WELCOME FUNDING FOR WEXFORD RAPE CRISIS CENTRE AND WEXFORD WOMEN’S REFUGE

Deputy Paul Kehoe has welcomed funding totalling €5.25m nationwide for more than 65 organisations who work with victims of crime, saying: “I am particularly pleased that two organisations in Wexford; Wexford Rape Crisis (€55,000) and Wexford Women’s Refuge (€22,100) are to receive a total of €77,100, which will prove a very welcome boost to delivery of the services....”

“The work of organisations in Wexford and all across the country that help victims of crime is outstanding. They provide support, information and advice on the rights of victims, outreach work, court accompaniment and crime victim helplines,” Deputy Kehoe said.

“Developing a victim-centred criminal justice system which prioritises the needs and experience of the victim underpins our commitment to building stronger, safer communities and this funding is a significant element of that,” Deputy Kehoe concluded.

Minister James Browne also welcomed the Wexford funding saying: “The work of these invaluable organisations in Wexford and across the country helps victims of crime immeasurably, and I’m delighted my Department can provide this funding to help ensure that everyone who needs these services can access them.

“We understand that inflation and other external factors have increased costs, and are committed to supporting these organisations.

“We will ensure a victim-centred criminal justice system and, in general terms, this funding will assist these organisations in their ability to provide supports and services as victims engage.” n

John Roche, Enniscorthy resident, former Mayor of Wexford and former Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, may be retired from political life but he is still very much a political anorak – astutely following everything that’s happening around the county, and country, in the political, social and economic fields.

His huge bank of experience and knowledge is being put to good use in his new talk show, Today’s World, broadcast on Wexford Music Radio, live from the Coast Hotel, Rosslare.

The first show went out on Tuesday 24th January at 5pm and featured a lengthy interview with Cllr Michael Sheehan, Cathaoirleach of the New Ross Municipal District.

The show can be accessesd here: http://c2.radioboss.fm:8291/stream

And one can listen live on: http://wmrradioonline.com n

A warm welcome

Sustainable Enniscorthy hosted our second Energy Saving Expo on 25 January in the Riverside Park Hotel. The free event gave people the chance to talk to local suppliers of energy-saving products and services to learn how to save energy and money in their home, transport, business and farm. The event was well attended, the atmosphere relaxed and the feedback positive.

Yugandhar Patil from KRA Renewables said, “People are concerned about their electricity bills, they know the problem but they don’t know how to fix it.” They had lots of enquiries about SEAI grants, particularly from homeowners considering home upgrades. KRA is the project co-ordinator for the SEAI Communities Energy Grants which provide 30% to 80% funding to homes, businesses or farms depending on the project. KRA, an independent renewable energy and sustainability consultancy, has been appointed by Sustainable Enniscorthy to produce an Energy Master Plan for Enniscorthy with funding from SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland). KRA has already carried out a few energy audits in Enniscorthy and they are offering 10% discount on commercial audits to organisations willing to share the information for the Enniscorthy Energy Master Plan.

Scott Hayes from Love Energy Ltd was delighted with the number of people who were genuinely interested in his wind turbines. Scott has a few site visits planned to discuss the feasibility of a wind turbine installation as a result of the event.

Timmy O’Donovan at K&K Windows said visitors showed good interest in their windows and doors. He advised that the front door is a good starting point for energy saving at home. It is also a good investment, as a good composite door lasts up to 35 years!

Mike Cody from E-volv had “good chats