WexfordLocal.com

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.

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 27^th 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 27^th.

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.

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 12^th.

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.

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 19^th, 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.

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.

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 29^th.

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.

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.”