€7.5m investment for Rosslare Strand and Burrow

By Dan Walsh

“It is a great day for Rosslare and a great day for Wexford tourism,” that is the view of Wexford County Council Chairman, Cllr Ger Carthy, to the announcement from the Office of Public Works that the eagerly awaited Rosslare Flood and Erosion Protection Project has been given the green light.

Inspecting the Project in the early stages are (left to right); Gerry Forde, Senior Engineer, Wexford County Council; Bill Kelly, Kelly’s Hotel Resort Rosslare; Paul Coughlan, Chairman Rosslare Development Association; Cllr Ger Carthy, current Chairman Wexford County Council; former Minister Paul Kehoe TD; George Colfer, Senior Engineer, Wexford County Council; Noreen Cummins, District Manager Rosslare; Eamon Sreenan, Chairman Rosslare Tidy Towns’ Committee, and Des Peare, Chairman Rosslare Lifeboat Memorial Committee.


Included in the €7.5 million investment will be the design, planning, tendering process and construction of this long awaited and vitally important scheme which will protect one of Co Wexford’s most important tourist attractions in the heartland of the south-east.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Cllr Carthy said; “Tourism is the heartbeat of County Wexford and this very progressive move, which I have advocated for over many years will ensure its longevity into the future. Former Minister and my Independent colleague Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran were to the fore in progressing this initiative and I thank him for his persistence.”

Cllr Carthy added that this news “is another positive step forward for this area” and he commended the Council’s Chief Executive Tom Enright, and Senior Engineers with particular responsibility for coastal protection, Gerry Forde and George Colfer for their hard work on this project.

Rosslare was judged ‘Wexford’s Tidiest Village’ in the 2018 National Tidy Towns’ Awards.

AUDIO ; Chairman of Wexford County Coiuncil Cllr Ger Carthy welcomes Rosslare Flood and Erosion Protection Project

County Secretary Pat Collins retires

Tributes have been paid to Pat Collins who retired from Wexford County Council after 42 years’ service and served the last six years as County Secretary.

HAPPY RETIREMENT PAT COLLINS

A native of Wexford town, Pat served with Wexford County Council in many departments from 1978, joined the Wexford Corporation as Borough Accountant in 1995, became Town Clerk in 2002, and was elevated to the role of County Secretary in 2014. He was also a popular figure in the role of Returning Officer for elections over many years.

Chief Executive Officer Tom Enright and other members of the management and staff paid tribute to their loyal and popular colleague on his final day (Friday, June 26th) in a pleasant and fitting farewell moderated by social distancing in line with government guidelines for Covid-19.

Future for Wexford fishing post-Brexit?

Deputy Verona Murphy spoke in the Dail yesterday (Thursday) and asked the Minister how the Department will deal with probably impartial trade following Brexit in respect of fishermen and the issues that will arise once UK waters are no longer accessible to EU fisherman and, in particular, Irish fishermen, who probably access UK waters more than any of the other EU member states.

“Currently, 60% of the mackerel we fish, as well as 40% of the prawns caught by Irish trawlers, are fished in UK waters. These goods are the mainstay of the sector but the waters are soon to be outside the EU and off limits to Irish trawlers. Put simply, 30% of what is trawled by Irish fishermen will be wiped out post Brexit. Significant changes to existing arrangements would be devastating from the Irish fishing industry.”

VERONA MURPHY TD

Deputy Murphy alluded to the situation in Wexford. “Another matter that is of major concern for fishermen nationally, and one I have at first hand heard discussed in my constituency when dealing with fishermen in Wexford town, Kilmore, Duncannon and other areas, is the likely increase in activity in the fishing grounds and waters surrounding Ireland post-Brexit.

“Fishermen expect a significant increase in the number of UK vehicles re-registering for EU ownership. I am glad this is recognised in the programme for Government. Will the Minister tell us what steps are being prepared to prevent displacement or an increase in the number of vessels that re-register to the EU post Brexit?”

In reply, Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence replied; “On fishing, the Deputy (Murphy) has raised a series of issues. No one should assume the outcome yet. It cannot be said yet that we will be locked out of UK waters or that 30% of the stock we access will be wiped out. We do not know whether any of that is true yet. We are in a negotiation. The important point in this negotiation is that fisheries are part of the broader trade negotiation to ensure the EU uses the leverage it must get the best possible outcome for its fishing interests, including Irish fishing interests.

“What we do not want are distortions of fishing that force fishermen to catch fish too early or in the wrong place in response to the restrictions in a post-Covid environment. This is a complex negotiation but an important one for counties such as Donegal, Galway and Kerry, in addition to west Cork, Wexford, Howth and all the other constituencies and counties that rely greatly on the fishing industry.”

Workplace accident death at Ballycarney

A man in his 30’s was fatally injured in a workplace accident at a construction site on a farm at Ballycarney this morning. Emergency services rushed to the scene when the alarm was raised just after 8.30 am.

It is understood that the man was working on a construction site close to a grain store when he fell from a height. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Health and Safety Authority (HSA) personnel attended the scene and are carrying out an investigation.

Windy waves washing away Cahore beach

Dan Walsh

I always liked a visit to Cahore. It was always one of my favourite places, although I miss the closed doors of Cahore Castle where once we ate, drank, danced and lost our way home in a fun way on so many occasions, although The Strand Bar still retains some vestiges of the traditional hospitality.

CAHORE HARBOUR today. Rainy overcast conditions didn’t deter a few visitors.

The sea was choppy today and could be observed eating away at the beach which is receding into the car park. Climate change in action and a contributory factor to coastal erosion which is no stranger in this part of the south-east.

The beautiful and visitor friendly Wexford coastline is 250kms long and 90% consists of sandy soil which is easy fodder for storm and tempest that takes its share with each passing year.

We hear about the ‘lost’ beach at Courtown where it was found necessary to place rock armour, just south at Donaghmore a house tumbled into the sea after the garden disappeared. More reports from Kilpatrick, in the Castletown district in the north of the county, the constant erosion over many years at Ballyconnigar, just a few kilometres from Blackwater village, has been well documented, there are problems at Rosslare, and only last year a roadway disappeared from the landscape near Kilmore Quay.

Storm Ophelia is regarded as the worst storm to affect Ireland in 50 years when it made landfall over Ireland on October 16th 2017 with wind speeds of up to 115km/h recorded at Johnstown Castle weather station. The storm caused major power outages, lifted roofs, felled countless trees and caused coastal flooding in Ireland, and sadly, the tragic loss of three lives was also attributed to Storm Ophelia.

Major storms contribute hugely to coastal decimation and living with climate change into the future augurs negatively against the situation getting the better of the occasional angry waves of the sea driven by an intense breeze onto the exposed eastern coastline.

The estimated cost of coastal protection is between €2,000 and €3,000 per metre!

Senior Engineer with Wexford County Council Gerry Forde said that it is a difficult situation to combat but the emphasis is on protecting the towns, villages, public roads and places where people live. The best defence appears to be the rock armour that reinforces much of the coastline, but even so, in some places, this mechanism sometimes fails, and the erosion can is seen to reappear behind the defence lines.

Eight routes under consideration for motorway

By Dan Walsh

Huge concerns are simmering across south Wexford as Wexford County Council commenced a  public consultation process on the proposed N11/N25 Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour Scheme that has been extended until August 3rd and offers an opportunity for members of the public to voice their opinions and to contribute to the overall development of the project.

Putting the final touches to the M11 at the Scourlocksbush roundabout near Oylegate ahead of the official opening in 2019.

Various debates have been aired on local radio with most concerns been fuelled by the option of eight potential routes under consideration for the new motorway and no announcement yet of the preferred route.

A public meeting is planned for Glynn Community Centre this Thursday night at 7.30 pm and the public are invited to attend in social distancing to raise their concerns and objections and a document will be submitted to Wexford County Council. Local Cllr Garry Laffan, Vice-Chairman of Wexford County Council, is representing the concerned parties in this area on the western side of the River Slaney.

Another public meeting is planned for Piercestown Community Centre on Monday, July 13th at 7.30 pm where concerns for people living in that community affected by the motorway plans will be addressed. Social distancing will apply but it is hoped to have representatives from as many households as possible.

Speaking at the recent meeting of Wexford County Council, incoming Chairman Cllr Ger Carthy said; “This is almost 21 years going on. We need to know if this is going ahead and we need a date for when the route will be chosen.”

Cllr Lisa McDonald had concerns about residents living close to the identified routes. “In 2004 a preferred route was chosen and a number of houses in the preferred corridor were essentially sterilised. The owners can’t sell them,” she stated.

Cllr Jim Moore said; “if we don’t start here now, we’ll be back here again in ten years’ time having the same discussion.”

Director of Service at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, said, “Rosslare Europort has become increasingly busy over the last few years, resulting in increased pressure on the infrastructure serving the Port and communities across south Wexford. This scheme aims to address this by upgrading the transport corridor from the current M11 motorway to Rosslare Harbour, resulting in safer, easier access.”

“We want to hear the views of the public with regards to the proposed scheme options. With the current restrictions on large gatherings in place due to Covid-19, we cannot hold an information session, as we would during normal times. However, the public will be able to express their views and have direct contact with the project team via phone conversations, as well as on-line and email services” he concluded.

Zero tolerance for anti-social seaside menace

By Dan Walsh

 
It is not unusual for public representatives to bring matters to public attention relating to serious public concerns about anti-social behaviour at seaside resorts along Wexford’s 250km beautiful coastline which are normally within the remit of the local authority bye-laws.

A visit to the seaside should be a positive family day out experience and in most situations that is the norm. However, occasionally the nasty side of anti-social behaviour spoils the holiday and now is the time to aim towards zero tolerance.

Unsavoury practices such as excessive litter scattered around, erecting campsites at unauthorised sites, damage to private property and general trespassing, not forgetting injury to the good name of the seasonal amenity, and occasionally crime and criminal acts committed are reported annually.

Nobody wants their holiday or one-day family day in the sun ruined by anti-social activity. So now is the time to bring matters of the unsavoury kind to the ears of the local authority.

Wexford County Council  has plans to regulate the use of piers, harbours and car parking areas under its custody and control at Arthurstown, Barrystown, Ballyhack Harbour, Cahore Pier, Carne Pier, Courtown Harbour, Duncannon Harbour, Fethard Harbour, Kilmore Quay Harbour, New Ross Marina and Town Quay, Rosslare Strand Moorings, Slade Harbour, St. Helen’s Pier and Wexford Harbour.

The draft bye-laws are in accordance with Part 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 and Section 89 of the Harbours Act 1996 and are available for public inspection from today, Tuesday, July 7th until Monday, August 10th during normal working hours at Wexford County Council Offices at County Hall, Wexford, Civic Square, The Avenue, Gorey, Courthouse, Court Street, Enniscorthy, and The Tholsel, New Ross.

Byrne and D’Arcy share seats in Seanad

By Dan Walsh

As the long-awaited new government gets down to the serious business of running the country the 60-member lower chamber, Seanad Éireann, will also be out of the starting blocks with large amounts of legislation to be considered and recommendations passed for Dáil Éireann to conduct its business.

Hard hats and shoulder to shoulder. New Gorey-based Senators Malcolm Byrne and Michael D’Arcy pictured at the official Ballyminaun Water Treatment Plant sod turning ceremony last November. Pic; Patrick Browne.

There has been considerable ‘noise’ surrounding the fact that the new Taoiseach, Michéal Martin, failed to award any Wexford Teachta Deala with a ministry or a junior role at the cabinet, but there is some compensation from his lapse and omission  as two Gorey representatives will be part of the 26th Seanad Éireann. And both were elected through the existing electoral parliamentary system. No Taoiseach nominations!

Senator Malcolm Byrne was elected on the Culture and Education Panel in April having lost his seat in the February General Election after only 71 days in the Dail. He had secured a seat in the November by-election and in the 2019 European Parliament elections he was unsuccessful but performed extremely well on the Fianna Fail ticket before elimination on the 16th count.

Senator Michael D’Arcy also takes his seat in the Seanad having been elected on the Agricultural Panel last April. The Fine Gael representative served in Dail Éireann from 2007 to 2011 and again 2016 to 2020 and was Minister of State at the Department of Finance until losing his seat in the February General Election.

Both Byrne and D’Arcy represent the Gorey district and are members of the government partners (with the Greens) and it can be expected that both will work diligently for the good of Co. Wexford within the power base of their new political careers and it is imperative that the people of the constituency use their good offices and influence to bring progress and growth to the ‘sunny South East’. 

Bertram Allen back to winning ways

Enniscorthy-born international showjumping star Bertram Allen, based in Germany these days, is back amongst the winners with a five-star victory in France last Friday.

BERTRAM ALLEN and Lafayette Van Overis jumping to victory. Pic courtesy of Horse Sport Ireland.

At the first five-star international showjumping fixture since the lifting of the Covid-19 restrictions, Allen took the top prize of €6,350 in the 1m50 speed event from a field of 54 riding the nine year old gelding Lafayette Van Overis by two seconds.

Churches re-open under strict guidelines

By Dan Walsh

Parish churches across the Diocese of Ferns opened their doors for Saturday and Sunday Mass for the first time in three months this evening, albeit, under strict public health guidelines regarding physical distancing and the maximum number of congregation for any liturgy is reduced in line with the size and capacity of each individual church.

ST AIDAN’S CATHEDRAL, Enniscorthy, designed by Augustus Welby Pugin and first opened in 1846.

Over the past week church groups have been preparing for Mass with signage and closing of seating to facilitate the existing guidelines. However, some parishes have the benefit of live streaming into homes, a practical solution that has been widely used and appreciated to facilitate family funerals.

At St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, Administrator Rev. Odhran Furlong said; “Before the lockdown, the number participating in daily Mass here in the Cathedral was about 50-60 so accommodating those who came back this week was not a problem. However, a challenge comes with Sunday Mass as we expect that more than 50 people will come to the Cathedral for each of the three weekend Masses.”

“With that in view, we priests want to do our utmost to ensure that anyone who wants to come to Mass in the Cathedral this Sunday can do so. Therefore, beginning from this weekend we have added to the number of weekend Masses. On Saturday evening there will be two vigil Masses at 6pm and 7.30pm. On Sundays there will be three Masses: at 8am, 10am and 12 noon. Please note that this is a temporary adjustment to our Mass schedule and will be reviewed as things develop,” added Fr Furlong, speaking to parishioners through social media.

For those who do attend the following four steps must be complied with:
Please wear a mask
Please use Hand Sanitizer provided as you enter the Cathedral
Please sit alone or with members of your household
Please maintain proper social distancing.
“At each Mass clear instruction will be given as to other requirements during the liturgy. This process will require a great deal of patience, understanding and willingness to comply on behalf of us all and we thank you in advance for this,” concluded Fr Furlong.