WexfordLocal.com

Wexford LPT vote crisis raised in the Dáil

EXCLUSIVE REPORT by Dan Walsh

The headline story from yesterday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District in the Civic Centre Chamber, that called for Local Propery Tax “discretionary funds be held against those who voted against it!” was raised in Dáil Éireann tonight by Wexford Independent Deputy Verona Murphy.

If the proposal was to be implemented, it would be a danger to the democratic process in local government and would severely impact on 11 elected members of the 34 on Wexford County Council.

In the Dáil tonight, Deputy Murphy stated; “A very serious incident is being reported in Wexford this morning by journalist Dan Walsh (who was in attendance at the meeting and reported on WexfordLocal.com) and South East Radio.

“On Monday, 23 of the councillors in Wexford County Council voted to increase the property tax and 11 voted against it so that the hard-strapped mortgage payers would not have an increase in their property tax.

“What actually happened was that at yesterday’s Gorey district meeting, the chair of Wexford County Council, who is a Gorey councillor, Pip Breen, brought a proposal to stop the 11 councillors who democratically voted against an increase in property tax from having any share of that increase in their discretionary fund.

“It was actually seconded and proposed further by a Fine Gael councillor, Anthony Donohoe, that the €77,000 that would have been shared by the 11 councillors be disbursed to the other 23 councillors. I am aghast. It would appear this is something new that people are not aware of.

“The Galway tent is not only alive and well, but it is being pitched in Wexford. We have a scenario where we are robbing people of their money and giving it to councillors to buy votes. I would like to know what the Minister has to say and what he is going to do about it,” concluded Deputy Murphy.

**MINISTER for EXPERNDITURE DEPUTY PASCHAL DONOHOE.**

In reply, Minister for Expenditure, Deputy Paschal Donohoe said; “The Deputy uses language like “robbing”. She is condemning what is happening in Gorey – I was there recently – but, on the other hand, she is not making the situation any easier by using the word “robbing”.

“What is happening here is people who have been elected, like the Deputy and me but at a council level, have made the decision that they want to make a change in the local property tax and invest that back into the communities they represent.

“One thing in general that I am certain of is that those councillors who opposed the change to the local property tax will still be full of views regarding how that money should be spent. The change to the local property tax is in line with the powers our local authorities have and is the kind of decision that local politicians should be able to make,” concluded Deputy Donohoe.

Shop Local Gift Card is launched

Pictured with the new County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card is (l-r): Fiona Murphy, Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidans, Wexford; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; and Nicky Byrne, Store Manager, Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidans, Wexford.

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber’s paper Shop Local Vouchers will be upgraded to a County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card ahead of the Christmas season, making it easier and more rewarding to support local businesses across the county.

First introduced in September 2020, over €2.2 million of County Wexford Shop Local Vouchers have been sold, with over €1.9 million redeemed in County Wexford businesses to date.

The Chamber, which represents the four districts of County Wexford – New Ross, Gorey, Wexford Town and Enniscorthy – says the new gift card will enhance convenience for consumers buying the card, businesses accepting the card, and organisations using the card for rewards and incentives.

Retailers who currently accept the Shop Local Vouchers, and new businesses, can register to accept the forthcoming County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card with a simple one-time registration process. Backed by Mastercard, the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card works with merchants’ existing payment terminals.

Shops, restaurants, pubs, attractions and hotels, including national brands and independents, are all eligible to accept the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card, which will be available as either a physical card or an e-card that can be uploaded to digital wallets.

Paula Roche, CEO at County Wexford Chamber, said the new gift card will enable even more money to be retained in Wexford: “The paper Shop Local Vouchers had lots of support and were a fantastic way for us to keep spend in the county, particularly from organisations buying the vouchers for their staff. The new Shop Local Gift Card is all about upping the convenience for all involved so when people are earning in County Wexford, we can make it even easier for them to spend that money locally.

“The feedback we had was that people want a digital gift card. For most people, their wallet is their phone, and being able to add the e-card version of the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card into their digital wallet and pay with it will be a huge step forward for our county. Our mission is to present the best of the county in one gift card – from our amazing hotels and restaurants to our unique shops and pubs – so we can showcase County Wexford for locals and visitors alike.”

No funding for 11 who voted against LPT increase?

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

24-hours after a majority of members at Wexford County Council approved the Local Property Tax Local Adjustment Factor (LAF) at 15% over the next five years, (2025-2029) at Monday’s meeting at County Hall and some members at today’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District in the Civic Centre Chamber, Gorey, called for “discretionary funds be held against those who voted against it!” That would impact on 11 elected members of the 34 on Wexford County Council.

**CLLR PIP BREEN, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council.** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

The matter was raised by the current Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, and he was supported by Cllr Anthony Donohoe who suggested that somebody who voted against the tax increase be excluded from the benefits in funding. “The funding should only be distributed by the 23 members who voted in favour,” stated Cllr Donohoe.

“This is political, divisive, electioneering and I never heard anything like it before,” said an outraged Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, while Cllr Nicky Boland pointed out that it is a democratic right to vote as a member sees fit. “I got 1,341 first preference votes in the Local Elections and I represent 350 households,” he claimed.

Cllr Joe Sullivan complimented the Local Property Tax increase that will bring €1.9m a year or €10m over the next five years into Local Authority spending. “That is a huge investment in the county,” enthused Cllr Sullivan.

Cllr O’Súilleabhain accused Cllr Sullivan of “electioneering for your boss – Malcolm!” and Cllr Donohoe said he was “sick of it and the €7,000 increase should be taken back!”

Cllr Sullivan at this point said the proposal “may not be entirely legal”, while Cllr Mary Farrell declared that “there is a legal obligation to share” and suggested “the greater good is where we should be looking at!”

In conclusion, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Cllr Oliver Walsh said it would be wise to take legal advice on the proposal and agreed with Cllr Donohoe that the matter be brought before the November meeting of Wexford County Council.

For the record. The outcome of Monday’s Local Property Tax vote was as follows; IN FAVOUR; (23) Cllrs Pip Breen, Aidan Browne, Cathal Byrne, Ger Carthy, Anthony Donohoe, Mary Farrell, John Fleming, Pat Kehoe, Leonard Kelly, Donal Kenny, Garry Laffan, George Lawlor, Darragh McDonald, Lisa McDonald, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Bridín Murphy, John O’Rourke, Michael Sheehan, Frank Staples, Robbie Staples, Joe Sullivan, Catherine Biddy Walsh and Oliver Walsh.

AGAINST; (11) Cllrs Pat Barden, Nicky Boland, Jim Codd, John Dwyer, Tom Forde, Paddy Kavanagh, Marty Murphy, Aoife Rose O’Brien, Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain, Jackser Owens and Raymond Shannon.

Review for Enniscorthy school warden row

**Outside St. Aidan’s Parish School, Nunnery Road, Enniscorthy**. (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting at County Hall

At the September meeting of Wexford County Council Enniscorthy District Cllrs Aidan Browne and Cllr Jackser Owens joined forces and proposed that a school warden be hired for St Aidan’s Parish School at Nunnery Road, Enniscorthy, and the matter was raised again today at the October meeting of Wexford County Council held at County Hall, Wexford.

Cllr Browne told the meeting that while he welcomed the investment at the school he regretted “the traffic lights being taken out and getting rid of the manned crossing” as the traffic was being held up and he feared for the safety of the children.

Cllr Owens, who was a school warden for 10 years, agreed with the sentiments expressed by Cllr Browne and felt that removing the school warden was “a massive mistake by officials”. He continued; “Someone is going to be killed. It is not safe. It is catastrophic in the mornings! How much money can you put on a child’s life,” he asked.

Eamonn Hore, Director of Services said the improvements had taken place under the Safe Routes to School programme, it covered 350 metres at the school entrance, is controlled and has the support of the School Principal and An Taisce (Green Schools) programme, cost €310,000. “It is a safe place to cross,” added Mr Hore. He added that there is no necessity for an adult school warden outside St Aidan’s Parish School.

Cllr Owens disagreed. “It is a fantastic job. It is state-of-the art but it is putting children at risk. It is a massive mistake.”

Cllr Pat Kehoe described the current situation as “an accident waiting to happen.” Cllr Cathal Byrne lamented that it was not explained that traffic wardens would not be replaced when the scheme was in planning!

Mr Hore said that school wardens obey the rules. The warden has been replaced by a million-euro scheme. When asked “who is carrying the risk”, Mr Hore said the NTA (National Transport Authority), An Taisce and the Safe Routes to School is carrying the risk.

Mr Hore said that David Codd, Chief Technician and Roads Safety Officer with Wexford County Council and his team has reviewed the work at St Aidan’s Parish School.

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe stated that “the risks are the drivers who don’t obey the signs” and he described them as “Irresponsible, reckless and engaged in unsafe driving.” He also pointed out that traffic wardens only help unaccompanied children to cross, however, he promised to review the situation without the traffic warden and to oversee that the design is working safely and that will be done in the near future.

Local Property Tax up by 15% over 5 years

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting at County Hall

Members of Wexford County Council have approved the Local Property Tax Local Adjustment Factor (LAF) at 15% over the next five years, (2025-2029) at today’s monthly meeting held in County Hall, Carricklawn, which consists of an inward investment of €1,925,160.

**COUNTY HALL… headquarters of Wexford County Council** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

In accordance with the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and Section 20 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012, the Council is charged with deciding on Local Property Tax (LPT) variation +/-15%.

Cllrs Tom Forde (proposed) and Cllr Jackser Owens (seconded) called for a return to the baseline and retain the 15% increase applied since 2023, which received the support of 11 of the 34 councillors and the proposal was defeated.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (proposed) and Cllr Oliver Walsh (seconded) put forward a counter motion supporting an increase of 15% over the next five years which won majority support, 23-11.

IN FAVOUR; (23) Cllrs Pip Breen, Aidan Browne, Cathal Byrne, Ger Carthy, Anthony Donohoe, Mary Farrell, John Fleming, Pat Kehoe, Leonard Kelly, Donal Kenny, Garry Laffan, George Lawlor, Darragh McDonald, Lisa McDonald, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Bridín Murphy, John O’Rourke, Michael Sheehan, Frank Staples, Robbie Staples, Joe Sullivan, Catherine Biddy Walsh and Oliver Walsh.

AGAINST; (11) Cllrs Pat Barden, Nicky Boland, Jim Codd, John Dwyer, Tom Forde, Paddy Kavanagh, Marty Murphy, Aoife Rose O’Brien, Fionntán Ó Súileabháin, Jackser Owens and Raymond Shannon.

Setting the local adjustment factor for the full term of the current Council will provide certainty to the property owners of the county for the next five years and will also secure necessary funding for Wexford County Council and its Municipal Districts to allow certainty to be brought to planning and developing projects during the full term of this Council.

Le Cotentin Delegation and French Ambassador visit Wexford

Wexford County Council welcomed Le Cotentin delegation and the French Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Céline Place, to County Hall underscoreing the growing bonds of friendship and co-operation between Wexford and Le Cotentin in Normandy. (Pic; *Brownes Photography*).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council welcomed Le Cotentin delegation and the newly appointed French Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Céline Place, in a visit that underscores the growing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Wexford and Le Cotentin in Normandy.

The Delegation and Ambassador met with a number of key stakeholders including elected members of Wexford County Council, Director of Services Elizabeth Hore, Wexford Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Paula Roche, Vice President of the Irish Hotels Federation Colm Neville and County Chairperson of Wexford GAA, Micheál Martin, and the county’s thriving maritime sector representatives in a series of discussions aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, educational, science and cultural ties between both regions.

An Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen said; “We are delighted to welcome the delegation and H.E. Céline Place, and we look forward to exploring new avenues of collaboration that will bring mutual prosperity and cultural exchanges in the future”.

Director of Services, Elizabeth Hore gave a presentation on the tourism and economic landscape in Wexford and provided an overview of the many initiatives that Wexford County Council are engaged in to support and develop economic activity in the county. Le Cotentin delegation also gave a presentation on their region.

Ambassador Place expressed her admiration for the broad range of economic development initiatives, the business and tourism support which were on offer in County Wexford and emphasised the potential for trade and investment between France and Ireland.

The Ambassador met with French teachers working in several schools across County Wexford, during a gathering at the Presentation secondary school and attended a ceremony to officially appoint Melanie O’Reilly as the new Honorary Consul of France in Wexford, responsible for the counties of Wexford, Waterford, Laois, Wicklow, Carlow and Kilkenny.

The delegation and Ambassador Place attended Wexford Arts Centre in the evening for the Premiere screening of ‘Destination Francophonie’ aTV5Monde documentary, filmed in May 2024 in the South-East of Ireland and Cotentin in collaboration with the French Embassy, Tourism Ireland, Stena Line and Wexford Presentation students to learn about the Norman way, ahead of the Millennium des Normans in 2027.

The visit reinforces the relations between Cotentin and Wexford. Wexford County Council looks forward to continued engagement and co-operation with Cotentin, building on the foundations laid during the delegations visit.

Sad passing of Sr Anne Atkinson

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Sr Anne Atkinson, Sisters of St John of God Wexford, and formerly of Booladuragh, Ballindaggan. She passed away peacefully in the care of the staff and Sisters of Sallyville House, Newtown Road, Wexford, surrounded by her loving family.

Predeceased by her parents Catherine and Thomas. Sisters Bessie and Kathy. Brothers Willie, Dinny, Jack, Tommy and her nephew Martin. Sadly missed by her sister Biddy, sister in law Eilish, nieces and nephews, extended family, relatives and friends, and her St John of God Community. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at Sallyville House, Newtown Road, Wexford, on Monday October 14^th from 2pm, followed by Evening Prayer at 6pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 10am in Rowe Street Parish Church Wexford, followed by burial in the Convent Cemetery.

Denis Murphy off the mark for new season

By Dan Walsh

**DENIS MURPHY…A winner at Loughrea, Co. Galway, this afternoon.**

Today’s point-to-point action took place at Loughrea under the auspices of the famous Galway Blazers Hunt and two races went the way of the Wexford yards.

Denis Murphy’s well-known Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, opened its winning seasonal account when the French-bred Un Sens A La Vie scored by a neck in the maiden race for four year olds ridden by Mayglass rider Jack Hendrick.

Harry Goff, son of Clondaw, Enniscorthy handler Mick Goff rode his third winner aboard Mandalay Maggie for Park Lodge, Clonegal, handler Sean Osborne by four and a half lengths in the maiden race for mare’s five-year-old or older.

The first fixture of the season in the South East is The Island Hunt’s fixture over a new track at Peppard’s Castle between Ballygarrett and Kilmuckridge next Sunday, October 20^th. Eircode Y25 HY96. The first race is at 1pm. Entries close with p2p.ie at mid-day on Tuesday.

Court appearance following €2.5m drugs haul at Rosslare Europort

A man has appeared in court in relation to a €2.5 million drugs haul at Rosslare Europort on Friday morning.

Arunas Songaila, (56), a Lithuanian national with no fixed address, came before Judge Geraldine Carty at a special sitting of Kilkenny District Court yesterday.

The accused appeared on a charge under Section 15 of possession of a controlled drug, cocaine, for unlawful sale or supply under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Approximately 36kg of suspected cocaine was seized by Revenue Officers following a search of a truck which had disembarked from a ferry at Rosslare Europort on Friday morning.

Ambassadrice de France visits Wexford town

Madame Céline Place, Ambassadrice de France en Irlande presented the new Honorary Consul of France in Wexford, Ms Mélanie O’Reilly, with the official insignia to complete and formalise her appointment at a diplomatic ceremony in Wexford. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Presentation Secondary School, Wexford

Madame Céline Place, Ambassadrice de France en Irlande paid her first visit to the French community in Wexford where she presented the new Honorary Consul of France in Wexford, Ms Mélanie O’Reilly, with the official insignia to complete and formalise her appointment, following the presentation of her certificate last July.

The pleasant ceremony, conducted entirely in the French language, took place last Monday in the Presentation Secondary School at Grogan’s Road, Wexford, thanks to the Principal Mr Wiliam Ryan and his friendly team.

Ms. O’Reilly has been appointed as the new Honorary Consul of France in Wexford, responsible for the counties of Wexford, Waterford, Laois, Wicklow, Carlow and Kilkenny.

Ambassador Place said; “In addition to contributing to the dynamism and influence of the bilateral relationship, the presence of a new honorary consul in the region will allow the French community – a little over 900 French people registered in the area – to benefit from certain consular services without having to travel to Dublin, and will also allow French people passing through to benefit, if necessary, from local assistance, in connection with our consular services in Dublin.

“This new appointment completes the dynamic and valuable network of the three Honorary Consuls of France already established in Ireland, in Cork, Limerick and Galway. The Embassy warmly congratulates Ms. Mélanie O’Reilly on her appointment and thanks her for her voluntary commitment to the service of the French community and French interests in the south-east region of Ireland,” concluded Mme Place.

In reply, Ms. Mélanie O’Reilly, addressing Madame L’Ambassadrice, all distinguished guests and members of the French community in Wexford thanked Madam Ambassador for this honour of having received the insignia in the name of the President of the French Republic.

“It is a huge honour to be chosen as the new honorary consul of France in the south-east of Ireland, in Wexford. Being a representative of the French Embassy is an extraordinary honour. I have the pleasure of working with the French Embassy in Ireland and with the three Honorary Consuls of France in Limerick, Cork and Galway. And above all, I am here for the French community of Wexford.

“The symbol of the French Republic – the Marianne – embodies our values in just three words: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. I intend and hope that I will bring these values and all my skills to this important role of Honorary Consul to serve and support French citizens residing or visiting Wexford and the South East region; serve as the French Embassy’s representative to local authorities, such as Wexford County Council and the County Wexford Chamber of Commerce – to local community groups and organisations and work with them to promote culture, economy, heritage, education, tourism, sporting and maritime between France and Wexford and the south-east region.

“In June of this year, I had the chance to shake hands and even exchange a few words with the French President during the commemorations of the 80^th Anniversary of the landing in Saint-Lô, in Normandy. As he shook my hand, he stated very clearly that “we are good friends with Ireland” Indeed, France and Ireland have been good friends for a long time and we are really aware of that here in Wexford.

“I am sure that this relationship will be further strengthened by Madame l’Ambassadrice Céline Place and I look forward to what this will bring to the French community in Wexford. Vive la France, Vive l’Irlande, et vive l’amitié franco-irlandaise!, concluded Ms. O’Reilly.

WexfordLocal.com wishes to thank the French Embassy for the invitation to the ceremony. As stated, the entire speeches were delivered in French and my thanks for the French Embassy in Dublin for translating the speeches into the English language for the benefit of our readers.