County Wexford Business Awards launch

Announcing the launch of the County Wexford Business Awards are (l-r): Danny Gardiner, Managing Director, Gardiner Grain; Kevin Gardiner, Manager, Gardiner Grain; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; Conor Robinson, President, County Wexford Chamber; Linda Cleary, Accounts Manager, Gardiner Grain; and Stephen Gardiner, Sales Director, Gardiner Grain. Gardiner Grain won the Family Business of the Year Award and the Overall Business of the Year Award in 2024.

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber has announced the launch of the County Wexford Business Awards 2025.

The annual County Wexford Business Awards have earned a well-deserved reputation for being both prestigious and highly successful.

With 18 award categories open for nominations, there is an opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors to showcase the excellence of their service and entrepreneurship.

County Wexford Chamber CEO Paula Roche said told WexfordLocal.com; “These awards play a crucial role in promoting business in County Wexford by highlighting the incredible achievements of our local enterprises. They not only recognise success but also inspire innovation and growth within our community.”

This year, the Chamber is anticipating a record number of entries, ensuring finalists receive enhanced visibility across various print and digital platforms.

“Being shortlisted or winning a business award is more than just a recognition – it’s a powerful opportunity for your business,” said Ms Roche. “It sets your business apart from competitors and serves as a seal of quality for potential customers. In addition, your success contributes to a positive image of County Wexford, promoting inward investment and enhancing the local business environment.”

The closing date for entries is Friday, February 14th, and the highly anticipated gala awards ceremony will take place on Friday, May 23rd at Whites of Wexford Hotel.

Please submit your application form on www.wexfordbusinessawards.ie

For more information, contact County Wexford Chamber at 053 91 22226.

James Browne is new Minister for Housing

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy-based TD, James Browne is the new Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The news is widely welcomed in the Wexford constituency and although the portfolio is one of the most challenging facing the new government, there is confidence in the new minister to make a significant impact.  

The announcement was made today by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the first day of the 34th Dáil in Leinster House.

MINISTER FOR HOUSING JAMES BROWNE TD (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

In a post on social media tonight, Minister Browne said; “It is a massive honour to be appointed Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. There is no greater challenge in this country than housing and the need to increase supply for all our people. I will work night and day to do just that.”

A barrister by profession, Browne comes from a family of Fianna Fáil politicians. He is the only son of former TD John Browne and his grand-uncle Seán Browne was also a TD.

Minister Browne served on Enniscorthy Town Council from 2009 to 2014 and was a member of Wexford County Council from 2014-2016

He was selected to replace his father John, who was retiring from politics, as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Wexford constituency and was elected to Dáil Éireann having received 13.7% of the vote in 2016.

In 2020, he was elected by the Coalition government led by Micheál Martin as Minister of State at the Department of Justice with responsibility for Law Reform.

He was assigned additional responsibility for civil justice and immigration from April to October 2021 during the maternity leave of Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.

Minister Browne was returned to the Dáil in November 2024 General Election.

No access to Rosslare Europort tomorrow

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, advises customers: Rosslare Europort will have no access for customers and the general public from 00:00hrs to 11:00hrs on Friday, 24th January. or later should Status Red warnings for Wexford be further extended.

The last scheduled vessel will arrive at 18:45hrs today, Thursday 23rd and hauliers will have until 23:30hrs to collect trailers.

Access for hauliers and customers will resume 11:00hrs Friday 24th January 2025, (or later should Status Red warnings for Wexford be further extended).

The first scheduled sailing departing at 20:45 on Friday 24th January 2025.

Hauliers and passengers should expect cancellations and delays to ferry services over the next 24 hours.

Please do not arrive to the port unless your schedule sailing is confirmed.

For the latest updates on sailing schedules and cancellations please contact your ferry operator directly.

No rail services during Status Red Warnings

By Dan Walsh

Due to Storm Éowyn there will be no rail services anywhere on Iarnród Éireann network tomorrow (Friday) morning and for the duration of the Status Red warnings and disruption is expected afterwards.

Rosslare Europort will be closed from midnight until end of Status Red Warning.

Service information will be updated on web and social media throughout day

On Friday 24th January, Iarnród Éireann rail services and the operation of Rosslare Europort are expected to be severely disrupted – including cancellation of many services – because of the Status Red Warning issued by Met Éireann relating to Storm Éowyn.

Iarnród Éireann Intercity, DART and Commuter services, will not be operating tomorrow morning, and while the Status Red Warning is in place.

Rail customers should note that the times of the Status Red Warning from Met Éireann may change further, which will impact on services if so.

Services in the hours before and after the Red Warning takes effect are also likely to be severely impacted.

Iarnród Éireann crews will be assessing rail lines after the Status Red Warning clears to ensure it is safe to operate, and significant disruption is therefore likely after the Red Warning passes, with fallen trees and other debris likely to be extensive on rail lines. Services will only resume on each route when it is deemed safe to do so for customers and staff alike.

Iarnród Éireann is urging customers not to undertake any travel without checking that services are operational. The Iarnród Éireann website www.irishrail.ie and its twitter account @irishrail will be updated throughout the day.

Gorey to stump up a public sculpture?

CLLR NICKY BOLAND wants to turn this tree stump into a piece of public art on Gorey’s Main Street. What do you think? (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

Cllr Nicky Boland raised concerns about tourism promotion for Gorey and North Wexford following the recent closure of the visitor centre or tourist office on Gorey’s Main Street at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in Gorey Civic Centre. Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach, presided.

Cllr Boland recalled the recent closure of the visitor centre which he claimed was important to Gorey as a tourist town, it also facilitated local artists and exhibitions, he wanted to know if there was anyway tourist information could be facilitated and he even suggested possibly via an electronic billboard?

Cllr Boland also told the meeting about the remaining stump of a healthy tree that was demolished by a passing truck, opposite Malocca’s Fast Food outlet on the Main Street and he wondered if it could be converted into a public sculpture?

In reply, Philip Knight, District Manager said the Tourist Office was under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce who took a decision to close it. “It has nothing to do with Wexford County Council,” he said.

Mr Knight confirmed that Wexford County Council took a short-term let and facilitated a small grant to run the tourist office. He said that tourist promotion was online via websites such as VisitWexford and LoveGorey and the Council is pro-active in promotion. He felt that having a tourist office was not sustainable.

Regards Cllr Boland’s suggestion of turning the stump into a piece of public art, Mr Knight said they would talk to a wood sculptor, examine the suitability of the wood for the suggested purpose, and take the matter from the there.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com afterwards, Cllr Boland said; “The members and the officials were warm to my idea about the public sculpture. I thought it might be something different for Gorey, so we’ll see how that goes. And if any members of the public have any ideas on the proposal, or suggesting a name etc, I would love to hear from them,” concluded Cllr Boland.

Zero tolerance to disposal of rubbish

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council

A call for ‘zero tolerance to how we are disposing of our rubbish’ was supported by Cllr John O’Rourke at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting held in the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy. Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne was in the chair.

CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr O’Rourke was critical of the charitable centre dropping off clothes at the back of old Dunnes Stores in the town centre. “The bins were overflowing, and it was absolutely scandalous,” said Cllr O’Rourke about around Christmas time, and he asked that better effort be done. “Charities need to get their finger out.”

The debate moved onto dog fouling. The situation is getting worse. Cllr O’Rourke noted that members of the community were taking their dogs over a fence and walking them on the new Astro Pitch, not yet opened! “It’s like Crufts (laughter) where they are showing off their love of dogs.”

There were complaints about Andy Doyle Close, Millbrook and Urrin Valley estates. Again, the call was repeated for ‘zero tolerance’ towards those “who have no respect for the community.”

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr Pat Kehoe said the Astro Pitch was fenced off, this was trespassing and a Garda issue. District Manager Claire Lawless said the Gardaí were informed, but people were still getting in.

“They throw the dog over the fence. It is frightening,” added Cllr Browne.

Cllr Barbara-Anne raised the matter of fly tipping and dumping. She asked when the CCTV cameras were coming to Bunclody, said dumping on the N80 was “a disgrace” and she claimed, “the people in the vans are on the rounds again.”

She spoke of rubbish on the roadside, in the corner of land and under bridges where petrol is being used to set it on fire! Cllr Murphy recalled the results of a recent survey and called for “zero tolerance as to how we are disposing of our rubbish.”

Contract signed for Gorey Inner Relief Road

Pictured at the official signing ceremony for the Gorey Inner Relief Road development at Gorey Civic Centre were (back row, left to right); Cllr Nicky Boland, Cllr Paddy Kavanagh, Daniel Roche, Senior Executive Engineer, Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cllr Donal Kenny, Cllr Anthony Donohoe, Cllr Darragh McDonald, Cllr Craig Doyle, Brian Brennan TD, Denis O’Sullivan, Fehily Timoney & Co, and Sean Myler, Special Projects, Wexford County Council. (Front Row); Malcom Byrne TD, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Baren De Hora, Director, Fehily Timoney & Co, Cllr Mary Farrell and Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services, Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council. (Pic;WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

The official contract signing for the Gorey Inner Relief Road project took place at Gorey Civic Centre today ahead of the monthly Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District.

Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach, presided and expressed his delight at the signing and said he looked forward to getting the project underway. The consultants appointed are Fehily Timony & Co. and while the representatives said they were honoured to take on the contract the members and officials unanimously were in full agreement.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe asked about aspects of the development and was told by Sean Meyler, Special Projects Manager at Wexford County Council that the development would be completed in three phases.

Phase one will feature the existent St. Waleran’s and developments there, while phase two will focus on a roundabout, the sports facilities and the railway bridge crossing.

Mr Meyler said the consultants will design the scheme, fix the alignment, and their plans should be available for inspection by members. He added that it should take 6/8 months and then be ready for Part 8 application.

Tributes to motorcyclist Anthony

By Dan Walsh

The motorcyclist who died in a single-vehicle collision on the R738 at Knockeen, Barntown, shortly before 6.15pm last Saturday evening has been named locally as Anthony Redmond (52), of Ashgrove, Fethard-on-Sea, New Ross, and late of Ballygalvert, Ballywilliam, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

ANTHONY REDMOND

Sadly missed by his loving partner Billie, children Dale, Conor and Tara, Billie’s son Mark, brothers and sisters Mary, Susan, Ceceilia, P.J., Ann and John, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and a large circle of friends.

Reposing at Cooney’s Funeral Home, New Ross, on Wednesday, January 22nd, from 4pm concluding at 8pm.
Removal from the funeral home on Thursday, January 23rd at 11.30am to St. Anne’s Church, Rathnure, Y21 FX37 arriving for his funeral Mass at 12 noon, followed by cremation at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin arriving for a service at 3.45pm. May He Rest in Peace.

300 jobs impacted in Wexford closure?

By Dan Walsh

Following a meeting between management and staff today (Tuesday) at BNY Mellon it was announced that it was closing its Wexford office with about 300 jobs impacted.

The global financial firm employs about 310 employees at its offices in the Drinagh Business Park on the outskirts of Wexford town.

There had been widespread reports over recent days that jobs at the firm were in jeopardy.

GEORGE LAWLOR TD… “The manner in which the staff have been treated here is appalling.” (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

BNY Mellon established a presence in Ireland in 1994 and services global clients from its offices in Dublin, Cork and Wexford. It is believed that the Cork and Dublin offices are not affected by these developments.

“At BNY we continually evaluate our real estate footprint to ensure we are operating efficiently. We are intending to close our Wexford office. We remain committed to serving our clients and relationships in the Irish market and internationally,” the company said in a statement today.

The finance company said it would not be commenting during the employee collective consultations process, but it is understood around 5% of the Wexford workforce will be offered the chance to work remotely, with the remaining 95 per cent being told their jobs would be relocated or they would be made redundant.

Recently elected Wexford-based Labour TD, George Lawlor, said the situation was an appalling one for the workforce. “The manner in which the staff have been treated here is appalling. The rumours have been circulating for months about this, and to announce today that less than 5% will work from home and some of the rest will be offered redundancy, and some of the remaining workforce will be asked to relocate to Dublin if they have an Ireland only contract. It is a huge blow to the workers and their families and a huge blow to the Wexford economy,” he said.

The Financial Services Union have called on BNY Mellon to treat staff with respect and to explore all options to minimise job losses.

“The confirmation by the bank that 300 jobs are at risk follows months of rumours that drastic change was being contemplated. Staff and their families as well as local business will be shocked by this announcement. The next few weeks will be challenging for everyone involved and I would urge BNY Mellon and the Government to utilise this time to provide necessary supports to the affected employees,” stated John O’Connell, general secretary of the union.

‘Wake Up’ call to action on Our Lady’s Island Lake

By Dan Walsh

“A recent Environmental Protection Agency Report is a wake up call to action so as to protect not just a nationally significant habitat like Our Lady’s Island Lake but also farming in the area.” That’s according to Damien Corish, Rosslare Municipal Labour Local Area representative, responding to the EPA report which said that artificial enrichment of the lake due to agricultural run off is responsible for a collapse in biodiversity and habitat.

Mr Corish says; “Our Lady’s Island Lake is nationally unique because it is a salt water lake. This allows some bird species to feed and hatch in a protected location. The potential damage to habitat is only surpassed by the fines that Ireland will be liable for under EU law.

“Over the past number of years, I have heard reports that the water during warm weather and in Autumn can be green. Our Lady’s Island is a shallow lake so the increase in global temperatures is further impacting on oxygen levels causing further environmental damage,” added Mr Corish.

Mr Corish told WexfordLocal.com; “Doing nothing is not an option. This report is a wake up call. All we must do is to look at Lough Neagh and how disastrous the failure to intervene to protect habitat and water quality over many years can be. “Our Lady’s Island is a valuable ecological and leisure amenity. In a county that relies on our tourist product we can’t have the word to go out that water is polluted and that habitats are being destroyed. Time is not on our side if environmental catastrophe is to be avoided.”

Mr Corish said that there needs to be a single cabinet minister in the new government to take responsibility for the environment and pollution. In the last few years responsibility for heritage and the environment was spread across several government departments.

“I think that the focus in environmental enforcement has been elsewhere. I am calling on Wexford County Council to make contact as a matter of immediate priority for my local area with the new Minister and action to be taken to avert an environmental meltdown in Our Lady’s Island.