Tionscadal Gaeilge Ildánach Seolta i gContae Loch Garman

Tá infheistíocht déanta ag an gClár Éire Ildánach i gComhairle Contae Loch Garman i sé thionscadal a chuireann úsáid agus grá na Gaeilge chun cinn ar fud contae Loch Garman trína tograí cruthaitheacha. Tógann na tograí chur chuige poballárnach chun caidreamh fiúntach a chruthú leis an teanga agus chun muinín a chothú ina úsáid ag gach leibhéal.

CLLR PIP BREEN Cathaoirleach Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.

Roghnaíodh na sé thionscadal trí ghlao oscailte, ina measc feicimid; Ceardlanna agus taispeántais do ghrúpaí pobail ó thuaisceart an chontae, ó dheisceart an contae agus idir eatarthu; thionscadal a fhiosraíonn an Ghaeilge trí shealgaireacht, filíocht, agus amhránaíocht, tionscadal scéalaíochta a thugann cuireadh do dhaoine óga cur le scéala nua Gaeilge don raidió; Péire eagrán Gaeilge d’oíche labhartha Stephen James Smith, “So Say So”; agus clár uas-scileanna d’ealaíontóirí, chun an Ghaeilge a chomhtháthú ina gcuid oibre, a gcríochnaíonn le taispeántais ag Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. Beidh na tograí seo ar fad ar siúl i rith 2025.

Deir Cathaoirleach Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, Cllr. Pip Breen; “Is bealach iontach iad na tionscadail seo do phobail i gContae Loch Garman an Ghaeilge a úsáid i suíomhanna suaimhneacha inathraithe. Ceiliúrann siad an pobal agus an chruthaitheacht, forbraíonn siad léirthuiscint áitiúil dár n-oidhreacht theangeolaíoch, agus is as sin a tagann léirthuiscint an Gaeilge, agus spéise nua é a úsáid.”

Chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi aon cheann de na tionscadal thuas, is féidir teagmháil a dhéanamh linn trí ríomhphoist a sheoladh chuig: elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie

‘As Gaeilge’ Creative Projects launched

By Dan Walsh

The Creative Ireland programme at Wexford County Council has invested in six projects that, through creativity, promote the love and use of the Irish language across the county.

Taking a community-centred approach, the projects will encourage meaningful interactions with the language and promote confidence of its use at all levels.

CLLR PIP BREEN, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council

Selected through an open call, the six projects include: workshops and performances for community groups in the north and south of the county that explore the Irish language through foraging, poetry and song; a story telling project that invites young people to contribute to a new Irish language story for radio; two Irish language editions of Stephen James Smith’s spoken word night So Say So; and a programme that upskills artists from a variety of disciplines to integrate the Irish language into their work, concluding in performances and presentations for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. The projects will take place throughout 2025.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Cllr. Pip Breen said; “These projects are excellent ways for communities in county Wexford to use the Irish language in relaxed and relatable settings. They celebrate community and creativity and develop a shared appreciation for our linguistic heritage, resulting in a newfound appreciation and enthusiasm for its use.”

For more information about any of these projects please contact elizabeth.howard@wexfordcoco.ie

€3m vacant and derelict properties grant

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, with the Cathaoirligh of five Municipal Districts and County Council staff at the launch of the Croí Conaithe Grant Scheme at County Hall, Wexford. (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council have exceeded €3 million in payments under the Croí Conaithe (translated to Living Heart) Grant Scheme and the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council along with the Cathaoirligh of the five Municipal Districts and staff marked the occasion to highlight and promote the availability of the vacant homes’ refurbishment grant. 

This grant allows people to renovate vacant and derelict properties and bring them back into use for rental or private use.

Wexford County Council have held roadshows to promote this grant and have received over 400 applications to date. This grant is very effective in addressing the blight that vacancy and dereliction can cause. 

The “Regeneration Unit” have been very proactive in promoting it and working with applicants in making the process as seamless as possible. 

The Grant is up to €50,000 for a vacant property and €70,000 for a derelict property so it is a significant contribution towards restoration.  All details are on the Wexford County Council website.

If you own a property that may qualify for the grant, contact the regeneration team today to explore how you can be part of this positive change.

Coastal erosion at emergency levels ?

Severe coastal erosion at Seaview, Kilmore.

By Dan Walsh

Addressing yesterday’s (Wednesday) monthly meeting of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Ger Carthy said; “the time for talking is over” and he demanded a meeting be convened between the OPW, Department of Agriculture, the IFA and Wexford County Council to seriously tackle the worsening effects of coastal erosion.

“The County Council no longer has the resources or funding to deal with this coastline emergency across Rosslare Municipal District,” said Cllr Carthy.

At Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council coastal erosion was on the agenda and Cllr Carthy contributed to a brief debate and Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe promised a coastal survey overview of coastal issues and strategy to be brought to a future meeting.

CLLR GER CARTHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“I welcome the commitment to produce a coastal strategy, but unfortunately it won’t keep out the Irish Sea,” Cllr Carthy told WexfordLocal.com, and he added; “It’s now funding and willpower we need.”

Cllr Carthy is encouraging communities to publicise coastal erosion in their areas to increase the profile of the worsening situation and bring it to the attention of the relevant authorities.

One of the badly affected areas is Seaview Coastal Protection and Beach Access at Kilmore, and according to the Chief Executive’s January Report, published at last Monday’s meeting, total funding of €1.6 million has been approved by the OPW, the contract has been awarded, and works are set to commence this month – January 2025.  

€130,000 cannabis plants discovered in Courtown

By Dan Walsh

“a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation was discovered” in Courtown .

Gardaí seized 170 cannabis plants at various stages of growth, with an estimated street value of over €130,000 and a variety of cultivation equipment during a planned search of a residential property in Courtown yesterday (Tuesday).

One male, aged in his late 30s, was arrested at the scene and detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drugs Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.

Gardaí attached to Wexford North Community Engagement supported by the local Crime unit conducted the search, which according to the Garda Press Office, “a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation was discovered.“

This operation was conducted as part of Operation Tara, an ongoing Garda initiative targeting drug trafficking networks and related criminal activity.

All items seized will be sent for further analysis to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).

Investigations are ongoing.

Motorcyclist dies in Castlebridge crash

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 40s has died in a two-vehicle road traffic collision involving a car and a motorcycle on the R742 at Johnstown, Castlebridge, at approximately 9.20am this morning.

The driver of the motorcycle (a man aged in his 40’s) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the second vehicle (a woman aged in her 60’s), was taken to Wexford General Hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening at this time. No other injuries were reported.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between 8.30am and 9.30am this morning, Wednesday 15th January 2025, to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on (053) 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

New Ross responders go ‘live’ on Monday

O’HANRAHAN BRIDGE, New Ross. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

New Ross Civil Defence and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) have come together to establish a CFR (Community First Responders) Group within New Ross town.

The group will go ‘live’ from next Monday, January 20th and will respond to calls received from the National Ambulance Service.

The group consists of trained volunteers from both organisations who will respond to cardiac arrest and choking incidents within New Ross town.

The group is made up of volunteers who are trained in first aid and the CFR group has been fully supported by the National Ambulance service, who scheduled scenario training events which may be encountered while responding.

Jonathan Lynch from the National Ambulance Service said; “The National Ambulance Service is delighted to work with Wexford Civil Defence to bring a community first responder scheme to New Ross town.

“We are grateful to the volunteer members who have given so freely of their time in preparation for this and upon activation will join over 300+ other first responder schemes nationwide in responding to cardiac emergencies within the community in support of the Ambulance Service.”

The volunteers will be alerted to calls by NAS via a mobile application, once two volunteers are available, they will respond utilising the existing AEDs which are located around New Ross town. The volunteers will respond to calls within the New Ross area, to include the town and immediate surrounding areas.

If anyone is interested in joining the Group, please contact Peter O’Connor, Civil Defence Officer, email cdo@wexfordcoco.ie

Gorey shock at Katie Daly’s closure

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

Katie Daly’s Bar and Restaurant on Main St., Gorey. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The community in Gorey are shocked at today’s breaking news announcing the closure “with immediate effect” of the popular Katie Daly’s Bar and Restaurant on the Main Street.

With sadness a statement said; “Due to the current economic climate and the issues that hospitality is facing nationwide, it is no longer sustainable for us to continue.”

Trading for 14 years, there was praise for the loyal customers. “Thank you for sharing all your special occasions with us, for the laughter, the joy and your support over the years.

“Katie Daly’s was more than just a restaurant and bar in Gorey, it was a place where memories were made, cheers were shared, and friendships were forged.”

Tributes were also paid to the current team, many who have worked at Katie Daly’s for 14 years. “We can’t thank you enough for your loyalty, commitment, dedication and friendship. You made Katie Daly’s what it is.”

The statement was signed by Darragh, Nicola, Clare and Noel and it concluded; “We hope for brighter days ahead in the hospitality industry and we wish the new management the very best of luck.”  

Nondescript mood at Council meeting

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting

Today’s January meeting of Wexford County Council held in County Hall, Carricklawn, had a kind of New Year nondescript atmosphere about it with many local issues raised, many for the umpteenth time, and the Chief Executive and the officials were busy answering questions. Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, presided.

Cllr Paddy Kavanagh complimented Deputy Verona Murphy on becoming the first Wexford person to become Ceann Comhairle in Dáil Éireann. “It is a great achievement from a county, personal and family viewpoint,” he stated.

VERONA MURPHY TD, new Ceann Comhairle in Dáil Éireann.

Cllr Michael Sheehan supported Cllr Kavanagh but lamented the fact that Deputy Murphy’s appointment has reduced the Wexford constituency in the Dáil from four members to three! He alleged “No Presence. No Power. No Passion” which drew laughter from the chamber, but nobody else addressed the matter.

Cllr Jim Codd congratulated the staff salting the roads and keeping the New Line open during the cold snap and he didn’t forget the staff at the Cornmarket Centre who opened it up and gave great assistance during the cold weather.

However, Cllr Codd wasn’t too pleased about the water being off in the tourist centre that is Carrig-on-Bannow district for the past two Sunday’s. “The pumphouse needs a few fuses,” said Cllr Codd who also raised coastal erosion difficulties along the south Wexford coastline.

CLLR OLIVER WALSH, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge District.

Cllr Oliver Walsh also raised concerns about coastal erosion in the east of the county and he complimented the road staff for gritting during the recent cold snap. Cllr Walsh asked if the Kilmuckridge, Blackwater, Curracloe coastal road could be included in plans for future weather events? Cllr Pat Barden also raised concerns about coastal erosion.

Cllrs Paddy Kavanagh and Pat Kehoe raised insurance matters that prevented local farmers and contractors from voluntary helping in the rural communities during times of snow or harsh weather conditions.

BRIAN BRENNAN TD, Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe and the officials took on board all the views expressed by the councillors. Mr Taaffe promised a coastal survey overview of coastal issues and strategy to be brought to a future meeting.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen welcomed Deputy Brian Brennan, newly elected TD for the newly established Wicklow-Wexford constituency in the November General Election, who was attending his first meeting of Wexford County Council.

2-car crash on Enniscorthy bridge

By Dan Walsh

The scene of a two-car collision at Seamus Rafter Bridge, Enniscorthy, tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Rush hour traffic through Enniscorthy was disrupted this evening following a two-car crash on the Templeshannon inner ring road junction leading onto the Seamus Rafter Bridge.

The head-on collision occurred at around 6pm when two cars travelling in opposite directions collided on the one-way system. Both were displaying N plates.  

No injuries are reported. Gardaí were quickly on the scene and traffic crossing the bridge was diverted.