Pedestrianisation of Enniscorthy’s Rafter Street will be enforced between 10am and 4.30pm as per Bye-Laws and notification will be issued to business owners. Pedestrian zone signage has been ordered.
This information is contained in the District Manager’s Report made available at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre.
On more than one occasion at Council meetings, Cllr Jackser Owens has complained about bin lorries making collections while people were enjoying the outdoor food facilities on the street! The Council is now acting.
Correspondence has been issued to waste contractors regarding the collection of waste outside of these hours.
Meanwhile, two business premises have closed on Rafter Street in recent times.
Changes will become effective soon, meanwhile, new bollards have been ordered and will be placed at both ends of the street.
With the General Election only weeks away we begin to focus on upcoming events. WexfordLocal.com will be following the build-up in both the Wexford constituency (4 seats) and the new South Wicklow North Wexford constituency (3 seats).
The opportunities and challenges facing the agriculture sector will be discussed at a special Fine Gael meeting on Thursday, October 24th at 6pm in The Orchard Centre & Baileys Farm, Kilavaney, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow.
BRIAN BRENNAN candidate in the General Election.
Delivering for Rural Ireland and our Farming Communities is the main focus of Fine Gael in the new Wicklow Wexford constituency, and they are delighted to welcome Minster Martin Heydon Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to speak to our farmers and the wider Wicklow Wexford community and Eddie Downey, Chairman of the Fine Gael Party’s Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Forum.
Gorey based businessman and hotelier Fine Gael General Election candidate Brian Brennan said “that farming is at the core of this new constituency and Fine Gael has and will always support not only those who making their living from farming, and those who are lucky enough to live in the beautiful countryside of South Wicklow and North Wexford.”
“This meeting is an ideal opportunity for farmers in this new constituency that goes all the way from Monageer to Coolkenno and Kilmuckeridge to Barndarrig to come along and see what Fine Gael will do for them, when with their help we can lead the next Government,” concluded Mr Brennan.
Murphy Floods Project proposed site layout plan. (Courtesy of Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Members of Enniscorthy Municipal District held the October meeting in the Presentation Centre today where they approved by 4 votes to 2 to proceed with the proposed site layout plan known as the Murphy Floods project which will provide 28 ‘temporary’ car parking spaces in the town centre.
The plan was presented to the meeting by David Whitty from the Special Projects department at Wexford County Council. It comprises of 28 car parking spaces – three are accessible – and includes a realm comprising of bench seating, planter boxes and an embankment with planted vegetation. A 2.8metre flight of steps will take pedestrians to and from Market Square.
The meeting was not without its tense moments. Cllrs Pat Kehoe and Cathal Byrne called for extra car park spaces – suggesting 50 spaces – while calling for the elimination of the realm and adjustments to the path on Irish Street and viewed the situation as “pedestrians verses visitors” and felt that car parking was priority!
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was critical of the hoarding and claimed it “allows for anti-social behaviour. I don’t like it” and she asked if there are any EV charging points in the plan? She was told “No”!
Cllr Jackser Owens talked about taking out 43 car spaces in Market Square under the Town First plan, but Mr Whitty pointed out that the 28 car parking spaces on the Murphy Floods site would cancel the 28 spaces being taken away from Market Square. He also said that the loss of 43 car parking spaces applied to the entire town under the Town First project!
Murphy Floods project site this evening (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Roads Engineer Neil Dempsey said that car parking wasn’t a problem in Enniscorthy town centre pointing out that most car parks are never full!
Cllr Owens also complained that there were no toilets in the town centre, but he was reminded that that was for another day!
Director of Services Carolyne Godkin pointed out that “this is a temporary car park, but it could be there for a number of years.” Regards the timeline Ms Godkin said there is the removal of rubble, a contractor must be sourced, there is no issue with funding, the Part VIII has been passed, but the plan is to keep it simple and cost effective. She doesn’t expect a start before Christmas!
Ms Godkin reminded the members that this was the plan that they voted for! She urged them to move ahead and get spaces up and running as soon as possible.
Cllr John O’Rourke proposed and Cllr Murphy seconded to go ahead with the original plan. Cllr Pat Kehoe and Cathal Byrne disagreed with the public realms. Cathaoirleach Aidan Browne, Cllrs John O’Rourke, Jackser Owens and Barbara-Anne Murphy voted for the plan, Cllrs Pat Kehoe and Cathal Byrne were against.
Pictured at the Local Enterprise Office NationalWomen’s Enterprise Day in Ferrycarrig Hotel (left to right); Liz Nolan from Dampdoctor speaker, Liz Hore Wexford County Council, Ann O’Brien from Kent Stainless speaker, Breege Cosgrave Head of Enterprise and Economic Development Wexford County Council, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Pip Breen, Martina Fitzgerald speaker, Maryrose Lyons from AI Institute, Deborah Cogley artist and speaker and Carmel Moran Local Enterprise Office. (Pic; Mary Browne).
By Dan Walsh
Entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Co. Wexford are being encouraged to “Make It Happen” in 2024 at this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day, organised by the Local Enterprise Office Wexford and held in Ferrycarrig Hotel, Wexford, recently.
Wexford’s event heard from Martina Fitzgerald, CEO of Scale Ireland, and former broadcaster, who explained to the audience how her upbringing framed her experience of business and entrepreneurship. Like many women, Martina’s exposure to strong female leadership and example continues to this day to impact and influence her career!
Continuing with the theme of “if you see it, you can be it”, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Pip Breen also credited strong women – his mother and grandmother, with influencing his life and work ethos. “Today’s event is all about leadership and empowerment – the speakers here this morning are true visionaries and innovators in their industries and are known as generous and empowering advocates of other businesswomen.
“The opportunity to listen, learn and lead are enormous in this room today. From small business owners to tech innovators, these women are the backbone of our economy. They bring diverse perspectives, drive innovation, and create jobs, all while balancing the demands of family and community,” concluded Cllr Breen.
This theme of listen, learn and lead was prevalent throughout the event with businesses from across the county and across many sectors being represented in the room. Panellists Ann O’Brien from Kent Stainless, Deborah Cogley of Deborah Cogley Art and Liz Nolan of Dampdoctor, gave three very different perspectives on business growth, scaling and pushing ahead – but they all spoke of the value of networking and the advice and support of their peers in helping them grow their businesses.
The theme of this year’s event, “Making It Happen”, encourages businesswomen to take that next step, whether that be to act on an idea, grow their business or take steps to change or innovate in their business. Wexford’s NWED (National Women’s Enterprise Day) Ambassador Liz Nolan from Dampdoctor spoke about her own business’s journey.
Head of Enterprise and Economic Development Breege Cosgrave, divulged that NWED 2024 attendance numbers were vastly up on other years, with approximately 2,500 businesswomen registered to attend NWED events last Thursday. “This is testament to the work and supports that the LEO’s offer to all businesses, not just to female led business. Our ambition in promoting female entrepreneurship is in line with Enterprise Ireland’s strategy to increase the number of female-led companies growing internationally by 100% by 2025, and here we are, all working together on days like today – Making It Happen”!
The Annual Youth Conference of Wexford Comhairle na nÓg was held in the Council Chamber of Wexford’s County Hall with 100 young people from secondary schools and youth organisations across county Wexford in attendance.
The Annual Youth Conference is a chance for young people’s voices to be heard. A wide range of issues impacting the lives of young people were identified, and ways in which Comhairle na nÓg can address these issues were discussed.
Attended by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, the event gave the young people the opportunity to understand the weight and value of their opinions as members of Comhairle na nÓg. “As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council I am delighted to support this continued partnership with Comhairle na nÓg. We welcome young people’s views and take them on board when developing policies for the future of Wexford”, said Cllr Breen.
New members were elected to join the current Comhairle and together these representatives will form the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg, representing young people in County Wexford during 2024 – 2025. This group will examine the issues identified at the Annual Youth Conference and discuss measures which could be put in place to make a positive difference. They will discuss ways to ensure that decision makers create opportunities for young people to have their say and contribute to determining the type of society they wish to live in.
“It’s all about providing a platform for young people to have their voices heard on issues which affect their lives. We invited three students from each school and several youth groups from across County Wexford to join. This ensures we have good geographical representation and a cross-section of diverse voices. The young people were wonderfully engaged, informed and insightful.”, said Avril O’Sullivan, the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg co-ordinator.
Director of Services for Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin said; “I wish to compliment and congratulate the members of Wexford Comhairle na nÓg and the FDYS on this year’s event. Encouraging and facilitating the voice of young people to be heard in a structured and professional way is important for policy makers and service providers alike. These young people have given up their time to represent their cohort and their commitment and contribution deserves to be recognised.”
At Kilmallock Water Treatment Plant were (left to right); Noel Gibbons, Programme Manager, Uisce Éireann; Mayor of Wexford Cllr George Lawlor; Fionnuala Callery, Senior Engineer, Water Services, Wexford County Council; Minister of State for International Law, Law Reform & Youth Justice, James Browne T.D.; and Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council. (Pic :Naoise Culhane Photography)
By Dan Walsh
Uisce Éireann has announced the completion of upgrade works at the Kilmallock Bridge Water Treatment Plant at Ballymurn. The upgrade will improve the security of the water supply for over 11,000 Uisce Éireann customers in Castlebridge, Curracloe, Ballymurn, Crossabeg, Glenbrien, Screen and Oylegate.
The project involved building two new treated water storage reservoirs, a new pump station, and related structures, such as an above-ground kiosk, underground pipework, cabling, landscaping, and other site development work.
Noel Gibbons, Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann said; “Our primary focus during construction was to ensure the continuous provision of safe, clean drinking water to local homes and businesses and to support the necessary capacity for growth. I am delighted that we can now celebrate the completion of this important project, and I would like to thank the local community for their unwavering support and patience.”
Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, of Wexford County Council, said: “I am delighted to be here today to witness firsthand how this upgrade will benefit the local area. This improvement will play a crucial role in shaping the local area’s future.”
Minister of State James Browne said; “The completion of this project has been crucial in ensuring the provision of a reliable supply of drinking water and supporting future growth and development. I want to commend everyone involved in bringing this project to completion and Uisce Éireann for advancing this essential project as part of its continuous investment in Wexford.”
Coffey Construction Limited carried out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann.
This is just one of several significant projects Uisce Éireann is delivering in Wexford. An upgrade to the Creagh Water Treatment Plant in Gorey is expected to be completed before the end of 2024. This will ensure over 7,000 customers in the Gorey area have a clean, safe water supply. Elsewhere in the Model County, an upgrade is also underway at the Newtown Water Treatment Plant in Wexford town with an expected completion date in early 2025, the investment will ensure the continued provision of clean and reliable drinking water to over 26,000 people.
Meanwhile, a €19 million upgrade is also underway to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply. The project will benefit over 11,000 customers, ensuring a dependable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and the surrounding areas and supporting future growth and development in the area.
Cutting the ribbon at Bellefield Road Community Playground and Public Realm space this morning. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
The official opening of the Bellefield Road Community Playground and Public Realm was performed this morning by the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Aidan Browne.
The project comprises 25 new public car parking spaces, new footpath with bollards, fencing, public lighting and signage. A new pedestrian crossing on the Bellefield Road is also delivered, as well as a new pocket garden with seating and a playground for young children. Funding for this phase comes from the Rapparees Starlight’s Club in association with Wexford County Council.
Cllr Browne praised the project, and everyone associated, especially Shay Howell of Wexford County Council, Paul O’Brien Architects, Flood Contractors, Brian Kehoe and Pat Quigley, Ger McVeigh and Sam McCauley. Minister James Browne extended the appreciation shown to everyone involved in the project to date.
Sam McCauley said it was a great thrill to see the work done but pointed out that it is “only half completed” and he made a heartfelt plea to ministers and politicians to support further funding which he promised he and his wife Leslie and their Holding Company would match euro by euro.
AUDIO ADDITION; Sam McCauley speaking at the opening of the Bellefield Community Playground and Public Realm this morning.
Project Manager Pat Quigley also spoke about the project costing €1.5 million with the sod turning in February, the opening of phase one in September, phase two officially opened today and now the focus is on the completion of phase three. There was much praise for former Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Tom Enright who supported the project from the beginning.
The attendance included Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Jackser Owens, John O’Rourke and Pat Kehoe, Executive Engineer Neville Shaw, Eoin Greene, Assistant Staff Officer Community Section at Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services Wexford County Council, Ger McVeigh, Chair of Rapparees Starlights GAA Club, Brian Kehoe, Development Officer and contractor Garry Flood. District Manager Claire Lawless was master of ceremonies.
The official launch of the new extension – the Urrin Loop – on the Riverside Trail, described by Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager as “the most popular trail in County Wexford” took place this morning with Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District doing the honours.
Cllr Browne said he was delighted to be beside the River Slaney on the Riverside Trail, also known as ‘the Prom Walk’ which he said is “extremely popular with locals and visitors and is recognised for its beautiful scenery.”
CLLR AIDAN BROWNE Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the opening of the Urrin Loop. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
He pointed out that that resurfacing has taken place from the Riverside bridge towards Edermine and a new loop has been added from the old Davis Flour Mills site beside the River Urrin tributary back down to the trail. He also mentioned developments north of the town at Ned Kavanagh’s known locally as ‘the Banks’.
Cllr Browne promised that he would seek further funding to extend the trail to the Ringwood and Borodale.
He thanked Rory O’Mahony from Wexford County Council for their work in completing the project and thanked Wexford Walking Trails for developing and promoting Enniscorthy Riverside Trail in its brochures.
The attendance included Minister James Browne, who delivered a short address embracing the local scenery, the value of the outdoor amenities to the town and thanked retiring Minister Heather Humphreys for her co-operation and generosity in providing much appreciated community funding, Also Cllrs John O’Rourke, Jackser Owens, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathal Byrne and Pat Kehoe, County Chairman of Wexford Walking Trails Peter O’Connor, Dervla Tierney and Alan Quirke from Enniscorthy Town Team Community Group.
There were words of appreciation for David Byrne and David Cheevers from Irish Rail, the landowners Kevin Cooney and John Molloy and the contractor Mick Hughes of H&H Civil Engineering.
First opened as The Country Walk in 2011 and leading from the Riverside Park Hotel along the Promenade and over the River Urrin, the Enniscorthy Riverside Trail is six kilometres long, open to the public, takes about 75 minutes to complete and is described as “easy.
A new entrance has been created at the old Davis Mills entrance, an underpass takes it past the railway bridge so there is no need to use the footbridge, if that is a walker’s desire. The walk along the riverbank is admired for its flora and fauna and historic views of the old St. Senan’s Hospital building and Brownswood House, the former home of renowned furniture designer Eileen Gray.
Enniscorthy International Forum’s Chief Executive Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Commissioner Darcie Houck, California Public Utilities Commission were amongst the attendees at the Enniscorthy International Forum Regional Summit held in Santa Monica, California in early October. The Regional Summit was organised in conjunction with California based The Energy Coalition.
The summit was conducted under the auspices of the UN-affiliated Buildings Action Coalition. The gathering generated a robust dialogue around policies and actions to address the climate challenge while securing quality of life aspirations.
Craig Perkins, President and Executive Director of The Energy Coalition, noted that “a fundamental transformation of our energy system cannot be mandated, engineered, or imagined – it must be accepted as a significantly better outcome that is DESIRED, ACCESSIBLE, and URGENT.”
CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY is Chief Executive of the Enniscorthy International Forum. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy is Chief Executive Officer of the Enniscorthy International Forum, an Irish NGO that serves as the secretariat for the Buildings Action Coalition under the terms of a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Environment Programme.
She observed that “getting buildings and the built environment right is the one thing that can deliver important, impactful results in a relevant timeframe. We don’t need to wait for new technology – we have the capital, and we have the know-how to make a real difference in the performance of buildings.”
Key takeaways from the summit included that:
1. Improving building performance is a critical facet of any realistic transformation path.
2. Delivering energy services efficiently will make supply decarbonisation easier.
3. Raising the performance of buildings requires deep retrofit of existing buildings and
construction of new buildings to the highest available standards.
4. There is scant evidence that the political will exists to drive the needed paradigm shift.
5. Success will require engagement at the level of individuals and communities/neighbourhoods.
6. Collaboration among communities can disseminate the change and accelerate its pace.
7. The arc of social progress is faltering. Raising building performance can create opportunities for workforce development and improved quality of life.
8. Higher education has not been reconceived at the depth and scale required.
For more information, please contact Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy at +353 87 673 6966 or Marc Costa at +1 949 732 1078.
SHANE BUTLER and DAVID O’BRIEN from Blackwater enjoyed success at Peppardscastle races today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Peppardscastle
Windy and soft underfoot conditions greeted the brave attendance at the first Peppardscastle track point-to-point races, held under the auspices of The Island Hunt this afternoon where local handlers and riders shared most of the limelight.
The Maestro of Monbeg, Sean Doyle saddled a double while his brother Cormac also got his name on the scoreboard. Sean saddled Island Bridge, who got home by a length in a tight finish to the maiden race for four-year-olds under rider Jamie Scallan from Tomhaggard.
Sean made it a double in the maiden race for six-year-olds plus with Mister Romantic who scored by four lengths and was a first winner for Cormac Byrne, (19), from Ballindaggin.
Cormac Doyle added to the Monbeg success story when Stretchemout got three quarters of a length verdict in the auction four-year-old maiden race. Ridden by Jack Hendrick, Cormac said afterwards; “He picked up well. He liked the ground.”
CORMAC BYRNE celebrates his first ever point-to-point winner at Peppardscastle today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
David O’Brien who trains a small string at Blackwater saddled the winner of the five- and six-year-olds mare’s maiden race with Tell Him Nuttin by three and a half lengths. This was the first point-to-point winner for 24-year-old Shane Butler from Blackwater who is a nephew of the handler.
Colin Bowe saddled Cheytac ridden by Oulart rider Bertie Finn to a one length victory in the maiden race for five-year old geldings.
Maxine O’Sullivan from Mallow, who is the leading lady rider on the point-to-point circuit for several years, took the honours on odds-on favourite Ramilles in the Open Ladies Race for Fermanagh handler David Christie.
Colin Bowe registered an across the card double today with a second winner at Umma House in Co. Westmeath when newcomer Skylight Hustle ridden by Barry O’Neill enjoyed a four and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Rob James was twice successful at the Westmeath track. He was the handler and rider of Clody Diamond in the Brendan Murphy colours in the four-year-old mares’ maiden race who raced clear of the field for a nine lengths victory. Later James made it a double on Champagne Avenue for Clonmel owner and handled Roisín Hickey.
John Martin Walsh saddled Lynsey Larue, in the colours of Dympna Walsh, and with Barry Stone up, there was an eight lengths success in the maiden race for mares aged five years or older. This is the 40th career winner for the Cleariestown rider.
Duncormick rider Eoin Staples won the Open Race confined to novice riders on Priory Park in the famous JP McManus colours for veteran Tipperary trainer Edward O’Grady.
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