€295,595 for Wexford Enterprise Centres

By Dan Walsh

Funding of €295,595 has been granted to three Enterprise Centres in Co. Wexford. €99,400 will be granted to the Enniscorthy Enterprise and Technology Centre, €52,800 to the Hatch Lab in Gorey and €144,395 to Wexford Enterprise Centre.

PAUL KEHOE TD

Commenting on the good news, Paul Kehoe TD said; “I am really pleased to see this funding coming to our Enterprise Centres at a time when the need for them is greater than ever. These funds will go towards modernising their facilities, protecting the health and safety of people who work there and helping to secure much needed jobs.

“These centres provide both rented accommodation space to enterprise and capability building supports and services through the delivery of structured programmes and have a track record of the delivery of a suite of development programmes to start-ups,” he concluded.

These centres provide both rented accommodation space to enterprise and capability building supports and services through the delivery of structured programmes and have a track record of the delivery of a suite of development programmes to start-ups.

Drama ‘over the banks’ at Lingstown

By Dan Walsh

There was a dramatic ending to the 8-runner Open Lightweight Nomination race over the Lingstown banks course this afternoon as Better B Quick came home first by eight lengths but was subsequently disqualified after a steward’s enquiry.

Better B Quick ridden by Sean Staples for Duncormack handler Michael Murphy put in a brilliant round of jumping, but sadly Better B Quick ‘went the wrong side of a doll entering the home straight’, a steward’s enquiry ensued, and the result was amended.

Victory was awarded to Vital Island, owned and trained by Richard O’Keeffe, Newtown, Taghmon, and ridden by Tiernan Power Roche, Tomhaggard. Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Richard O’Keeffe said; “He has won twice over the banks (before today). He loves it here. I would love to bring him to Cheltenham in March.”

The field are closely bunched as they jump the Banks Course at Lingstown this afternoon

The Tattersalls Ireland maiden race for four year olds was run in two divisions and resulted in a double success for Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, Denis Murphy (handler) and Jamie Codd (rider) with Grangeclare West in division one and Viva Lavilla in the second division.

Grangeclare West had four lengths to spare in the colours of Edelle Logan. “He is very well-bred (by Presenting) and could end up very good,” Denis Murphy told WexfordLocal.com. Following Viva Lavilla’s success, Denis added; “They are two nice horses. I am not surprised they worked well together. They go to the sales now.”

The Cooney Furlong four-year-old auction maiden race was won by The King of Ryhope trained in Dubin by Cian Hughes.

The mares’ maiden race for five-year olds saw a two lengths success for Nancy Wyse, bred, owned and trained by Gerard Quirk in Kilkenny and a winner for Foulksmills rider Shane O’Rourke.

Rob James waited until the final race before getting his winner for the day – Cut Pretender by one and a half lengths for Tipperary handler David Nagle.

Also, point-to-point action at Boulta, West Waterford today and two Wexford trained winners. Cormac Doyle, Ballindaggin, saddled newcomer Connies Choice, the two and a half lengths winner of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings ridden by Jack Hendrick from Mayglass.

There was a fine victory for the Deacon family, Belmont House, Clonroche, with Call It Time, bred by Tom Deacon, running in the colours of Willie Deacon and trained by his son, Daryl, who had a two and a half lengths victory in the Winner of One Race. The winning rider was Moira McElligott.

No Wexford trained winners at Kirkistown in Co. Down on Saturday, but champion Barry O’Neill made the journey worthwhile with a five lengths success on David Christie’s On The Road, winning his fifth race on the trot, in the Open Race.

And the winner is… Kilmuckridge

By Dan Walsh

Kilmuckridge are the winners of the Co-Operation Ireland IPB Insurance Pride of Place award for Islands and Coastal Communities.

CLLR MARY FARRELL

The great news was announced by Marty Morrissey at the Award Ceremony held online this evening.

Cllr Mary Farrell said; “A wonderful achievement for our community, the District and the County. Thank you to the amazing team who put so much work into the presentation and the support of Wexford County Council. It showcases everything good about Kilmuckridge and Morriscastle.”

Kilmuckridge village and Glenbeg Point Estate (Ardamine) were among the 82 groups nominated nationwide.

Local authorities from across the island nominate groups in their communities who they feel have made a significant contribution to improving their neighbourhood, working collectively.

Pride of Place Chairperson Tom Dowling said, “The purpose of these awards has never changed. They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational, and tireless work being done by communities all over the Island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.” 

Shop Enniscorthy tag off to flying start.

By Dan Walsh

Soon the Christmas lights will illuminate the town and the festive season will be launched. The ‘Shop Enniscorthy’ Support Local – online and on the Street’ public information campaign, launched last Tuesday has generated over 10,500 hits in the first two days after going live, and has also accumulated over 1,000 local followers.

MAIN STREET, ENNISCORTHY

The retail showcase videos are also proving popular, engaging thousands of viewers. The promotion to highlight the best of Enniscorthy retailers operating ‘online and on the street’ is progressing with competitions and more colourful content to explore into the New Year and beyond. 

Thirty nine retailers have so far signed up to participate and all information can be found at www.shopenniscorthy.ie

Plans are at an advanced stage to live stream Enniscorthy being illuminated on Black Friday, November 27th with a virtual switch on of the town’s Christmas lights by Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy and the Enniscorthy Elves.

A seasonal postbox for local children will be erected in Market Square on Wednesday and kids are encouraged to post their Santa letters. Who knows they might get selected for a Merry Mention online @shopenniscorthy and win a treat! 

The overall aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of spending locally this Christmas if buying online or on the street and to feature retailers and service professionals operating in Enniscorthy town and district. Promoted and organised by Enniscorthy and District Chamber of Commerce and Enniscorthy Municipal Authority and supported by Enniscorthy Business Association, the campaign will roll out over the coming weeks as the countdown to Christmas gets underway in earnest.

As part of the campaign large roadside hoardings with the message ‘Shop Enniscorthy Support Local’ have been erected on all approach roads into town and at strategic locations within supported Enniscorthy so as to get the message across to shoppers of the need to spend locally this Christmas. 

Gordon Barry returns with an ‘old-fashioned’ tune

By Dan Walsh

Wexford town-born musician Gordon Barry returns with new single Old-Fashioned Morphine, the follow up single from his latest EP All The Live Long Year, which is set for release next Friday, November 27th.

Old Fashioned Morphine is the lead track from the EP All The Live Long Year which was recorded between Dublin, Cork, Wexford and Coney Island, New York.

Wexford-born performer GORDON BARRY has a new single out next week.

Speaking about the single Gordon Barry told Wexford Local.com; “I first heard ‘Old Fashioned Morphine’ when I went to see an act called Jolie Holland in a small club in New York. I didn’t know who she was but her songs blew me away, this song in particular stuck out like that old traditional song that we all know. I immediately knew I wanted to record it but in a much different way, I imagined it in a more up-tempo grimy sounding way with organs, big drums and electric guitars.

Previous releases from Gordon Barry include 2017’s debut album The Best Way To Kill a Monster mixed by legendary Seattle Producer Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden).

Gordon Barry is already getting rave reviews; “Gordon Barry is the best songwriter that’s come out of Camp Copperhead but make no mistake he was already a special songwriter when he got there”. – Steve Earle.

‘Old Fashioned Morphine’ was by far my favourite … It is a cover of Jolie Holland’s song but personally, I prefer Barry’s version. The song is very easy to listen to, with a repetitive chorus and a simple, country sound. Gordon’s voice suits the song really well and despite the simplicity of the song, it flaunts his vocal range thoroughly.” – An Nóta Árd.

River Sow Boil Water Notice remains in place

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water working in partnership with Wexford County Council wish to advise that the Boil Water Notice for the River Sow Regional Water Supply Scheme remains in place over the weekend.

The River Sow at beautiful Edenvale

Irish Water told WexfordLocal.com, in a statement issued this evening, that works and sampling continues in order to lift the Boil Water Notice and Irish Water are hopeful that following consultation with the HSE early next week, that the Boil Water Notice will be lifted.

All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking. All customers on the Sow Regional Public Water Supply who reside within the affected areas. This includes customers in the following areas: Ballymurn, Oylegate, Crossabeg, Oulart, The Ballagh, Glenbrien, Curracloe, Screen, Castlebridge and surrounding rural areas.

Issues arose at the Kilmallock Water Treatment Works following heavy rain on November 12th.

Due to a deterioration in raw water quality, the drinking water entering the Sow Regional Public Water Supply was affected and, as a result, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, Irish Water and Wexford County Council a Boil Water Notice was issued. It remains in place over the weekend, but may be lifted in the coming week.

Councillors commended for unanimous support

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council members have unanimously agreed on a Motion of Notice submitted by Cllr Mary Farrell supporting “a vision of an Ireland where we have freedom, choice and control over all aspects of our lives.” Wexford disability rights activist, Vivian Rath has commended local councillors for supporting the motion asking Government to legislate for the right to Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in Ireland.

CLLR MARY FARRELL
VIVIAN RATH

Thousands of disabled people live independently thanks to PAS, however, that service can be removed at any time as unbelievably PAS in Ireland is still operating as a pilot project and not legislated for as a basic human right. Its provision is dependent upon funding and access to the service can be removed at any time.

Vivian, who is a member of the Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) and a PhD student in Trinity College Dublin told WexfordLocal.com; “Independent living, which is underpinned by personal assistance services (PAS) is about having the freedom to have the same choices that everyone else has in life and by having that freedom we have a responsibility to live life to its fullest. It is about choosing what aspects of social, economic, political and community and spiritual life I want to participate in. It’s about taking responsibility for how I choose to live and grow in relationship to others. All of this and more is made possible by the support of PAS.”

Kilmuckridge-based Cllr Mary Farrell told Wexford Local.com; “Vivian has been a leading activist and advocate for People with Disabilities (PWD) for many years. He has an acute understanding of the challenges and barriers that PWD face daily. He has been their voice on many channels and mediums and never afraid to speak out and demand that the rights of PWD are heard and acted upon.

Cllr Farrell continued; “I worked in the disability sector for seventeen years and gained a valued insight into these challenges and I am passionate about ensuring and supporting the rights of PWD. I fully support and commend Vivian on his tireless efforts and dedicated work to ensure that PWD are afforded their basic human rights in every aspect of their lives. In this instance the legislation of the PAS to ensure that people can live fulfilling and independent lives based on their individual choices and needs”

“The Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI), which is a Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) is calling on the Government to finally recognise all rights to live independent lives with the support of PAS.

Chairperson of ILMI, Desmond Kenny stated; “Vivian, through his work has this month seen Wexford County Council unanimously pass a Motion supporting that right. “Wexford Local Authority have supported our vision of an Ireland where we have freedom, choice and control over all aspects of our lives. This should not be underestimated. We thank Vivian and Cllr Mary Farrell for proposing the motion, and Wexford Local Authority for passing it”.

Mr. Kenny clarified that this is only a step in the campaign to finally having our human rights recognised. He told WexfordLocal.com; “This Motion passed in Dáil Eireann on November 19th, 2019, having been brought before government by Deputy Thomas Pringle. Since then numerous local authorities across Ireland have voted to support it. As such this reaffirms that PAS, which support us to live independent lives should finally be legislated for as a right. We will continue in our fight for that right to be formally recognised by pushing our PAS Now campaign over the coming months.”  

Senator Byrne appointed to Brexit Committee

By Dan Walsh

Wexford’s Senator Malcolm Byrne has been appointed to the high-profile Seanad Brexit Committee which on behalf of the Oireachtas shall look at how Brexit is impacting on various parts of society and how legislators should respond. 

SENATOR MALCOLM BYRNE

The twelve-member committee will look at issues as diverse as trade, agriculture, education and transport – all key issues to Wexford. 

Senator Byrne said he was honoured by the appointment.

“I’ve been talking about the challenges of Brexit for several years, including organising a well-attended ‘Brexit and Wexford’ conference. There will be profound changes in the relationships on these islands while our bonds with continental Europe will deepen further,” he told WexfordLocal.com

Celebrating UN ‘World Toilet Day’

By Dan Walsh

Today is United Nations World Toilet Day and the fifth year of the Think Before You Flush campaign.

World Toilet Day celebrates toilets and raises awareness of the 4.2 billion people worldwide living without access to safely managed sanitation. It is about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

The Think Before You Flush campaign highlights the problems caused by flushing items such as wipes and cotton buds down the toilet. Research shows that 30% of people living in Ireland admit to flushing items such as wipes and cotton buds down the toilet, causing detrimental effects on the waste-water network and the marine environment.

Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water launches the Think Before You Flush campaign on World Toilet Day with @TheUselessProject.

Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts Officer said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign was the result of finding sewage related waste such as wipes on Irish beaches. 80% of marine litter originates from inland sources. Something as simple as a wipe can travel from a flushed toilet to the ocean and finally the beach possibly causing blockages and damage to marine life as it makes its journey.”

Niall O’Riordan, Regional Operations Wastewater Lead, Irish Water said; “Everyday people flush thousands of sanitary items such as wet wipes and cotton buds down the toilet instead of simply putting them in the bin. This causes blockages in our network, pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants. We clear approximately 2,000 blockages from our wastewater network every month.”

A simple solution is to dispose of wipes, cotton buds and other sanitary products in the bin and to only flush the 3P’s – pee, poo, and paper down the toilet.

On World Toilet Day, Clean Coasts are reminding people that their actions at home can help to keep our beaches clean. To spread awareness and celebrate World Toilet Day, Clean Coasts are running an online competition to win a year’s supply of sustainable toilet paper. Competition details on available on @TheUselessProject and @CleanCoasts Instagram pages.

More information about the Think Before You Flush campaign can be found at www.thinkbeforeyouflush.org 

Eyes in the sky around Courtown

By Dan Walsh

A new CCTV system using 21 cameras at seven locations is operational in the Courtown and Riverchapel areas of North Wexford.

COURTOWN HARBOUR

The November meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council facilitated by Microsoft Teams to comply with Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions took place yesterday (Tuesday) where members welcomed the development.

Approval from the Garda Commissioner for the CCTV System under Section 38 (3c) of the Garda Siochána Act 2005 was received on October 29th.

The system comprises of 21 CCTV cameras at seven different locations.

The purpose of the new system is to provide additional security for residents living in the Courtown-Riverchapel area and should deter public order offences thus improving general safety. The system is now operational.