Cllr Joe Sullivan is Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council

CLLR OLIVER WALSH (Leas-Cathaoirleach) and CLLR JOE SULLIVAN (Cathaoirleach) exchange greetings following their success at the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council held in County Hall today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council

Cllr Joe Sullivan was today elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual general meeting in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Wexford. Cllr Oliver Walsh is the Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Sullivan’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and seconded by Cllr Oliver Walsh. Cllr Oliver Walsh, affectionately described as ‘Father of the House’ was proposed by Cllr Anthony Donohoe and seconded by Cllr Pip Breen.

In his maiden speech, Cllr Sullivan welcomed the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, Malcolm Byrne TD, fellow council members, executive members, staff, members of the press, friends and family, which included his wife, Trysh and sons, Tom and Cian.

Cllr Sullivan also said that his good friend, Brian Brennan TD, could not attend and he extended sympathy to the deputy on the death of his mother. A minute’s silence was observed in the chamber as a mark of respect.

Cllr Sullivan continued; “Looking forward to the year ahead, I wish to continue the good work of the previous holders of this office. I look forward to the Fleadh returning to Wexford in August, the highlight of the year.

“I know that our special projects team have various developments underway at locations around all districts and I will be doing my best to work with them to ensure all these projects are brought to fruition in the quickest possible timeframe.

Cllr Sullivan told the members that there are three projects which are critical to the future development of County Wexford; The provision of the SETU Campus at Wexford, The completion of the M11 from Oylegate to Rosslare, and the development of the St. Waleran’s site at Gorey.

A native of Ballybought, Durrow, Tullamore, on the Offaly-Westmeath border, Joe Sullivan retired from An Garda Siochana in 2014, having served for 28 years, and his final 20 years as a Detective at Gorey Garda Station.

In August, 2013, following a conversation with Fianna Fáil stalwart, Lorcan Allen, Joe decided to change career paths and put his name forward as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Gorey district in the 2014 Local Elections and was duly elected. He has been re-elected in the 2019 and 2024 elections and is one of the most experienced members of the 34-member Wexford County Council.

He served as Chairman of Gorey District in 2017-’18; was Vice-Chairman from February 2020 following the By-Election success of Malcolm Byrne; and served as Chairman again from June 2020 to 2021 during the Covid 19 years when all meetings were conducted by zoom.

Cllr Sullivan received congratulations and good wishes from his fellow councillors and the officials and from Chief Executive, Eddie Taaffe, who said; “Cllr Sullivan was a great judge of people and situations and has the ability to get to the heart of the matter and find a solution.

Tributes were also paid to outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen and outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ger Carthy.

Cllr Sullivan said; “At the outset I would like to compliment the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pip Breen, on his stewardship over the past 12 months, during which time he was a very steadying influence over some of the highly significant events that took place in County Wexford during his year in the chair, namely the return of the Fleadh Cheoil to Wexford, cementing and promoting the historical, cultural and economic ties with Savannah, Georgia and being instrumental in his role with the Southern Regional Assembly in securing €7 million funding under the Thrive Scheme for the regeneration of the Market House in Gorey.”

Cllr Barbara-Anne is popular choice

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY is the new Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and adds her name to the list of predecessors for the third time. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the annual general meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council

Long surviving Bunclody-based Fianna Fáil public representative Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy is the new Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. She received the full backing of her colleagues at the annual general meeting held in the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, this morning.

Cllr Murphy was proposed by outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne and seconded by Cllr Pat Kehoe. The Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr Pat Kehoe proposed by Cllr Trish Byrne and seconded by Cllr Browne.

Cllr Murphy said it was nice to see an “all-female” top table; she is 21 years in politics and promised to continue to work together with the other councillors as a team for Enniscorthy town and district.

She would like to see more housing in the district and not just in the town, sign off on the CCTV for Bunclody, get the Council Employment Scheme extended to the villages of Bunclody and Ferns, see the Old Murphy-Floods site opened completely and get the St John’s Campus Activity Garden open at St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy.

Cllr Murphy was Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District immediately after the town councils were abolished ahead of the 2014-’15 term!

She served as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District in 2020 and was Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council in 2021.

Barbara-Anne is the youngest daughter of Rory (and Nancy) Murphy who served on Wexford County Council since 1967 and on her father’s death, she was co-opted to his seat on Wexford County Council in 2004.

All councillors welcomed Cllrs Murphy and Kehoe on their appointments, while the outgoing Cllr Aidan Browne and Cllr Jackser Owens were also complemented on their work for the district over the past year.

Cllr Browne ran through a list of achievements and thanked his colleagues, officials and the local media.

Cllr Browne said it was a busy and interesting year with a local authority election and a general election, but he said the object was to “do the right thing for the town and district” and everybody worked well.

Outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Jackser Owens said it was a pleasure to serve with the Cathaoirleach but told the members that will not be standing next time around. “There should be an Independent in the chair before the four years is up,” added Cllr Owens.

Cllr Pat Kehoe said he was only in the Council since last June’s local elections “and didn’t know what to expect” but he wished everyone well. Cllr Trish Byrne is only a few weeks on the Council but she added her good wishes.

Cllr John O’Rourke stated that the work progressed very well and recalled “putting Enniscorthy on the map” during their trip to Australia with Cllr Browne and District Manager Claire Lawless.

Director of Services Carolyne Godkin said it was an exceptionally busy year with the two elections, but she stated that it was community focussed, she added that the Cathaoirleach and councillors were very professional to work with, and she also added thanks to the Leas-Cathaoirleach. She wished everybody well going forward.

 

Enniscorthy wages war on wheelie bins!

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

Every household has wheelie bin contracts with private companies, but Enniscorthy Municipal District Council has issues with the presentation of wheelie bins outside homes and taking them in afterwards in a reasonable time… and there is a suggestion that fines could be introduced!

Cllr John O’Rourke raised the issue at the recent meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and he questioned the presence of wheelie bins on footpaths and the risk to injury to the visually impaired. He suggested that traffic wardens could be empowered to issue fines.

Cllr Jackser Owens had concerns about wheelie bins not collected for three weeks! He said they should be collected and emptied and suggested stickers saying ‘get wheelie bins off the streets.

And the old chestnut raised its head again! Fines for people who have no bins and that they be made available for inspections.

It didn’t emerge during the discussion, but the District Manager’s (Claire Lawless) Report contained the following. “Traffic cones placed on public roads by members of the public will be removed by the Enniscorthy Municipal District roads crew.

Individuals are not permitted to reserve parking spaces or obstruct public roads by placing traffic cones or other objects on the public road.

“25 traffic cones have been removed from the public road in recent days.

Longest Day on Vinegar Hill

The scene at the Longest Day Commemoration on Vinegar Hill last evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill

The 227th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion was commemorated on Vinegar Hill last evening with the annual Longest Day Commemoration ceremony.

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne paid tribute to the ideals of the men of 1798 and laid a wreath (with Emily Murphy) on the commemoration plinth on Vinegar Hill.

The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen, Senator Cathal Byrne and Cllrs Pat Kehoe, Trish Byrne, Jackser Owens and John O’Rourke.

The Reverend Canon Nicola Halford and Rev. Billy Caulfield shared a prayer service.

The Ballindaggin Pipe Band led a parade of re-enactors onto Vinegar Hill and Jacqui Hynes (joint editor of ‘Vinegar Hill.. The Last Stand of the Wexford Rebels of 1798,” delivered an historical address.

Historian Bernard Browne, in the absence of Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, acted as master of ceremonies.

Pikemen Niall Wall, Seamus Murphy, Noel Armstrong and Tim Corrigan sang ‘Boolavogue’ and the event concluded with the Ballindaggin Pipe Band playing Amhrán na bhFiann.

Gorey gets 30 town centre apartments

JAMES BROWNE TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, and outgoing Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, officially opened the new Páirc Aonaigh housing development at Wexford Street, Gorey in a low profile ceremony last night.

A well designed social housing development comprising 30 apartment and duplex units. The development includes 16 one-bedroom, 7 two-bedroom, and 7 three-bedroom homes.

Called Pairc Aonaigh ‘as Gaeilge which means ‘Playground’ the new development is on the site of the old St. Joseph’s CBS Primary School in the town centre.

The work was carried out with Van Dijk Architects and Mythen Construction and a team at Wexford County Council. Cost of the development has not been disclosed!

According to local TD Malcolm Byrne “Homes in this fantastic development are currently being allocated to local families and individuals and a vibrant community will grow at the heart of the town.”

Enniscorthy weekend 1798 commemoration

MICO HASSETT, Manager National 1798 Rebellion Centre and JOHNNY MYTHEN TD with the new portrait of John Kelly The Boy From Killanne which was unveiled at a function in Enniscorthy this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy

A new portrait of John Kelly The Boy From Killanne by world renowned artist Jim Fitzgerald has gone on public display at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy.

The work was presented by Deputy Johnny Mythen TD at a function earlier this evening to mark the official opening of the 1798 Remembrance weekend of events which taking place in the town tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday.

Artist Jim Fitzgerald was unable to attend the function in person, but he did appear via video link and explained many aspects behind the work and promised to visit the 1798 Centre very soon.

Manager Mico Hassett welcomed the invited attendance which included Deputy Mythen, Cllrs Pat Kehoe and Trish Byrne, and District Manager Claire Lawless. Niall Wall gave a vocal presentation with his wonderful version of the famous Wexford ballad – Kelly The Boy From Killanne.

Ms. Hassett outlined events at the 4th annual Summer School taking place tomorrow (Saturday) which begins at 10am with a walking tour with Barry Lacey and historic talks from Dr. Elaine Callinan, Myles Courtney and Dr Ida Milne.

There are two free events tomorrow evening; at 4.30pm Jacqui Hynes talks on ‘Vinegar Hill-survey of a battlefield. This is followed by the Longest Day Commemoration on Vinegar Hill from 6pm.

Rebellion Day takes place at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, from 12 noon until 5pm on Sunday.

Manager Mico Hassett says this community-focused day brings history to life; “A family day with live music re-enactors, blacksmith and crafts. It is a fun and educational day that encourages participation.”

Local Re-enactment organiser, Ray Murphy, said “Re-enactors can pay homage to our past heroes and participate in commemorations and re-enactments throughout the year.”

The Enniscorthy Re-enactors Society will set up camp in the gardens of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Watch out – there may even be a few shots fired!’

The Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann brings the Fringe Fleadh to Enniscorthy, providing live trad sessions and Irish Dancing throughout the afternoon.

Bring the whole family and make a day of exploring the food and craft stalls. Café 98 will be open with a special festival menu or bring a picnic and enjoy the 1798 Centre grounds.

The Centre will be open for tours from 12noon-4.15pm, so if you haven’t been in to see the exhibition or it has been a while, come inside and take in a bit of interactive history.

Deputy Manager Eve Furlong commented; “The Rebellion Day event is a free, family day out and for those wanting to see the 1798 exhibition, a general admission tour ticket will be reduced to €5 per person or only €10 for up to a family of five, a super value, for the whole weekend.”

New Ross adds two Age Friendly parking spaces

At the launch of the Age Friendly parking spaces in New Ross were (left to right); Cllr Michael Sheehan, Niamh Bolger, Age Friendly Officer, Cllr Pat Barden, Cllr John Dwyer, Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District, Cllr John Fleming, Ger Mackey, Cllr Matty Murphy and Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager.

By Dan Walsh

New Ross Municipal District unveiled two new Age-Friendly parking spaces in New Ross town on Thursday. The launch was performed by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, with district members and Council officials present.
These dedicated parking spaces are designed to promote inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that older residents and those with mobility challenges can easily access the town’s amenities and services.
The initiative reflects the town’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive community where everyone can participate fully in town life.
Speaking at the unveiling, New Ross District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry, said; “We are thrilled to introduce these Age-Friendly parking spaces, which help in making New Ross a more accessible and welcoming place for all. “Initiatives like this demonstrate our dedication to supporting residents of all ages and abilities, and we are proud to champion inclusivity in our community.
“Thanks to Niamh Bolger, the Age Friendly Programme Manager with Wexford County Council, for her support on this project and to the Area Engineer, David Murphy, for completing the works,” stated Mr Fitzhenry
Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, Cllr Bridín Murphy said; “It is with great pleasure that I unveil these new age-friendly parking spaces in New Ross town today, as my last official task as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District. These spaces, strategically located to provide easier access to essential services and amenities, are a small but meaningful step towards enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the district. “I want to thank Niamh Bolger, Age Friendly Officer with Wexford County Council, for funding this initiative, as well as the District Engineer, David Murphy, for installing the spaces.
“I encourage all motorists to respect these courtesy spaces, together we can create a more inclusive New Ross that truly caters to the needs of all residents,” added Cllr Murphy.
The new spaces are part of a broader effort by the district to enhance accessibility in the town, aligning with the national Age-Friendly Ireland Programme.

No path on Rafter Street? “Cllr Owens”

RAFTER STREET, Enniscorthy, pedestrianised or not! (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

By Dan Walsh at the monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

The ban on advertising sandwich boards in Enniscorthy surfaced again at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting where Cllr Pat Kehoe called for “a common-sense approach”.

Director of Services Carolyne Godkin reiterated the sentiments of Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe at the previous week’s County Council meeting who sternly condemned the use of free advertising on streets and the risks it posed for families with buggies, the elderly and those with disabilities.

Rafter Street, a pedestrian zone, is open to traffic 10am-4.30pm Monday-Friday and Cllr Kehoe felt it should be pedestrianised for seven days!

Cllr Kehoe noted that the sandwich boards were used by shops to keep traffic from parking too close to business doorways!

Cllr Jackser Owens lamented that 20% of business is being lost and shops were closing because of the billboard ban. He is seeking a reversal on the decision.

Then Cllr Owens threw the meeting into ‘wonderland’ when he pointed out, more than once, that there is no path on Rafter Street!

Local businesses in Enniscorthy are hesitant and secret on their reaction to the billboard ban, but it appears that the bye-law is in place and there is no going back to the old ways.

Cllr Dwyer is New Ross Cathaoirleach

CLLR JOHN DWYER (Cathaoirleach) and CLLR JOHN FLEMING (Leas-Cathaoirleach) exchanged congratulations after the New Ross Municipal District Council annual general meeting this afternoon.

By Dan Walsh

Independent Cllr John Dwyer is the new Cathaoirleach for New Ross Municipal District. He was elected at today’s annual general meeting and replaces Cllr Bridín Murphy.

“It was an honour and a privilege to be elected as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council this afternoon, said Cllr Dwyer on a social media post, and he added: “I would like to thank my fellow councillors for the faith they have shown in me and indeed I would like to thank my family and my supporters for their ongoing support, for without them, I could not do what I do. I look forward to this coming year.”

A former member of Wexford County Council, Cllr Dwyer lost his seat in the 2014 Local Elections, narrowed missed out in 2019, and regained his seat in the 2024 Local Elections when he promised that he would be “a truly Independent voice for New Ross.”

Cllr Dwyer was also an unsuccessful candidate in two General Elections representing two different parties – Eirigí and Sinn Féin.

The Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr John Fleming (Fianna Fáil).

Gorey water supply interruption

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann teams are currently repairing a burst water main that has reduced flow to the Creagh Water Treatment Plant in Gorey.

The burst is disrupting water supply for Uisce Éireann customers in Gorey Town, Tara Hill, Ballymoney, and nearby areas.

Crews are on site and are working to repair the burst. It is estimated that repairs will be complete, and supply will return to normal levels from approximately 5pm this evening.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured affected customers that supply will be restored as quickly as possible.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused by unplanned outages and we want to thank affected customers for their understanding while our crews work to repair the burst and restore normal supply,” said Mr Lyng.

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.  

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.