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.
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.”
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.
At recent meetings of Wexford County Council members from all parts of the county have been complaining of increased dumping in rural areas and argue strongly that the situation is getting worse. A new approach has been discovered in the Bree area.
Residents and casual walkers who use Knockduff Lane, near Bree village, are dismayed by an episode known locally as ‘Bottlegate’ after hundreds of empty beer bottles of a well-known brand mysteriously appeared last Sunday night or Monday morning.
A rural bottle bank!
The cargo is neatly packaged into boxes and large bags and displayed at six different locations, mostly inside locked gates, but visible from the roadway. Must have taken a large vehicle to get it all there.
It is obviously the left-overs of a long Christmas party and one bag has a seasonal image of Santa Claus, although he is not suspected of having any part in this ‘unusual’ illegal dumping act. Maybe as an act of recompense for the Lenten season removal transport will return to the scene.
A post-Christmas party scene at Knockduff
The matter is being investigated by Enniscorthy Garda Station and Wexford County Council and anyone with information is asked to get in touch.
Illegal dumping at Garranstackle
Meanwhile, also in the Bree area, a white weather-proof mattress and a crocked washing machine is on view to roadusers beside a partly overgrown No Dumping sign. This is a popular spot for this kind of activity.
A conveyance of items destined for disposal ended up illegally dumped on the side of the road from Clonmore Bridge to Ballymorris Cross (on the R730 between Ballymackessy and Killurin) in the townland of Garranstackle on September 25th last year.
It was reported on WexfordLocal.com and completely disappeared next day. Fingers are crossed for a repeat performance in this instance.
A delay in the completion of Gorey Town Park development project and the lack of governance around County Council contracts was described as “an unmitigated disaster” by the Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, at the February meeting held today with Microsoft Teams.
There was unanimity amongst members when the delay in completing the Gorey Town Park project came in the form of a presentation requested by the members on behalf of the people of Gorey who have been constantly expressing concern and wondering when the work would be completed.
CLLR. JOE SULLIVAN
Sean Meyler gave an update on Gorey Town Park telling the meeting that as the works were suspended when Level 5 restrictions came in there were approximately two months left on the contractor’s programme. Mr Meyler said that when works recommences on site we are looking at a minimum of two months to completion. Although he stated that it was unknown what impact the current lockdown will have on the efficiencies of the construction sector.
Mr Meyler said that when they went back on site at the end of May last year it took them a couple of weeks to find their feet again because of issues of supply and sub-contractor availability, so he brought some words of caution to the matter. The contractor is expected to be back on site on March 8th, which is a Monday.
One outstanding issue is landscaping as March is a deadline in the landscaping world and the bulb planting season has already been missed. So, he will be back in the winter season to get the planting done.
The original contract was to finish in January 2020. It is now 12 months behind and approximately three months away from a completion date. The project is facing a 15-month overrun in total. Covid 19 has been an issue.
Cllr Diarmuid Devereux recalled that when contractors were allowed work the amount of activity on the site was never on a scale that would reach the original deadline. “It is a great shame given the need for the facility in the town at this time that it is not available. Now we have another deadline that we cannot commit to the citizens of the town because it’s a matter that is completely out of the Council’s hands.
Cllr Pip Breen expressed disappointment. It was to be finished this time last year and there was a two-month overrun by the time lockdown came. “I am seriously worried that this will be done this time next year.” He wondered about the financial position saying the price of steel is up 50%, timber is gone up an equal amount, availability is an issue and labour is not available right now.
PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT AT GOREY TOWN PARK
Cllr Andrew Bolger spoke of contractual obligations to Wexford County Council that should be honoured. He was also worried that they would be talking about this project this time next year.
Cllr Anthony Donohoe was displeased that it was 15 months late. Covid-19 took out two months. He wondered if there was any penalty clause, but it emerged later in the meeting, that a penalty clause did not exist.
Cllr Fionntán Ó Suilleabhain expressed disappointment at the delay on site. He stated that the planting of flower bulbs was hardly a dangerous pursuit and he had concerns about the Council picking up the tab.
Cllr Donal Kenny was disappointed as was Cllr Mary Farrell. She stated that this was not the first time to come across an issue where contractors had run over time. “We need to take on board that if contractors are coming in to major developments the Council has to ensure that the penalty clause is in place and that it is adhered to because it is the people of Gorey who are waiting for this park. “I agree with Cllr Kenny excuses are no good at this stage. This is not good enough,” concluded Cllr Farrell.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan joined with all the members in thanking Mr Meylar for his presentation. “The honesty is heart-warming because as generally we get a kind of a gloss over everything, but you have been honest and frank in what you have told us today.”
Cllr Sullivan believed there is absolutely no governance whatsoever on County Council contracts. “In my six years on the Council we have had contracts – Courtown, the Town Park and The Avenue – and to say that any of them went according to the book would be stretching it. Unmitigated disasters in relation to the deliverance of projects and from the budgetary aspect the ratepayers will have to foot the bill.”
Cllr Bolger asked about the walking track been opened, but Mr Meylar replied that opening the walking track to allow public access was looked at, but it was found that it created a cul-de-sac, it would bring people all around the pitch to dead end and they would have to turn around and go back again.
Revenue Officers at Rosslare Europort seized approximately three million cigarettes yesterday (Monday), branded ‘L&M’, with a retail value of almost €2.1 million, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than €1.6 million.
The illegal cigarettes were discovered when a Polish registered articulated lorry and its accompanying trailer was stopped by Revenue officers having disembarked a ferry from Cherbourg, France. The subsequent search, with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, led to the discovery of the cigarettes concealed within the load.
A Polish national in his 30s was questioned. Investigations are ongoing.
This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting the importation of illegal cigarettes. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on the Confidential Phone Number 1800 295295.
Famous Enniscorthy castle and other town landmarks that are illuminated by public lighting will be going GREEN for a unique St. Patrick’s Day experience on March 17th. This was one of the many positive ideas pondered at the February meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held by Microsoft Teams today.
Cllr John O’Rourke asked the District Manager if considering the Covid-19 and no St. Patrick’s Day festival and parade again this year that maybe to lighten the mood and show support he suggested “making the castle go green” for St. Patrick’s Day and maybe incorporate the lighting system in St Aidan’s Cathedral and light up the town in green!
ENNISCORTHY CASTLE
Ger Mackey agreed it was a good idea and assured the meeting that it will be done. “Let’s paint the town green,” he added.
In a discussion on walking trails Cllr Cathal Byrne mentioned the urgency in repairs to the bridge over the River Urrin carrying the Country Walk. It is in bad repair, does not facilitate wheelchair access, and he asked that it become a priority.
Mr Mackey wished to see what could be done. He suggested maybe going towards Edermine, although he admitted that would be costly, or link into Borodale, and possibly under Active Travel to go back through the mill field onto Mill Park Road and Munster Hill.
Cllr Cathal Byrne spoke in support in Vinegar Hill and hoped that the National 1798 Centre could be relocated there. Cllr Jackser Owens agreed. He said the ’98 Centre should have been up there in the first place. “It is the ideal spot for it.”
Mr Mackey stated that any reimagining of Vinegar Hill would be sensitive considering the archaeology and being ‘a sacred place’ as a battlefield graveyard, and looking at history through a different lens, say through the arts, is worth exploring.
Mr Mackey agreed that Enniscorthy needed an active travel path for the town as there are a lot of little trails and tracks in nooks and crannies that people have decided themselves are “the best routes” and we need to be ready with a plan. The matter will be raised again at the March meeting and a plan will be put together between the District Manager and the members.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy said it was vital that there is access to the country trail down by the river for both leisure and maintenance. “We need to get all those trails ready and the Active Travel so that we can get grants and be ready.”
Mr Mackey thought that the consultant’s “town of trails” was a nice brand Enniscorthy could build on, but all these things should be good for the people of Enniscorthy and the district as well. “It is not just a tourism thing! Tourism spins off. It is for the citizens of the town and district.”
Cllr Murphy felt that a town like Enniscorthy needs trails because it is on the hills and the valleys and the trails make it more accessible and adventurous. “People see the markings and they know they can walk it. Town of trails is a lovely term,” she concluded.
Wexford jockey Jamie Codd experienced his own determination of ‘operation transformation’ this week and the weight loss paid dividends when he won the Grade B Punchestown Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown on The Big Dog (5/2 fav.) by half a length, on Sunday.
JAMIE CODD
Winning trainer Peter Fahey, whose stables are at Monasterevin, said afterwards; “Jamie told me the other day that his weight was ‘good’ and he only had a couple of pounds to lose. He did it and it was well worth it in the end.”
Jamie Codd went to the scales at ten stone eleven pounds and the Mayglass riders’ renowned strength in a finish got the eight-year-old gelding home by half a length without an iron!
There was a Wexford trained winner at Punchestown when Farmix (4/1), with Jack Kennedy up, scored by five and a half lengths in the novice chase.
Victorious trainer Liz Doyle from the Crossabeg stables said after the race; “He’s a big baby but progressing the whole time as he gets his confidence over jumps. I really like this horse and think there could be more in him.
“He might get an entry in a handicap in Cheltenham. He is not overly experienced, so we will see what happens. That was a good opportunity today.” she added.
Good work done in the main streets of Wexford’s four district towns is being undone by empty units with large ‘for sale or rent’ signs over them according to Cllr John Hegarty who brought a motion before last Monday’s Microsoft Teams monthly meeting of Wexford County Council that “will require that vacant premises display graphics depicting a vibrant shop setting in its windows.”
Cllr Hegarty pointed out that walking down any of our main streets you will see numerous signs up and it sucks the atmosphere and life out of the place and what we are seeking to do, when we get a chance to re-open and this is not just about covid, we will be looking to create the most attractive atmosphere we possibly can in our four main towns and get people back in town walking the streets and enjoying the public realm.
Making streets more attractive to visitors and creating an atmosphere. Great example from New Ross in August 2020.
Cllr Hegarty proposed a ban on any rent or for sale signs that are large and attached to buildings and that any vacant properties should have graphics inside which are agreed by the Council showing a working shop!
“So, for visitors walking down the street it shows that they are in a thriving town. The for sale/rent signs can go up on a A3 page,” said Cllr Hegarty who added that from his research the people who are going to buy or rent these properties don’t use big signs but have already had their contacts.
Cllr Jim Moore seconded the motion. There were no further discussion and Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy declared the motion ‘passed’.
Speaking in the Dáil this week Deputy Johnny Mythen asked An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD, to intervene in a serious situation concerning the scallop fishers in County Wexford, but An Tánaiste disappointed when he indicated that no legislation is promised on the matter.
Deputy Mythen said; “There are seven such boats in total: five in Kilmore Quay and two in Duncannon. From March 1st, they will be forbidden by the UK authorities to land their catch at any UK port. This will kill off the scallop industry in County Wexford.
KILMORE QUAY (File Picture)
“More than 120 families will be affected. This industry is worth more than €12 million to the local economy. Every €1 earned at sea creates €4 on land. I ask the Tánaiste to take this serious situation in hand and through the various Departments, including his own, to find a solution before the deadline of March 1st,” added Deputy Mythen.
In reply, An Tánaiste said; “There is no legislation promised on that matter and I do not think I have any particular powers of intervention when it comes to such issues. I will let the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy McConalogue, who has responsibility for fisheries, know that the issue was raised and I will ask him to get back to the Deputy.
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