Cable car link to Enniscorthy Castle

By Dan Walsh

A cable car connection from a new car and coach park located on the Turret Rocks, high above the River Slaney, to Enniscorthy Castle and the town centre is included in a €30 million proposal to transform Enniscorthy into a thriving economic hub and landmark tourist destination.

Members were supportive of the forward-thinking plans following a presentation by Wexford County Council’s Head of Special Projects, Brian Galvin, at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held under Covid-19 guidelines at Kilcannon Garden Centre on the Old Dublin Road.

Mr Galvin described Enniscorthy Castle as being “in good condition” and “a very important asset” and is central to the Council’s plans for a redevelopment and enhancement programme that would include an adjoining visitor centre with retail and café facilities together with an audio-visual experience to re-imagine the historic beginnings of Enniscorthy.

Mr Galvin said the cable car idea is sustainable and Austrian experts believe it can work for Enniscorthy and it would be the only experience of its kind in this country. The members were given vision of the future when Santa Claus could arrive by cable car!

Developing Enniscorthy would be based on four ‘squares’ – Abbey Square, Market Square, St. Mary’s Church and Enniscorthy Castle. It was suggested that a fifth ‘square’ be added, but it was outlined that this suggestion was addressed under the Templeshannon Regeneration scheme.

Phase one, which is urged to get under way as soon the way is clear, focussing on the castle at an estimated cost of €8 million; Phase 2 is the European style Black Box or audio-visual experience with a café and associated tours and attractions, at an estimated cost of €9 million. And to complete the project the cable car experience would accomplish the transformation for another €13 million.

The presentation lasted an hour and members were unanimous in their support to the project. Deputy John Browne, who was an invited guest at the meeting, said Enniscorthy has the potential to be an international tourist centre.

Cllr John O’Rourke felt that the cable car idea had been discussed before. “The cable car will make Enniscorthy stand out and the next generation will be so high tech it is a step forward. It is a fantastic idea and should have been done long and ever ago.”

Cllr Aidan Browne described the project as “very interesting, very ambitious”. Cllr Cathal Byrne suggested that attracting 140,000 visitors a year “it needs to be ambitious” and while he agreed with ideas around the castle he felt strongly about the republican and rebel tradition such as 1798 and other rebellions. “The castle is not unique, but it has to be connected to the overall package,” he concluded.

Cllr Jackser Owens complained about the lack of facilities for visitors coming to Vinegar Hill. “No toilet facilities and no access for coaches.” Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan also felt the project was very ambitious but would be good for the town.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy chaired the meeting in her role as newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Feel the buzz for native Irish bees

ONE of Ireland’s largest garden centre networks is calling on enthusiasts of all ages and all skill levels to take the Operation PolliNation pledge and be in with a chance to win a €2,000 pollinator-friendly garden renovation.

Take the Pledge! CountryLife wants the Irish public to take the Operation PolliNation pledge, help gardeners make their plots pollinator-friendly environments and show a little love for our native Irish bees. Pictured at the campaign launch were Naoise Coogan, her 12 year-old daughter, Siofra Coogan, and her mother, Therese O’Donovan. Picture: Patrick Browne

CountryLife is teaming up with the Irish public to help gardeners make their plots pollinator-friendly environments and show a little love for our native Irish bees – a third of which are threatened with extinction.

CountryLife Retail Marketing Manager, Grace O’Dwyer, says gardens countrywide have been a hive of activity during lockdown and many people are keen to make small changes to support our all-important pollinator friends and wildlife in general.

Experienced Horticulturalist with CountryLife, Malachy Doherty, said: “As much as one third of our bee species are threatened with extinction. We are asking the public to take the Operation PolliNation pledge and make small changes in their garden like sowing Irish-grown plants that bees prefer and you don’t need acres to play your part. You can plant pollinator-friendly containers, bulbs, trees or shrubs.”

The www.Countrylife.ie website and social media channels operated by the 14-branch, community-based garden centre network are swarming with tips, hints and ideas so that everyone can play their part in saving the bees. In Wexford, CountryLife has centres in Campile, New Ross and Bunclody.

The CountryLife team has a whole host of prizes on offer for those who sign up through https://blog.countrylife.ie/news-events/operation-pollination-take-the-pledge/ to ‘Take the Pledge’ and take part through their social media channels. Among them a €2,000 garden renovation, which also includes a garden consultation from an expert horticulturist.

Grim discovery in the sea off Courtown

By Dan Walsh in Courtown

The body of a woman recovered from the sea off Courtown Harbour this evening is identified locally as that of Deirdre Redmond, (50), who has been the missing for six days.

The search for missing Gorey woman Deirdre Redmond has been stood down this evening.

Courtown RNLI Lifeboat volunteers were launched at 4.50 pm following a call from the Irish Coastguard who made the discovery.

The body was taken ashore at the RNLI Station before removal to University Hospital Waterford where a post mortem will take place. The search for Deirdre has been stood down.

Deirdre Redmond left her home at Garden City, Gorey, last Saturday at 2 pm and did not return home. Gardai confirmed a last sighting of Deirdre on the Sea Road in Ballymoney later that day at 3.20 pm.

Hundreds of locals supported the family in a land search for Deirdre operating from Naomh Éanna GAA Club under the guidance of the local Gardai which extended from Gorey to the woodlands around Ballymoney and Courtown.

An intensive sea search has been taking place daily with Helicopter Rescue 117, the Irish Coastguard and the RNLI volunteers from Courtown and Cahore. As the week progressed the search extended from Curracloe to Kilpatrick with many volunteers using fishing boats and pleasure craft to assist.

Point-to-point action to resume soon

By Dan Walsh

The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions put an early end to the 2019-’20 point-to-point season where Wexford jockey and trainer, respectively, Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe retained their national championship titles, but there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel with the announcement of the Autumn Fixtures list and an earlier than usual start to the new season in September.

The following fixtures are planned locally;

September 27th; Bree Hunt Club at Monksgrange, Rathnure

October 18th; Shillelagh & District Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely

October 24th; Island Hunt at Courtown

November 8th; Wexford Hunt at Knockmullen House, New Ross

November 15th; Wicklow Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely

November 22nd; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard

November 29th; Carlow Farmers Hunt at Borris House

Point-to-point action at Ballycrystal last January

Dr. Jennifer Pugh, Senior Medical Officer, Irish Horse Racing Board said; “While there remains a degree of uncertainty surrounding the ongoing Corona virus pandemic worldwide, I am confident that we will be able to hold point-to-point fixtures as scheduled under our Government’s guidelines.  

“Our sport lends itself to the principles of social distancing, being a non-contact sport, outdoors and with large sites available to use and we will endeavour to ensure Hunt Committees are supported to ensure a safe return of our sport,” she added. 

Florida firm establishes EU base in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Good news in the south-east this week with the welcome announcement that Florida-based MTech Mobility (MTech), the global leader in lifecycle and repair services for mobile and IT devices, has leased a 1400m² facility at Ardcavan Business Park Wexford, to serve as its European base of operations.

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Tom Enright described the announcement of 25 new jobs as very encouraging news for the county. “This welcome investment by global leader MTech demonstrates that, despite the considerable challenges facing our county, Wexford’s ability to attract Foreign Direct Investment continues to be very strong. It proves that we have the skills and the talent required for companies like MTech to set up here.”

JERRY WHISTON, General Manager Europe

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy added “The Council is delighted to have had the opportunity to support IDA Ireland in successfully attracting MTech to County Wexford and I congratulate all at IDA Ireland on this success. I also want to wish Jerry Whiston and all the team in Wexford every success and I can assure them of the full support of Wexford County Council as MTech establishes itself here in Wexford in the months ahead.”

The location will be well-known locally having served as group support office of Sam McCauley Chemists is expected to create in excess of 25 jobs over the next three years, with job applications already invited via www.mtechmobility.com/mtech-europe.

Tributes to Wexford Pike leader Bill Murray

A vibrant link with the history of 1798 and the bicentenary commemorations of 1998, in particular, is severed and sadly been lost forever with the sad passing of William ‘Bill’ Murray, Templenacroha, Clonroche. Tributes have been pouring in for the family since the sad news occurred.

Many tributes have been paid. On social media Brian Ó Cléirigh said; “Every member of Oulart Hill Development Group and all surviving members of the Oulart Hill Pike Company would like to add their voices to so many others to mark the passing of Wexford Pike Leader Bill Murray and to express to his wife Maura and family our sincere sympathy at this sad time.”

The late BILL MURRAY

Bill Murray was the leader of the Carrigbyrne Pike Group established in 1997 with the aim of commemorating the dead of 1798 who became synonymous with ‘98 events at home and abroad. Membership grew to 500 and they proudly shouldered their pikes all over Ireland and made two trips abroad to New York and Newfoundland.

The volunteer group published two books Footsteps of ’98 and Footsteps of ’98 – the sequel. In 1999, they formed their own film production company and produced two historical documentaries March into the Midlands and Wexford’s First Rebellion.

But the classic that come from Bill Murray’s passion and inspiration was Epitaph of 1798, a book that took almost two years research to complete and used 1,000 photographs in a limited edition that includes 1798 memorials from the 32-counties of Ireland  most of the 1798 memorials in other parts of the world.

Bill was admired for his tireless enthusiasm and passion and his name will be forever associated with chronicling the events surrounding the 1998 bicentenary commemorations and ensuring that exists an everlasting published memorial to the 30,000 who died in the summer of 1798.

Brian Ó Cléirigh added; “His contribution affected everything we did. He gave us our uniform with the black pants and white shirt; he gave us our standard of discipline. God grant you glory, William Murray and open Heaven to all your men and women, all in His good time.”

Beloved husband of Maura, father of Barbara, Siobhán, Mag and Bernie, brother of Catherine and the late John and Paddy. Sadly, missed by his loving wife, daughters, sister, grandchildren Clodagh, Shauna, Ciara, Conor, Caoimhe, Tara, Cathal and Katie, sons-in-law John, Liam, C.J. and Joe, extended family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Due to the current guidelines, Bill will be laid to rest in Raheen Cemetery on Friday (July 17th) following a private family funeral in The Church of St John Paul the Second, Raheen. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please leave a condolence message in the ‘condolence’ section on the family notice on RIP.ie. Family flowers only.

Please note the family home is private on Friday morning (July 17th), the family thank you for your kindness and consideration at this very difficult time. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later stage. Bill’s Funeral Mass can be viewed at 12 noon on Friday on the following link https://www.facebook.com/Raheen-Parish-Committee-470166029749761/

‘We Are Wexford’…a new film version

By Dan Walsh

Creativity is the spice of life. The ability to lead and inspire original concepts and not only propel the community into new thinking and public expression but to bring them along as part of a package that makes the whole county proud of its existence while its character and goodness is stifled by the visiting Covid-19 pandemic.

ENNISCORTHY on a July evening

Earlier this year renowned Wexford folklorist Michael Fortune penned a lovely original poem entitled We Are Wexford, which is brightening up our lives and cheering on our spirits, in the splendour of a published three-minute film that is destined to achieve a new Wexford anthem status. “Finally, my poem has been brought to life by 60 people from throughout County Wexford,” a relieved but delighted Michael Fortune told WexfordLocal.com.

Filmed on people’s mobile phones between May and July, this film was commissioned by the Arts Council in May as part of their ‘COVID-19 Crisis Response Award’. Due to the lockdown, people worked remotely and picked a line of the poem and recorded it on their phones and sent it to Michael, who was overwhelmed by the amazing public response.

Of the 400 videos received, these were the videos chosen. So, if you have three minutes to spare, please sit down and watch this film…and as always, tag your friends and share far and wide. Up Wexford.

https://videopress.com/v/2qcuHaRT?preloadContent=metadata
We Are Wexford, an original poem by Michael Fortune, film version with roles from many people across County Wexford

Ballyhogue concerns about M11-N25 road plan

By Dan Walsh

The intimate residential community of Ballyhogue are to raise concerns about G Route (Brown) on the proposed M11 to N25 road extension from Scurloughsbush Roundabout, north of Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour, 30 kms in length, which is one of eight routes still under consideration for the new motorway.

Ballyhogue Residents Association has arranged a meeting to be held with Cllr Cathal Byrne in Galbally Sports & Leisure Club on Thursday at 8pm to give people the opportunity to express their views and to lend support to those whose homes are at risk if this motorway is to go ahead on the proposed G Route.

“Ballyhogue is a small quiet village with little amenities and the last thing we need is a village decimated with road works,” said John V. Carr of the Ballyhogue Resident’s Association, who added; Our school barely sits outside the perimeter of this proposed route.”

BELLEVUE CHURCH by the River Slaney near Ballyhogue village.

If G Route is chosen it will take the four-lane dual carriageway across the River Slaney at Macmine and through Ballyhogue village. Already public meetings have taken place in Glynn and Piercestown.

Concerns likely to be paramount in the Ballyhogue area include traffic noise 24-hours every day as the route will pass between Ballyhogue water tower and the housing estates of Bellevue Avenue and Bellevue Court.

Wexford County Council’s Director of Service Eamonn Hore, said; “The public consultation process has generated a large volume of responses from local residents and the general public. This is very welcome as it shows a high level of interest by the public in the scheme, and we value each and every submission made to us. To better facilitate this ongoing dialogue, Wexford County Council has extended the current public consultation by a further two weeks to Monday, August 3rd.

73% of litter caused by Litter Louts

Roadside litter comes in many forms from discarded cigarette ends to plastic containers, the leftovers of the takeaway, coffee cups and sweet and chocolate wrappers, sometimes flung from a vehicle window, and a regional campaign is being rolled out to eliminate this disgusting and senseless behaviour.

Four local authority bodies in the south-east are behind the campaign, which is labelled Call Out Litter Louts, namely the County Councils of Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and Waterford City and County Council. 

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy admits “We are all in the company of these litter louts from time to time, they all have friends and family who don’t agree with their disgusting behaviour, we need to play our part and call them out on their actions.

“Those responsible for roadside littering are undermining the substantial work carried out by many committed volunteers from Residents’ Associations and Tidy Towns Groups who work alongside our Local Councils to keep our Counties looking their best”, he concluded.

Call Out Litter Louts

 “The National Litter Monitoring Survey reports that for Co. Wexford, a whopping 73% of littering is caused by passing pedestrians and motorists” says Hugh Maguire of Wexford County Council’s Environment Section. “Roadside litter damages our environment and our wildlife, as well as creating unnecessary and costly work for Local Councils and Tidy Towns Groups. Littered roadsides also give an unfair and inaccurate impression of local residential areas and has a significant negative impact on tourism in the South East. It is easy to blame the local take-away or motorway service stations” he adds, “but it’s up to each individual to ensure that their litter is appropriately disposed of.”

The aim of the campaign is to encourage everybody in their communities to act and call out this totally unacceptable behaviour. The Call Out Litter Louts campaign runs from July 20th -31st.  Anyone interested in getting involved or learning more email environment@wexfordcoco.ie, call 053 9196000 or follow Wexford County Council on Twitter.

National 1798 is open…worth a visit!

By Dan Walsh

The much publicised ‘sale’ of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Arnold’s Cross, Enniscorthy, is off… and the mirage of confusing media reports have subsided…for now, so it is high time to show appreciation for this historic  place with a family visit!

NATIONAL 1798 REBELLION CENTRE at Enniscorthy is open to visitors.

The future of the centre may not be out of the woods yet, but one practical means of sustainability and growing the iconic building into an even greater public attraction is to boost the visitor numbers. Feet on the floor and numbers through the door is the key to survival.

The Centre is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 5 pm, and at weekends and bank holidays from 12 noon till 5 pm. The last admission is at 4.15 pm daily, No booking required.

That said, the Centre tells the story of the 1798 Rebellion, the leaders and the skirmishes, the cannons and guns used, and an opportunity to experience how the battles shaped our history.

The concept of the Centre was initiated at a meeting of the Board of Directors on Comoradh ’98 in 1991, and the late Cllr Andy Doyle and Town Clerk, Donal Minnock, spearheaded the project and oversaw the purchase of the old Christian Brothers monastery.
A framework document was developed by the local librarians and historians under the chairmanship of Nicholas Furlong, and Wexford native, Matthew O’Connor, Managing Director of the National Building Agency, prepared a design and layout for the building, which included the old monastery building, which came into the possession of the brothers’ in 1894.
The Friends of ’98, headed by Rich Howlin, were charged with raising £1m needed to draw down £1.6m, which had been secured from the European Regional Development Fund.
The Wexford Senate was used to raise the £1m, and the names of every senator was engraved on the walls of the new Visitor Centre (it has since been re-named the National 1798 Rebellion Centre), and the paint is as fresh today as it was when first applied…well, almost – but a once-off remarkable piece of family name history.
Tenders were advertised in March 1997; construction work commenced in May; the building programme was completed in December, and the interpretive design created by Event, a Dublin-based company, was completed over three months.
The audio-visual presentation placed the story of 1798 in an international context and was admired as a fascinating journey to modern democracy.