TC The Chronicle Issue 62 230316

All Aspects of Roofing Extensions

Sunrooms

Garages

Storm Damage Attic Conversions

PVC, Fascia & Soffit

Renovations

Plastering

Fully Insured & Registered

25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

TEL: 086 4036363 ISSUE Thursday NO. 62 March 24, 2016

Delivering to more homes in Co Wexford than any other newspaper

Rising Weekend It’s Rising Weekend across the country when the events of 1916 will be celebrated both in major national events and local ceremonies in many communities.

Co. Wexford will be part of the national commemoration on Easter Monday. The formal State Commemoration Ceremony will take place at Abbey Square, Enniscorthy and will include the reading of the Proclamation and the laying of

a wreath at the Rafter Monument by a representative of the Defence Forces.

The wreath laying ceremony will be part of synchronised wreath laying ceremonies, with wreaths also being laid at significant sites in Dublin, Meath, Cork and Galway. The wreaths will simultaneously be laid at precisely 1.15pm-----the time that the Rising’s very first shots rang out.

Events in the town start after

mass in the Cathedral with a 1916 Centenary Parade to the Seamus Rafter Statue, pausing briefly at the refurbished Athenaeum for the raising of the famous Enniscorthy 1916 Battalion Flag.

More than eight hundred people are expecdted to take part in the parade including pikemen, re-enactors and relatives of 1916 volunteers, supported by a battalion of troops from the Irish Defence Forces.

axcessroofingbuilding@gmail.com www.roofingwexford.ie Phone: 053 9123527 www.thechronicle.ie

Road chaos threat to business Chaotic traffic management and substandard roads are threatening to destroy business and economic activity in an area near Wexford town which had been widely promoted for dev elopement.

The Sinnottstown Lane/Drinagh area of Wexford is now home to scores of business and a small Retail Park but traffic congestion and sub-standard road surfaces are combining to pose a threat to the

When Robbie met St. Patrick

viability of some business concerns in the area.

With long tailbacks of traffic at the junction of Sinnottstown Lane and the Rosslare Road a regular feature of life in the area and a very difficult junction at the Coolballow end there are growing fears that businesses in the area could be strangled if a major upgrade is not undertaken.

Cllr Jim Moore won the backing of his colleagues on Wexford Borough District

Council for a motion calling on the Co. Council to seek specific funding from the Department of Transport to carry out a major upgrade to the road network and improved accessibility in the area.

Cllr Moore said the type of upgrades required could not be met from the Council’s own resources but urgent action was required.

He said the problems in the area were now hampering businesses.

Meyler Fish Bullring, Wexford Phone: 053 9122339

TESCO TESCO WEXFORD ARKLOW

The Home of Irish Fish

L LL UL F FU N ON TIIO P I I R R C PT SC ES RE P PR E E C C I I V RV ER S SE E LE BL AB LA AIIL VA A AV

Bringing to you homemade marinades, gluten free, wheat free, dairy free made fresh every week by our executive chef Peter Murphy

LOWER PRESCRIPTION PRICES

Also, made fresh every week our seafood gougons by Jimmy Barry

Ferrer exclusive to Meylers New Paella and sauce range to compliment your local Fish

Your Late Night Pharmacy

OPEN 7 DAYS

A

WEEK

OPENING HOURS Mon, Tue & Wed: 9am - 7pm, Thur & Fri: 9am - 9pm Sat: 9am - 6pm, Sun & Bank Hols: 10am - 6pm

Tel: 053 9166355 0402 41104

Quality & Convenient Pharmacy Services

For a healthy and convenient choice

Councillor Robbie Ireton travelled to London for the annual St.Patrick's Parade last week. The London Wexfordmen's Association took part in the event and Robbie is pictured here with its President,Michael Sills and St. Patrick. See page 6

Di Milano coin sets

Eternal Leaves: each leaf is natural , unique and

chain, holder and coin of your choice

preserved in gold, rose gold and sterling silver

Down from €85

RRP €69 to €79

To €55 per set

OUR PRICE €49 to €55

Di Milano bangles

Full range of Geneva Watches Now in store ALL REDUCED TO

Reduced from €29 NOW ONLY €18 EACH

€55 All gold and silver jewellery 25% off for the month of December

Exclusive collections, deposits taken for christmas

NATIONAL SHOWROOM

Tom Doyle Supplies RETAIL AND COMMERCIAL

LEADING RANGE OF TILES AND BATHROOMS AVAILABLE IN THE SOUTHEAST Professional bathroom consultations available in our showroom Rσ selected tile ranges throughout September To arrange an appointment phone 053 938 3700 or email shop@halotiles.ie

www.halotiles.ie www.halotiles.ie

Tom Doyle Supplies, Camolin, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

2

News

April switch on planned for Wexford’s Natural Gas Gas will not be available to all households

Natural Gas will become a reality for some of Wexford’s leading businesses at the end of next month following the completion of testing on the pipeline which has been put in place between Campile and Wexford town.

The switch on will come two months ahead of schedule and should pave the way for increased industrial investment in the area.

Bringing Natural Gas to Wexford town involved an investment of more than €16.m. with 45km of main piping and 16km of links involved in the project.

Councillors in Wexford were provided with an update on the progress of the scheme this week by Fran McFadden of Gas Networks Ireland who revealed that major pipe-laying works will be necessary around Wexford town from the end of this year.

Several streets will have to be dug up as part of the project with considerable disruption certain for the greater part of 2017 in various parts of the town. On some streets the gas pipe laying works will take place at the same time as Irish Water replaces water mains.

However, while the public will face considerable disruption during the installation process

many residents will be unable to connect to the new system.

While the final details of the routes for the pipes have not yet been competed Mr McFadden revealed that they will not service housing estates and where and an estate wishes to avail of the gas there will be a top up connection fee over and above the normal €250 which will be charged for domestic connections and a set number of residents will have to sign up.

The entire project is based on a business plan which sees three core businesses, Coca Cola, Celtic Linen and Glanbia accounting for a staggering 70% of the customer base.

Hotels, the hospital, schools and other high energy users are being targeted in the next level of customers with domestic customers expected to make up only a tiny fraction of the overall customer base.

Outside Wexford town it will be possible for people in Taghmon village to connect to the pipeline with similar facilities available to those living in Gusserane and Foulksmills.

However, residents living in other areas along the route may find it difficult to get a connection because direct connections will not be allowed to the main line.

Members of Wexford Borough District Council warmly welcomed the project following Mr McFadden’s presentation on Monday.

However, there were concerns raised over a number of issues including the quality of reinstatement of roads along the pipeline.

Mayor Ger Carthy said the quality of the road to Taghmon was not acceptable but Mr McFadden said this was not the final resurfacing for this route.

Cllr George Lawlor said he was disappointed that it appeared many potential domestic users of Natural Gas would not be able to connect to the system.

Cllr Jim Moore asked what level of take up from domestic users was envisaged under the business plan and he was told that the main concentration would be on commercial users.

Both Councillors Davy Hynes and Fergie Kehoe sought more information on exactly where the gas would be available.

Cllr Hynes said it was disap-

pointing that the exact locations were not known because that was the question which the members of the public would be raising.

Mr McFadden said this was just the start of a process and meetings would be held to brief the public over the next few months as more information became available.

He also said there was no prospect of the pipeline being extended beyond Wexford town to Rosslare and revealed that to make the business plan

Row over bid to lift parking barriers to benefit hotel A bid to have barriers raised on Co. Council car parks at 7pm each evening facilitating free parking for people visiting Wexford town led to sharp exchanges at this week’s meeting of Wexford Borough District Council.

The move to have the barriers lifted, just months after a major car parks control system was put in place, was led by Cllr George Lawlor. The car parks affected would include Ferrybank where the principal beneficiary would be the Riverbank Hotel.

However, Councillor Jim Moore asked for clarity on the Council’s car park policy saying that other hotels in town had to provide their own car parks.

The car park at Ferrybank is

the one which has been the focus of most attention since the barriers went up. But District Manager Angie Laffan told councillors that €750,000 had been spent by the Council up grading the car parks over the last few years.

And she denied that councillors had not been made aware of the plan to have the barriers in operation twenty four hours per day.

The Manager revealed that it would not be possible to lift the barriers without interfering with the public information system which provides details of car park availability on screens at each entrance to the town.

This system would have to be reset every day and a Council staff member would have to

stack up New Ross, which had been part of the original proposal, had to b e excluded.

However, he said that New Ross, where a number of major energy users have expressed an interest in taking natural gas, was being examined again as a separate project and the outcome of this examination was likely to be available within a month.

Councillors also raised concerns about the level of dis-

ruption likely during the pipe laying in Wexford town and stressed the need for detailed planning and cooperation with the local authority.

There was also an explanation as to why the pipeline took a back roads route from Campile into Wexford town.

Taking a route directly along the N25 would have been too costly, councillors were told.

Main Street test results soon The results of all tests carried out on parts of Wexford’s Main Street where people were reported to be slipping on a regular basis are not yet fully available.

Extensive tests were carried out on the street over the past few months and a comprehensive and definite

report is now being prepared on the perceived problem.

Senior Executive Engineer Craig Innes told Cllr George Lawlor at the March meeting of the Wexford Borough District Council that the tests had been completed and the final results would be available shortly.

Rosslare needs a plan

visit the car park and manually count the number of cars in it each morning if the barriers were lifted, she told the meeting.

‘It’s not just as easy as lifting the barriers’, she added and she also pointed out that there would be a loss of revenue in-

volved in lifting the barriers in the evenings.

But Cllr Lawlor pushed the matter to a vote and won the support of Cllrs Fergie Kehoe and Davy Hynes. Mayor Ger Carthy and Cllr Moore abstained.

Councillors in Wexford are to push for a major renewal plan for the village of Rosslare Harbour. Cllr George Lawlor told the March meeting of the Borough District Council that the village, as opposed to the port itself, required a major action plan.

There was considerable dereliction in the village and it required a comprehensive plan spearheaded by the Co.

Council.

He was supported by Cllr Jim Moore who said a considerable amount community work had been achieved in the area and this community spirit now needed to be harboured to deal with the difficulties in the area.

Cllr Davy Hynes said Rosslare was the doorway to Europe and it was a shame it had fallen into such a state.

3

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

Open WE’RE

THIS EASTER SUNDAY

OF YOUR COMMUNITY

Pettitt’s Sleeda Farm Sirloin Steak

HALF PRICE

Now €8.49/kg

HALF PRICE

SuperValu Smoked Salmon 300g Now €5

SuperValu Fresh Cod Fillets was €19.99/kg Now €9.99/kg (Fish Counter Only, subject to availability)

HALF PRICE

HALF PRICE SuperValu Fresh Hake Fillets was €17.99/kg Now €8.99/kg, (Fish Counter Only, subject to availability)

SuperValu Cheese Board Selection 677g - €14.77/kg was €20 Now €10

1ltr

Buy any 6 & save an additional

€ 10

Bottles

25

€

EACH

15

€

EACH

See in store for more details

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

4

News Council bosses ‘don’t get’ scale of North Wexford housing problem Senior Executives of Wexford Co. Council and the Head of the Council’s Housing Committee have been summoned to attend a special meeting of Gorey Municipal District Council next month to hear of the concerns which local councillors have over what they see as the failure of the authority to come up with adequate plans to deal with the spiralling housing crisis in North Wexford.

The March meeting of the Council heard repeated suggestions that those in Co. Hall simply ‘didn’t get it’ when it came to the scale of the housing issue in the North of the county.

Councillor Joe Sullivan told

his colleagues that the housing crisis in the North Wexford area had been developing over the past two years but had now hit a wall. ‘There is no social housing available in the area and now there are no private houses to rent. There is simply nothing available’, he told his colleagues.

Cllr Sullivan said the lack of availability was now having a severe impact on many families.

Cllr John Hegarty said the issue had to be taken seriously by those in Co. Hall who did not appear to appreciate the scale of the problem in North Wexford.

Chairman Malcolm Byrne said that despite the growing crisis

there was no evidence of any strategy to deal with the specific problems of North Wexford.

Cllr Robbie Ireton said the areas of the county with an acute housing problem were North Wexford and Wexford town. The issue didn’t arise in Enniscorthy where there was still availability while there was no problem in New Ross but people would have to be provided with help if they were to be asked to move to New Ross.

Anthony Bailey of the Council’s Housing Department said the pressures being experienced in Gorey were the same as those in all towns in the commuter belt and he gave an

outline of the general work being undertaken to deal with the problem.

But that did not satisfy councillors with several of them insisting that there was a lack of understanding of the problem at top level in Co. Hall.

The Council agreed to ask the Director of Services for Housing in addition to the Senior Executive Officer in charge of Housing and the Chairman of the Housing SPC to attend a special meeting in the Gorey District at which local councillors will forcefully put their arguments in favour of the Council coming up with a clear strategy to tackle the housing problem in Gorey.

€1/4m bill to deal with flooded road Raising the level of the road to deal with flooding problems on the Ahare Road and Bridge in North Wexford would cost at least €250,000, it has emerged.

During periods of bad weather the road floods and an entire l community is cut off leading local councillors to seek a solution to the problem.

The most cost effective way of tackling the issue

would have been to lower the level of the river but that was ruled out because it is in an area of special conservation.

Despite the cost involved local councillors insist that some way will have to be found to deal with the problem and the Environment Department of the Council is now to be asked to look again at the possibility of lowering the river bed.

Cllr Davy Hynes, Margaret Hynes, Marie Kehoe and Margaret Williams at the 'It's Good To Talk' Quiz in the Talbot Hotel. Pic Patrick Hogan.

Developers face levy on Gorey land The future of Gorey beyond 2020 will be determined by the contents of a Local Area Plan which will be finalised over the next few months.

Members of the District Council were provided with details of submissions which have come from the public in relation to the plan following a period of consultation.

But councillors stressed the

need to ensure that the plan was the right one for the future development of Gorey, particularly in respect of housing and infrastructure.

Details of the submissions made in respect of the plan were taken in private at the Council’s March meeting but councillor John Hegarty, in a general comment on the plan said it was important that the figures used for future needs

took into account Gorey’s proximity to Dublin and the impact that was likely to have on population growth in the town.

There was general concern that the figures being used were too conservative and did not adequately reflect the likely future needs of the town.

Councillors are also anxious to ensure that zoned

land central to the town is developed without delay.

Councillor Anthony Donohue said developers who owned this land had to build on it and if they delayed there had to be a penalty for them.

He was supported by Chairman, Malcolm Byrne, who said a levy for nondevelopment of this land had to be built into the plan.

James steps out and Willie steps in It was a proud moment for Willie Kavanagh and his family, including two of his grandchildren, when he was co-opted to Wexford Co. Council to fill the seat vacated

by James Browne on his election to the Dail.

Members of the Co. Council met in special session at the Council Chamber in Gorey to approve his co-option. Mr Kavanagh, an Oylegate publican, was an unsuccessful candidate

in the last local elections.

He was proposed by Cllr Barbara Ann Murphy who said Mr Kavanagh was a long standing worker on behalf of Oylegate and she was sure he would continue this work at Council level. Seconding the nomination Cllr Joe Sullivan said he had been a long time on the journey and had now arrived.

Acting Chairman Malcolm Byrne said it was a very proud day for Willie and his family.

Representatives of all political groupings extended good wishes to the new councillor and he was reminded by Cllr Robbie Ireton that despite coming from different political backgrounds once in the chamber councillors had a common objective which was the good of Co. Wexford.

Cllr Kavanagh was also appointed to all the Council subcommittees which James Browne had sat on since the

local elections.

The newly elected Deputy Browne turned up at the meeting to see his successor being co-opted to the Council.

Meanwhile, councillors have also agreed that Sinn Fein councillor Oisin O’Connell will sit on all the sub committees previously served by his colleague, Cllr Anthony Kelly, while the Wexford based councillor recovers from illness.

5

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

Have you tried every diet and nothing’s worked?

Is it time for a new approach?

PRIVATE WEIGHT LOSS CONSULTATIONS

PROGRAMMES FROM

€195

Payment P aymen nt Plans A Available v vailable Molly Agn Agnew ew lost 6 stone. very week “It was grea great at knowing that ev every o motivate the same pe person erson was there to ce and make you and giv give ve you great advic advice you feel pos sitive about yourse elff. positive yourself.

It kept me motivated m all the time.” t

VISTIT W WWW.MOTIVATION.IE WWW.MO .

TIV VAT TION.IE

VISIT CALL 000 00 00 000PARK 0000 000 00 UNIT 1 ARDCA ARDCAVAN AVAN A BUSINESS P A ARK AR ARDCAVAN, DCA AVAN A ,

WEXFORD TOWN, TOW CO. WEXFORD. WN , CO . WEXFORD . CA CALL ALL 053 942 9 42 2950 0NA 100 MAIN ROAD, R RO AD ,T TOWN OWN NA NAME, AME , COUNTY NAME. AME. BL OCK A BLOCK A,, THE EP PALMS ALMS A MEDICAL CENTR CENTRE, RE ,OWN THE A AVENUE, VENUE V NAME , 200 MAIN STREET, S OTHER THER T TOWN O NAME, , COU COUNTY UNTY NAME NAME..

STREET T, O GOREY, CO.. W WEXFORD.. CALL 053 941 0036 GOREY Y, CO WEXFORD

WWW.MOTIVATION.IE

today

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

6

News

Wexford Association plays big role in London Parade The annual Mayor Of London's St Patrick's Day Parade took place on Sunday the 13th of March. The Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall and his wife Greta and other invited dignitaries marched at the head of the parade from Hyde Park Corner at midday and made its way to Trafalgar Square which showcased a lot of London's Irish sports clubs, Dance

Schools, Marching Bands, Vintage Vehicles, Community organisations and pageantry, A conservative estimate of 100,000 spectators lined the streets of London to view and cheer on the spectacular parade. The London Wexford Association entered a float which was kindly sponsored by Justin Ffrench from Clonroche. On the float was some music sup-

plied by Celtic Crunch Band and a wonderful display of Irish dancing from The O' Connor School of Irish Dance.

It was beautifully decorated with the purple and gold bunting and a 1916-2016 banner commemorating the rebellion on Easter Monday in Enniscorthy.

A big thanks goes out to Michael Sills, Tommy Harrell,

Phil Roche, Paddy Doyle, Justin Ffrench, Siobhan Talbott and Breda Weller and Martin Harrell for supplying the PA System.

A representative of Wexford Co Council, Cllr Robert Ireton, travelled from Gorey at the invitation of the association, to attend the event. The Wexford Banner was carried proudly by Nicholas McGrath and John

Ellis along with members and supporters of London Wexford Association.

Fr Murphy's Ladies GAA Club were honored to carry the Council Of Irish Counties (CICA) Banner in the parade.

Speakingt after the event Cllr.

Ireton said he was overwhelmed with the turnout and to see representation from all Irish Counties and to see the

cultural and colourful aspect of the parade. He congratulated all the Wexford participants in the parade and said he will look forward to his return next year.

On Good Friday members of the Association travel over to Enniscorthy to take part in the 1916-2016 Easter Rising celebrations.

Great start to racing season at Wexford It was a real family fun day at Wexford racecourse on St. Patrick’s Day when large crowds turned up to enjoy the racing and the various other activities which had been provided to keep young people occupied while their parents followed the racing.

And it was not just the local fare which racegoers enjoyed with the course executive ensuring that there was full coverage of events in Cheltenham throughout the enclosure.

Many had travelled up to

Bettyville from the Wexford town parade which had taken place in the morning.

St. Patrick’s Day has become the traditional kick off date for the racing season in Wexford in recent years and it is one of the most popular days of the year at the course.

The good weather throughout the afternoon added to the enjoyment for the big crowd even if the low sun did cause some problems on the course during the later races. with the final fence being omitted for the last

chase on the card.

The first race of the year at Wexford, the Racecourse Supporters Club Maiden Hurdle, was appropriately enough won by a local jockey with Mickey Fogarty aboard the Dessie McDonagh trained Alterno. Fogarty had travelled back from Cheltenham, where he rode a runner up the previous day. There was another local connection with this winner, the horse carrying the colours of Jackie Bolger, wife of trainer Jim Bolger.

Sinead Thorpe, Katie and Mary Bolger, enjoying the races.

Racecourse Membership offers fantastic benefits The 2016 racing season get underway at Wexford Racecourse on St. Patrick’s Day with big crowds expected for what is one of the most popular racing days of the season at the venue.

It is the first of eleven days scheduled for the Bettyville venue during 2016 and is one of eight all national hunt meetings planned for the track.

After a morning enjoying the Wexford town St. Patrick’s Day Parade it is the ideal place for sport ,fun and entertainment on St. Patrick’s afternoon.

Ellie, Dylan and Tegan Walsh travelled to the races from New Ross.

For those wishing to attend all the meeting at Wexford this year there is no better value way of doing it than by becoming a member of the course.

Membership costs just €100 per year, and the benefits are outstanding, including access to all 11 meetings at Wexford in 2016, and access to 10 other race meetings around the country free of charge. These other meetings include selected dates in Tramore, Gowran Park, Punchestown, The Curragh and Clonmel.

It also includes access to the pri-

vate bar for the member you and a guest and since 2015 one free 2 course meal in the Ivy Room at a meeting of your choice. Every member also receives a free race card worth €3 at the 11 meetings.

And you can avail of free parking on the racecourse. The benefits of the membership package are valued at up to €330.

An annual day trip is also available to every member and the 2016 planned day trip includes a visit to Willie Mullins Stables, followed by a race meeting in Gowran Park.

Veronica Kelly, Anne Tray, Margaret Redmond and Barbara Caulfield from Wexford enjoying the day.

7

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016 O N

S PE Y A D

7

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

DIRECT DIR RE ECT

Fairy

Bold Daz Laundry Liquid 4lt

9

`

Laundry Liquid 4lt

WOW!

.95

`

WOW!

9

.95

`

Worker Complete

Kitten Soft

Dog Food

24 Pack

`

9

`

80 litre Compost `

4

3 FOR ONLY

10

`

EACH

GOREY ST STORE: TORE: O

.00

U UNIT N IT 5, WFC C RET RETAIL TAI A L PARK PARK GOREY, G OREY Y, CO CO W WEXFORD E XF OR D

TE TEL: L: 053

9484322 948 84322

Powder WOW!

9.95

WOW!

`

9

.95

70 Wash

Still Water Coke/Diet Coke Cans 24 pack

500ml 24 pack

WOW!

.95

Surf

Laundry Liquid 4Lt

ONLY

6.95

8.95

`

Also Diet Coke

ONLY

4.95

`

ONLY

SSpring B Bedding PPlants

ONLY

`

26

BIG G BRANDS BRAN DS

SMALL SMALL PRICES PRICE ES

.00

Pack OPEE N I NG HOURS: OPENING HOU RS: MON MO ON - W WED E D . . . . ..9am 9am - 6pm 6pm THUR TH U R - FR FRII . . . . . ..9am 8pm 9am - 8pm SAT .9am - 7pm SAT AT . . . . . . . . . . . . .9am 7pm SUN BANK AN K SU N & B HOLIDAYS HOLI DAY YS . . . . . . ..11am 11am m - 6pm 6pm Offer period 22nd March - 30th April. All offers subje subject ect to availability availability. y. E & O E

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

8

GER WALSH With no one in charge the country may be headed for the rocks As the country struggles on with a caretaker government in place the picture emerging in terms of the state of the country is far removed from the image of the stable, growing economy with a spreading recovery which was talked about so much in recent months.

Indeed if the outgoing government had produced a video to promote their cause in advance of the election and included the type of footage which is now common place on news bulletins they would probably have been accused of scaremongering.

They did say that the choice was effectively between continued recovery and chaos and while a majority of electors didn’t buy the message it is amazing how quickly that chaotic scenario is beginning to emerge.

In one day recently there were threats of two transport strikes, nurses were

threatening strikes, teachers were warning they would down tools, the homelessness crisis got steadily worse, the hospital trolley problem reached new levels and there were reports of shocking new crimes in both urban and rural areas while the future of the country’s water utility is in such doubt that tens of thousands of people have decided not to pay their bills. .

This situation, of course, has not developed just as a result of the outcome of the general election and it would have happened regardless of what had occurred in the poll, but it does highlight the difficulties which the country faces in the years ahead.

After years of austerity, depressed wages and genuine hardship in some cases major groups of workers now feel it is time that they started to feel the recovery through increased wages.

That will be particularly the case given that the result

of the election has put the focus on service provision rather than tax reductions so the only way most people can see a path to being better off in their own lives is through higher wages.

Public servants, who feel they have taken an unfair share of the burden in recent years, will be to the fore in attempting to gain pay restoration.

Against this background it is important that the country has a strong government.

There will be a lot of tough decisions to be taken in the years ahead if the ‘recovery’ is not to be thrown off course.

Perhaps it is the scale of the challenges which are coming down the road which has frightened so many of our politicians away from seeking a role in government but the situation where so many people who were elected last month simply do not want to be in government really is extraordinary.

As I write talks are ongoing to try to build an arrangement between one of the main parties and a group of smaller parties and independents. However, any such arrangement would be so far short of a majority that the whole thing really is a futile exercise.

On the current numbers only an arrangement between the two main parties would be strong and stable enough to provide the type of effective government which the country will require in the medium term.

Fianna Fail seems dead set against playing a part in providing this type of administration which really means that the only option might be another election in the not too distant future.

In the meantime all the problems which are currently emerging will only get worse and it will be the end of the year, at least, before any effective programmes are put in place to deal with them.

Lack of housing may be biggest problem facing Co. Wexford Nationally the focus on the housing problem has been on Dublin but the scale of the problem in Co. Wexford should not be underestimated.

There has been much made of the fact that there really is no one actually homeless in the country in the sense that you have families living under a bridge or in a doorway.

However, that really misses the point because there are many families who are effectively h homeless because they are living in totally unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation or are cramped into a single room in the home of a family member because it is the only option for them to keep a roof over the heads.

To be fair a number of members of Wexford Co. Council have been

highlighting the problem for almost two years and in the beginning they did not get much of a hearing.

Most of the debate to date has been on the government’s failure to plan for the problem over the past few y ears. However, I get a sense that the focus is starting to shift to the role of the local authority, particularly over the past twelve months with many public representatives now openly critical of what they see as the rather pedestrian response of the Council to the emerging crisis.

9

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

Enniscorthy needs to secure Why discretion was so important for this doctor lasting benefits from Rising When trainee anaesthetist Dr Robert Pemsel (32) prepared to go to work on the night shift just after Christmas 2014 he had more on his mind than the welfare of his patients. Dr Pemsel phoned a prostitute and asked her to visit him at the hospital in Southampton.

Then just seven minutes after the start of his shift he texted the girl to confirm their meeting. ‘This is naughty on my part so discretion would be appreciated’ he said in his text. That was a bit of an understatement.

He also paid great attention to detail telling her that if they were interrupted by an emergency he would pay her and it was up to her whether or not to wait until the emergency ended. Or indeed if there was an emergency before she arrived he would

Enniscorthy is all set to play its part in the national commemoration of the 1916 Rising, details of which you can read elsewhere. It will certainly be a huge occasion on Easter Monday and hopefully the exposure which the town gets can be used to bring benefits into the future.

The town has suffered a lot

break off from it to come out and pay her. What a man!

I can just imagine the scene inside the Hospital Theatre as he explains that he has to step out for a moment to attend to an emergency of a different kind.

But there was no emergency. The lady arrived and the good doctor took her to a bedroom reserved for anaesthetists on night duty and spent forty minutes with

in recent years in terms of employment and the retail sector has struggle for a long time. Many people see tourism as a way forward for Enniscorthy and its role in the 1916 commemorations can provide the platform from which this sector can be developed.

The Patriot’s Flag

her. But all didn’t end well because associates of the woman in question began blackmailing the doctor and threatened to tell the NHS about what went on.

The police were involved and two people went to prison, but the doctor ended up on a misconduct charge.

I am sure his GP wife also probably had something to say about his hospital activities.

Life as a TD is not all perks I thought an observer made a very interesting point on the final day of the general election count in Wexford when Paul Kehoe was clinging to his place in the Dail by fifty votes. Kehoe was a shattered man who had to endure a tortuous weekend not knowing

really whether or not he would be back in Leinster House.

In human terms an election cliff-hanger like this takes an awful toll not just on the candidate by also on the wider family as best illustrated by Paul’s five year old daughter posing the question at

breakfast ‘Daddy have you lost your job’ The point made at the count was that if people could see this type of count day torture first hand they might have a different view about how good a number the job of a TD really is.

(pictured) which will fly from this specially constructed flagpole in the town centre will act as a focal point for visitors but the drive to continue to develop the town’s tourist offering in this respect must be continued long after the crowds have departed next Monday.

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

10

News

Rising is celebrated in schools across the county It was a day the young people of the county will remember for the rest of their lives, the day when in school they celebrated the centenary of the 1916 Rising.

In schools everywhere across the county Proclamation Day was celebrated with a range of special activities in schools with many putting on short plays as part of the

day of activities.

For months the children had been busy learning their history of the events of one hundred years ago and working on their individual proj-

ects.

And last week in school halls everywhere the fruits of their efforts were put on display in front of excited and proud parents and members of the

public.

While many of the children taking part were probably too young to fully appreciate all the details of the events of one hundred years ago they

will in time remember the day they played a part in remembering those who took the first steps towards creating the Irish nation in 1916.

The scene at Ferns NS on Proclamation Day

Colm O Tiarnaigh,Principlal assists guest of honour Jack Byrne whose parents were involved in 1916.as they Raise the Flag in Ferns

Children from Ferns read the Proclamation

Some of the children who attended the ceremony

Ailish Holnett, Mary Coady, Pte. Craig Lacey, Pte Gemma Lacey, TPK Eoin O'Shea, Capt. Danny O'Sullivan, Eamonn Kinsella, Eileen Casey and Jos Furlong at the Wexford CBS Primary School Proclamation Day. Pic by Patrick Hogan.

The children of Camolin NS as they celebrated Proclamation Day

11

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

News

Jobs Fair a big success There was much debate over the past few months about the ’recovery’ and whether or not it had reached Co. Wexford but there were certainly positive signs that things are looking up in the county last week when the Department of Social Protection staged a Jobs Fair.

The event took place at the ‘street’ in County Buildings at Carricklawn and by any measurement was an outstanding success.

Over the course of the day several thousand people turned up in search of employment and many of them were not disappointed.

Dozens of stands representing a broad range of industries and services across the economy were set up for the event and the message was clear-----------the county is on the move again.

With an improvement in business in the county many operators are beginning to see an uplift in their own businesses and vacancies are becoming available in a whole range of areas.

Some of those who went to the Jobs Fair were actually signed up for employment within days while many more have interviews lined up for

the coming weeks.

The great news for job seekers was that employers are currently looking for a wide variety of skills and opportunities are opening up right across the county.

The huge attendance at the event meant that many of those attending had difficulties finding parking spaces in the car parks and that led to the only sour note of the day when a number of cars were clamped for not parking in designated areas.

Otherwise it was a very positive day and a very successful event.

Jack McGee his son Cormac and Garda Eamonn Cahill at the Garda Stand.

Margret Stirling and,Kim Furlong went along to see what jobs were on offer.

Laura and James Ryan

Mayor Ger,Carthy, Philip McMahon, Majella McMahon and Louis McElwain, at the opening of the Jobs Fair.

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

Beechdale Garden Centre is full of plants for summer colour. Beechdale has a name for offering many unusual plants.

Cottage garden plants for summer colour are now available at €2.99 each or 6 for €15.99. Staff at Beechdale are keen to help you pick the right plants, so bring in plans or photos and we will guide you.

Beechdale’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt is on this weekend on Easter Sunday for which there is a small Charge of €2 per child. So come and see the Easter Bunny and get a bit of fresh air into the bargain. Make sure to colour in your picture and bring it in before 3pm on Easter Sunday. Pictures are available in store or downloaded from www.beechdale.ie Now that Spring is in the air, the next FREE Gardening Talk is on Saturday 2nd at

11am at Beechdale Garden Centre on “Fruit for Thought”. For more info on upcoming events go to www.beechdale.ie and click our blog tab. Or ring us at 053-9244271.

Would you like to build a Scarecrow for our Scarecrow Competition?. Find out more at blog.beechdale.ie Beechdale Garden Centre is full of plants and colour to help You Brighten up Your Garden this Easter. We encourage you to come along and have a look and while you are here taste the food in the Wildflower Café, Why? Because you deserve a treat.

12

13

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

Graham will deliver a steady aim for a Target Garden Target Garden is a new up & coming business based in Cushinstown County Wexford. The proprietor Graham Cullen worked in horticulture in the U.K and Ireland since completing Horticulture Training in Kildalton College.

Graham specialized in nursery stock production a trait carried forward into his own landscaping by producing his own stock at the plant center.

Graham's knowledge and experience allows him to deliver a steady aim for a Target Garden.

Contact: Graham Cullen Target Garden 0852135649

Cushinstown, Co Wexford

We have been at the forefront of fitting artificial grass specifically for Gardens,Putting Greens and play areas.We have a full range of the highest quality, most realistic synthetic turf currently available. Whatever your requirements, we have an artificial lawn perfect to suit your needs.

Garden Design - Garden Construction Garden Maintenance Contact Graham 085 2135649 or

For more information please contact Lawn & Order – 083 123 3533 Lawnandorder.eu

Garden Fencing/Top Soil/Decorative Stone -

Call 086 3505665 or 053 9108096

FERRYBANK, WEXFORD

Your Local Supplier

SUPPLIERS OF Decorative Stone

Top Soil

Digger Works - Call 087 6147208

WE SELL SAND AND GRAVEL Supply and fit Concrete and Garden Fencing

Bark Mulch

1 Tonne bags or Small loads delivered.

3-14 Tonne Digger available for all ground work - Footpaths, Drive Ways

Are you unsure about what excatly you need? Do Not worry we offer a FREE call out Site Survey.

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

14

Co. Wexford celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in style From Coolgraney in the north of the county to Duncannon in the south and in all the major towns and villages in between they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a fantastic display of colour and entertainment with huge numbers turning out to mark the National Day. St. Patrick’s Day has really become a day to showcase all that is best in the county, particularly in terms of the very large number of sporting,

cultural and other groups that cater for thousands of young people in every parish.

The voluntary effort that is required to keep these organisations going is a fifty two week yearly commitment but on just one day the wider public gets to see and appreciate the scale of what is happening largely unnoticed on their doorstep.

From GAA to athletics, kick boxing to Irish Dancing, drama groups

Enniscorthy

to scout troops the numbers involved are astonishing, particularly when they march one after another in a parade.

So St Patrick’s Day is an occasion for official Wexford in the form of public representatives and the wider public to salute all this voluntary effort and applaud the wonderful work that is being carried out by so many people.

Across the county St. Patrick’s Day began with masses and the official

blessing of Shamrock and then it was off to the parades. Wexford town got events underway in midmorning with a huge number of people taking part.

Gorey and Enniscorthy were in the afternoon and there were parades too in Bunclody and New Ross and several other venues in every corner of the county.

In all venues there was a nod to the 1916 centenary and the current unstable political situation was also a

theme taken up by some of the participants and of course there were marching bands and floats representing the commercial life of the county.

St. Patrick’s Day is an occasion to celebrate everything that is good about your town and county and last week the people of Co. Wexford did that in style with the streets lined with huge numbers of people everywhere groups paraded.

15

The

Wexford

Chronicle March 24, 2016

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

16

News

Gorey Night Run is a huge success It had been months in the planning and it showed as Gorey played host to the town's first ever Night Run. With six hundred people turning up to take part in the event there was a fantastic atmosphere in the town as hundreds more turned out to offer support along the route.

Some of the 600 people walked others jogged and the remainder ran around the

streets of the town. Kitted out in the exclusive Gorey Credit Union sponsored bright yellow tee shirts, they made for an impressive sight as they made their way down the Main Street. There was an electric atmosphere at the Civic centre before the start with motivational music provided by Anthony Donohue, Shelly Askins doing a warm up for all participants,

Aoife Parle providing a running commentary and Fergus Lynam from Sports Therapeutics Ireland looking after sore limbs before and after the run.

The winner of the mens race was Ger Forde, followed by Pedro Calvo, with local runner Paul Gibbons in third place, The womens section was won by Dena Hogan, followed by Anna Bushe and

Anna Marie Leonard in third place. The junior section (U16) section was won by Tomas Breen and Emily Forristal. Special mention also to Coolgreaney runners Majella and Melissa Boland who were dressed as Gorey Knight Runners winning the fancy dress section. A full list of spot prize winners is available on line.

The organisers were really

Thery're off.......the hundreds of participants set out on the Night Run

delighted with the response and would like to thank all those businesses and individuals who helped to make the event such an outstanding success.

It was really fantastic to see the response for such a really good cause. North Wexford Hospice do fantastic work for so many families in really difficult circumstances and it was great to support their

efforts.

We are grateful to Gorey Credit Union, Innovate, Sprint Design inc, Redmond Hotel Group, Cullens Fruit and Veg, Pettits, Tesco, McGuire Jewellers for their support.

A great night was had by all and such was the response and feedback that it is hoped to make it a permanent fixture on the Gorey social calendar.

Well done Mam... Nichola Roche gets a wll done cuddle from daughter Hanah.

Selfie Time for Molly Maher and Abby Luff North Wexford Hospice Trust. Volunteers Noeleen Furlong,Noreen Kelly,Cecily Jones, Rosemary Melbourne and Marion Deering.

Bebhinn McDonald, Roisin Hughes and Scoirse McDonald. get prepared for the run.

Family Affair: Sadie,Dawn and Pat Kinch and dog Sally.

Father and son Gavin and Jack Tully

17

The

SERVICES

Chronicle March 24, 2016

Find someone here to Fix It, Clad It, Buy It, Sell It, Build It, Heat or Insulate It, Paint It, Print It or Make It, Hire Someone, Find a Job, Pass that Test. It’s All Here in The Chronicle Services Section

Clonhaston, Enniscorthy Wexford's Complete Home Care Team

THE SOUTH EAST’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED

BLIND MANUFACTURERS SUPPLIERS OF ROLLER, VENETIAN, VERTICAL & VELUX BLINDS TO SUIT ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS OLD ROLLER BLINDS TURNED & REPAIRED Free Measuring. Free Consultation. No Obligation E: redmondblinds@hotmail.com W: www.redmondblinds.com

w w w.cunningha am.ie www.cunningham.ie The Old House, Taghmon.

TheSchool Old Schoo ol House, Ta aghmon,co.

Co.Wexford Wexford.

More affordable home care

087 1279288 Open 6 Days 10am - 6pm

- Make Up - Photoshoot - Hair Stylist - Massage & Beauty Treatments - Personalised Fitness Consultation With Program - Fashion Tips

For more info visit me at 43 Esmonde St. or email me: renatarajman@gmail.com In Conjunction with: Make Up Making Faces Hairdressing Red Line Gym & Pool

Beauty by Renata Massage by Marzena 43 Esmonde St. Photo Grzegroz Czyzewski

Fitted Furniture Ltd

Three Generations Manufacturing Furniture in Wexford

I.T. Support & website design We call to you Supporting home, business & schools.

Tel: (053) 9138992 Mobile: (087) 2994988 E-Mail - ken@kenscomputerclinic.com Website - www.kenscomputerclinic.com

Kitchen & Bedroom Specialists Strandfield Business Park, Rosslare Road, Wexford

Ph/Fax 053 9141411

at Candc Farrell

Showroom Open Mon - Thurs 9am-5pm & Fri 9am-4pm or by appointment

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY! Call our sales team today to hear our unbeatable rates

GENTS DRY CUT WASH CUT BLOWDRY WASH & BLOWDRY ALLOVER BLADE PENSIONERS STUDENTS

€12.00 €13.00 €8.00 €10.00 €10.00 €10.00

SPECIALS FATHER & SON KIDS UNDER 13 STUDENT REDUCED RATE (MON to WED)

€14.00 €5.00 €7.00

Check out our catalogue of hairstyles on facebook

Fitness Gosia Tonewo

C&C Farrell COMPUTER/LAPTOP/REPAIRS/ SALES PRINTERS & PERIPHERALS AND BROADBAND/NETWORKING ISSUES

(Open During Lunch) (Opposite Ulster Bank) North Main Street, Wexford

/Trims-barber-shop

WE

FIX TV’S

Repairs to all makes and models TV, laptop, HI FI and games console repairs Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy

087 6264332

Phone: 086 0051569 www.thechronicle.ie

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

SERVICES

18 Find someone here to Fix It, Clad It, Buy It, Sell It, Build It, Heat or Insulate It, Paint It, Print It or Make It, Hire Someone, Find a Job, Pass that Test.

It’s All Here in The Chronicle Services Section

MICHAEL BURKE

Painter/Decorator

With over 40 Years Experience All Aspects of Roofing Extensions Garages

Sunrooms

Storm Damage Attic Conversions

PVC, Fascia & Soffit

Renovations

Plastering

Fully Insured & Registered

Need to freshen up some rooms for Christmas?

!!SPECIAL OFFER!! €15 per roll

Wallpapering just

25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

TEL: 086 4036363 axcessroofingbuilding@gmail.com www.roofingwexford.ie

BLUE DIAMOND WINDSCREENS

Ph: 053 92 42000 Proprietor: Victor Meyler ATA accredited

Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy

Wipers Supplied & Fitted for ALL makes and models of vehicles Covering the South East Direct billing to Insurance Companies Very competitive rates for non-insurance

Interior & Exterior Wall Papering

Kitchens Hand Painted All types of varnishing work

*Competitive Rates* Ballyedmond, Wells, Gorey Tel: 053-9389282 / Mobile: 087-2466234

TARA STORES CARPET AND CURTAIN SPECIALISTS Est. 1972

Habedashery Vinyls Rugs Carpets Curtains Blinds 43 Main Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford

T: 05394-21486

Sth. East Satellites & Aerials AERIAL, AUDIO & VISUAL INSTALLATIONS SERVICES: Servicing of all Satellite & Aerial Systems Commercial & Domestic Installations CCTV SaorView Installations FreeView Installations Problem-solving

NEW SATELLITE RECEIVER ARRIVED Gives many extra Channels.

Broadband/Internet Connection Required

Contact Frank Cullen on 087-2310296 Email: enfabdigital@gmail.com

Fr. Joseph K. Bill 5 day Healing Retreat Given By: Fr. Anthony Saji V.C.

Tuesday 18th October to Saturday 22nd October 2016 at Knock Shrine For more information call

Siobhán 085-2894382 or Mary 085-1090012

COBBLER AN D

Our storage units are ideal for: House Furniture Business Records Sales reps Commercial Stock Storage Moving or Renovating Units all sizes available for rental Long-term or short-term Sinnottstown Business Park, Sinnottstown Lane, Drinagh, Wexford, County Wexford (053) 916 0164 www.selfstoragewexford.com Each Unit is secure. The site has CCTV along with Intruder and Fire Alarms Fitted.

You can access your storage unit at all time with our secure access cards & pin

KEYS

Est: 1984 Anne Street, Wexford Shoe Repair Shoe Stretching Orthopaedic Work Shoe Care Products Key Cutting While U Wait. Electronic Car Keys

NEW SERVICE - KEYS CUT BY CODE Leather Work & Stitching Leather goods - belts/wallets/puses etc Alterations

At our Self Storage facility we offer a personal and helpful service

New Range of Central Locking Car Key Shells

8am - 5pm Monday to Friday & 9am - 1pm on Saturday

Keys cut for Offices, Lockers etc

Outside trading hours contact 053 9160164 or email selfstoragewexford@gmail.com

Tel: 053 9124089

Your Local

HANDYMAN FOR ALL YOUR HOME REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS Wardrobes, Kitchens, Tiling, Carpentry, Plumbing, Patios,Decking, Roofing, Electrical And much much more PROMPT SERVICE - FREE QUOTE

ALL TYPES OF WORK CONSIDERED

TOM REDDY 087 - 4123535

19

The

SERVICES

Chronicle March 24, 2016

Find someone here to Fix It, Clad It, Buy It, Sell It, Build It, Heat or Insulate It, Paint It, Print It or Make It, Hire Someone, Find a Job, Pass that Test.

It’s All Here in The Chronicle Services Section

p

,

C p

g

i g

D i 3 0 Mi Dry

phol

y

i

l

p

l

,

ilk,

di

,

bi i ,

h

ain, Od i

t

ith D y F

l

i g

i

d

,

k ,

k

k d

i

i & i

i

l

id p i l

li l

d

f

l

g

d g i

C ll David Delaney today: Ca

Mobile: 087 689 M 9 1041 T (053) 910 616 Tel: 6 0 w w.cleaningdoctor ww o .ie/wexford ww ww.facebook.com/C CleaningDoctorWex xford

T.J. COLFER DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Repairs and Service on all makes and models

Call: 087-2972352

STUART NOLAN PLUMBING AND HEATING

Colman Doyle INTERIORS

South Main Street, Wexford. PHONE 053 9142084 Specialists in Blinds & Shutters for all window types

Oil boiler installation Oil boiler service/repair Solid fuel installation Heating system upgrades Bathroom/wetrooms Central heating powerflush

Ph: 0860734257 Em: stuartnolanph@gmail.com Seai registered - Oftec registered Tax reg - Insured

Huge Range of Styles & Fabrics Available We Measure, Advise, Fit & Repair Shutters Supplied & Fitted

Custom Made Curtains & Readymades Haberdashery, Wool, Curtain Poles & Accessories Extensive Craft Section

* Christmas Craft Fabric, NOW IN STOCK

! $& $%

Save Money on your heating with

Tom’s Chimney Sweep

Maintain heating efficiency and conserve energy

$ ! $ & "! "

# & '! $ '$! % $% $

& "!% $$ !

"!& & "'$% ) )% (

! ! $" "!

Pump Flush Restore Heating Efficiency and reduce heating costs

10 Years Experience! • Power Sweep & Tar Removal • Wood Burners, Creosote Removal • Nest Removal • CCTV Inspection • Written & Verbal Report • Extra Wide Chimney • Draft Test

Call Tom on 087 9921426 or Find us on Facebook

Descale and clean heating system and radiators Restore Radiators to original output No Mess - No Fuss Call for a Free Quote - 086 2509412 www.radiatorflushingservice.com Email: doyledanthony.plumbing@gmail.com

ADVERTISE WITH US! Delivering to more homes in Co Wexford than any other newspaper

Phone: 086 0051569 www.thechronicle.ie

Call our sales team today to hear our unbeatable rates and to book a space in our services section

The

Chronicle March 24, 2016

20

News CBS Enniscorthy third in 2016 Business Enterprise Competition A team from St Mary's CBS in Enniscorthy finished third in the Griffith College annual Business Enterprise Competition earlier this month.

Featuring 12 finalists and over 300 students, the competition promotes entrepreneurship with students from transition, 5th and 6th year developing a business idea and then using their social media skills to market it.

Fenu Health, created by Annie and Kate Madden from Loreto College, St. Stephen's

Green, won first prize and the Griffith College Business Enterprise Competition Perpetual Trophy. Their winning idea promoted a range of supplements to treat and prevent gastric ulcers in horses. It's a growing business, with top Irish horse trainers expressing interest in the product, including Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliot.

Paddy the Plasterer, Cheltenham winning racehorse, is their brand ambassador.

Learn to Drive, created by Darragh McGee, Eoin

Lennon, Conor Fagan and Cian Hanlon in St. David's Holy Faith Secondary School in Greystones, came in second place. Learn to Drive is a pocket-sized board game with the rules of the road aimed at those taking their driving theory test.

Sliotar Clocks, created by Dean Doyle and Diarmuid Doyle in St. Mary's CBS Enniscorthy, came in third place. Sliotar Clocks are customised sliotar shaped clocks in club and county colours with a 100% Irish Ash wood base.

The Business Enterprise Competition was judged by two lecturers from the Business Faculty <https://www.griffith.ie/facult ies/business> and the Marketing Supervisor for the college.

Pictured right: Sliotar Clocks Diarmuid Doyle and Dean Doyle from St. Mary’s CBS School Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, pictured competing in the Griffith College Business Enterprise Competition 2016 held in Griffith College, Dublin.

Text Alert Initiative to Report Misuse of Disabled Parking Spaces Wexford County Council is delighted to announce their new disabled parking space text alert initiative. This pilot scheme encourages members of the public to report misuse of disabled parking spaces via a free text service. The sites for this pilot initiative are The Avenue, Main Street outside Joanne’s Coffee Shop and McDermott Street, Gorey.

The scheme will be promoted on social media using a quirky video piece developed

by Michael Wall of KM

Media, www.kmmedia.ie which can be viewed at www.wexford.ie/nab Parking in disabled parking spaces is reserved for holders of a valid ‘Blue Badge’ and non Blue Badge Holders who use the parking spaces can be fined €80. The new text alert system will assist the Council in applying the €80 fine to anyone who parks in a disabled parking space without a blue badge.

The lovely lady in this photograph has just received

her €80 fine – a fee of €80 for this premium parking space!

She has been nabbed thanks to your text. To report the misuse in one of our Pilot spaces just text ‘nab main’ for disabled bay outside Joanne’s Coffee Shop, text ‘nab avenue’ for disabled bay outside the Post Office or text ‘nab mcd’ for disabled bay on McDermott Street to 51772 and the Community Warden will be happy to deliver the fine.

Local authorities around the

Country operate a zero tolerance policy for those motorists that misuse disabled parking spaces. A fixed charge parking fine of €80 is issued to drivers who park their cars in disabled parking spaces without a valid Blue Badge. If the fine is not paid within 28 days it increases to €120 with a further 28 days to pay.

This pilot scheme is welcomed by the Irish Wheelchair Association nationally and by local

service users. Gorey Municipal District is the first local authority to devise its own free SMS system for this purpose, the project was developed by Wexford County Council’s IT Department, Access Office and Gorey Municipal District.

District Manager, Amanda Byrne, said that we need to engage and educate the minority of motorists who misuse these valuable spaces and ensure that everyone is

Colman Doyle Interiors

aware that it is an offence to park there without displaying a valid Blue Badge or if the Blue Badge Holder is not present in the vehicle. All our disabled spaces are monitored closely by our Community Wardens and this pilot scheme allows concerned members of the public and valid Blue Badge holders to assist in this process.

For further information on how the system works, please email gorey@wexfordcoco.ie or call 053-9483800

South Main Street, Wexford

WE HAVE MOVED! Visit Our New Premises at 66 SOUTH MAIN STREET (Opposite Uncle Sams)

FOR CURTAINS, FABRICS, BLINDS, SHUTTERS, WOOL , HABERDASHERY AND ACCESSORIES.

PHONE: 053 9142084