WexfordLocal.com

CEIST seeks patronage of new Gorey school

By Dan Walsh

Welcoming the recent announcement of a new secondary school for Gorey, the Bishop of Ferns, Dr. Denis Brennan has today written to the priests and school principals of parishes in the Gorey school catchment area.

In his letter he has asked that they highlight to parents – of children in the 2nd to 6th classes in the parish schools – that the patronage of this new secondary school will ultimately be determined – by these parents themselves – through a voting process.
In the letter, Bishop Brennan has taken the opportunity to communicate his backing for CEIST, (a Catholic patron body that includes Mercy and Presentation schools) in its bid to secure a Catholic Post Primary School in the Gorey area.

“I think it’s important that we acknowledge the generosity of CEIST in this instance,” said Bishop Brennan. “Responding to requests received from within the Gorey area, they have undertaken to become involved – to make their gifts and experience available and to provide – if successful – an education to the highest of standards, in line with what can best be described, as a very life giving and well considered, Christian ethos.”
“CEIST approached me directly two weeks ago and I was delighted to support them in their application. Aware of the excellent work that is carried out by CEIST in the other main towns of our Diocese – St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross, Presentation Secondary School, Wexford and Coláiste Bríde Enniscorthy – my response was very clear”said Bishop Brennan, who added; “it would be great to see Gorey now join and complete that list.”

Bishop Brennan told WexfordLocal.com; “My own thoughts on the matter of patronage are truly clear. Parents are the primary educators of their children. This process allows them to vote for what they believe is best. I believe CEIST is best and I extend to this patron body every good wish in its bid to provide a co-educational school for 600 pupils.

“The work of Ceist in 107 schools in Ireland makes them very deserving of a fair hearing in the north east of our diocese,” the Bishop concluded, “in their own words – they are ‘tried, tested and trusted’.”

Parents are invited to tune into a town hall meeting, hosted by CEIST in Gorey next Thursday, November 5^th at 8 pm. The meeting can be accessed via www.ceist.ie. At the meeting CEIST will make its case for patronage of the school and will outline to parents, how they can participate and have their say – in a very practical way – about their children’s future.
Parents from 2nd to 6th Class are eligible to vote and can do so on www.ceist.ie or directly on https://patronage.education.gov.ie

Barry O’Neill has another double

By Dan Walsh

Today’s point-to-point at Curraghmore, Co. Waterford, was relatively quiet for Wexford raiders by their own standards, however, the leading yards of Colin Bowe and Donnchadh Doyle continued winning form.

First timer Magic Daze is destined for the sales ring after a one and a half-length victory in the first division of the four-year-old mares’ maiden race for Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill.

O’Neill went on to make it a riding double when he partnered Dunbar for Eoin Doyle, Mooncoin, to a two and a half lengths victory in the ‘older maidens’ race. This was O’Neill’s 25^th winner of the season.

Gentlemansgame with Rob James up had five lengths to spare in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. Another success for the Monbeg Syndicate and 10^th winner of the season for handler Donnchadh Doyle.

Rob James added a second winner for the afternoon on Some Man, by 10 lengths, for Fermanagh handler David Christie.

Storm Aiden is coming your way!

An Garda Síochána is advising that all unnecessary travel should be avoided following the Status Orange and Yellow warnings issued by Met Éireann which will come into effect from tomorrow at 5am, Saturday 31st October. For more info visit http://met.ie. #staysafe

Storm Aiden will impact heavily along the coastal areas of Munster, Connacht, and West Ulster, we are urging the public to follow the advice below:

Extraordinarily strong winds are predicted making driving conditions hazardous, especially for the more vulnerable road users, e.g., cyclists, pedestrian’s, motorcyclist, and high sided vehicles. Road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees, flying debris and flooded roads.

High seas and wave activity will make coastal areas hazardous; the public are advised to stay away from coastal areas/cliff walks during this period.

People are advised to remove or secure patio furniture, rubbish bins and any loose items from around buildings.

Local authorities will provide updated information on flooding and local conditions. People are advised to follow updated weather forecasts throughout the weekend.

Death of homeless man in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

The Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Leonard Kelly has expressed sadness and described as “incredibly sad news” the lonely death of a homeless man who had been sleeping rough in the Newtown Road area of Wexford town.

The body of the Polish man in his 60’s was discovered this morning. The scene was sealed off for some time and an investigation is under way.

“Without knowing the particulars of his life, I am not going to speculate but to see a fellow human dying in such conditions is not something we should tolerate as a society. My thoughts are with him, his family and all those who are living through similar circumstances,” he said.

Mayor Kelly added that increased unemployment among our younger people, rising rents locally as well as changing patterns in drug and alcohol use are creating a perfect storm where more individuals are presenting as being at risk of homelessness or actually becoming homeless. “This need to be acknowledged by our policy makers, and more funding needs to be made available locally to deal with what will be a growing crisis if not tackled.”

Mayor Kelly is requesting the people of Wexford to join with him tonight in lighting a candle to the deceased and to his memory. “Please join me in lighting a candle if you can,” he concluded.

Sunday Prayer and Remembrance Service

By Dan Walsh

Bishop Denis Brennan will lead a Service to dedicate the month of November as a month of Prayer and Remembrance for the Dead and for the Comfort of the Bereaved at 3pm in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, on Sunday. November 1^st.

Many parishes in the diocese will also hold their own Service so check out your local parish church for details. The Cathedral Service can be viewed online at https://www.churchservices.tv/enniscorthycathedral

Bishop Brennan told WexfordLocal.com; “This year, the month of November, in which we traditionally remember the dead and pray for the bereaved, will be particularly poignant. We sense a huge yearning for consolation and hope in the heart of our people. We are especially mindful in 2020 of those grieving families, who, because of restrictions, have been unable to experience the customary spiritual and community supports which are so much part of our Irish tradition.

“On Sunday at 3pm the bishops and priests of Ireland will lead a short service of prayer to dedicate the month of November to ‘Remembrance of the Dead and Prayer for the Bereaved’. We invite the whole country to unite in this moment which will be followed by parish liturgies throughout the month of November, reaching out as much as possible to those who cannot be physically present, concluded Bishop Brennan.

Ringbouys removed at Courtown Harbour

By Dan Walsh

There is widespread public concern and disappointment at the news that three Ringbouys have gone missing from Courtown Harbour this morning. They are presumed maliciously removed from their moorings as the likelihood of all three removed at the same time prompts suspicion!

David Swinburne, Officer-in-Charge Courtown Coast Unit told WexfordLocal.com; “The removal of Ringbouys is both wreckless and dangerous, when someone is in difficulty in water seconds are vital and every second counts when you are talking about someone’s life”

“If anybody has information please let the relevant authorities know. Ringbouys are located at vital points along coasts for public safety and removing them is not only an offence but puts public safety at risk,” said a spokesperson for Courtown RNLI.

The slogan is A Stolen Ringbouy- A Stolen Life. They have been reported missing to Irish Water Safety on Ringbouys.ie

Remember if you see someone in difficulty on or near the water dial 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Positive news for school secretaries and caretakers

By Dan Walsh

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has welcomed the positive progress being made in relation to regularising pay and conditions for school secretaries and caretakers.

Minister Browne, who along with his Fianna Fáil Party colleagues, campaigned for an end to the two tier structure which saw some school secretaries at a disadvantage when it came to sick leave, certainty of hours or pay increases, said it was important that Education Minister, Norma Foley T.D., move quickly on the issue.

Minister Browne told WexfordLocal.com; “Everyone knows their school secretary and caretaker – they are integral to the running of a school and have been taking on more responsibilities than ever, from assisting principals with complex administration, to organising fundraising for school events.

CLLR LISA McDONALD… supporting school secretaries and caretakers

“They really are the backbone of most schools and often the first port of call for students and parents and it’s important that this is recognised. “In these difficult times where we are expecting a lot from our schools it’s important that they know that they are valued and appreciated,” Minister Browne concluded.

The news is also welcomed by Cllr Lisa McDonald of the Rosslare Municipal District Council who told WexfordLocal.com; “This was in Fianna Fáil’s General Election manifesto. Good news for our school secretaries and caretakers!”

Discover free library services during Level 5

By Dan Walsh

The five libraries across County Wexford at Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Wexford town are closed under Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, but library services remain open to the public.

**WEXFORD LIBRARY (Pic; Wexford County Council)**

You can continue to use your library 24/7 and free of charge online too!

· join the library online;

· download eBooks and eAudiobooks;

· read magazines and newspapers

· take eLearning or language courses;

· watch or listen to storytimes; or,

· take part in other activities like online bookclubs.

Do you know someone who is isolated and unable to use online library services? Would they like library staff to select some books and deliver them to their door? If so, please get in touch with library staff on 053 9196566.

AUDIO ADDITION – County Librarian EILEEN MORRISSEY explains how to keep in touch with your local library during the Level 5 restrictions

Visit www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries for more information.

€92,265 for 3 Wexford coastal projects

By Dan Walsh

Three Wexford organisations will benefit from EMFF Fisheries Local Action Group funding through the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine. Total funding amounts to €92,265.

**OUR LADY’S ISLAND gets funding for Tourism Centre**

Our Lady’s Island’s Community Development group will receive €64,000 towards the development of a tourist interpretive centre.

St. Kearns Rowing Club, Saltmills, benefits from €22,380 for an anti-vandal unit and rowing machines while Ramsgrange Men’s Shed will receive €5,885 for a woodwork project enhancement.

Wexford T.D. and Minister of State for Law Reform at the Department of Justice and Equality James Browne told WexfordLocal.com; “I’m delighted that three Wexford coastal projects will benefit from the funding. These grants are designed to support coastal communities. I know that Our Lady’s Island Community Development Group, St. Kearns Rowing Club and Ramsgrange Men’s Shed will enjoy terrific economic and social benefits because of these funding allocations.”

North Wexford Park and Ride

By Dan Walsh

Following a parliamentary question Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne T.D. has welcomed a commitment from Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan T.D., to review the assessment of North Wexford Park and Ride locations.

The Transport Minister says that the National Transport Authority (NTA) will review the potential for Park and Ride locations in the North Wexford area once works on a core bus corridor along the N11/M11 are advanced.

“I’m glad Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan T.D., recognises the importance of the NTA reviewing the need for North Wexford bus-based Park and Ride locations. North Wexford is home to many people who commute to Dublin for their work. People in the Gorey area regularly park in the hard shoulders near the M11 exits 22 and 23. Burglars have previously targeted these cars.

“Overall, the NTA is seeking to develop a bus priority lane between Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow and the Loughlinstown Roundabout in south Dublin. If established, a core bus corridor would stretch between Kilmacanogue and the city centre. This provides a brilliant opportunity to develop a bus-based Park and Ride location in North Wexford. I will continue to keep this development at the forefront of the Transport Minister and the NTA’s plans”, Minister Browne concluded.

Minister Eamonn Ryan confirmed that in line with Action 89 of the Climate Action Plan 2019, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has established a ‘Park and Ride Development Office’. “I understand that the initial work of the Park and Ride Development Office is to prepare a Park and Ride Strategy, which will guide the NTA’s activities in this area over the coming years. Most of the work of the office is focussed on providing strategic (regional level) Park and Ride facilities to enable access to the main urban areas, in addition to rail-based Park and Ride facilities at rail stations and key Luas stops. More local Park and Ride facilities will continue to be the responsibility of the relevant local authority,” stated Minister Ryan.