper control, dogs not muzzled and dogs fouling in public places. Dog fouling is a serious health hazard for young children, and it causes problems for wheelchair users and people pushing children’s buggies.

Offenders can receive a fixed penalty notice of €150.

Dog Licences can be purchased on-line at www.licences.ie or in person at any Post Office.  Customers having difficulty purchasing Dog Licences on-line can email support@licences.ie or phone 1890 200090. The Annual Dog Licences fee is €20 while a Lifetime Dog Licence costs €140.

Owners of multiple numbers of dogs can continue to purchase a General Dog Licence from Wexford County Council at a cost of €400.

Funding from dog licences helps pay for the Dog Warden Service, the collection of stray dogs and the re-homing of unwanted dogs.  County Wexford has the busiest Pound in the Country with around 500 dogs impounded in 2020. Over 94% of the dogs were reclaimed or re-homed.

Wexford County Council reminds all dog owners that they must;

Keep their dog under control when in public (best on a lead).

Have a current Licence for their dog.

Microchip and register their dog and have contact details on the dog’s collar.

Muzzle certain breeds and keep them on a strong chain when in public. (e.g., Alsatian, German Shepherd, Akita, Bull Terriers, Doberman, Rottweiler etc.)

Clean up after their dog if it fouls in a public place.

(Wardens are compliant with all HSE COVID-19 Guidelines)

The maximum fine for failure to licence or keep your dog under control is €2,500.

Rescue missions on the Cahore coast

By Dan Walsh

It was a busy Sunday afternoon for Courtown/Arklow Coast Guard Unit who responded to two incidents in the Cahore area.

At 3.50pm the unit went to the assistance of a speedboat with three occupants that was in danger of running aground, the boat did come ashore but was recovered with the assistance of Courtown RNLI lifeboat and Cahore Inshore Rescue Service and brought back to Cahore slipway. All occupants were fine and did not require medical assistance.

CAHORE HARBOUR (File Pic)

The unit had been called upon earlier at 12.50pm to assist the National Ambulance Service with a casualty that had fallen from a horse at Old Bawn beach. The casualty was stretchered to the awaiting ambulance and brought to hospital for further assessment.

Remember if you see someone in difficulty on or near the water dial 999/112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Level five restrictions still apply, essential journeys only and stay within your 5km.

Bishop Brennan’s Golden Jubilee

By Dan Walsh

On the 15th (liturgical) anniversary of the announcement of his appointment as Bishop of Ferns in 2006, a presentation was made to Bishop Denis Brennan at the Ash Wednesday Mass in St Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, to belatedly mark the occasion of his golden jubilee as a priest of the diocese of Ferns. 

Fr. Jim Doyle, CC St Aidan’s Cathedral, Fr. Odhran Furlong (ADM), Bishop Brennan and Monsignor Joe McGrath V.G. 

Speaking at the small ceremony, which was held in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions, Monsignor Joe McGrath paid tribute to Bishop Brennan for his work over the years as priest and Bishop.

The presentation to Bishop Brennan was of a bronze representation of The Last Supper by Irish artist Fergus O’Farrell.  

Last May, Bishop quietly celebrated his golden jubilee (31st May 1970) with a congregation of 10 people in Rathnure Church, the location of his first Mass on June 1st, 1970.

 

Slaney Street project is ‘funding dependent’.

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy’s Slaney Street could be in for a conservation facelift and has the backing of the District Council, but the success of the project is ‘funding dependent’ and €200,000 is required, last Monday’s monthly meeting of Enniscothy Municipal District Council by Microsoft Teams was informed.

In the Manager’s Report, Ger Mackey told members that a submission was made for conservation on Slaney Street under the Heritage Council’s Town Historical Initiative. “The application from Enniscorthy is the Wexford application,” he added.

Cllr Aidan Browne asked for more detail on the funding for Slaney Street.

SLANEY STREET, ENNISCORTHY

Mr Mackey said it was a conservation project where shopfronts will be renovated, and insulation upgraded with the painting of shopfronts. “We are looking for grant funding of about €180,000 and match funding would bring it to just over €200,000. It’s hard funding to get but it will completely enhance Slaney Street from the Market Square to the river.”

He added that it is a County Project and its good that Enniscorthy is fighting for those projects now. “If we are successful, we will know in March and it will be finished in November so its not going to be a long haul of a project, Fingers crossed, of course, that we get the funding. It is funding dependent. Slaney Street won’t happen without the funding,” he concluded.

Cllr Cathal Byrne called for a pedestrian crossing at the bottom of Slaney Street as part of the project. Cllr Byrne noted that the only pedestrian crossing for people was near Burgermac and the people using Slaney Street cross at the bottom of the street and do not walk to Burgermac!

Cllr Jackser Owens had questions about the Templeshannon Regeneration Project, and it was promised that a presentation report in relation to that project will be brought before the next meeting by the Director of Services.

The Templeshannon project includes a footbridge across the River Slaney from the swimming pool on the eastern side of the town to the bottom of Slaney Street.

New CEO for Wexford Festival

Randall Shannon has been appointed interim CEO of Wexford Festival Opera taking up the role immediately, and replacing David McLoughlin, who served in the role for thirteen years.

RANDALL SHANNON

Mr Shannon started his career as an orchestral musician in London before developing a career in arts management. He has held Chief Executive positions with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Opera Theatre Company, Opera Northern Ireland, Buxton International Festival and an interim Chief Executive role in Opera Theatre Company. 

Mr Shannon has been a frequent visitor to the Wexford Festival since 1985 and acted as Opera Advisor to the Arts Council between 2007 and 2020. 

Community hub for Gorey… but where?

By Dan Walsh

A presentation by Tanya Lawlor of Method Consultants on the Feasibility Study for the Multi-User Community Hub in Gorey exercised the minds of the members of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council at the Microsoft Teams monthly meeting held last Tuesday.

Michael Drea, District Manager, in an introduction, said there is a need for a multi-user facility in Gorey as there is anecdotal evidence that groups have issues finding suitable space to have their meetings after securing LEADER funding now it is time to move to the next stage of engaging a consultant to draft a feasibility report to look at the needs and to examine various locations where that facility could be located within the town and bring it to concept design, governance, structure and indicative cost estimates.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabháin wondered if any potential sites come to mind and if they are looking at council owned or private sites that needed to be bought and asked how was it planned to get the community consultation in Gorey for groups concerned?

Ms Lawlor replied that no sites have been explored and the initial meeting would be a discussion about the potential sites that might be available. A group discussion and one to one with key people would form part of the community process.

Cllr Andrew Bolger felt it was a positive step forward and he had been speaking to a few start up groups who may not have anywhere to go, or they might have to go into a pub, which can work for some groups but would not work for others, so he seen it as ‘a good story’ and he suggested contacting groups through the community.

CLLR ANTHONY DONOHOE supports the St. Waleran’s site at Gorey.

Cllr Andrew Donohoe referred to the acquisition of St. Waleran’s on the outskirts of town. “We have been sanctioned a third secondary school and I would like to see a hub out there in St. Waleran’s of educational, sporting and community hub and some pitches, I know Gorey Hockey Club are looking for grounds developed within a recreational area, all under the one umbrella.”

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux described it “a very exciting project” and he agreed with Cllr Donohoe that the land is there to create addendum to the town that maybe could be used for a lot of community-based projects. “It’s a huge step forward for Gorey and we need to get it right and I will certainly be supporting it.”

€464,000 for 16 Wexford bridges

By Dan Walsh

Good news for Wexford County Council this week is the allocation of €464,000 for 16 bridge rehabilitation works on regional and local roads across the county. In addition, €100,000 has been allocated for a specific improvement works at The Deeps Bridge over the River Slaney at Killurin.

Killurin Bridge, also called The Deeps Bridge from the ruined castle on the west bank, is 610 feet long, designed by the Dublin firm of Delap and Waller, built in 1915. It has five spans on the eastern side, five spans on the western side, and in the middle, a steel lifting span of 40 feet opening to facilitate navigation. The supporting piers consist of reinforced concrete pile groups carried up to the deck and cross braced. The present bridge replaced a timber trestle bridge erected in 1842-44.

THE DEEPS BRIDGE, also known as Killurin Bridge, is to undergo rehabilitation works.

2021 allocations for bridge rehabilitation works are as follows; Tombrack Bridge, Ferns (€20,000); Clonmore Bridge, Bree (€50,000); Johnstown Bridge, Clonegal (€20,000); Ballintray Bridge, Courtown (€35,000); Ballybregagh Bridge, Castle Ellis, (€30,000); Ballinacash Bridge, Oulart, (€35,000); Garryrichard Bridge, Foulksmills (€40,000); Dunmain Bridge, Gusserane, (€30,000); Ballyanne Bridge, New Ross (€23,000); Brideswell Bridge, Bridgetown, (€17,000); Mulmontry Bridge, Taghmon (€25,000); Andrews Bridge, Carrig-on-Bannow, (€15,000); Kildavin Bridge, Murrintown, (€20,000); Aughwilliam Bridge, Taghmon (€19,000); Wexford Bridge (€50,000) and Carrigmannon Bridge, Glynn (€35,000).