The large volume of visitors to the popular Morriscastle Beach, anticipated over the August Bank Holiday weekend, can breathe a major sight of relief that the car parking congestion of the past will be considerably alleviated after a ‘temporary car park’ opened yesterday.
CLLR MARY FARRELL has secured ‘temporary car parking’ to assist the busy traffic flow to and from Morriscastle Beach.
The matter was raised at the recent meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council by local Independent member Cllr Mary Farrell who pleaded with Wexford County Council to address the congestive issues associated with car parking at the popular seaside resort two kilometres from Kilmuckridge village.
In an announcement on social media, Cllr Farrell stated that she was delighted to finally announce that a temporary car park had been opened in Morriscastle this evening (Thursday) after many years of negotiation. “While this is only a temporary measure while awaiting to put plans in place for a permanent car park , this will alleviate the traffic congestion especially this busy weekend,” she said. Cllr Farrell thanked the Redmond and Shelly family for their co-operation with this project and to Wexford County Council for facilitating the smooth process to have it opened. “It is much appreciated by everyone. Thank you to everyone involved,” she concluded.
Visitors are reminded to be aware that double yellow lines will be enforceable from this weekend and it is strongly advised to please use the car park and avoid unnecessary fines.
A new publishing house has launched in Wexford promising to promote the production of literature in the county, discover new authors and publish close to twenty Wexford titles by the end of 2021. Red Books Press will be a co-operative of writers according to co-ordinator and owner of Red Books bookshop Wally O Neill.
The first four authors in Red Books Press; (left to right) TOM LOGAN, DAN FINN, DAITHI KAVANAGH and EAMONN COLFER
“Essentially we’re creating a co-operative of authors and poets and providing the resources for them to publish their works professionally inside Wexford,” Mr O Neill said. “County Wexford is going through a great literary renaissance at the moment and now occupies a cultural position similar to Dublin in the 1950s or Galway in the late 80s. We believe it’s vital to harness and develop this creative energy.”
Mr O’Neill continued; “This is going to be a publishing label for exceptional works. We are in the business of producing future classics. We are delighted to have four established local authors on board for the first four publications from Red Books Press. They are Daithi Kavanagh, Eamonn Colfer, Tom Logan and Dan Finn. We already have more young writers and poets lined up to join.”
“It’s our intention to publish at least four books this year under the co-operative label, with at least twelve more following next year. We are open to submissions from up-and-coming and first-time authors and poets, from every discipline and genre. The books will be printed, published and distributed from Wexford. The focus here is to maximise County Wexford’s literary potential.”
The first Red Books Press edition will be released in September with the publication of Daithi Kavanaghs The Green Wave. In the meantime, a new literary journal called the Wexford Bohemian will launch at Red Books on August 14th containing works by over thirty Wexford authors and poets, as well as local art and photography.
The community and world of amateur photography and students of local history and lore are deeply saddened by the death of John Wilkinson, which occurred peacefully at his home, Main Street, Carnew, surrounded by his loving family. He was in his 96th year.
JOHN WILKINSON
John Wilkinson was a local historian of note and was particularly impressive with his reminiscing of events surrounding the once powerful Coollattin Estate, one of the largest of its kind in south Wicklow. He could also recall characters, happenings and events in and around Carnew going back generations.
He published an interesting commentary on his early days. “My family, parents, and younger siblings, lived in Tomacork, some two miles from Carnew, but when it was time for me to start school in 1931 that distance was considered too far for a youngster to walk. To solve the problem I was “boarded out” with my Sinnott grandparents, on the Schoolheight, Carnew and had only to trot down the Main Street to reach the school Following their deaths, my Aunt Mary, took over the house and me. Actually, I had been born here and it had been my mother’s (Esther Wilkinson, née Sinnott) home prior to her marriage.”
Enniscorthy Camera Club posted; “It is with great regret that we have to announce that our Honorary President John Wilkinson sadly died yesterday. John was the definition of a gentleman who will be sadly missed.”
John was a member of Enniscorthy Camera Club for over 40 years and served both as Chairman and Secretary. Although his passion for photography covered all aspects of the art, his speciality was audio-visual which he mastered to such a high standard that he was an All-Ireland champion and placed a few times.
He was Enniscorthy’s representative on the Southern Association of Camera Clubs (SACC) and served as treasurer of the Irish Photographic Federation.
John enjoyed a long and fulfilled life. He loved company and storytelling and his photography collection is one of the biggest of its kind in the country. He easily converted his skills from the manual operation of photography and the days of ‘dark rooms’ to the modern digital era and adopted well to the new ways of the website and facebook.
Dearly beloved husband of the late Molly, much loved father of Cyril, Richard, Mary and Denis, devoted grandfather of Molly and Reuben, brother of Laurence, Benny and Fr Pat MCCJ and the late Fr Denis MCCJ, Tommy, Una, Mary and Nancy. Sadly, missed by his loving sons, daughter, grandchildren, daughters-in-law Doreen and Clare, Son-in-law Pádraig, sister-in-law Marilyn, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives and his wide circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Due to Government advice and HSE guidelines regarding public gatherings, a private funeral will take place for family and close friends. Funeral Mass will take place at 2 pm on Thursday in Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, Carnew, followed by interment in Tomacork Cemetery.
Wexford County Council members have responded favourably to a request, pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001, to the Council’s intention to sell a long-term leasehold interest in two sites at Enniscorthy Technology Park on the old St. Senan’s Hospital land at Killagoley south of the town.
The matter came before last Monday’s July meeting of Wexford County Council in the Hilton Edwards Suite in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, held under Covid-19 guidelines. Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy was in the chair and the CEO Tom Enright, in his absence, was represented by Tony Larkin, Director of Services.
The land in question was acquired from the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a cost of €18,000 per acre and the sites are to be sold to Moyne Point Ltd, with an address at I, Brownswood, Enniscorthy.
There are two sites. Site One (measuring 3.477 acres, however 0.445 acres is dedicated to the construction of a retaining wall to stabilise the site) is to be sold for €288,040 and the sale will take place by way of lease for 500 years at a nominal rent of €1 per annum.
The purchaser will use the site to construct a modern business technology unit in accordance with planning permission and the purchaser will also hold the option to purchase Site Two.
Site Two (measuring 2.96 acres), of which 0.797 acres is dedicated to a construction of a retaining wall to stabilise the site, is to be sold for €205,485
The death has occurred of Very Rev. Hugh O’Byrne, aged 78, of Moortown, Bridgetown, who was a popular priest for more than 50 years and ministered for 22 years as parish priest of Blackwater until his retirement due to personal health issues four years ago.
VERY REV. HUGH O’BYRNE (Pic; Wexford Parish Facebook)
Many tributes have been posted on social media since news of his passing were announced today. “A lovely man who loved people” read one comment, others remembered memories of their marriage, school days, and other special occasions with Fr. Hugh, while one comment from a sporting perspective recalled fondly; “Involved with the (Faythe) Harriers when he was in (Wexford) town.”
On the glorious personal occasion of his Silver Jubilee Mass and celebrations led by Bishop Denis Brennan, Fr Hugh reflected on his half century of religious devotion and was looking forward to retirement. “My health isn’t the best at the moment. If you don’t have your health what have you?” he wisely pondered.
Born in 1942 at Streamville, Ballycogley, he was educated at Ballindaggin National School and St. Peter’s Seminary, Wexford, where he was ordained in June 1966.
After ordination he served in Kilrush, Clongeen, studied catechetics at Mount Oliver, Dundalk, served time as chaplain to St John of God Nursing Home, Ely House, Wexford in 1970. He was a teacher of religion in Wexford Vocational School in 1980.
Fr Hugh was popular during his time in Wexford town. He served as curate in Bride Street from 1980 to 1988, when he was assigned to Rowe Street and was Administrator from 1989 until 1994.
He was appointed parish priest of Blackwater on March 12th, 1994, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his priesthood in St. Brigid’s Church, Blackwater, in 2016, a few weeks before his retirement on health grounds.
Beloved brother of Anne, Peter and the late Pat; sadly missed by his loving family, sister-in-law Joan, nephews Peter, Martin, Hugh, Thomas and Patrick, niece Annette, cousins, relatives and friends, Bishop Denis Brennan and all the clergy of the Diocese of Ferns. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Private funeral will take place on Friday. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to CROI. HSE guidelines regarding public gatherings will apply.
You are welcome to join in the celebration of Fr Hugh’s Funeral Mass via the parish webcam on the link www.ipcamlive.com/blackwaterchurch on Friday at 2 pm.
Enniscorthy is set to join Wexford in the ban on the burning, sale and marketing of smoky coal extended to all towns with population of over 10,000 from September 1st after the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Eamon Ryan TD, signed off on regulations to give legal effect to the Bill.
The ban does not extend to other Wexford towns, Gorey and New Ross, yet!
Mr Ryan said he was ‘very pleased’ to sign the regulations which are enforced by local authorities. The programme for government committed to extending the ban to the new towns and to “move towards a full nationwide ban.”
The penalty for breaching the ban is a fine of between €250 and €1,000.
The historic Ballast Office at Cresecent Quay overlooking Wexford Harbour, which is a protected structure, has been submitted for part-8 planning to renovate the strategic building with potential use for an enterprise or economic activity.
BALLAST OFFICE on Crescent Quay, Wexford, is facing a renovation programme.
Speaking at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, Director of Services, Tony Larkin said “the building is in poor condition, especially the roofs and floors, and urgent work is needed to restore it.”
He added that two-thirds restoration is required and the intention is to include a restaurant and café leased to a private concern.
The Ballast Office dates from 1835. It was from this building for many decades, that the Wexford Harbour Commissioners oversaw the smooth running of the busy port which traded with many parts of the world.
Cllr Aidan Browne’s motion calling on Wexford County Council to roll-out a QR style code on every public bin in Co. Wexford, seconded by Cllr Garry Laffan, was unanimously carried at today’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Hilton Edwards Suite in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy. Cllr Ger Carthy was in the chair.
CLLR AIDAN BROWNE
Cllr Browne said this would allow people to report overflowing bins as well as illegal dumping in real time using their phone and thus ensure a quick and targeted response. “The issue has become much more prominent over the lockdown period with people spending a lot more time outdoors,” said the Enniscorthy district member, who added; “The summer months and periods of good weather further exacerbate the problem and despite the best efforts of the Council, overflowing bins are becoming a common feature near parks and playgrounds across the county.
Cllr Browne continued; “It takes less than a minute to report and means the Council can target problem areas rather than trying to cover everywhere all the time and it also acts as a deterrent to those illegally dumping household waste near public bins as they know the Council will be watching the areas where it is most important.”
If a bin is damaged or overflowing anyone with a smartphone can snap a picture of the QR code and report it to Wexford County Council. This generates a service request and the Council can then send someone around to attend the issue without delay.
Ballycarney Bridge is in the news and needs some sort of signage or intervention to keep it safe and in working order according to local Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan.
18th century Ballycarney Bridge is ‘not always wide enough for traffic’ as the damage shows
Speaking at the July meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Codd-Nolan told members that there was confusion and ‘near misses’ on the bridge and she is asking the Council’s engineering section to investigate and see what can be done.
The bridge has been strengthened and kept in good working order by Wexford County Council over many years, and that is still the case, but it appears that present day problems may arise from driver behaviour and could be easily solved by common courtesy and reduction of speed in the area.
Erected ca-1780, Ballycarney Bridge has seven arches flanked by smaller ‘flood’ arches and is described as “typical of the 18th century Irish stone bridge.”
Linking the road to Ferns with Ballycarney crossroads, the ancient bridge is a noted landmark and is rare in that the pointed cutwaters are taken to parapet level and supports ‘pedestrian refuges’ that are v-shaped and quaint in appearance.
Seven people have been arrested after Gardaí seized a quantity of suspected cocaine and cash during searches in North Wexford that began in the early hours of Saturday morning.
GOREY GARDA STATION
Gardaí intercepted a van and conducted a search of a vehicle at around 2 am. Suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of €17,500 was seized. A short distance away, a second package containing approximately €17,500 worth of cocaine was seized after Gardaí pursued a second vehicle.
Follow-up searches were conducted under warrant throughout the day in Enniscorthy and Gorey. During these searches, approximately €15,000 in cash was seized.
The seven people (five men and two women) arrested are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996 in Garda Stations across Wexford and Wicklow.
Uniformed Gardaí attached to the Wexford Division were assisted by members from the Regional Support Unit, District Detective Unit and Cork Division Dog Unit during the operation. Investigations are ongoing.
WexfordLocal.com 