€50m for walking and cycling in your village!

By Dan Walsh

Funding of €50 million is to be made available to local authorities for investment in walking and cycling projects administered for the Department of Transport by the National Transport Authority with the aim of developing high quality cycling and walking away from the cities and targeted at towns and villages in rural Ireland.

SENATOR MALCOLM BYRNE supporting funds for walking and cycling in rural towns and villages.

Senator Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the funding; He told WexfordLocal.com “More and more people are walking and cycling, and we need to ensure that is supported and made safer. Wexford is ideally placed to develop additional safe walking and cycle routes and I know the County Council will take the lead on this.”

Minister Eamon Ryan said; “Since COVID-19 we have seen an increase in cycling and walking, and a reconnection to our local areas as well as some inspired ideas from our local councils. Now is the time to build on that by providing this specific funding for 2021 for high quality cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in towns and villages across the country.”

Among the kinds of project that will be considered are: (a) Development of active travel network strategies. (b) Provision of new / widened footpaths or segregated cycle tracks. (c), Reconstruction / renewal of defective footpaths or cycle tracks. (d), Improved crossing facilities for pedestrians/cyclists including raised surfaces, zebra crossings, provision of lighting and signalised crossings. (e), Provision of cycle parking. (f) Dishing of footpaths at junctions, raised pedestrian crossings, and reducing road width at crossing points. (g) Closing roads to vehicles, except for access only. (h), Permeability measures to support improved access within and between local communities. (i), Setting appropriate speed limits in accordance with the guidelines for setting and managing speed limits in Ireland and/or introducing a “Slow Zone”. (j) Pedestrian / cycle bridge rehabilitation works. (k) Design work in respect of the provision of a future pedestrian / cycle bridge.

Support St Vincent de Paul collection

By Dan Walsh

Bishop of Ferns Dr Denis Brennan is calling on people to support the annual church gate St Vincent de Paul collection which takes place this weekend in the Enniscorthy area and the weekend of December 12th-13th in the rest of the Diocese.

Bishop Denis Brennan is photographed with members of St Vincent de Paul from Co. Wexford – Brian Keenan, Annette Beckett and Brian McGonagle.

Churches are reopened but numbers permitted to attend for public worship are restricted.
In light of this, the bishop is urging people from within the diocese to note the times of Masses in local churches, and to come out, and to support this vital annual appeal.
“Some will be going in (to the church), others will be going by – but the decision to continue with the collection will afford all of us the chance to make direct contact with SVP local members here in the diocese, and to support their efforts,” he stated.

“The decision to proceed with the collection highlights the high value that the local church puts on this collection and the difference it makes to the lives of so many,” the bishop concluded.



Christmas Craft Fair opens today

By Dan Walsh

The Wexford Craft Trail is joined this year by the Makers House in the lower gallery at Wexford Arts Centre for the annual Christmas Craft Fair which opens today (Friday).

WEXFORD ARTS CENTRE (Pic; visitwexford.ie)

Christmas is that magical time of the year when we all look for something special for the ones we love… or simply for ourselves! The Christmas Craft Fair at Wexford Arts Centre is the place to find that unique present.

There will be a beautiful selection of handmade gifts including hand-thrown pots, fused glass mirrors and sun catchers, unique jewellery designs, lamps and lamp shades, sculpture, tapestries, wall hangings, hats and scarves – an exciting choice of so many things to treasure.

Crafts from Ceadogan Rugs, The Potter’s Yard, The Blue Egg Gallery, The Maker’s House, Martin Doyle Gilly Thomas Sculpture, Mairead Stafford, Rebecca Homfrey, Patricia Howard and the Wexford Craft Trail will be displaying their most unique artisan crafts and bring some festive cheer.

Make your own discovery of the authentic handcrafts whilst enjoying a visit to Wexford Arts Centre and D’Lush Café from today (Friday). Opening times are 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday; 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, and 11am to 3pm on Sundays.

Please note that Covid-19 protocols must be adhered to while visiting Wexford Arts Centre.

Council welcomes new Rosslare-France ferry service

By Dan Walsh

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy has welcomed the recent announcement of a new six-day per week ferry service between Rosslare Europort and northern France by Danish shipping company DFDS.

Beginning on January 2nd next, the new ferry route will operate between Rosslare and Dunkirk with six weekly departures from each port, bringing to 13 the number of direct weekly sailings between Rosslare Europort and the European continent, each way, during peak times of year. The crossing time will be 24 hours and will bring hauliers and other users within three hours of Paris and 20 minutes from the Belgian border.

CLLR GER CARTHY, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council.

The new service will offer hauliers and the wider Irish industry sector a new option to replace the UK landbridge, post-Brexit, amid growing fears of delays on the landbridge once customs and other checks come into force in the New Year.

“This new service provides a hugely important freight route option for the many hauliers operating between Ireland and continental Europe and of course it will also be an attractive choice for inbound and outbound tourism once Covid travel restrictions ease” said Cllr Carthy, who added; “It is a very exciting development, not only for Rosslare Europort, but for Wexford and Ireland as a whole, and it has the potential to contribute significantly to the growth of the haulage and tourism sectors in Ireland over the next number of years.”

Cllr Carthy pointed out that facilities at Rosslare Europort are to undergo a major upgrade following the recent grant of planning permission to Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, for a multi-million overhaul of the site. “This investment, which I welcome, coupled with the development of the new N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road and a new Business Park will make Rosslare a highly desirable area for further investment and is sure to bring much needed job opportunities to County Wexford in the coming years,” concluded the Cathaoirleach.

“Frontline workers deserve a break!”

By Dan Walsh

New Ross-based Cllr Michael Sheehan has called on the Government and the Registration Councils to waive the Nursing, Healthcare and Teaching Council fees for 2020 as a token appreciation of their work through the pandemic.

CLLR MICHAEL SHEEHAN

Cllr Sheehan told WexfordLocal.com that frontline workers deserve a break. “I have called for a tax credit for workers but given their unique role in fighting the Covid pandemic, nurses are getting their registration reminders now and the NMBI a charge €100 to become a registered nurse/ midwife with them. I think it’s unfair after all we have been through to ask them to pay this charge. Waive the charge, small money but big impact.

“Teachers face a similar charge from the Teaching Council and they too, should be given a waiver to show our thanks in overcoming the obstacles to keep teaching live,” added Cllr Sheehan.

Cllr Sheehan has received several calls for support for nursing staff and has made representations to Taoiseach Mícheál Martin and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to make this happen. “It is a small gesture but a meaningful one that shows our appreciation and understanding of the pressures they face. It’s one small part of many things we can do to show our thanks to them, their families and their vocations to keep us safe.” 

More water main trouble in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

There is another burst water main in Gorey town and this time it is near the R772 Dublin Road.

CLLR ANDREW BOLGER

Local Cllr Andrew Bolger has confirmed that he has been in contact with the local water engineering department and the repairs are expected to be complete around 8pm.

The areas still affected include Clonattin Estate, Doire Fea, Fox Hill, Oakridge, and Twin Oaks.

Meanwhile, a burst water main was repaired this afternoon by the Irish Water and Wexford County Council partnership.

Normal service has resumed at Raithin Cuilin, Hollyfort Road, Fort Road, Willow Park, Hunters Green, Allenwood Drive, Ashwood Grove, Cois Doire, Baile Eoghain, Woodlands Drive, Ramsfort Avenue, Creagh Demesne, Creagh, Garden City and Clonattin.

Customer queries should be directed to the customer line on 1850278278 or @IWCare.

Burst water main in Gorey…Again!

By Dan Walsh

For the second time this week the water supply in Gorey town area is disrupted by a burst main.

The areas affected include Raithin Cuilin, Hollyfort Road, Fort Road, Willow Park, Hunters Green, Allenwood Drive, Ashwood Grove, Cois Doire, Baile Eoghain, Woodlands Drive, Ramsfort Avenue, Creagh Demesne, Creagh, Garden City and Clonattin. 
In a statement issued in the past hour Irish Water are working in partnership with Wexford County Council to repair a burst water main in the Gorey town area. Most areas will not see any supply interruptions, but the supply will be shut off from 1pm in order for works to be carried out and it is expected to be fully restored by 5pm this afternoon. However, it may take a little longer for those on the extremities of the network to see supply fully restored as normal. There may be low pressure and discoloration too while the repair takes place.
Customer queries should be directed to the customer line on 1850278278 or @IWCare.
MAIN STREET, GOREY

Rosslare Europort Road Access Option C

By Dan Walsh

Option C has been identified as the Preferred Scheme Option for the N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road that can best deliver the project objectives following an appraisal of the three scheme options under the six criteria.

Scheme Option C is presented in the map and consists of a combination of existing road and new road corridor to provide a new access route to Rosslare Europort.

The option utilises the existing Ballygerry Link Road and proposes a new section of road looping to the north and crossing the Dublin to Rosslare Harbour railway line before continuing east to connect into Rosslare Europort.

The map shows how the preferred scheme option will integrate with the proposed new internal layout in Rosslare Europort via a new roundabout.

Option C will improve accessibility in Rosslare Harbour, particularly for residents and vulnerable groups, by removing port traffic from the village. This offers the potential for enhanced social inclusion and reduced inequality through improved access to essential services and amenities.

Option C offers the best connectivity with proposed infrastructure developments for the Rosslare Europort Masterplan, the Waterford to Rosslare Harbour Greenway project and the N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour road project. It will also provide a new, high quality and segregated facilities for pedestrians and cyclists that will be fully integrated with the proposed Waterford to Rosslare Harbour Greenway project. This will also create a continuous and fully integrated circuit for active travel that may stimulate increased levels of physical activity by encouraging people to cycle or walk.

Wexford FDYS €8,000 for ‘Safe Space’

By Dan Walsh

Wexford’s Ferns Diocesan Youth Service (FDYS) will receive €8,000 in funding towards a ‘Safe Space’ project thanks to the 2020 LGBTI+ Communities Integration Fund.

Welcoming the news, Wexford TD and Minister for Law Reform James Browne told WexfordLocal.com; “This project will promote inclusion, protect rights and improve quality of life and well-being for members of the LGBTI+ community, enabling them to participate fully in our county and country’s social, economic, cultural, and political life.”

“FDYS works with young people in County Wexford to support them in realising their full potential and the funding of this project reflects the youth work organisation’s key priorities. Services and initiatives that work to promote inclusion and visibility for the LGBTI+ community have an increased importance at a time when many LGBTI+ people may feel disconnected from their community.

“I am confident that these projects will be successful in ensuring members continue to feel supported into 2021 and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Government and local stakeholders in supporting other applications through future funding schemes,” concluded Minister Browne.