WexfordLocal.com

Ros Tapestry ‘temporary move’ to Kilkenny

By Dan Walsh

New Ross ‘jewel in the crown’ The Ros Tapestry, a unique display of decorative embroidery depicting the history and heritage of the town will spend some time on ‘temporary display’ in Kilkenny Castle.

The background to the exhibition leaving New Ross was explained in detail by Board of Directors’ Mary Lou O’Kennedy (Chairperson), Gene O’Sullivan and Connie Tantrum who addressed yesterday’s meeting of New Ross Municipal District Council held in St. Michael’s Theatre to comply with Covid-19 government guidelines.

**CLLR MICHAEL WHELAN, Cathaoirlaech New Ross Municipal District Council**

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com Cllr Michael Whelan, Cathaoirleach, New Ross Municipal District Council said the Board members gave “a positive presentation” and received the full support of members and the backing of Wexford County Council.

The Ros Tapestry display on the Quay has been closed since March, did not open during the summer because Covid-19 restrictions on numbers allowed entry. Also the exhibition space was not viable and the exhibition was faced with costs at a time when there was no regular income.

Cllr Whelan said the Ros Tapestry is of no benefit to New Ross at the moment. “It was a case of storage or display and the best option was taken. It will be displayed under the OPW in Kilkenny and then it will come back to New Ross.”

€5 million in funding has been approved for the development of the Murphy building on the Quay, New Ross, and when the works are completed the Ros Tapestry will return there.

Some public concerns have been raised in New Ross and a social media petition has been launched, however, the vested interest in the Ros Tapestry are happy to reassure the public that the arrangement is ‘temporary’ and legally protected.

The Ros Tapestry is a massive community success story since the idea was conceived in 1998 and has involved over 150 dedicated volunteers, known affectionately as ‘the stitchers’, who worked on 15 amazing panels of tapestry measuring 6 ft by 4 ft each.

The project depicts events around the Anglo Norman invasion at Bannow in 1169, and especially the founding of the town of New Ross by William Marshall and his wife Isabel de Clare, daughter of Strongbow, Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke and Aoife, an Irish princess, daughter of Diarmuid MacMurrough, King of Leinster, who resided at Ferns Castle.

1,000s of litres of water saved in Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Working in partnership with Wexford County Council, Irish Water’s Leakage Reduction Programme Find and Fix Scheme was stepped up in Enniscorthy in late June in a bid to tackle leakage levels around the town. The programme has been a huge success and has resulted in the saving of thousands of litres of water in Enniscorthy.

**River Slaney passing through Enniscorthy**

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Irish Water’s Network Programme Regional Lead, Joe Carroll said; ‘In Enniscorthy, the teams have intensely investigated and repaired 29 leaks on the towns network in the last two months which is saving 25,000 litres per hour in night leakage flows. These savings are further demonstrated by a reduction of 100,000 litres of water per day treated at the Edermine borehole, a reduction of 400,000 litres of water per day treated at the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, the pumps operating at 22 hours per day instead of 24 hours per day, and the towns reservoirs are now continuously maintaining their storage capacities.

“To contextualise these figures, a standard sized domestic wheelie bin would hold approximately 240 litres of water. The amount of water being saved at the Vinegar Hill WTP is close 1,600 wheelie bins worth a day. There would have been some short water ‘shut offs’ during the times of the repairs and we understand this was an inconvenience, but we are confident this short-term inconvenience will be beneficial in the longer term.

“We would like to thank the homes and businesses of the town for their patience as we delivered this vital water network improvement around the town. I would also like to thank our crews for their hard work to achieve these fantastic results,” concluded Mr Carroll.

The size and scale of the leakage challenge around the country is well documented, however the Enniscorthy work, carried out as part of Irish Water’s Leakage Reduction Programme will see €500m invested nationally to tackle problematic pipes and leakage in Ireland’s ageing water network.

Irish Water is working with their Local Authority partners, contractors and others to safeguard the health and well-being of both staff and the public and to ensure the continuity of critical drinking water and wastewater services. Irish Water would like to remind people to follow the HSE COVID-19 advice and ensure frequent handwashing.

Two persons rescued off Cahore Pier

By Dan Walsh

Two persons located on an inflatable off Cahore Pier have been rescued by Cahore Inshore Lifeboat Service and brought safely to shore.

**CAHORE INSHORE LIFEBOAT SERVICE IN ACTION**

The Service were tasked by Dublin Coastguard by pager alert to assist a child who had gotten into difficulty on an inflatable off Cahore Pier and on arrival at scene two persons were located on the inflatable and had managed to tie the inflatable onto a buoy.

The crew members were helm Donal McGrath and crew Brenda Kavanagh and Sean Doyle. Cahore Inshore Lifeboat Sedrvice wishes to thank Courtown Coastguard Unit for assisting.

A spokesperson for Cahore Lifeboat said; “We are grateful to be here to help when needed, and we have almost reached our Gofund me summer target. Help us on the last leg, click on the link to donate.”

Remember, if you see someone in difficulty in or near the water call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

New primary care centre planned for Enniscorthy

By Dan Walsh

Wexford TD and Minister of State for Law Reform James Browne has welcomed the approval of planning permission for a new primary care centre for Enniscorthy.

**ENNISCORTHY set to get new primary care centre**

Estuary Primary Healthcare Ltd plans to construct a new three-storey Primary Care Centre including (a) General Practitioners Surgery, (b) Pharmacy Unit, (c) Ancillary Medical Unit, (d) HSE and TUSLA facilities to be located at Quarrypark, on the outskirts of Enniscorthy.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com Minister Browne explained; “This is a significant step in the right direction towards the provision of a new primary care centre. I’m glad Wexford County Council has granted the planning application subject to some conditions. This is a vital project and one I raised many times during the last Dáil”.

Tobacco and alcohol seized at Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

Revenue officers seized 31,220 cigarettes and 31 kgs of tobacco at Rosslare Europort on Saturday. The smuggled cigarettes branded ‘John Player’, ‘L&M Blue’ and ‘Richmond’ and the tobacco branded ‘Amber Leaf’ have a combined estimated retail value of over €39,300 representing a loss to the exchequer of €31,797.

As part of the same operation, Revenue officers also seized 329 litres of alcohol with an estimated retail value of €6,690 representing a loss to the exchequer of €3,843.

The seized products were discovered when Revenue officers conducted an examination of a Northern Ireland registered van and its accompanying caravan which had arrived in Rosslare Europort from Bilbao, Spain. The van and caravan were also seized. Two men in their 30’s and 40’s was questioned.

Investigations are ongoing.

These seizures are part of Revenue’s on-going operations targeting smuggling and the supply and sale of alcohol and cigarettes in the shadow economy. If businesses or members of the public have any information regarding smuggling or the sale of illegal cigarettes or tobacco, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295295.

All calm and timely at Kilmore Quay

By Dan Walsh

It was a busy Sunday September afternoon in Kilmore Quay today where the weather was calm and fine, the car parks were at capacity, wide open doors and doorstep views from several camper vans with a postcard view of the Saltee Islands, and face coverings and social distancing were second nature. The beauty of the seaside was rarely better illustrated.

The fishing boats were tied up at the quayside, but the presence of rod fishers off the quay and the arrival and departure of boats taking anglers out to the rich fishing grounds offshore were in industrious mode. Some pleasure craft were making the best of what is left of the better weather before the winter storms arrive!

Others were content to stroll on the quayside, sit and admire the peaceful surroundings, while the queues for ice cream at one premises extended well onto the village roundabout, and others longing for fish and chips were orderly in waiting and taking the time to enjoy local produce fresh from the sea.

Writing in 1885, George Henry Bassett, discovered Kilmore Quay. He wrote; “Kilmore Harbour is not all that it could be made by a liberal expenditure of money, but its pier is of great service to the fisherman.” He also noted that Ballyteigue Bay had miles of sand banks ‘all of which are occupied by rabbits’!

Bassett also mentioned St. Patrick’s Bridge, a causeway of large stones, fully thirty feet in width, and extending about a mile from the shore. A large rock near the shore, and close to the bridge, bears an imprint resembling a hand, and folklore recalls that St. Patrick rested his hand upon it on the way to the Saltees. Today, the light and the tide were in good mood and the path of St. Patrick’s Bridge was clearly visible.

Fogarty and Bowe success at Wexford

By Dan Walsh

It is rare for a Wexford race meeting to pass without a local winner and today it was the turn of Cleariestown jockey Mikey Fogarty and Kiltealy trainer Colin Bowe who combined to supply the winner of the Courtown Mares Maiden Hurdle with Flamin Aimee (4/1).

“We’re delighted with her and delighted for her owners (the Morrisseys). They have shown good patience with her and deserve a lot of credit for putting her back in and having another go at it,” said Bowe’s assistant trainer Brendan Walsh, who added; “We’ll see what the handicapper thinks. Her jumping is very good and she probably needs a trip.”

Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, is also local to the Wexford track, and he saddled Ricky Langford (12/1), ridden by Hugh Morgan, for a fine success in the Curracloe Opportunity Handicap Hurdle. Home-bred by Joan Rothwell, Ricky Langford is owned by a bunch of the trainer’s college friends from Dublin and triumphed in the colours of the Kings Horses Syndicate.

Conor O’Dwyer trains in Kildare, but he was born a stone’s throw from Bettyville Park and is always delighted to saddle a winner there. He won the Duncannon Handicap Chase with I’m Not Alone (7/1) by four lengths in the famous John P McManus green and orange hooped colours worn by Jody McGarvey, who recorded a double success on the day.

Joseph O’Brien sent Isotope (5/4 fav) from his Piltown stables in neighbouring Kilkenny and with Oakley Brown up, the four year old stayed on well in the closing stages to finish four and a half lengths to the good in the opening Adare Manor Opportunity Hurdle.

The Morriscastle Handicap Hurdle was run in two divisions. Bagenalstown trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon and jockey Jody McGarvey enjoyed their third winner together in as many days when Balinaboola Steel (6/1) scored in the first division. Balinaboola Steel showed a liking for the Wexford turf and followed up on his first victory here last month. Rebel Waltz (4/1) was runner-up last Saturday here, but went one better today to win division two of this handicap hurdle for Mallow trainer Tom Nagle and jockey Ambrose McCurtin.

Tiantu (10/1), trained at Butlerstown, Co. Waterford, by Paul Power took the honours in the Rosslare Opportunity Handicap Chase. The victorious rider was Liam Quinlan.

Strong card for Saturday Wexford races

By Dan Walsh

For the second Saturday in succession racing action takes place at Bettyville Park tomorrow, but sadly no spectators are permitted to attend on this occasion, as the fixture is run ‘behind closed doors’ under Government Covid-19 restriction guidelines.

**Facing the starter at Bettyville Park for the Saturday afternoon card**

It is a seven-race card with all races attracting the maximum safety number of eleven runners per event. The card consists of five hurdle races and two steeplechases. The ground conditions are described as ‘yielding’.

2.05pm; Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle of €12,500. Two miles 150 yards. (11 runners)

2.40pm; Curracloe Opportunity Handicap Hurdle of €9,000. Two miles 150 yards (11 runners)

3.15 pm; Morriscastle Handicap Hurdle (Division One) of €10,000. Two miles four furlongs (11 runners).

3.50pm; Morriscastle Handicap Hurdle (Division Two) of €10,000. Two miles four furlongs (11 runners).

4.25pm; Courtown (Mares) Maiden Hurdle of €10,000. Three miles (11 runners)

5pm; Rosslare Opportunity Handicap Chase of €11,000. Two miles four furlongs (11 runners)

5.35pm; Duncannon Handicap Chase of €10,000. Three miles, one furlong, 50 yards (11 runners).

All races will be televised live on Racing UK and on betting shop screens. Not as good as being trackside, but the next best way of supporting your local track!

No swimming at Duncannon beach

By Dan Walsh

Do Not Swim notices have been issued for Duncannon beach after routine testing conducted as part of Wexford County Council’s Bathing Water Sampling Programme showed slightly elevated levels of bacteria.

Following consultation with the HSE, the Council found it necessary to issue a Do Not Swim warning notice at the affected beach in accordance with Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

Further samples were taken today (Friday, September 4^th) and results are expected over the weekend at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed.

The Council’s technical staff is currently investigating the matter. Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting Duncannon beach to abide by the public notices advising against swimming.

€7m for Rosslare coastal protection

By Dan Walsh

The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan TD, yesterday (Wednesday), visited Rosslare Strand to announce €7 million funding for further coastal protection and flood relief projects in the area.

**MINISTER PATRICK O’DONOVAN and WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL CEO TOM ENRIGHT at ROSSLARE STRAND yesterday.**

Minister O’Donovan met with local public representatives, Council officials and local business interests to see where flood protection and erosion prevention works are required.

At various intervals in the past Rosslare has benefited from effective works undertaken by the OPW and Wexford County Council to protect the Rosslare shoreline and dune system from retreat. To support the benefits already achieved, additional works are now required to ensure that this important blue flag beach can continue to be protected into the future.

Minister O’Donovan said: “The coastal protection measures for Rosslare consist of a rock revetment, rock groynes, and beach nourishment measures on the seaward side of Rosslare Spit. Separate flood defence measures will be progressed on the landward side. The project will be led by Wexford County Council, which is soon to begin the procurement of a main design consultant.

“Rosslare is just one example of how coastal erosion is a major issue for coastal communities across Ireland’s extensive coastline, especially where the coast is soft. The impacts of climate change and the anticipated rise in sea levels in the future mean that the problem here in Rosslare and nationally needs more than just hard schemes to address the long-term risks and impacts.