Legislation delays Enniscorthy Flood Relief

By Dan Walsh

The signing off documents and the commencement of construction on the long awaited Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme has been further frustrated and delayed and members expressed ‘disappointment’ with the current timeline at the January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held by Microsoft Teams.

Larry McHale, Executive Engineer, gave a comprehensive up-date on the Enniscorthy Flood Relief, but the members were uncomfortable with aspects of the report. The technical details were addressed in full and Mr McHale indicated that everything required of Wexford County Council was completed and the project is ready to commence when the green light is given.

Cllr Jackser Owens suggested writing to the Minister expressing the Council’s disappointment that the project has not been signed off. “I am very disappointed and the business people of Enniscorthy are disappointed.”

Cllr Cathal Byrne agreed with the sentiments expressed by Cllr Owens. He asked if the OPW and the Council produce the clarifications to the Department are there scope for the Department to come back again with further queries and clarifications or is this the last possible time they can raise queries?

“A year ago, we were told we might have approval by January, now we find that it is being pushed back to June, or maybe later, and I like everybody else would be concerned if it went into the autumn or maybe 2022?” stated Cllr Byrne.

Mr McHale explained that the supplementary documentation and clarifications are expected to be completed by June. There is a risk that the Department may seek further clarifications.

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan acknowledged that so much work had already gone into the initial process and sent to the Department, but she wondered why there is a secondary process. She needed to know what the difference was. She also asked that if it is all done and dusted by June when will the construction process begin?

Mr McHale explained that the Department are following a very stringent standard and are future proofing the project against legislation which is likely to become law in the future and this approach is to protect their finance and interest in the project. “It is not just being applied to Enniscorthy, but to all OPW projects and flood schemes,” added Mr McHale.

Cllr Codd-Nolan said it is draft legislation. She wondered if it is Irish legislation. Mr McHale indicated that it is EU legislation that is being adopted into Irish legislation.

“It is so frustrating to hear all this because it will be the end of the year or early next year before work will start. It could be the end of 2022. I really can’t understand it, to be honest with you,” concluded Cllr Codd-Nolan.

The RIVER SLANEY is tranquil in this summer photograph showing the Seamus Rafter Bridge.

New manager at Wexford racecourse

By Dan Walsh

Gowran Park Racecourse Manager Eddie Scally becomes Wexford Racecourse Manager taking over the role from Michael Murphy, who has held the position for more than 30 years. Mr Scally will be in control of both racecourses in Kilkenny and Wexford.

WEXFORD RACECOURSE

Speaking to The Racing Post, Mr Scally, who has his busiest day of the year on Thursday with the 2021 running of the prestigious Goffs Thyestes Chase, said; “Unfortunately Michael Murphy, who has been there for a very long time, ran into some ill health last year. When he was working his way back to full fitness, he asked me to go down and help, which I was more than happy to do.

“Michael has since decided he wants to take a step back. He has been there for well over 30 years now, so we said we would make it more of an official role this year. Michael will remain very much involved and will continue to guide me, but I’ll be operating the two tracks.”

Mr Scally added; “I’ve been racing at Wexford for years and I’m a big fan. We’ll be looking at improving facilities and boosting attendances in the future.”

The first race meeting of the new season at Wexford is scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17th.

Holiday homes burglaries in Courtown

By Dan Walsh

A man has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into a series of burglaries and theft of property at caravans and holiday homes in the Courtown area of North Wexford.

Gardaí in Courtown assisted by Gardaí from Gorey conducted a search and arrested a man on suspicion of committing these crimes. He was later charged and brought before a Special Sitting of the District Court where he was remanded in custody.

GOREY GARDA STATION

Gardai would like to thank the public for their assistance in this case.

In a separate incident, Gorey Gardaí conducted a search in the area on Thursday and seized drugs and cash. One male was detained and later charged to appear before Wexford District Court.

Mayor Kelly supports Green Dog campaign

By Dan Walsh

Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Leonard Kelly, was on Wexford Quay today with his little friend to help relaunch and promote the Green Dog Walker Campaign in Wexford.

MAYOR OF WEXFORD Cllr Leonard Kelly and his friend are backing the Green Dog Walker Campaign

“The campaign is an initiative in the fight against dog litter. The programme is a positive, friendly way to change attitudes about dog fouling in County Wexford,” said Mayor Kelly, who added; “This initiative involves empowering local communities, groups and individuals to meet the challenges of dog fouling in a non-confrontational, friendly way.”Mayor Kelly stated that dog fouling is a serious health risk and young children are particularly at risk. “I hope that the dog owners of Wexford will give this initiative their full support, and I encourage them all to take the Green Dog Walkers’ pledge, always clean up after your dog and together we can reduce the incidence of dog-fouling in our community,” he concluded.

Speaking to members at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cliona Connolly from the Environment Department at Wexford County Council said that over 500 had signed up for the Green Dog Walker Campaign.

Due to the success of the campaign and the high volume of interest, the Council is out of stocks, however, the good news is that registrations will reopen once stocks are replenished.

“When you sign up to the scheme we will send you a complimentary Green Dog-Walkers high-vis vest, Green Dog-Walkers armband and a ‘doggie bone’ poop-bag dispenser with a roll of bags,” said Ms Connolly, who added; “By signing up you have ‘Taken the Pledge’ to always clean up after your dog, to carry extra doggie bags and to gladly give others a bag for their dog if they ask for one.  By wearing the green armband, you are indicating that you are a responsible dog-owner participating in and supporting the scheme.”

Wexford GPs access to diagnostic services

By Dan Walsh

Visiting the doctor’s surgery may be more revolutionary in the future! Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, stated this week that the HSE is to make available to GPs increased direct access to diagnostic services that would give GPs across the country the ability to access an additional 94,000 diagnostic procedures, such as X-Rays, CT scans, MRIs, and DEXA.

SENATOR MALCOLM BYRNE

Senator Malcolm Byrne told WexfordLocal.com that he had raised this previously with the Minister and in the Seanad a few times last year. “It has been a big issue for Wexford GPs,” he stated.

“This new development will have a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of patients. It will allow faster access to necessary diagnostic procedures, leading to more timely treatment and improved patient experience.”

Senator Byrne pointed out that the new supports will also assist in reducing pressures placed on hospitals and the shortening of waiting lists.

Clerical changes in Wexford Parish

By Dan Walsh

Major clerical changes are imminent in Wexford Parish following today’s announcement that Fr Billy Swan, who is curate at St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, is appointed Administrator in place of Fr. Aodhan Marken who becomes parish priest in Piercestown succeeding Fr. John O’Reilly, who is retiring.

FR BILLY SWAN new Administrator at Wexford Parish

Fr Billy Swan, who is a native of Glynn, was ordained in 1998 and served as a curate in New Ross and Enniscorthy. Fr Swan also spent four years in the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.

Fr Marken has spent all of his 26 years of ministry in Wexford Parish and is one of the best-known priests in the diocese and renowned for his participation in the annual Christmas Fast (with Canon Arthur Minion) which has raised hundreds of thousands of euro for charitable causes over many years.

Fr John O’Reilly, a native of Enniscorthy, was chaplain to Wexford County Hospital, 1979-1985, was curate in Rosslare and Gorey, and served in The Gambia, Africa, on missionary work in 1995. He has been parish priest of Piercestown since 2009.

Fr Jim Doyle, curate at Mulrankin, succeeds Fr Swan at St. Aidan’s Parish, Enniscorthy. Fr Doyle grew up in Murrintown and was the first priest in the Diocese of Ferns to be ordained by Bishop Denis Brennan. He served in Bunclody, and Mulrankin since 2014.

Fr. Chris Hayden, currently on sabbatical, is to undertake the role of chaplain and part time lecturer at Providence University, (Great Falls, Montana, U.S.) for one year, commencing September 2021.

The Bishop of Ferns, Dr Denis Brennan, has approved the latest clerical changes, effective on the weekend 13th/14th February.

Mythen defends Wexford nurses

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Sinn Féin Deputy Johnny Mythen speaking in Dail Éireann yesterday (Wednesday) defended the nurses in the current pandemic conditions and demanded that “18 students on placement in Wexford General Hospital and the other 4,000 deserve better.”

“This pandemic is a time of fierce challenges, loss and sadness. We must not, however, let it go down in the annals as a time of unfairness and inequality. I ask the House to imagine how we will be judged by future generations if we do not help the very people who put their lives at risk for our sake and theirs.

JOHNNY MYTHEN T.D.

“Instead, we turned our backs and refused to help them with a small financial reward and suspended placement. This is what the Government is doing by failing to pay student nurses and midwives. It is entirely unacceptable. The 18 students on placement in Wexford General Hospital and the other 4,000 deserve better.”

Deputy Mythen stated that throughout this pandemic student nurses and midwives have worked hard and tirelessly every day to protect our families and communities from Covid-19 while coping with a healthcare service hampered by years and years of austerity cuts. “These problems are down to chronic underinvestment that began long before this pandemic and illustrate the type of pressured environment in which our student nurses, midwives and radiographers are coping. It is no wonder we have a recruitment and retention crisis and so many of our young nurses and midwives emigrate to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.”

Deputy Mythen noted; “Only this week we have had the death from Covid-19 of a nurse in Co. Wexford. Our thoughts are first and foremost with his wife and young child. We cannot imagine the grief they are going through.

Deputy Mythen urged all Deputies in the House, “including my fellow Deputies from Wexford”, to support the motion.

CCTV is off but illegal dumping is up!

By Dan Walsh

A directive from the Data Protection Commissioner that CCTV footage can not be used as evidence against illegal dumping activity has left councillors bewildered and strong voices were aired at Tuesday’s meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District held under public health guidelines by Microsoft Teams.

Cllr Fionntán Ó’Suilleabhán felt the GDPR issue can be rectified and recalled being informed of 12 bags of rubbish dumped at one site between Monaseed and Annagh and dropped into a stream where animals were drinking. “It is a source of annoyance locally.” He wondered if the fast-food outlets and the drinks manufacturers could be factored into the solution? Something must be done. Hopefully, the CCTV situation can be resolved.”, said Cllr Ó Súilleabháin, who also called for more bins at Ramsfort Park where “a lot of people are walking dogs.”

ILLEGAL DUMPING. File Picture

Cllr Duirmuid Devereux said; “The volume of illegal dumping in North Wexford is increasing. We have a specific problem. We have had significant dumping going on for a long time in Moneycross, Tubberneering, Clough – all black bags, very neatly assembled and evidence is removed – for example, the top of a utility bill – almost as a tactic. We know who is doing it. The warden is continually active. “I know who is doing it and the people in the neighbourhood know who is doing it and I have a strong feeling that a lot of the problems we have in North Wexford is coming from this one source. He suggested if this situation were tackled it would bring a lot of relief to North Wexford. “It is a horrible situation for a community group in a small village wake up in the morning and find 10 or 12 bags of rubbish littered all over the road.”     

The use of CCTV for surveillance of litter and illegal dumping it was deemed insufficient for a local authority to comply with GDPR. The Data Protection Commission has informed of the legal provisions of the Litter Act. Wexford Council Council is awaiting developments.

Cllr Mary Farrell praised the clean-up crews for the job that they do which she said is “down to the recklessness and mindset of people who are dumping this rubbish. They are getting clever. They are cutting away the top of a bill – but does that not tell you the mindlessness of people that they will go to that length to cut off the top of the bill and leave the rest of the bill so as they cannot be caught out! How you can factor in that kind of senseless behaviour, I do not know!

Cllr Farrell is disappointed regards CCTV cameras and data protection. “If we can catch them, we catch them. Now if we catch them on CCTV cameras, we cannot prosecute them because, heaven forbid, it is breach of data protection. It just doesn’t make sense that we are coming up with solutions and that solution is against the law.”

Cllr Donal Kenny agreed that illegal dumping is getting worse. “All houses are not using wheelie bins. We see that on collection day.” Cllr Kenny wondered about looking at a property tax and said every house has rubbish.

Cliona Connolly of Wexford County Council Environmental Section briefed the members on environmental matters and answered queries from members.

She told the meeting that the average daily head count for Gorey Recycling Centre was 74 customers in 2019 and increased to 86 in 2020. About a 15% increase. Tonnage in 2019 was 464 tons and in 2020 was 581 tons or an increase of over 20%. “Environmental crews are dealing with illegal dumping and clean-ups,” she concluded.

Call for savings option in vaccine roll out.

By Dan Walsh

New Ross Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Sheehan has called on the HSE and the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to call up the civil authorities to assist in the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccines because he believes using “just GP’s and pharmacies is too expensive and too limited.”

CLLR MICHAEL SHEEHAN

“I believe that we are all in this together but the agreed usage of GP’s and pharmacists to deliver the vaccine is too restrictive and to be frank, far too expensive. €91 million of taxpayers money is far too expensive when I know the programme can be delivered far cheaper and effective for a fraction of that cost.”

Currently, people are waiting to six weeks for an appointment from their GP, if they are already that stretched, then the imposition of a vaccine surely is too much for them alone. How will they be able to deliver the vaccines without displacing existing patients and appointments, therefore the civil organisations who are in every community should be mobilised, trained and set to work.  

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Cllr Sheehan said several organisations across the nation with minimal effort could be retrained, repurposed and engaged to get the vaccine out in the communities. “We should use the time now to get organisations like Civil Defence, Order of Malta ready for when we have upscaled the volume of vaccines available. They are experts at what they do and are already prepared in the administration of needles and ready to answer the HSE’s call.”

Cllr Sheehan pointed out that community organisations operate under the umbrella of County Councils, and have the logistical experience, resources and the ‘know-how’ to roll out the vaccination throughout the communities simultaneously.  

Cllr Sheehan believes that savings should be used to pay nurses wages, pay off nurses’ student debts, their registration fees and provide a greater defence of the frontline staff.