WexfordLocal.com

Historic Market House renovation complete

By Dan Walsh

The paint is dry, and the colour is inviting following extensive refurbishment works of heritage and conservation carried out by Tom O’Brien Construction and now completed at the historic Market House building in Enniscorthy’s Market Square.

**ENNISCORTHY MARKET HOUSE… newly renovated in the town centre.**

This circa-1820’s Listed Building 3-storeys high with a 5-bay front has been completely transformed over the last number of months into a bright and modern offices for Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

During the works the staff normally based in Market Square were working from the old Courthouse building, however, CEO Tom Enright, speaking at the November meeting of Wexford County Council informed the members that “We intend for the staff to move back into the Market Square building by the end of the month.”

HISTORY; Administration of local services in Enniscorthy first came into operation in January 1899, on the passing of a comprehensive Local Government Act which wiped out all previous systems and set up County Councils and Urban Councils. The first Enniscorthy Urban Council election took place on January 16^{th, 1899} and consisted of fifteen members.

Was Lord Portsmouth’s Market House in 1798, was vacant in 1901 and reconstructed in 1910-’11.

The old market house of two storeys was used for meetings, but it was soon considered unsuitable for purpose. So, alterations and extensions were completed, resulting in the provision of classrooms for the Technical Institute instruction, an Urban Council office and meeting chamber, with a weight room and stores underneath.

During the recent renovation works a window (probably a doorway originally) opening onto Wafer Street was uncovered and it has been tastefully added to the modern Market House, much to the admiration of the local history and heritage enthusiasts.

Templeshannon Regeneration

By Dan Walsh

Information on the Templeshannon Regeneration Strategy was contained in a report from the Wexford County Council Special Projects Office revealed at Monday’s Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting held by Microsoft Teams to facilitate the Level 5 Coronavirus restrictions.

The strategy identifies a number of enabling projects required to achieve regeneration, including: (a) Improving the public realm and streetscape in Templeshannon area. (b) Establishing a new link to the town centre by construction of new pedestrian bridge. (c) The management and progressive transformation of the Leisure Centre car park, and the creation of new urban blocks for infill development.

The delivery of these enabling works can best be achieved by the development of a master plan for Templeshannon that will co-ordinate the public realm works with the development of the proposed new urban blocks within Templeshannon.

The brief for services for the masterplan was advertised in October and tenders are due on November 24^th.

The site investigation works on Island Road and in the Swimming Pool car park commenced and will be completed this week. The preliminary design and bridge options report will be completed on receipt of the data from the SI works in the coming months.

Lights, camera, action in North Wexford

By Dan Walsh

A 600-page planning application from Tara Studios for a new film and television studio to be located at Borleagh Manor, Gorey, will be lodged with Wexford County Council this week.

Tara Studios aims to become one of the largest studio facilities in Ireland encompassing seven sound stages and related production facilities.

Located near the village of Kilanerin, Borleagh Manor is an early-19^th century mansion associated with the Quin family for 250 years and in 1964 was purchased by British-born film and television actor Richard Greene, who played Shakespeare and other classic parts, but gained everlasting popularity for playing the title role in the television series, Robin Hood.

Greene established a successful stud farm at Borleagh and sold the house and estate in 1972.

Borleagh Manor sits in a private woodland in 160 acres close to the M11, is ideally located and the development will create skilled, technical, and professional jobs that will benefit the community.

The project is the vision of Ivan Dunleavy, a former chief executive of Pinewood Studios Group, one of Europe’s biggest film studio companies, and media finance expert John Gleeson.

This is a significant potential employment creator in the area as well as a major addition to the business and creative landscape of North Wexford.

Senator Malcolm Byrne told WexfordLocal.com; “I’ve been happy to work with the team to bring the project to this stage and there has been extensive pre-planning discussion with Wexford County Council before this application will be lodged. This will be transformative for the local but also national creative economy and I am strongly supportive of this application.”

‘Shop Enniscorthy Support Local’ campaign launched

By Dan Walsh

The much anticipated ‘Shop Enniscorthy, Shop Local, online or on the street’ public information campaign to encourage the community to spend locally is launched. Supported by Enniscorthy & District Chamber, Enniscorthy Business Association, and the Municipal District Council, all three partners joined forces with the aim to retain as much consumer spend in the region in the run up to Christmas.

President of Enniscorthy District Chamber, Maree Lyng commented; “We are excited to launch ‘Shop Enniscorthy Support Local’ campaign today around our town and look forward to seeing the face of retail promoted to locals and visitors alike. It has been a difficult time for all to trade while navigating through Covid19 restrictions but if we can garner as much community spirit behind spending locally this season, we will emerge the other side of lockdown and Christmas, still in business. Our shops and services are the lifeblood of our town so think local and love local before buying, it’s a serious choice and will save jobs.”

The signs on Rafter Bridge says it all – ‘Shop Enniscorthy Support Local.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy said; “It makes ‘cents’ to spend locally and to showcase our wonderful shops operating as essential services, online or through click and collect. I’d ask everybody to check out the campaign through the shopenniscorthy.ie website and social media pages.”

Dermot Kavanagh of Enniscorthy Business Association said; “We have had great buy in for ‘Shop Enniscorthy Support Local’ from our members and we would like to thank the Municipal District Council and the Chamber for their support at this difficult time as some members are severely stretched. Any investment that helps encourage our loyal customer base to remember to keep shopping locally is to be welcomed. It is a positive initiative, and we are all pulling together to ensure the business community of our town makes the best of the festive season”.

AUDIO ADDITION – CLLR BARBARA ANNE MURPHY, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council urges people to shop local in Enniscorthy.

Roadside signs have been erected to highlight the drive which continues over the coming months with special promotions planned to mark illuminating Black Friday this year, those reopening after lockdown and to publicise the many Christmas offers available locally. So, from butchers to boutiques and everybody in-between keep posted for updates right up to the when the January sales start!

Planning for two office buildings at Enniscorthy Technology Park

By Dan Walsh

Planning consent for the development of two modern office buildings (circa. 9,100m2) at Enniscorthy Technology Park has been granted, including one proposed to accommodate the United Nations NZEB Training Centre of Excellence, to be developed initially by Wexford County Council in collaboration with the Waterford Wexford Educational Training Board with designation from the UN and the Irish Government and Climate Action funding expected to follow.

FLASHBACK; Turning the sod on Enniscorthy Technology Park in August 2018; (Left to right); Cllr Willie Kavanagh, Chairman Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Tom Enright, CEO Wexford County Council, Cllr Keith Doyle Chairman Wexford County Council, Minister Paul Kehoe, Maree Lyng, President Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, Minister Michael D’Arcy and Niall Barry, Contractor.

This information is contained in the Enniscorthy Technology Park report from the Wexford County Council Special Projects Office revealed at today’s (Monday) Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting held by Microsoft Teams to facilitate the Level 5 Coronavirus restrictions.

The Enniscorthy Technology Park – Phase 1 works to open up the three roadside sites for development was substantially completed in October 2019. The snagging is due to be completed by end of January 2021.

Work on site to develop the first building is underway.

The Phase 2 works, to open up the remaining sites at the Park for development, will take place when sufficient interest is secured in developing the remaining plots.

The first sod turning ceremony took place in August 2018 at Enniscorthy Business and Technology Park which is a €2.5 million project under development beside the River Slaney on a 35-acre site at Killagoley on what was once part of the farm land attached to St. Senan’s Hospital.

O’Neill and Bowe share Tinahely treble

By Dan Walsh

Three winners for Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe, a double for Rob James and the 200^th career winner for Ballindaggin handler Donnchadh Doyle made for plenty of local highlights at today’s Wicklow Foxhounds point-to-point at a showery Fairwood, Tinahely.

Fashion’s Model got the O’Neill-Bowe winner machine into gear with an impressive three lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. The grey Flemensfirth mare was running in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours.

**BARRY O’NEILL braved the mud and the rain at Fairwood, Tinahely.**

Gallopongray, owned and bred by Maria Kavanagh, Arklow, supplied winner number two for the champions by six lengths in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares.

Winner number three for O’Neill-Bowe, who are now on 30 wins and 20 wins, respectively, came in the maiden race for five and six year old geldings and a runaway 15 lengths success for Pay The Piper in the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd colours.

Donnchadh Doyle saddled his 12^th winner of the current campaign and his 200^th career winner in 11 seasons training as Guily Billy came home well by four lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings in the Monbeg Syndicate silks. This was the first leg of a double for Rob James.

Rob James’ double came aboard Some Man for David Christie who lead from flag fall to finish for a five lengths victory depriving Barry O’Neill (on Kruzhlinin) of a four-timer in the Open Lightweight Race.

The final race of the day for novice riders went to Mullingar and Michael’s Pick, trained by Dot Love and ridden by Timmy Love, Meath, by one length.

There was also point-to-points at Thurles today and just one Wexford trained winner. First timer Ake Bomaye in the Baltimore Stables Syndicate colours was a three lengths winner for handler Ellen Doyle, Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, and Cleariestown rider Barry Stone.

Racing took place yesterday (Saturday) at Loughbrickland, Co. Down, there were no Wexford trained winners from a small number of runners although Barry O’Neill and Jamie Codd rode a winner apiece.

Jamie Cood was aboard Lasparas for Ballymena handler Jamie Sloan winning the maiden race for five year old geldings by seven lengths, while the regular team of Fermanagh handler David Christie and Barry O’Neill prevailed with Ask D’Man by eight lengths in the Winner of Two race.

Bunclody online public consultation meeting

The Draft Wexford County Development Plan 2021-2027, which is currently on public display, includes a Settlement Plan for Bunclody town as set out in Volume 3 of the Draft Plan.

In order to facilitate further engagement with the local community on the draft Bunclody Town Settlement Plan, and given the current Covid-19 restrictions around public gatherings, Wexford County Council is hosting an Online Public Consultation meeting via Microsoft Teams on Monday, November 23^rd from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

The meeting will consist of a presentation on the Draft Settlement Plan and a question and answer session. Anyone wishing to attend this online meeting, please register in advance with the Planning Department, either by phoning the Planning Customer Service Unit at 053 9196101 or by emailing forwardplanning@wexfordcoco.ie

Please note that this email address is for the purposes of registering only. It is not to be used for making written submissions or observations on the Draft Plan.

To ensure that everyone is registered and receives the required links in time, requests to register should be received no later than 1pm on the day of the meeting.

The Draft Plan can be viewed online at https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or by appointment at the Planning Department, Block B, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93.

Kilmuckridge and Ardamine in Pride of Place awards

By Dan Walsh

Kilmuckridge village and Glenbeg Point Estate (Ardamine) are among the 82 groups nominated in the virtual 2020 IPB Insurance Pride of Place awards when the 18^th anniversary of the awards take place online due to the Covid-19 pandemic on Saturday, November 21st.

The Pride of Place awards is an annual competition organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance. It promotes and celebrates the best in community development and recognises the selfless efforts of people in making their local area a better place to live, work and socialise. 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.

“This year more than ever, the work of our communities was even more important as they managed the challenge of Covid-19 and ensured our vulnerable people were looked after. We are proud to have the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate all the wonderful communities who participated in this year’s awards.”

Dr. Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland added: “Co-operation Ireland has no other programme that embodies the charity’s ethos better than Pride of Place and in 2020 it’s even more important it takes place to recognise the huge efforts of ordinary people during the pandemic.”

George Jones, Chairman, IPB Insurance said: “IPB Insurance is proud to be associated as title sponsors of the IPB Pride of Place Awards and more importantly what they represent. Working together and getting things done increases people’s pride in where they live and in turn helps build vibrant communities.”

Kilmuckridge village and Glenbeg Point Estate (Ardamine) are among the groups nominated in 2020. RTE’s Marty Morrissey will host the event and the awards will be streamed at www.prideofplace.ie

Boil Water Notice issued for SOW water scheme

By Dan Walsh

A Boil Water Notice has been put in place for approximately 9,383 people in the area of the SOW water scheme due to the recent bad weather causing a shutdown at the Killmallock Water Treatment plant, near Ballymurn, and has seen a deterioration in raw water quality at the plant.

The plant is struggling to treat the water to the requisite standard and has forced intermittent plant shutdowns, resulting in outages in the network.

The areas affected by the Boil Water Notice include Ballymurn, Oylegate, Crtossabeg, Oulart, The Ballagh, Glenbrien, Curracloe, Screen, Castlebridge and adjoining areas.

Irish Water’s drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Wexford County Council to resolve the issue as quickly and as safely as possible.

Customers in the aforementioned areas are advised to boil water before use until further notice.

Irish Water has made direct contact with customers registered on the customers register affected by this Boil Water Notice. Irish Water would like to remind customers to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

For queries regarding this Boil Water Notice, customers should contact Irish Water directly on the customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1850 278 278.

Mgr. Lennon steps down as PP of Clonard

By Dan Walsh

The parish priest of Clonard, Right-Rev. Monsignor Denis Lennon has retired on age grounds, however, he has agreed to continue as curate in the Wexford town parish. Fr Barry Larkin C.C. has been appointed Administrator of Clonard.

Mgr. Lennon’s retirement has been accepted by Bishop Denis Brennan who has congratulated him on his devotion and dedication to the congregation of Clonard and he has welcomed his willingness to continue as curate in the parish. Both appointments are effective immediately.

Mgr. Lennon is a native of Bunclody, ordained 53 years ago, and served 20 years at the House of Missions, Enniscorthy, before two years in Brazil with the Ferns Diocesan Missions, and returned to the House of Missions.

He served as curate in Screen before being appointed parish priest of Clonard on September 17^th, 1994 – over 26 years’ service.

Clonard was part of the parish of Wexford until July 1976 when it was constituted a separate parish. A modern church, it is semi-circular in shape and can seat 650.