WexfordLocal.com

Enniscorthy awarded Cycling City status

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy has been awarded Ville à Vélo du Tour de France Cycling City status in recognition of hosting a stage of the 1998 Tour de France and is now the only town not in mainland Europe to achieve this status.

Phil Skelton of WEXBUG (Wexford Bicycle Users Group), Dervla Tierney and Enniscorthy District Manager Ger Mackey did trojan work to pull this application together and Enniscorthy is delighted at the successful outcome.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council said; “We now look forward to working with all the stakeholders to get the best we can from this unique award and create the conditions to create more active travel. We especially look forward to welcoming cycling visitors this summer and beyond. Tour de France is a massive brand and to come under its umbrella has much potential in terms of tapping into Irish and EU funding.”

‘**The Cyclist’ memorial at Fairgreen, Enniscorthy, unveiled by Sean Kelly to mark a stage of the Tour de France come to Enniscorthy in 1998.**

Slaney Cycling Club, founded in 1974, back in 1996 lobbied politicians and civic authorities to invite the Tour de France to start in Ireland. The response was positive under the Minister for Sport, James McDaid T.D. It was the first time that an Irish Government funded a major sporting event to come to Ireland.

It was a dream come true on Monday July 13^th when Stage 2 of the Tour de France started at the Fairgreen, Enniscorthy, and almost 200 of the world’s cycling talent travelled the 205.5kms to the finish in Cork passing via Clonroche, New Ross, Waterford and Carrick-On-Suir, home of legendary international cyclist and later race commentator Sean Kelly. The stage winner was Ján Svorada from Czechoslovakia.

A commemorative memorial ‘The Cyclist’ stands at the starting point in Fairgreen and was unveiled by cyclist Sean Kelly. The occasion has been further enhanced 23 years later with the envious title ‘Enniscorthy Cycling City’ bringing international recognition to Slaneyside once more.

AUDIO ADDITION; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy , Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal Council is delighted with ‘Cycle City’ Status.

Paving the way for 1,000 Enniscorthy jobs!

By Dan Walsh

After months of inactivity due to Covid-19 lockdown the workers and machinery have resumed progress at Enniscorthy’s Business and Technology Park and a brief ceremony took place at the Killagoley site today to mark the turning of the sod for the first building on the site.

Tossing the sod for the first building in the new Business and Technology Park at Killagoley, Enniscorthy; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council; Tom Enright, Chief Executive Wexford County Council; Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne, who performed the brief ceremony; Michael Bennett, Contractor and Project Manager; and Maree Lyng, President Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce.

Limited in numbers attending and held under strict Covid-19 guidelines and protocols the honour of turning the first sod and tossing it in the air in triumph was assigned to Enniscorthy’s Minister for State at the Department of Justice, James Browne T.D.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy said the sod turning had been long awaited as the Covid-19 stalled progress, but today we are seeing that the building is real!

“In the not too distant future we will have a high quality building, with a second on the way, and the possibility of 1,000 high quality jobs between the two of them. Won’t that be really wonderful and Enniscorthy needs it and Enniscorthy deserves it,” Cllr Murphy told WexfordLocal.com

Also present today were Tom Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Wexford County Council, Michael Bennett, Contractor and Project Manager, who welcomed the guests onto the site, and Maree Lyng who was performing her final appearance as President of Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce.

On August 3^rd 2018 the first sod was turned at Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park which is a €2.5 million project to be built beside the River Slaney on a 35-acre site at Killagoley on what was once part of the the farm land for St. Senan’s Hospital.
Speaking on that occasion the Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr Keith Doyle said; “The Technology Park has the potential to bring hundreds of jobs to Enniscorthy and will be the key to economic revitalisation of Enniscorthy town.”

Tom Enright, Wexford County Council Chief Executive Officer said it was “a very important day, not just for Enniscorthy, but for County Wexford, and today we make a confident and strong step forward on the future economic and social progress of Enniscorthy.”

AUDIO ADDITION; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy is delighted at the progress made at Enniscorthy Technology Park.

Save Courtown Woods “a matter of urgency”

By Dan Walsh

Concerns over the potential sale of Courtown Woods and the initiation of a local petition on social media calling on Wexford County Council and local public representatives to intervene is gaining public support after alarm bells were set off by Courtown Community Council last week.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, who has been liaising between Courtown Community Council and Wexford County Council management, has issued a press statement on the matter.

“Are we to be the generation that allows these public woods, which were given to the people over a century ago, to fall into the hands of private speculators? Future generations would not forgive us!” states Cllr Ó Súilleabháin.

He alleges there hasn’t been full transparency nor local consultation, “and all concerned groups-the community, the council and the liquidator must now sit down around a table as a matter of utmost urgency.”

A statement from Courtown Community Council is quite explicit. “Courtown Woods is in the final stages of being sold to a private developer. Although, like ourselves, the community welcomes new business to the area and are looking forward to the Adventure & Leisure Centre re-opening, many people have communicated concern about the transparency of sale of the Woods and the lack of engagement with the community. It is prudent that every detail of the agreement is clarified now to protect Courtown Woods before it is too late.”

Courtown Community Council is seeking urgent support to halt this sale, request that Wexford County Council confirm full protection of Courtown Woods from further development and ensure that ownership of the Woods remains within the community.

There are serious concerns that that Courtown Woods could potentially be sold on to a third party where the current agreement may no longer be valid and the needs of the community overlooked.

Plans for a new, modern hotel in Courtown have been circulating recently, while other hotels in town lie empty or demolished. “How will these new development plans impact the natural resources of the area, and will this transfer of Courtown Woods into private ownership leave the Natural Heritage Area vulnerable to continued private development?” they ask?

The statement also notes that Courtown has already suffered devastation from the loss of the beach and Blue Flag status. “We are concerned that further development in Courtown Woods could leave the area with no natural amenities for the public to utilise, which would have far-reaching socio-economic impacts on the area,” concludes Courtown Community Council.

Sen. Byrne appointed to New Ireland Commission

By Dan Walsh

Gorey-based Senator Malcolm Byrne has been appointed to the New Ireland Commission established today (Friday) with the aim of exploring how to build co-operation and partnerships on this island, in health, in education, in the economy, and in other areas.

It is a progressive initiative that looks to bring people from different backgrounds and opinions on this island together to learn and share ideas.

“I’ve been honoured to be asked by SDLP Leader, Colin Eastwood, to serve as a member of the Commission along with academics, businesspeople, trade unionists, community workers, leaders of different faiths and others,” said Senator Byrne, who added; “The group includes a former Republican prisoner as well as the former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.”

Senator Byrne told WexfordLocal.com; “We have a lot of work to do to build a new Ireland and we must be willing to listen and work together.”

Churches re-open with limits from Monday

By Dan Walsh

Priests and parish workers across the Diocese of Ferns are preparing to make church buildings ready for the re-opening for public worship from next Monday, May 10^th. This is in line with the most recent Covid-19 guidelines.

**OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH, DUNCANNON.**

But many restrictions remain in place. Numbers of 50 are permitted for Funerals and Weddings from that date. Whether this applies only to Funerals and Weddings – and not Sunday or daily Masses (as pods of 50) – will need to be established.

The guidelines include the phrase that ‘it’s advised that other religious ceremonies such as Communions and Confirmations should not take place at this time’.

The diocese will consult with the national church – as to any more specific guidance as may have been received – and it will study interpretations – or any further public utterances, which may offer clarity.

To recommence worship, to respect best practice and guidelines and to act in the spirit both of public Christian witness and commitment to the common good remain diocesan objectives.

Information regards the situation in your local church should be obtained from the parish office or presbytery.

Army Bomb unit called to Saltmills

By Dan Walsh

An Army Bomb Disposal Team was called into operation at Saltmills, New Ross, this morning where a controlled explosion was carried out on a corrosive metal object.

The Army team was requested by An Garda Siochana and arrived at the scene at approximately 11.36 am.

In a statement issued on request from WexfordLocal.com the Defence Forces Press Office said that on arrival a cordon was established and maintained for the duration of the operation.

**The scene at Saltmills today where a cordon was in place for Army Bomb Disposal operation. (Pic; An Garda Siochana)**

“A long cylindrical metal object was identified. Due to corrosion, it was not initially possible to identify the nature of the item and a precautionary controlled explosive was conducted. Subsequent analysis determined that the item did not contain explosives and was likely not of military origin.”

The scene was declared safe and the team departed just after 3.30pm.

Due to corrosion the object could not be identified accurately, however, it is understood locally that the object may have been used to weigh down lobster pots!

NB; Should members of the public encounter suspicious items, or hazardous substances, they are advised to maintain a safe distance and inform An Garda Síochána.

Peter honoured by Courtown RNLI

By Dan Walsh

Enthusiastic Courtown member Peter Browne has been ‘recognised for extraordinary service’ and received his 20-year medal for outstanding achievement to the RNLI.

**PETER BROWNE is honoured by the RNLI.** (Pic Courtown RNLI)

The presentation was made by Sam Kennedy, Lifeboat Operations Manager, following last night’s training session with adherence to Covid-19 guidelines and protocol.

Having become involved as a fresh faced 16 years old Peter has been a Helm on the crew for almost 16 years.

Peter is remembered as one of the crew to feature on Saving Lives at Sea when they featured Courtown RNLI’s rescue of a young girl who came off her jet ski.

“We at Courtown RNLI would like to thank Peter for his dedicated service over the past 20 years, and we hope to properly honour all those who have received medals when restrictions are lifted,” concluded Mr Kennedy.

Saving Courtown Woods

By Dan Walsh

The committee of Courtown Community Council (CCC) are requesting Wexford County Council to delay the sale of Courtown Woods due to concerns regarding future protection and development and are requesting a meeting with the proposed new owners, Wexford County Council and the liquidators to create a management plan.

The committee are agreeable for the sale of the Leisure Centre to go ahead separately as the wider community are keen to have the pool reopened.

The committee, on behalf of the wider community, believes that the Section 38 agreement only covers public access to the woods and does not provide enough protection from further development in the woods. “It is essential the details are clarified with all stakeholders now before the former community owned woodland transfers into private ownership,” they said in a statement on social media.

CCC welcomes new business and are keen to see the Adventure & Leisure Centre open where it is sympathetic with the communities needs and the townscape, however, the community has concerns with the lack of transparency and community engagement throughout the sale process.”

A significant area of Courtown Woods is designated as a proposed Natural Heritage Area. These woods are a valued amenity for locals and visitors and provide a unique opportunity for the public to immerse themselves in nature and to connect with biodiversity in these times of crisis.

The community has fought for the protection of these woods for many decades and want no further felling of any trees, except under exceptional circumstances such as tree disease or extreme damage.

CCC is currently collaborating with Wexford County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte and Wexford Walking Trails to manage all the trail systems in Courtown.

Courtown Woodland Trail is bounded by the Owenavarra River on the north side and the canal on the seaward side to the east and dates to pre-Famine times.

At 25 hectares, the wood was once home to oak and ash trees but having been acquired by the State in the late 1950s, it was planted with commercial timber. The mixed conifers – broadleaf plantings – were large of spruce with some ash although small strands of oak remain together with avenues of chestnut and lime trees.

Courtown has four walkways that takes the visitor or the local through nature in the footsteps of the previous Lords and Ladies of Courtown and their guests as they enjoyed privileged country life.

€208,000 funding for Kilmore Quay

By Dan Walsh

Kilmore Quay has received a significant investment to the tune of €208,000 in capital funding for upgrade works and repairs and while there is a general welcome locally, Fianna Fáil member in the Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Lisa McDonald is particularly impressed.

“I am delighted to be informed that €208,000 in capital funding will be spent on upgrade works and repairs in Kilmore Quay, a busy fishing community in the Rosslare Municipal District,” said Cllr. McDonald.

She added; “75% (€156,000) of this funding comes from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with the remaining 25% (€52,000) coming from Wexford County Council.

“This funding in Kilmore Quay will be utilised for an upgrade to power points (€80,000), repair to Quay walls (€25,000), Mooring Bollards (€25,000), an access ladder on the west pier (€18,000), repair works to the marina (€30,000) and the painting of marina piles (€30,000),” continued Cllr. McDonald.

Cllr McDonald also acknowledged the contribution of her party colleagues Minister James Browne, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue and Wexford County Council officials for their efforts to secure this funding.

€45m Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme makes progress?

By Dan Walsh

Construction work on the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme that includes a new bridge across the River Slaney costing more than €45 million is closer to commencement after the latest documents have reached the Minister’s desk in Dublin.

Cllr. Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council has been informed that the Supplementary Information requested by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme has been finalised by Wexford County Council.

Enniscorthy Flood Defence Liaison Person, Larry McHale has confirmed to Cllr. Murphy that the required information was submitted to the Office of Public Works on April 27^th and the OPW sent it on to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on Friday April 30^th.

Cllr Murphy told WexfordLocal.com that “as was agreed at by the members of Enniscorthy Municipal District, we are now seeking meetings with Minister Michael McGrath TD Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and to stress upon them the urgency of getting the building of the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme started.

“It is imperative that this project gets underway this year. The completed project will provide vital protection to the homes and businesses adversely affected in Enniscorthy by flooding over many years,” concluded Cllr Murphy.

Main construction work can commence when the scheme has been confirmed by the Minister.

It is expected that the entire Flood Defence Scheme for Enniscorthy which will include building a new bridge across the River Slaney will cost more than €45 million.