With the June Bank Holiday looming, and the weather forecast favourable for outdoor pursuits, positive efforts are being made to avoid last week’s traffic chaos at Cahore Pier.
Cllr Mary Farrell has announced a temporary solution to some of the parking problems at the popular North Wexford resort.
CAHORE PIER… a view from the magnificent cliff walk
“I have been working on this issue with Wexford County Council for some time and just today (Thursday) a final agreement was made with landowners to allow a field at the South Beach end of the beautiful cliff walk to be used as a car park that will connect to another temporary car park at the pier.
“Work will commence on Tuesday morning and hopefully will be operational by next weekend and it is intended that visitors to Cahore will be encouraged to park at South Beach and take the cliff walk to the pier for refreshments or just to enjoy the amazing views.
“The pier car park is intended to ease the dreadful parking problems at this beautiful attraction. Further measures of barriers will soon be in place also,” concluded Cllr Farrell.
Funding of €650,830 has been granted to Wexford County Council for spending on 13 road drainage improvements across Co. Wexford under the Climate Adaption and Resilience Works 2021 announced today and welcomed by public representatives.
€199,000 is set aside for works on the R733 at Ballingly Bridge, east of Wellingtonbridge, where the road is to be raised by up to a metre and works done on each side of the bridge and raising masonry walls.
Cliff stabilisation works at Grange Beach will take place at two locations using soil nailing on the upper cliff and rock armour on the part of the cliff. €197,000 available here but it is stated that the follow on from design prepared in 2020 is funded by Department of Transport under Climate Change Adaption.
Flooding at Ahare Bridge, near Castletown, last January.
There is €50,000 for the Coolmeelagh channel and concrete drainage and works to improve increased water flow and not so far away, at Cromogue, Bunclody €30,000 will be used for a new road culvert and roadside drainage.
The Ahare River, near Castletown, has been subjected to flooding over many years and some progress is reported with €25,000 allotted towards a feasibility study. Flooding at Kilmurray is under scrutiny with a tag of €25,000 and upgrade of existing drainage at Courtown gets €5,000.
New road culverts are planned for Mangan (€20,000) and Bree Hill (€25,000). Another €25,000 for Bullring Cross to increase the capacity of existing drainage – and even google maps doesn’t figure out where that is (road number L1014-4) so if anybody can help us with the location – contact WexfordLocal.com on Facebook!
The installation of 200m of drainage to elevate flooding on the Dungeer Road gets €27,830. Increased capacity for drainage required to take water off the road at Ballybaun, Ballymurn gets €10,000.
And at Poulpeasty works will take account of hydraulic loads causing damage and undermining the bridge structure is earmarked for €12,000. Proposed works include cleaning out the river bed and increase opening of the bridge to prevent road flooding.
County Wexford farming communities are joining Healthy Wexford and Sports Active Wexford to participate in a Summer Walking Series of three one hour walks over three weeks lead by trained leaders from Sports Active Wexford during June and July.
Annette Dupuy, Healthy County Coordinator is encouraging people to join for a variety of reasons; “We see this Summer Walking Series having a range of benefits from trying something new, getting out and meeting new people, increasing your physical activity and perhaps even just giving you an hour for yourself.”
Wexford IFA are encouraging farming communities across Co. Wexford to get involved. Alice Doyle, Chairperson of IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs, sees this as an opportunity for the farming community to connect after a period of isolation. “Many of the social opportunities we have to meet as a farming community have been limited and so this walking series will give us all a chance to reconnect,” she said.
CARRIGFOYLE LAKE where the Summer Walking Series was launched today (Wednesday)
Jer O’Mahony, Wexford IFA Chairman added; “This will be an opportunity to get back out in a supportive and fun way, regardless of your fitness level. We want to stress this is for everyone.”
The Summer Walking Series was launched today at Carrigfoyle Lake on Forth Mountain today by Cllr Garry Laffan, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and Chair of Sports Active Wexford. “We are delighted to be involved in this initiative for the farming community and that now, with reduced restrictions, we can facilitate a group of walkers.” Cllr John Hegarty, Chair of the Healthy County Committee added; “This initiative highlights the benefit of collaboration and will provide health and wellbeing benefits, both physical and mental, for a very important sector in our community.”
There are two Summer Walking Series planned – one in North Wexford and one in South Wexford, with the timing of the activity scheduled to fit with the busy farming calendar.
Dates and locations as follows: NORTH WEXFORD; June 29th, Kilanerin; July 6th, Courtown Woods, and July 13th, Cahore. SOUTH WEXFORD; July 1st, Tintern Woods, July 8th, Rocks, Maudlintown, and July 15th, Forth Mountain.
Walks will be held 8-9pm each evening. Numbers attending are limited, in line with current COVID restrictions, and attendance must be pre-booked with Sports Active Wexford – Phone 053-9196557 or email sports.active@wexfordcoco.ie
This initiative is supported by Healthy Ireland. The Healthy Ireland Fund, supported by the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth.
Good, yielding in places, was the order of the ground at Bettyville Park this afternoon where an eight-race card was run off in overcast conditions behind closed doors in line with Covid-19 protocol and guidelines.
Local success was scarce; however, the second division of the handicap chase saw Sean O’Keeffe, Taghmon, score on Black Sumari (9/2) chased home by Paul Nolan’s Emir De Rots with Jordan Gainford in the saddle and coming home in third place was Sean Flanagan on Hollybank King.
The Walsh family from Ballyday, Gorey, who had a memorable week at the Punchestown Festival enjoyed another sweet victory with Singing Banjo (11/4 jt-fav.) ridden by Barry Walsh and trained at Tinahely by Philip Rothwell.
Owned by John Walsh, Singing Banjo won both the Ladies Cup and the La Touche Cup in the same week at the recent Punchestown festival, which was an outstanding achievement.
The formidable team of Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead have a good strike rate at Bettyville Park, and they kept the momentum going today with an eight lengths success for the front running Gin On Lime in the novice chase.
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.
MARKET HOUSE, Main Street, GOREY
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
KILMORE QUAY on Sunday
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…21st century etiquette has refreshed an Edwardian ethic that is doomed to fail!
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!
BARRY O’NEILL
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 54th winner of the season and runner-up was Jamie Codd on 19 winners.
Colin Bowe (44 winners for the season) clinched his 9th 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.
COLIN BOWE
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.
PEARSE ROGAN
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!
WexfordLocal.com 