Nicky Cogley (secretary) and Fintan Kelly (chairman) launched the Ten Little Plays project by Enniscorthy Theatre Company in Holohan’s Bar, Enniscorthy, tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Holohan’s Bar, Enniscorthy
Creative talent is flourishing in Enniscorthy, evidenced by the enthusiastic turnout at Holohan’s Bar this evening for the official launch of Ten Little Plays. This innovative production by the Enniscorthy Theatre Company is scheduled to debut in late August.
Fintan Kelly (Chairman) and Nicky Cogley (Secretary) explained the concept of assembling 10 writers, 10 directors, and lots of actors (teenagers and adults) to cast and promote Ten Little Plays which will be performed on August 21st, 22nd and 23rd.
There was a positive response and workshops in acting, writing and directing will be part of the process to assist talent that may be enthusiastic and ambitious, but suffering experience poverty.
This is an amazing opportunity to challenge yourself, collaborate and create something brilliant.
For anybody who feels they can fulfil a part in writing, directing or acting, but missed out on tonight’s launch they have until June 10th to get involved by contacting any member of Enniscorthy Theatre Company or log on to the Enniscorthy Theatre Company website page.
Included in this photo taken at the launch of The Night Belongs to Youth are Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager, Barbara Nolan, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Liz Burns, County Arts Officer and Deryn O’Callaghan, Director of Creative Places, Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh on Vinegar Hill
Plans for the second annual “The Night Belongs to Youth were announced on Thursday with a special ceremony on Vinegar Hill, overlooking Enniscorthy town.
The attendance included Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager, Barbara Nolan, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Liz Burns, County Arts Officer and Deryn O’Callaghan, Director of Creative Places.
The event, which pays homage to the historical site and celebrates midsummer, will take place on Saturday, June 7th, featuring a colourful carnival-style procession that will make its way to the summit of the hill. Created by young people from across Wexford, the piece will culminate in an immersive spectacle featuring drumming, ceremonial dance, and song.
The event, which is organised by Creative Places Enniscorthy, gives young people the opportunity to collaborate with professional artists, prop makers, and musicians.
The Night Belongs to Youth is billed as a highlight of this year’s Cruinniú na nÓg, the National Day of Creativity for young people, which will see over 50 free events take place across Wexford and over 1,000 events taking place across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Deryn O’Callaghan, Director of Creative Places Enniscorthy, remarked: “The entire event has been led by the youth of Wexford. We are very mindful of the history of the area and the significance of the hill to the town, and we wanted to reflect that. We aim for this to become an annual summer event focused on ceremony, music, theatre, and youth initiatives.
The Night Belongs to Youth will take place on Saturday, June 7th. Members of the public can meet at Father Cullen Terrace and join the parade up Vinegar Hill.
GOREY MARKET HOUSE… last chance for public to visit on Friday and Saturday this weekend. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Gorey Market House will be open to the public today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) from 11am to 4pm. This is an opportunity to visit the building before renovation works begin later this year.
This will be a final chance for the public to see the building as it stands today, ahead of the removal of items and the start of the Regenerative Project.
The procurement to appoint an integrated design team has been completed by Special Projects. The winning tender was submitted by Cooney Architects of Waterford and an introductory meeting of those involved in the IDT (don’t ask me, I don’t know what it means either!) and Wexford County Council has taken place.
The new plans will be displayed to the public, bringing back nostalgic memories. Many people from Gorey can use this chance to bid farewell to a historic building.
HISTORY OF GOREY MARKET HOUSE; The Market House has had a turbulent history, and some would argue that the chapter remains to be completed, but it has served Gorey well and dates back to 1709 when it was rebuilt on the site of the former Tholsol. The cost came from the salaries of George and Andrew Ram, members of Gorey Corporation and members of Parliament for Gorey.
Gorey Town Commissioners were established in 1859, became Gorey Town Council in 1987 and when the town council was abolished in 2014 to make way for Gorey Municipal District Council, the final meeting took place in the Market House. Source; Historic Gorey by Michael Fitzpatrick, pub. 1987).
The old Murphy Floods site at Enniscorthy during the demolition stages last year. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Machinery arrived at the old Murphy Floods site in Enniscorthy on Monday morning. At the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting on Tuesday, it was announced that the original plans for the site had been significantly scaled down, and only a temporary car park is to be opened on the site, which should be completed in six weeks.
Local councillors were taken aback by the news. Their primary concern was that they had not been consulted prior to the meeting.
A site valuation was received, indicating an estimated value of €280,000. It was recommended that the site be placed on the market with a development clause. The valuation notes that the current development viability of the site may be challenging due to associated costs.
In the interim Enniscorthy Municipal District has decided to proceed with installing a temporary car park on the old Murphy Floods site in Enniscorthy town centre.
Senior Engineer Neville Shaw informed the meeting that no tenders were received, so negotiations were initiated with a local consultant who estimated the cost of the previously agreed plan at €250,000. The plan includes 28 parking spaces, public realm improvements, seating, walkways, and a decorative metal railing perimeter finish. High quality, but that scenario has changed!
The current plan excludes the public realm, seating, some of the lighting, and relies on lower spec wooden fencing, a lower spec surface in the car park, although six or seven spaces will be added, and it comes in at a cost of €145,000.
Mr Shaw said “We must keep down the cost as low as possible. We don’t know the future of this car park. It may be short term – 3/5 years- or it may be longer.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne lamented that the plan was going ahead without consultation with the elected members and he was concerned about the timber picket fence in the town centre as one came down Main Street!
Cllr Pat Kehoe was delighted that there would be an extra 20 or more car parking spaces, and he didn’t see a major problem with it. “Get it done,” he added.
Cllr Jackser Owens was disappointed that he was not consulted in advance of the meeting, he had issues with the fence “show it up not hide it”, he stated, and he recommended a public toilet could be useful when people exited their parked their cars! Mr Shaw assured Cllr Owens that “there is no chance of a toilet at this stage.”
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was disappointed that some of the park had been removed from the plan and she felt the seating should be put back. And she said; “As a woman I am uncomfortable at the thought that lighting for the evenings and night-time would be removed. Maybe one large light in the middle of the car park could light up the area.”
Cllr Murphy added that she understood the need for cutting costs and claimed that she is reliably informed that development on the site (old Murphy Floods) would cost at least €10 million and “there isn’t a developer at the moment who is going to put that kind of investment in.”
Cllr John O’Rourke suggesting engagement with the Farmers’ Market and taking them onto the site. “It would free up car parking at Abbey Square,” he suggested.
Uisce Éireann is working to restore water supply to Bannow customers affected by a power outage.
Uisce Éireann customers in Carrick, Bannow and surrounding areas are affected.
Following the return of power, it typically takes three to four hours for normal water supply to be fully restored to all areas as the network refills. It may take longer for customers on higher ground or at the end of the network. Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng thanked customers for their patience for the duration of the outage. “We understand how disruptive unplanned outages are and we regret the inconvenience caused”, he said.
Meanwhile Uisce Éireann crews have restored normal water supply to homes and businesses in the Cluain Dara area of Wexford Town after an issue in the local network.
Smoke from Tara Hill fire clearly visible from Main Street, Gorey, on Sunday afternoon. (Pic; Ger Leacy).
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal Council monthly meeting
At today’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Oliver Walsh recalled the ‘serious incident of the fire on Tara Hill over the weekend” and he commended the bravery of everyone involved including the fire service, road crews, Gardaí, Coillte, the Air Corps and, especially, the people of the community.
A major outbreak of fire at Tara Hill, first noticed at 4pm on Sunday.An Air Corps helicopter unit arrived at 12.40pm on Monday and was successful in dispersing water and reducing the fire, prioritising residential areas.
Seven fire appliances from Gorey, Enniscorthy, Bunclody, Carnew and Arklow attended the scene.
They are being assisted by Coillte, An Garda Siochána and local farmers who supplied water tankers, traffic control and the creation of fire breaks in the area.
Director of Services Liz Hore acknowledged the bravery of the staff while Roads Engineer Joanne Kehoe told the meeting that road staff had been stood down at 9am this morning (Tuesday).
Cllr Joe Sullivan who resides closest to the fire site and visited the scene of the fire on several occasions said; “The fire service and Wexford County Council were exceptional, and he wished to complement the people in the services.” He pointed out that the services are never found wanting when an emergency arises.
Cllr Sullivan also acknowledged the local farmers and contractors who put their lives in danger to assist others. “Rural communities are never found wanting at times like this and I want to say thanks to everyone for working so hard in times of emergency.”
Cllrs Darragh McDonald and Pip Breen also praised “community spirit”.
Tara Hill was still smouldering today when the Council meeting began but an expected short spell of thunder and heavy rain brought heavenly relief to the area and reassured the residents that their homes and property have survived.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
Billboards will be banned in Enniscorthy, and any remaining after May 31st will be removed by Wexford County Council, it was revealed at today’s (Tuesday) Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting held in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre. Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, presided.
The meeting heard that the Council has issued correspondence to businesses in the town to advise that the use of advertising structures on or along public paths and roadways is not permitted.
It was argued that the unauthorised use of advertisement structures including sandwich boards and bollard sleeves can cause difficulties for the public, particularly those with visual impairments and people relying on mechanised support for mobility.
It was also suggested that structures also detract from the presentation of the town centre. No mention was made that billboards and outdoor advertising, particularly by the hospitality industry, can define the character of a town and has done so since the days of street markets.
There was full support for the ban from Cllrs Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke and Pat Kehoe, while Cllr Jackser Owens said that shops are closing down, advertising is their business, he suggested that “more businesses will close down” and he stated that the “business community is not very happy with it”.
District Manager Claire Lawlor confirmed that “we have received a lot of complaints, and we are looking at ways to come up with alternatives” such as using windows or the telephone stand recently erected on Rafter Street.
Unauthorised structures including sandwich boards and bollard sleeves are subject to the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts, The Litter Acts and the Roads Acts.
Business have been requested to reconsider the use of these structures, discontinue and remove the structures without the need for further involvement of the Council.
Unauthorised structures which remain in place after the 31st May,2025 will without any further notice be removed by Wexford County Council.
No undertaking is given in respect of items removed, Wexford County Council will not be responsible for storing nor for any damage arising and may attach costs for storage or retrieval.
Uisce Éireann is working to restore water supply to customers in the Cluain Dara area of Wexford Town who are experiencing a disruption to their water supply following an issue with the local network.
Water service crews have been dispatched and are carrying out the required works, with every effort being made to complete this work as quickly as possible.
Following repair works, it typically takes three to four hours for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng thanked customers for their patience while crews work to return a normal supply to those affected.
“We understand how disruptive unplanned outages are and we regret the inconvenience caused. We thank those impacted and assure them we are working to return a normal supply as quicky as possible,” said Mr Lyng.
RNLI volunteer lifeboat coxswain Eugene Kehoe has retired from his station at Kilmore Quay after nearly 50 years’ service.
EUGENE KEHOE (Pic; RNLI/Vincent O’Donovon)
During National Volunteer Week in Ireland, the RNLI acknowledged Eugene for his dedicated service and noted their dependency on volunteers for over 200 years.
Kilmore Quay RNLI celebrated the retirement of Eugene Keogh who has been a volunteer at the Wexford station for over 48 years with over 20 years as coxswain.
Eugene did his last exercise on Saturday, which was also his birthday. He began volunteering with the RNLI when he was just 18 years old alongside his grandfather, father and uncles and he retired surrounded by his family and friends.
Commenting about his time with the RNLI, he said: ‘As soon as I was old enough to help, I was in it. From a young age, we would help on shore and as soon as I turned 18, I was on the lifeboat.’ When asked if he had any advice for our volunteers, he added ‘Keep on doing it. You will never be sorry for doing it.’
During his time as coxswain, Eugene was presented with a Bronze Medal for Gallantry for his role in a rescue in 2020, where Kilmore Quay, Dunmore East and Rosslare Harbour crews saved nine lives and prevented a large cargo vessel from hitting rocks at Hook Head.
Clouds of smoke engulfed Tara Hill as brave fire crews from counties Wexford and Wicklow spent many hours bringing the fire under control. (Pic; Tara Hill Community Development Association)
By Dan Walsh
A major outbreak of fire at Tara Hill, raging since Sunday afternoon, is under control tonight.
An Air Corps helicopter unit arrived at 12.40pm today (Monday) and has been very successful in dispersing water and reducing the fire, prioritising residential areas.
The fire moved from a traditional in-flame phase to dampening down. Seven fire appliances from Gorey, Enniscorthy, Bunclody, Carnew and Arklow attended the scene continue to dampen down the remaining fire.
Firefighters spent several hours combating a fire at the top of the hill, with no homes currently at risk. Some homes were evacuated on Sunday night as a precautionary measure.
They are being assisted by Coillte, An Garda Siochána and local farmers who supplied water tankers, traffic control and the creation of fire breaks in the area.
Farmers have been transporting water from the Ahare River up the hill for the fire units and the local community has been gathering supplies to give to the emergency services at the local GAA club and Tara Vale pub.
Tara Hill Community Development Association thanked local farmers on Facebook.
“Last night, 15 local farmers worked tirelessly, drawing water from the Ahare river and nearby ponds. Their quick action and dedication were instrumental in helping to slow the spread of the fire,” said the statement.
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