By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
ENNISCORTHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The old Murphy Floods site at Enniscorthy was discussed again at Tuesday’s monthly Enniscorthy Municipal Council meeting, held in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre and chaired by Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach.
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, informed the members that a tender for the design and construction of a new car park facility, including public realm elements and associated site works at Murphy Floods site, was issued in early February.
The closing date for submissions was March 14th. Unfortunately, no tender applications were received by the specified deadline.
Ms. Godkin stated that estate agents have been appointed to conduct a valuation and market assessment of the site, which is expected to take approximately one month to complete.
Opposition leaders are considering a no confidence motion in Ceann Comhairle VERONA MURPHY after chaotic Dáil scenes and claims of bias during a vote on speaking time allocations. (Pic; Oireachtas Press Office via RollingNews.ie)
By Dan Walsh
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy has addressed the opposition leaders in Dáil Éireann after they announced their intention to challenge her with a ‘no confidence’ vote.
The Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil has rejected the allegations about her speaking rights role as unfounded, stating she plans to continue in her position.
Tonight, Verona Murphy stated she will continue in her challenging role and advised TDs to abide by their constitutional obligations amid calls for her resignation.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said he would be cautious to move too quickly to state no confidence in the Ceann Comhairle, despite sharing anger over the vote yesterday, arguing that the circumstances in the Dáil would not have benefited anyone. He added that expressing no confidence in Deputy Murphy would not “fix the situation”, laying the blame on the government.
The motion, which was aimed to an end to the speaking rights row, sparked shouting and disorderly scenes in the chamber after the opposition said due procedure was not adhered to by Deputy Murphy.
The Dáil voted 94 to 74 to pass the controversial rule change, which changes how speaking rights are divided up. The opposition have contested the ratification of the vote.
Should the ‘no confidence’ vote be presented before the Dáil next week, Deputy Murphy is expected to retain her position with the support of the government. Delays in proceedings and the baggage that comes with coalition government agreement is not uncommon.
The 2020 General Election occurred on Saturday, February 8th. After four months and 128 days, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Green Party agreed on a draft programme for government.
The government formation process took several months and involved various challenges. One significant issue was addressing the role of Sinn Féin, even though it was a major political party and had substantial public support on the island of Ireland.
Independent TD Verona Murphy was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2020. She topped the poll with 11,340 – 838 above the quota – first preference votes in last November’s General Election for the Wexford constituency.
The Ramsgrange native was chosen as Ceann Comhairle for the 34th Dáil and has faced immense challenges from speaking rights to cohesion of the coalition parties and controversial agreements.
Aughnaglower Bridge, also known as Chapel Bridge between Adamstown and Clonrochehas been replaced. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Aughnaglower Bridge, commonly known as Chapel Bridge, on the R735 road between Adamstown and Clonroche, washed away by heavy rain on Christmas Day 2021, has been replaced, to the locals’ delight.
Cllr Pat Barden said; “Great Job done on Chapel Bridge. Thanks to Triur construction roads engineer David Murphy and all sub-contractors who worked on this project. Thanks to the public for your patience during construction phase.”
The loss of the bridge resulted in local access issues and longer travel routes for families in the area.
In February 2022, Wexford County Council reopened the road with a new layout and temporary crossing. Caution was advised as the roadway was made accessible again.
Chapel is named after a historic chapel that was once located in the district. It is known for being the first stop on the Macmine-New Ross railway line, with one platform on the up side. The station served the beet trade to Carlow.
The railway line ceased operations on March 30th, 1963. The station buildings are currently privately owned. Adjacent to the new bridge is a structure that was formerly a pub named Furlongs.
A 61-year-old man has appeared in court charged with possession of €10.6 million worth of cocaine.
Michael Murphy, with an address in Co Waterford, appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court on Sunday evening.
Detective Garda Sean Lane, of Waterford Garda Station, told the court that Murphy had been arrested in connection with the seizure of the drugs on March 18th.
The detective said the arrest came as part of an “intelligence-led” operation.
Some of the seized cocaine (An Garda Síochána)
Murphy, the transport manager of Herriot Haulage Limited – which is registered in Co Waterford, was arrested at 10.30am and taken to Waterford Garda Station.
While an initial search of the vehicle “proved negative”, the detective told the court, the truck and trailer was taken to Dublin Port where it was subjected to an X-ray.
An “anomaly” was discovered within the refrigerated unit part of the trailer.
Detective Garda Lane said that after a “further deep search” assisted by the stolen motor vehicle investigation unit and the dog unit, a “sophisticated concealment” operated through a “hydraulic” mechanism was detected.
Cocaine, which was verified by Science Foundation Ireland, weighing 152kgs and worth €10.65 million was discovered.
Gardaí also discovered phones, tools, bags and GPS tracking equipment. Some of the GPS equipment was located near the “concealment of drugs”.
Investigators believe the drugs were loaded in Spain and transported to Ireland on behalf of several organised crime groups.
Murphy – who appeared in court wearing brown shoes, a black hooded fleece and black pants – was charged under caution on Saturday night with possession of the cocaine as well possession with intent to sell or supply the drugs
In reply to the charge of possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply, Detetvive Garda Lane said Murphy said: “I understand the charge.”
Gardaí said further charges may be recommended on submission of an investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecution.
He said that during searches of properties as part of the operation, a dog unit discovered a sophisticated portable signal jammer. He said this was a counter-surveillance device used by the military which was “unknown to common folk” and was believed to be used “to aid criminality”.
Detective Garda Lane said there were “no conditions whatsoever that would alleviate the concerns of gardaí” on bail.
Murphy’s solicitor Chris Hogan said his client was a widower, residing with some of his five children who were professionals.
He said Murphy, whose exact address cannot be reported for legal reasons, had a business with 10 employees and was in the course of setting up other business interests.
He said he has “strong ties” to the jurisdiction, that he was a “businessman” with his “family here”.
Mr Hogan asked if the garda accepted that Murphy had strong ties to this jurisdiction.
Mr Hogan asked if it would alleviate his concerns if Murphy signed on at a garda station or obeyed by a curfew.
The representative of An Garda Síochána said it would not.
Judge Kevin Staunton said: “The defendant is a 61-year-old man and his family are here to support him, which can on occasion give the court some encouragement.
“He lives with his family locally and he has ties to the jurisdiction. So, I understand Mr Hogan’s argument.”
The judge said he understood the argument that he is not a person likely to flee, given his business and family interests in Ireland.
However, he added that he had concerns arising from the evidence from Det Gda Lane.
He said the amount of cocaine involved was “very significant”.
“Given the consignment of drugs, it is a serious offence by any stretch of the imagination.”
In conclusion, he added: “The concerns of gardai are well founded and I must refuse bail.”
Murphy is allowed to appeal against the refusal of bail.
He was remanded in custody to appear again via videolink at Waterford District Court on Tuesday.
Andy Doyle (best actor) and Seona O’Connor (best actress) in a classic scene from Wexford Drama Group’s production of Skylight -overall winners in Open Section – in St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, on Saturday night. Pic; Lorna Doran McEvoy).
By Dan Walsh
It was a case of keeping the best wine till the final curtain at St. Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, on Saturday night where Wexford Drama Group took the honours in the South Wicklow Drama Festival Open Section and earned the coveted passport to the RTÉ All Ireland Drama finals in a few weeks’ time.
The talented Wexford thespians also picked up four individual awards; Conor Farrell (best supporting actor), Seona O’Connor (best actress), Andy Doyle (best actor) and Paul Walsh (best producer).
Tinahely Drama Group won top prize in the Confined Section with their play -Thy Will Be Done by Michael Carey, and they too have qualified for the All-Ireland final at the well-attended and highly successful nine-night festival
RESULTS;
OPEN SECTION;
1st; Wexford Drama Group – Skylight by David Hare.
2nd; Kilrush Drama Group – Bailegangaire by Tom Murphy.
3rd; Bridevew Drama Group – The Weir by Conor McPherson.
CONFINED SECTION;
1st; Tinahely Drama Group – Thy Will be Done by Michael Carey.
2nd; Kilmuckridge Drama Group – Juno and the Paycock by Sean O’Casey.
The adjudicator was Declan Drohan.
Ballycogley Players have also qualified for the Open All-Ireland drama final.
The Confined All Ireland takes place in Claremorris, Co. Mayo from Friday, April 28th to Saturday, May 4th, while the RTÉ Open Drama finals take place in the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone, from Thursday, May 8th to Friday, May 16th. Still several qualifying opportunities available.
Three point-to-point fixtures across the country today (Sunday) and the Wexford success continues to roll on. There were three winners at Durrow, Co. Laois.
Garrett Murphy is having a successful season with his four-year-olds and his good luck continued with a one and a half lengths victory by newcomer Crafted Pearl in the race confined to maiden mares. Barry Stone was on board and following up his success at Ballycrystal yesterday.
Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill enjoyed a 16 lengths victory by Daydream Nation, fresh from a mid-season break, in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Michael Murphy, Duncormick, saddled the winner of the four-year-old geldings maiden race; Follow Your Luck with Darragh Higgins up by three quarters of a length. This was a dramatic event with only two finishers from ten starters! Barry Stone was on the runner-up.
MATT GAHAN…winner today at Lisronagh. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
At Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary. Michael Goff supplied the winner of the maiden race for five-year-olds plus with Passing Diamond five lengths to the good. A second winner for Monamolin rider Matt Gahan.
Sean Staples, from Duncormick, rode Ballindenisk for Cork handler John Joseph Murphy in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and won in a photo-finish.
There was also point-to-pointing at Ballynoe, Co. Cork today (Sunday) where Bertie Finn, Oulart, took the mount on Carry On Heidi for the Baragry family and it couldn’t have ended better – a two lengths victory.
Bree Hunt point-to-point races take place at Monksgrange, Rathnure, next Sunday, March 30th. First race at 1pm. Entries close on Tuesday.
SHANE O’ROURKE rode his 60th career point-to-point winner at Ballycrystal today (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Shane O’Rourke from Foulksmills rode his 60th point-to-point career winner at today’s Island fixture at Ballycrystal aboard the Devereux family home-bred gelding Onyerbike in the Winner of One Race.
Three lengths was the winning margin for Onyerbike owned and bred by Jimmy Devereux, Rostoonstown Stud, Tacumshane, and trained by his son, Vincent Devereux. The plan now is to go for ‘a winners’ race next’ stated Vincent.
Barry Stone won the five and six-year-old mares maiden race on Rock On Katy in the colours of Patrick Kinsella, Gorey, and handled by Liam Kenny at Craanford. Three lengths the winning margin. Afterwards Daragh Brennan confirmed that the bay mare is heading to the sales.
The Monbeg Partnerhip, Sean Doyle and Jamie Scallan team is enjoying a most successful season, and they were in the number one enclosure again today following Legendary Duke’s victory in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. “It was a good performance. She came to us in November and has improved. Off to the sales now,” said handler Sean Doyle, who added; “Great to get a winner at the local track.”
Thomas Deacon was the breeder of Not Now Rodney owned and handled by Martin Corrigan, Blackwater, and best in a close finish to the maiden race for six-year-olds plus. Third success for promising Blackwater rider Shane Butler.
UK-born rider Pandora Bresildon had a nice winner on Pat Doyle’s I Masked Du Potier by nine lengths in the Open Race. Afterwards, Pandora said the plan now is to go for the Hunter Chase at Cork on Easter Monday.
Ellmarie Holden from Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny saddled the favourite Seeitoldya with Derek O’Connor up in the maiden race for four-year-olds and won from the front by two and a half lengths. “He’s a great little jumper. Does everything very easily. He pops along in front. Off to the Aintree sales now,” said Ms. Holden afterwards.
Barry O’Neill is leading the National Point-to-Point Riders’ Championship with 29 winners this season following a treble at Portrush, Co. Antrim, when he competed there today.
He rode Winged Leader to his 30th point-to-point victory by three lengths in the Open Race for Fermanagh handler David Christie.
Christie had a treble on the afternoon, but O’Neill gave him a second victory on My Life Be Like by an easy 22 lengths in the Winner of Two Race.
O’Neill’s treble was completed on the Cian Collins trained Ring of Kerry by one and a quarter lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. Brilliant day for the Ballindaggin champion.
Point-to-point action returns to Co. Wexford tomorrow (Saturday, March 22) when the Island Foxhounds race at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.
A strong entry of 98 has been received for the six-race card. First race at 1pm.
The track passed a routine inspection today (Friday) and is in good order with a fine covering of grass.
Met Éireann forecast is as follows; Tonight; Staying cloudy tonight with further outbreaks of rain. Lowest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees with mostly light southeast or variable breezes.
Tomorrow; Saturday will be mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain, possibly heavy at times. Highest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees. Light to moderate variable winds first, becoming north-westerly and increasing moderate to fresh and gusty.
Pictured at the Official Opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 in Wexford Town are Agnes O’Donoghue (5), Edel Kavanagh (6) Regina O’Donoghue (7). Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is a week-long celebration of Irish music, dance, song, storytelling, and comhrá Gaeilge
By Dan Walsh
The 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann takes place from August 3rd-10th in Wexford Town and preparations are coming together and before the official launch of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee is calling on the people of Wexford to volunteer.
Over 600,000 visitors are expected to visit Wexford this August to celebrate Irish culture. With such an unprecedented number of attendees visiting the county, there is a real need for volunteers who can help during the Fleadh week, with many opportunities to lend a hand.
Volunteers will be asked to fill several roles, including:
Street Ambassadors
Competitions Stewards
Concert Stewards
Cultural Events Stewards
Fleadh Green Team
Volunteer Photographers
And other support roles for the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee
Cathaoirleach of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee and Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, told WexfordLocal.com; “We are delighted to welcome the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to Wexford once again this summer. Comhaltas Ceóltoirí Éireann and Wexford County Council continue to share a mutual vision for the joy that is traditional Irish music and culture, and we are working together to make the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann even more memorable than last year.
“Volunteers are the heart of the Fleadh and will be instrumental in welcoming the world to Wexford. We are recruiting volunteers from all over our great county, and further afield, to lend a hand,” said Mr Taaffe, who added; “By volunteering, people can make lasting connections with fellow volunteers, performers, and traditional Irish music lovers from across the globe while being a key part of this landmark event for County Wexford.”
The Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee welcomes everyone to sign up as volunteers for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025! Get in on the action and join the team!
For more information and to sign up as a volunteer for the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil 2025, visit http://www.fleadhcheoil.ie
The Enniscorthy Flood Relief scheme was raised in Seanad Éireann yesterday (Wednesday) by Senator Cathal Byrne who brought the matter before Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.
Senator Byrne gave some background to the situation.“I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to address the very urgent matter I raise, namely, flooding in Enniscorthy, the population of which is approaching 12,500.
“Regrettably, the town’s location on the beautiful banks of the River Slaney means it is prone to flooding. There has been flooding of a severe nature in 1924, 1947, 1965, 2000, 2002, 2009, 2014, 2016 and, most recently, in 2021, when the flooding took place on Christmas Day.
“For the past ten years, the Government has committed to delivering a flood relief scheme in Enniscorthy. Unfortunately, the reality is that while funding was allocated after the flooding in 2014, local residents and businesses affected by it have not seen progress.
“In 2020, Wexford County Council and the Minister of State’s Department submitted a planning application to the then Minister for public expenditure to deliver a flood relief scheme in Enniscorthy that would have involved taking out the Seamus Rafter Bridge, dredging the river and erecting glass walls. The scheme had buy-in from the local community, including the 105 residents and 127 owners of the business and commercial properties affected by flooding on an ongoing basis, with no objections or submissions put forward as part of the public consultation process. “Regrettably, in 2022, two years after the application was submitted to the Minister for public expenditure, it was rejected, citing environmental considerations.
SENATOR CATHAL BYRNE (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
“When heavy rain is anticipated in Enniscorthy, residents live in fear that, once again, their homes, businesses or commercial properties will be flooded.
“This has created an unfortunate situation whereby investment in the Templeshannon side of the town has stalled and properties on Island Road have been devalued, with their owners unable to access flood insurance.
“People have adopted a cynical attitude in that they genuinely do not believe we will ever have flood defences in Enniscorthy.
“I am here today to give a voice to their fears and to advocate on their behalf to ensure this project gets the priority it deserves. I know the Minister of State has taken a personal interest in the project in the past, including by visiting Enniscorthy. In fact, when he was previously Minister of State, the project made it to the point that it could go forward for planning approval,” concluded Senator Byrne.
In reply, Minister Moran said; “I have seen first-hand the devastation that flooding has on people, businesses and communities. The town of Enniscorthy has a long history of flooding. The most recent flood events occurred in 2000 and 2015. Flooding represents a risk to health and safety.
Minister Moran continued with a history lesson! He outlined; “In March 2020, the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland submitted the Enniscorthy food relief scheme to the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for statutory confirmation under the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995.
“The main elements of the proposed scheme included construction of flood defence walls, river channel widening and deepening, and removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, with construction of new and replacement road and pedestrian bridges over the River Slaney.
Cllr Willie Kavanagh, Chairman Enniscorthy Municipal District; Mr Tom Enright, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Minister Paul Kehoe and Cllr Keith Doyle, Chairman Wexford County Council at the launch of the Enniscorthy Drainage Scheme Public Exhibition of Scheme Documents in Enniscorthy Library in May 2019. (Pic; John Walsh/Enniscorthy Guardian).
“In March 2022, the then Minister made a decision to refuse this scheme consent under section 7E(1)(b) of the Arterial Drainage Acts, as amended by the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019. The Minister reached the decision to refuse consent for the scheme due primarily to concerns regarding its impact on the environment and protected species, including the freshwater pearl mussel.
“My ministerial predecessor, Deputy Patrick O’Donovan, at a meeting of Enniscorthy MDC on 4 May 2022, gave a commitment to deliver the flood relief scheme in Enniscorthy. I confirm to the Senator today that I am 100% committed to the flood relief scheme in Enniscorthy.
“People ask us to visit, and I will gladly do that but there are issues. The environmental element is slowing down the process and delivery of the scheme but I am looking at ways to streamline that. I will also gladly take up the offer to meet the Senator and his colleagues, particularly the councillors.
“I was very good to Enniscorthy when I was Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. I continue my work now by giving the Senator a commitment that I want the delivery of the scheme and I promise that,” concluded Minister Moran.
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