WexfordLocal.com

Bank closures shock rural Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Bank of Ireland has confirmed closure of 103 branches, including two in Wexford at Rosslare Harbour and Taghmon, while a large number in North Wexford will be affected by the loss of Carnew and Tinahely in south Wicklow and Borris and Tullow in Carlow.

The bank says that Covid-19 has accelerated a shift in the industry towards digital banking and the bank has signed a deal to allow personal and business customers use their local An Post office for certain services, including cash withdrawals and cash and cheque lodgements.

AIB and Ulster Bank, which is exiting the market, have similar partnerships with An Post.

**ROSSLARE HARBOUR branch of Bank of Ireland**

“Sad day for the local area. Another attack on rural Ireland,” was how Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Ger Carthy stated on hearing the news. “Bank of Ireland bailed out by Fianna Fàil and the Greens and now Rosslare Harbour and Taghmon banks allowed to shut under Fine Gael, Fianna Fàil and the Greens. Don’t forget this decision when they come to your door the next time,” he concluded.

Commenting of social media today, Cllr Jim Codd said “This is another attack on rural Ireland and will leave many people who are not comfortable using online banking hung out to dry.” Cllr Codd added; Four years ago hundreds of people signed a petition calling on Bank of Ireland to preserve the Taghmon branch when it looked in danger of closing. I plan on recreating this petition now and I am asking for volunteers to help. Rural Wexford cannot afford another blow like this and it’s clear that the powers to be using the current crisis to offload assets they no longer want to hold.”

This is another significant blow for rural Ireland following the loss of post offices and garda stations across County Wexford in recent years. And there are issues with the availability of broadband services with pockets having no broadband services at all.

Wexford business face more Brexit

By Dan Walsh

Wexford businesses need to be ready for further import checks from April 1^st with the introduction of new documentary import controls on certain categories of EU goods such as all products of animal origin, including all meat, dairy, fish and composite products incorporating products of animal origin, as well as regulated plants and plant products.

Wexford’s Senator Malcolm Byrne points out that these new regulations will impact on supply chains for those shipping goods from Wexford and Ireland into Britain or using the landbridge with potential time delays. “Exporters, particularly of food products, need to be ready for these checks,” he warns.

“Avoiding the UK altogether will be increasingly attractive to Irish companies exporting to continental Europe as there will be greater time certainty through direct shipping. This makes the new direct routes at Rosslare even more attractive. For Wexford companies exporting to Britain, the added checks could result in delays,” concluded Senator Byrne.

In addition to customs formalities, Irish exporters exporting to or through the UK, excluding Northern Ireland, will need to comply with several new UK requirements. An exporter’s UK importer will have to pre-notify the UK authorities of the goods, the exporter will have to get the appropriate Health Certificate(s) from the Irish authorities and move the goods together with these Health Certificate(s).

Information on the impact, as well as government grants and supports can be found at gov.ie/Brexit

NUJ fight to protect local news

By Dan Walsh

The Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists and Chair of the Irish South East branch have called on Iconic Newspapers to match its call for Irish government support with a change in its own attitude towards trade union recognition.

Recently, editors of the company’s 24 regional titles published a letter to their respective readers calling for support of the newspaper print sector, a call made by the NUJ in May 2020, and repeated in the union’s submission to the Future of Broadcasting Commission.

**SEAMUS DOOLEY, Irish Secretary NUJ (Pic; NUJ/Broadsheet.ie)**

Seamus Dooley, Irish Secretary, NUJ has responded to the editors’ letter pointing out; “There has been a growing awareness of the need for authoritative public interest journalism, provided not just by our public service broadcasters but by privately owned media.”

Mr Dooley called for bold polices, including specific measures to protect the regional press and specialist publications, across all platforms. “Targeted measures aimed at supporting jobs and quality journalism, and bolstering independent, diverse, ethically produced content are needed,” he added.

NUJ agrees that these are challenging times for everyone. This however is where the commonality appears to end.

“Our members are not “understanding” of the imposition of layoffs or reduced hours and why it is they have not been afforded the opportunity to be collectively represented by their Union. We would welcome the opportunity to engage with Iconic Newspapers to work together with the NUJ to protect local news and the members on whom the industry depends,” stated Mr Dooley, who added; “It is a cornerstone of our News Recovery Plan that public money should not be made available for privately owned firms making compulsory redundancies, cutting pay, giving executive bonuses, or blocking trade union organisation.

The NUJ’s stance is being fully supported by members in the South East, with Damien Tiernan, chair of the branch, stating “It’s imperative Denmark meets with the staff representative association. What’s happening now is just not good enough.”

Meanwhile, the union’s Irish Organiser Ian McGuinness has written to publisher Malcolm Denmark seeking a meeting to discuss the introduction of layoffs and reduced working hours in Iconic and has received no response.

Condemnation of violent Dublin protests

By Dan Walsh

Wexford’s Senator Malcolm Byrne has praised the Gardai for their handling of the violent protests organised by extremist groups in Dublin at the weekend and urged tougher action against “anti-lockdown, anti-vaccine conspiracy merchants.”

Senator Byrne, who faced a small anti-vaccine protest outside his office in December, told WexfordLocal.com; “What happened in Dublin at the weekend was disgraceful; the Gardai have enough to do without having to deal with this thuggish behaviour.”

He pointed out that these fringe groups are now resorting to violence to spread their message. “The overwhelming majority of people in this country are really angry at this tiny minority who are undermining the efforts of everyone, particularly our frontline workers.”

In conclusion, Senator Byrne thanked local Gardai for their work in “helping us all fight the pandemic.”

Call to make Rosslare a Tier One port

By Dan Walsh

The Government Report ‘Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021; The Path Ahead’, published by the Government earlier this week came before Seanad Éireann today (Friday) with the Minister for Transport, Eamonn Ryan TD, presenting an address and gauging reaction from the members.

Wexford’s Senator Malcolm Byrne asked for a commitment that Rosslare Europort be classified as a Tier One port.

Senator Byrne said; “With the twin whammies of Covid and Brexit we have seen our ports come under a lot of pressure, but Rosslare Europort has started to boom at last. I want to hear a commitment that we will move towards classifying Rosslare Europort as a Tier One port and that it will get the necessary investment to allow it to continue to expand. Year on year, from January of last year to January of this year, the amount of freight passing through Rosslare increased by over 440%. Critical to that, and I ask the Minister this in the context of the review of the national development plan that is happening now, is the completion of the M11 motorway from Oylegate to Rosslare.

“A previous Senator was right in saying that motorways make sense from an environmental point of view. We are now seeing trucks and lorries clogging up villages like Oylegate, Kilrane and Rosslare. It is adding time for our hauliers travelling to Rosslare and disturbing the quality of life in those villages. That as a priority within the national development plan is critical.

“In terms of the development of the railways, I would also make the case for the much underutilised Rosslare to Dublin railway. Part of the problem is that once one gets to Bray, as the Minister knows, the main interurban trains must sit behind the DART. That delays trains and it remains a problem.”

Minister Ryan acknowledged the contributions of several speakers. He recalled; “Senator Byrne asked about Rosslare and to my mind that should be radically enhanced. I spoke about it in the Dáil yesterday again. We will have to invest in better road access to the port. It can also be a significant part of developing our offshore wind industry. The recent revival and growth in Rosslare Europort are only the start.

Wexford urged to take water conservation pledge

By Dan Walsh

Chambers Ireland and Irish Water are calling on Wexford businesses to get involved in Irish Water’s Water Stewardship Programme, which includes taking the Water Conservation Pledge, carrying out free Online Water Conservation Training and finally enrolling to become a Certified Water Steward.

Yvonne Harris, Irish Water Head of Customer Operations, said: “Safeguarding our precious water resources is a top priority for Irish Water and we are delighted to launch this water stewardship partnership with Chambers Ireland. Conserving water not only helps protect your local supply – it can also protect the environment, boost your reputation, and reduce your bills.”

Emma Dunphy, Chamber Operations Manager said: “County Wexford Chamber encourages Wexford businesses to move to sustainable water management. Irish Water’s Water Stewardship Programme provides an opportunity to improve your green credentials by taking the water conservation pledge and online training to support your business to use water sustainably, in a way that benefits people and the environment.”

**Bartender using water (Pic; Irish Water)**

Ken Stockil, Director of Programme Delivery said, “This innovative programme has been made possible thanks to the funding from Irish Water, Skillnet Ireland, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and is a clear demonstration of Ireland’s growing reputation and leadership actions on water stewardship and climate action.”

Irish business uses circa 510 million litres of water every day in Ireland which is why supporting businesses to become more sustainable in how they use water is critical to safeguarding supplies for the future.

Chambers Ireland will work with Irish Water to raise awareness of the Three Steps to Sustainable Water Management, to support businesses to lower water consumption and reduce operating costs while protecting the environment.

Businesses can find out more information on the Water Conservation for Business Hub at www.water.ie.

A site for Wexford University Campus?

By Dan Walsh

Speaking in Seanad Éireann on Tuesday, Senator Malcolm Byrne participated in a discussion on the future of the technological sector and highlighted the broad ambition for a university for the South East.

**MINISTER SIMON HARRIS; ” “to provide a site for, let us call it, the Wexford campus of the technological university for the South East,”**

Minister for Future and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Simon Harris, spoke about prioritised capital investment, but according to Senator Byrne “what we do not want to see in the South East is simply a name change. When we consider a multi-campus university with campuses in Waterford, Carlow and Wexford, it is crucial there would also be significant investments to allow the technological universities to be able to complete not only internationally but nationally. I am conscious the Minister was on South East Radio recently confirming commitments to the Wexford campus. If there is any update on that, I would be grateful if he would share that.”

Deputy Harris reaffirmed the Government commitment “to provide a site for, let us call it, the Wexford campus of the technological university for the South East,” and he added; “I am limited in what I can say other than there is active engagement on it. When people in Wexford hear that, I am conscious they will have heard there has been active engagement for many years. Let me say there is active engagement that I expect to be brought to a fruitful conclusion shortly. There is an absolute concrete commitment, pardon the pun, from the Government to delivering a Wexford campus for TUSE (Technological University of the South East).

Deputy Harris continued; “I want to assure the Senator of that. I want to acknowledge at this committee the assistance of Wexford County Council, particularly its chief executive, in that regard and the major work being done by IT Carlow. In terms of time, I will not go further than that, but I reiterate that commitment.”

The chair for this discussion was Wexford TD, Paul Kehoe.

Gorey farewell to District Manager

By Dan Walsh

Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council bade farewell to its popular District Manager of 17 months, Michael Drea, who moved to a new position with the housing department of Wexford County Council today (Monday).

“We are losing our area administrator Michael Drea who is going to higher office in the housing section in Wexford and this is his last meeting. He has made a huge contribution to Gorey, although his tenure was seriously disrupted by Covid-19, your term in Gorey was very productive we are sorry to see you leaving Gorey,” said Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan at the February meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held with Microsoft Teams in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions.

“He settled immediately and did great work. I wish you well and I wish you luck,” said Cllr Pip Breen. “I’d also like to wish Michael well. I enjoyed working alongside him. I came in very inexperienced and if I ever needed any advice or getting a job done, he was always very approachable,” added Cllr Andrew Bolger.

**MICHAEL DREA leaves Gorey after 17 months as District Manager**

Cllr Mary Farell thanked Michael for all his support over his time in Gorey. “You have been an absolute gentleman and professional to work with. Your passion for the town of Gorey extended to the district and working with community groups and ensuring that everyone got a fair share. Best of luck in your new job,” she stated.

Cllr Donal Kenny said Michael Drea was “a pleasure to work with and so easy to get on with, no hassle with anything we asked of you, you just got on with it and I wish you the best of luck.”

Cllr Willie Kavanagh recalled the pleasure of bringing the District Manager on a tour of his corner of the district in Oylegate and remarked, “We got on well and best of luck in your future endeavours.”

Cllr Diarmuid Devereux said; “Michael was one of the easiest people I ever worked with, a very decent guy, very honourable and honest,” and he recalled Michael’s input into developments in Camolin that had been waiting for up to 10 years. “Every time the Christmas lights come on in Gorey, we think about you,” quipped Cllr Devereux.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin said Michael was a pleasure to work with and made a massive contribution to community groups. Cllr Anthony Donohoe said Michael was “a gentleman to work with” and wished him the best of luck. Cllr Oliver Walsh added his best wishes.

Staff colleague Liz Stanley also paid tribute. “He was an excellent colleague to work with, he was extremely fair, we will miss you and keep in touch.”

Mr Drea thanked everybody for their kind sentiments. “I loved working in Gorey-Kilmuckridge district and I’m sad to leave. I’ve learned more in 17 months than I have in my previous tenure in local government in such a wide and varied role and I loved my dealings with community groups and with the Council members.”

Mr Drea confirmed that Liz Stanley will be taking over his position and he gave her a vote of confidence and wished her well. He also complimented Director of Services Ms Amanda Byrne.

Garda appeal following Camolin burglary

Gardaí in Gorey are appealing for witnesses in relation to an aggravated burglary that happened around 8.30pm on Sunday at a residence in Camolin.

Three masked men entered the house and demanded money. One of these men produced a knife during the incident.

A small quantity of cash and belongings were taken from the scene. No injuries were reported.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information or any road users including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who were in the Camolin area between 8-9 pm and who may have camera footage (including dashcam) to make this available.

Gardaí are also seeking information from anyone who may have seen a Silver / Green Mondeo car in the area.

Anyone with information can contact Gardaí in Gorey at 053 94 30690, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Dog patrols and licence checks

Wexford County Council wardens will be carrying out a series of dog patrols and licence checks throughout the Spring and Summer 2021.

Wardens will be concentrating on un-licensed and un-chipped dogs, dogs not under proper control, dogs not muzzled and dogs fouling in public places. Dog fouling is a serious health hazard for young children, and it causes problems for wheelchair users and people pushing children’s buggies.

Offenders can receive a fixed penalty notice of €150.

Dog Licences can be purchased on-line at www.licences.ie or in person at any Post Office. Customers having difficulty purchasing Dog Licences on-line can email support@licences.ie or phone 1890 200090. The Annual Dog Licences fee is €20 while a Lifetime Dog Licence costs €140.

Owners of multiple numbers of dogs can continue to purchase a General Dog Licence from Wexford County Council at a cost of €400.

Funding from dog licences helps pay for the Dog Warden Service, the collection of stray dogs and the re-homing of unwanted dogs. County Wexford has the busiest Pound in the Country with around 500 dogs impounded in 2020. Over 94% of the dogs were reclaimed or re-homed.

Wexford County Council reminds all dog owners that they must;

Keep their dog under control when in public (best on a lead).

Have a current Licence for their dog.

Microchip and register their dog and have contact details on the dog’s collar.

Muzzle certain breeds and keep them on a strong chain when in public. (e.g., Alsatian, German Shepherd, Akita, Bull Terriers, Doberman, Rottweiler etc.)

Clean up after their dog if it fouls in a public place.

(Wardens are compliant with all HSE COVID-19 Guidelines)

The maximum fine for failure to licence or keep your dog under control is €2,500.