19 minute read
Business & Finance
Rosslare Europort secures top position
Rosslare Europort ended 2021 as Ireland’s number one port for direct RoRo / Pax services to Europe, a year which also saw the highest ever activity through the County Wexford port. Despite the challenges of both COVID-19 and Brexit, the history-making year saw over 184,891 RoRo freight units through the port in 2021. With 30 direct services now operating weekly between Rosslare and Europe, there was an increase of 94,477 freight units (+371%) on European direct routes in 2021 with 119,927 units carried.
Advertisement
UK routes which have 56 services a week saw a decrease of -32,926 of freight units (-34%) and remain challenging as the implications, additional cost and time of Brexit are embedded into the supply chain.
Overall combined freight at the port grew by 50% representing the highest yearly growth in the port’s history and demonstrating the national importance of Rosslare Europort as a key connection for freight and passenger services to the UK and Europe. Passenger volumes at the port, while suppressed over the past two years as a result of COVID-19, also grew significantly with 243,303 passengers (+68% increase) travelling through the port in 2021. Commenting on the overall performance
New and existing shipping line customers saw direct services to and from Europe increase to 30 per week at Rosslare Europort in 2021, making it Ireland's leading port for direct European services.
at the port, Glenn Carr, General Manager, said, “It’s been a really tremendous performance by Rosslare Europort in 2021 and I am delighted that the plans we put in place over the last few years are yielding such positive results. “It’s a great credit to all the colleagues who work at the port, our shipping partners, stakeholders and of course our customers who have helped in the positive transformation that we are now seeing. “The substantial increase in volume at the port clearly demonstrates the shift in demand for services out of Rosslare from other hubs, we are the closest port to Europe and easily accessible to all major cities and industrial sites throughout Ireland.
Rosslare Europort Freight and Passenger Volumes 2021 v 2020
“As major ports such as Dublin grapple with future constraints and congestion, Rosslare Europort will be further developed to help alleviate these challenges and offer real viable, efficient and sustainable alternative services and connectivity for the greater good of the wider economy. “Our plans have been strongly endorsed and supported by the Iarnród Éireann Board which has enabled significant investment in infrastructure, services and resources. This will ensure the development of Rosslare Europort as a key generator of economic activity for the region and country. “I look forward to 2022 as we further grow services, including significant growth in passenger demand, aligned with trends in favour of more sustainable tourism.
“It will also see the next phase of our exciting plans, with the most significant investment ever in the port with the commencement of our masterplan build, the digitalisation of the port, new infrastructure for customs and border control and the commencement of a series of work packages to secure planning for the future Offshore Renewable Energy facility (Project REORE) at the port from 2025.” n
Comhairle Contae Loch Garman
Wexford County Council is looking for members of our community to join as Retained (part-time) Firefighters in Bunclody, Gorey, New Ross & Wexford Fire Stations
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and not more than 55 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms. Candidates must reside and work within a reasonable distance of the fire station to enable him/her to respond promptly to all calls. Positions are open to both male and female applicants. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled. The employment is part-time. However, a firefighter is paid an Annual Retainer to be available for calls at all times. In addition a firefighter is paid an hourly rate for attendance at calls and weekly training. Further information and application forms are available from, Customer Services, Block F, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Phone: (053) 919 6000 or at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 5:00pm on Thursday 24th February 2022. Information Nights
Please come along to our information nights as follows:
Gorey Fire Station: 18:30 – 20:00 Monday 21st February, 2022 New Ross Fire Station: 18:30 – 20:00 Monday 21st February, 2022 Wexford Fire Station: 18:30 – 20:00 Monday 21st February, 2022 Bunclody Fire Station: 19:30 – 21:00 Tuesday 22nd February, 2022
Fire Service staff will be available to answer any queries and explain the position of a retained firefighter in more detail.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Recruitment
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts:
Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for these posts are available from: Customer Service (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Phone 053 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms:
Senior General Services Supervisor - 5.00pm on Thursday, 17th February, 2022. Harbour Constable – 5.00pm on Thursday 3rd March, 2022.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Public Convenience Caretaker (Ballymoney)
Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for this post are available from: Customer Service (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Phone 053 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is:
5.00pm on Thursday 24th February, 2022.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer
GIS Technician
Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for this post are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Please note all applications for the above post must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie
Printed hard copies will NOT be accepted for the above post.
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is:
5.00pm on Thursday 24th February, 2022.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Tenders
The following tender competitions are currently active. If you wish to obtain further information and make a submission for any of the tenders please visit www.etenders.gov.ie
ID Reference Tender Description Closing Date
205051 54/SP/2021 Trinity Wharf Phase 0 –Entrance Road and associated works: re-tender December 2021 205366 1/HS/2022 Multi Supplier Design Team framework for Wexford County Council for projects under 5,000,000.00 205506 2/HS/2022 Marconi Park, Enniscorthy –Proposed construction of a single storey dwelling house at Marconi Park, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
205729 3/COMM/ 2022
Provision of Services for The Ancient Connections Project’s “Finale Cross-Border Participatory Art Commission” 206214 4/SP/2022 Curracloe – New facility centre for water-based activities –Curracloe, Co. Wexford
206295 5/COMM/ 2022 RFT for a “Festival and Event Business Training, Marketing and Network Support Programme”, in Wexford and Pembrokeshire, as part of the Ancient Connections project 2021 – 2023 08/02/2022
14/02/2022
14/02/2022
28/02/2022
21/02/2022
28/02/2022
Housing
Wexford County Council is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from persons, companies or organisations with suitable temporary accommodation in Enniscorthy Town and Wexford Town such as hotels, guesthouses and multi-unit complexes which are available for short term letting. The accommodation is required to provide short term housing to both single people and families who are at risk of homelessness. Any property must be able to accommodate multiple family units at any time, and be within 3km of a main town centre. Social care support services will be provided by the local authority to work with the individuals or families to find long term solutions. Interested parties should contact the Homeless Co-Ordinator, Housing Department, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford on 053 919 6599.
Amenity & Arts and Residents Association Grant Schemes 2022
1. Amenity & Arts Grant Scheme 2022
This funding scheme is aimed at providing small-scale support to community & voluntary based groups and is designed to assist with a wide variety of projects that promote social inclusion and building strong communities e.g. Small Scale Village Improvements, Community Development Initiatives, Promoting Local Heritage, Planting of trees, shrubs, landscaping, Promoting an interest in the Arts – e.g. Stage Productions, Arts & Crafts Exhibitions, Public Recitals, Performances & Arts
Workshops, Participatory Arts Projects etc.
2. Residents Association Grant Scheme 2022
Projects will be considered within private housing estates only which are designed to improve community facilities or enhance the appearance of the area concerned (maximum grant payable is €600). Works that will qualify include, but are not limited to: Planting of trees, shrubs, landscaping, Community Development Initiatives, Promoting Social Inclusion, Promoting Local Heritage. Application Forms and Full Particulars for both Grant Schemes are available from your local Municipal/Borough District Office, contact details below, or from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie, where an online application for both Grant Schemes can also be made. Enniscorthy: Phone 053-9233540 or E-mail enniscorthy@wexfordcoco.ie Gorey: Phone 053-9483800 or E-mail gorey@wexfordcoco.ie New Ross: Phone 051-421284 or E-mail newross@wexfordcoco.ie Rosslare: Phone 053-9196913 or E-mail rosslaremunicipaldistrict@wexfordcoco.ie Wexford: Phone 053-9166900 or E-mail wexfordborough@wexfordcoco.ie
The latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms is: 5:00pm Friday, 11th February 2022.
St Patrick’s Day
Gorey’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns this year and we want to make this a day for everyone to enjoy so please join in the event and make this the best parade for Gorey and North Wexford! For any group/company/organisation that would like to join in the fun and enter the Parade, application forms are available in the Loch Garman Arms or in the Council Offices in Gorey or from gorey@wexfordcoco.ie
Renewing Enniscorthy’s Town Centre
Wexford County Council once again wants to hear from the people of Enniscorthy and listen to your views on the future of the wider town centre area. A second public meeting will take place at 7 pm on Thursday 17th February 2022. This meeting will be entirely
online and you will need to register online to attend.
Please register online at: consult.wexfordcoco.ie In addition to the online and in person meetings the Council would also still like to invite written submissions on your views for the town. These submissions can be as long or as short as you want. Our studies to date are looking at access, transport and the current economic performance of the town but our main aim is to develop a regeneration plan that will be a driver for change into the future. This plan will identify future works that will contribute into new projects and policies, so it is very important that we start this work with a sound foundation based on your views.
Community Employment Scheme
Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme:
Job Description Location
Environmental Workers – 4 positions Enniscorthy
Environmental Workers – 2 positions Gorey
Environmental Workers – 2 positions Courtown
Library Support Workers – 2 positions Library HQ/Archives Carricklawn
Duties to include: Environmental Worker – General maintenance, cleaning and planting etc. Library Support Worker – Support Work for Library/Archive Staff – Computer Skills required. To apply for these positions and for further information please contact: Bernie Lennon, CE Scheme Supervisor, Wexford County Council at 087 6575743 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email:
bernie.lennon@wexfordcoco.ie
The closing date for applications is 4.00pm Friday, 4th March
2022.
Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.
Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com Outside office hours call: 053 919 6000 Register on www.mapalerter.com for free text and email alerts about service disruptions in your locality Planning app. lists available at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning
LEO Wexford – best in Irelan
An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD, recently announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2021 which showed that Local Enterprise Office supported companies created 7,440 jobs nationwide last year. In 2021, LEO Wexford clients created 465 new jobs which was the highest figure recorded for LEOs nationally. The new figures show that LEO Wexford financially supported 231 small businesses in their portfolio across the county employing 1,630 people.
Local Enterprise Offices also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of small businesses across the country through programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Micro and Green for Micro, along with training and mentoring, thereby helping these small businesses to pivot online or adapt their products and services through the LEOs’ large suite of supports. Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, paid tribute to the staff in LEO Wexford saying, "The resilience and adaptability of businesses is indeed reflected in the positive employment results announced today. Wexford has led the way nationally achieving top net job gains. This is in no small part a direct result of all stakeholders working together to ensure that businesses received timely and appropriate supports to ensure their survival and growth during the last two years. This
Wexford Local Enterprise Office Wexford County Council Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93 Phone: 053 919 6020 Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie
nd for job creation
year will be no different and we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports and there are certainly green shoots emerging across the county.” Breege Cosgrave, Acting Head of Enterprise, LEO Wexford, highlighted: “The results announced today are a testament to Ireland’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain themselves. The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced. The Local Enterprise Offices have risen to the challenges presented and are optimistic for the future. We are seeing new opportunities for existing Irish businesses here and, as always with tough economic periods, we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish.” Local Wexford success stories that have contributed to the job creation numbers in 2021 include businesses such as Bodibro, Natural Ice Cream Company, Hoop Medical and Pure Oil Ltd. n
Green for Micro
The objective of the Wexford Local Enterprise Office Green for Micro programme is to help prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. This is a FREE programme, available to companies with up to ten employees. Developing a ‘greener’ policy can offer many benefits to your business, including: ● Increased cost savings ● Increased resilience to climate change impacts ● Increased access to customers
● Improved corporate image ● Opportunities for higher and additional value on products and services ● Reduced environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions ● Improved resource efficiency (for example: using less energy, water and materials) Click here to download the Green for Micro brochure: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Green/2 021-Feb-LEO-Green-For-Micro-Brochure-FINAL-pdf.pdf n
dulann expands further into Europe
dulann has hired six full time employees in Spain L-R: Jose David Molina Flor, Diego Sanchez Leon, Carlos Castillo Ramos, Matthias Kausch, Jose Marie Lopez Martin, Carlos Rodriguez. Image provided by Carlos Fierro Hernandez.
dulann is delighted to announce the establishment of a new office in Malaga, Spain. The international expansion comes at a time when the Wexford based business is aligning itself to capitalise on the global trend of digitisation in a post covid world.
dulann is a multi-award winning business that provides complete eLearning and Compliance Management Solutions via a seamless and cost effective cloud platform. Services include Contractor Induction, Safety Management, Compliance Training, Procurement Management, Procedure Simulation, LOTO, Employee Onboarding, Health & Safety Training, Learning Management and eLearning Consultancy. Already market leaders in providing Environmental, Health, Safety & Quality software in Ireland, the Spanish office will serve as the company’s global strategic hub for software development services. “Opening in Spain is a great opportunity for our growing company, as its cultural proximity to Latin American countries makes it an ideal stepping stone into South America. Our decision to invest in Malaga itself was an easy one, as we have established some fantastic relationships with the technical college in the region, which over the years have been able to supply us with a highly skilled workforce. This is a key deliverable to our continued expansion,” says Damian Donlon CEO.
So far, dulann has hired 6 full time employees in Spain and the company is actively recruiting for additional roles to double its local headcount in the coming months. “dulann expects the best from its people every single day, so this investment in Malaga continues to demonstrate our focus on developing the very best people, so they in turn can develop the very best software”, says Carlos Ramos, Head of IT and Associate Director of the Spanish Office.
dulann established its business at Wexford Enterprise Centre during the post Celtic Tiger era recession. The company continues to maintain its headquarters in Ireland and provide local employment in a network of 8 Franchise offices throughout the country. dulann have some notable clients in their stable including some of the world’s most recognisable and successful brands such as Glanbia and Jones Engineering Group. dulann is the leading provider of Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality software / eLearning in Ireland and were overall winners in County Wexford at the National Enterprise Awards in 2021.
For further information, please visit https://www.dulann.com/ n
Monart Destination Spa gets top marks
There was plenty for Monart Destination Spa, Enniscorthy, to be proud of in the recently published Irish Independent's 2022 Reader Travel Awards. The 5-star Enniscorthy resort was named as the Best Spa in Ireland, and took the runner-up spot in the Top 10 Hotels in Ireland category and was also named on the Best Hotel Breakfasts list.
According to the Irish Independent: “Two words for Monart? ‘Absolute zen,’ you said. Since our Reader Travel Awards first launched several years ago, the Enniscorthy Destination Spa has dominated this category, and the pandemic clearly hasn’t dimmed your regard for its pampering. ‘Arriving at the spa, you feel like a VIP,’ you told us. ‘The therapists are lovely, with a great range of treatments. You lose yourself in the thermal suite; it’s as if time stands still.’ “From the get-go, expect ‘five-star service’, ‘peace and tranquility’ and ‘idyllic bliss in a world gone mad’, you said. The adult-only spa is the ultimate in ‘switching off’, a cocoon of luxury where ‘the biggest decision is where to relax next’, and ‘you can wear your gown for the entire day... even in the restaurant. I mean, this is heaven.’ The judges noted that, despite its ongoing success, Monart continues to evolve. n
LEO congrats for dulann
The Wexford Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has congratulated Dulann Ireland, who are opening a new office in Malaga, Spain. Already market leaders in providing Health, Safety and Quality software in Ireland, the Spanish office will serve as the company’s global hub for software development services. “It’s fantastic to see one of our former clients growing internationally, and we wish them all the best with their expansion!” n
Upcoming Online Course – Introduction to Google Analytics
Wexford Local Enterprise Office – 2-day workshop which aims to teach marketers and business owners how to navigate the Google Analytics platform to measure the effectiveness of their Internet marketing techniques and overall website performance. Date: 08/02/2022 & 09/02/2022, Time: 10:00 – 12:00, Cost: €20. For more info/booking: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Introduction-to-Google-Analytics-08-02-2022.html
Sustainability to the fore at Wexford’s Local Enterprise Office Women in Business Network
Developing a sustainability mindset is the focus of February’s meeting of the LEO Wexford Women in Business Network on Thursday, 24 February. The guest speaker, Marie Doyle-Henry from Astrum Consulting, is an expert consultant, specialising in sustainability, innovation, and environmental control (water, energy, waste, air, etc).
Marie will speak about how entrepreneurs can develop a sustainability mindset, a hugely significant topic given the need for climate consciousness and green credentials in business. This topic ties in with the theme of the upcoming International Women’s Day on 8 March, which is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”. According to UN Women, this theme recognises the contribution of women and girls around the world who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.
“The Women in Business Network is very much in line with one of Enterprise Ireland’s key objectives in its Action Plan for Women in Business – and we’re delighted with its success in supporting female entrepreneurship in Wexford,” said Breege Cosgrave, Acting Head of Enterprise and Economic Development at Wexford County Council. In line with Covid-19 public health protocols, the network is running online for now, with free Zoom meetings monthly and a dedicated Facebook Group called LEO Wexford Women In Business Network.
Guest speaker: Marie Doyle-Henry from Astrum Consulting, an expert in sustainability, innovation, and environmental control (water, energy, waste, air, etc).
The free February Network meeting is on Zoom on Thursday, February 24, at 11.30am. Bookings for the event can be made at: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/Women-inBusiness-Network-24-02-2022.html n
Smyth’s Homevalue finalist in Irish Business Awards 2022
Smyth’s Homevalue in Enniscorrthy has been announced as a finalist in the inaugural Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2022!
Best of luck to Dermot, Betty and all the team at Smyth’s Homevalue. n
Regenerating Enniscorthy
Wexford Co. Council wants to hear from the general public and businesses in Enniscorthy on the future of the wider town centre area. A first meeting was held successfully at the end of 2021 and now a second public meeting will take place at 7pm on Thursday 17th February 2022 online and you need to register here to attend: consult.wexfordcoco.ie Wexford County Council is looking at access, transport and the current economic performance of the town, but its main aim is to develop a regeneration plan that will be a driver for change into the future so the views of local people and businesses are crucial to this process. n
