Environment

Tackling erosion at Morriscastle Strand

Locals from Kilmuckridge and surrounding areas on 30th April 2022.

Wexford County Council has taken steps to combat erosion at some coastal beaches, including Morriscastle Strand. The dune beside the entrance to the beach has been suffering from quite severe erosion, so the Council arranged for chestnut pail fencing to be erected in sections that could help keep people off while planting takes place. Clean Coasts teamed up with Wexford County Council to do marram grass planting sessions within these fenced areas. The first day was with locals from Kilmuckridge and surrounding areas on 30th April, and the second day was with students from Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge, on 19th May, which was the day before Morriscastle Strand received the 2022 Blue Flag Award. n

Students from Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge, working hard on 19th May 2022.

Planning exemption for solar panels

HOUSES, REGARDLESS OF LOCATION, WILL SOON BE ABLE TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS ON THEIR ROOFS WITHOUT ANY REQUIREMENT FOR PLANNING PERMISSION.

The Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke TD, last month published proposed revisions to the existing planning exemptions for the installation of solar panels on the roofs of houses and certain non-domestic buildings. A public consultation as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment process is now open and will run until 13 July. The proposed changes are aimed at increasing Ireland’s generation of solar energy and national action on climate change. Commenting on the draft regulations, Minister Burke TD said: “These draft regulations will help facilitate the rollout of rooftop solar energy across Wexford. They will enable individuals, communities, businesses and farms in the county to play their part in creating a future fuelled by renewable energy and acting against climate change. They will help people and businesses in Wexford to reduce their energy bills and increase Ireland’s energy security, a major challenge given developments in Europe and the need to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels.” Under the draft regulations the following is proposed: For solar panel installations on houses: it is proposed to increase the existing planning exemptions for installing solar panels on rooftops of homes, regardless of their geographical location. Solar installations will be able to cover the entire roof of a house, subject to minor setback distances from the edge of the roof. For solar panel installations on rooftops of all other existing classes of development (Industrial; Light Industrial and Business Premises; Agricultural): rooftop solar installations covering the entire roof are proposed to be exempt from requiring planning permission. However, in 43 proposed solar safeguarding zones,

These six ‘R’s can save our planet!

Refuse single use plastics (bags, cups, etc) Rethink your choices Reuse as much as possible Repair before you replace Recycle all packaging and plastic bottles Rot all your organic stuff and put it back into the soil n

the existing exemption of 50 square metres or less is proposed to be increased to 60 square metres per building. These proposed solar safeguarding zones, which constitute less than 3% of the country’s land area, are necessary to address aviation safety concerns due to the potential impact of glint and glare arising from increased solar developments in proximity to sites such as airports and hospitals (which have helipads). Anyone seeking to avail of larger rooftop solar installations within solar safeguarding zones can apply for planning permission. Apartments; educational/community/religious/health/recreational buildings and libraries: for the first time, it is proposed to exempt the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of such buildings from requiring planning permission, subject to conditions and the rooftop area limit in proposed solar safeguarding zones. Exemptions for wall-mounted and free-standing solar panel installations: free-standing solar panel installations for houses are exempted from the requirement to obtain planning permission subject to a 25 square metre area limit and conditions requiring a certain amount of private open space to be maintained for the use of occupants. The exempted area for all other categories except apartments is proposed to be increased to 60 square metres. In addition, wall mounted solar installations of 60 square metres will also be exempted for industrial and agricultural buildings. Minister Burke added: “Houses, regardless of location, will soon be able to install solar panels on their roofs without any requirement for planning permission, which I know will be very welcome to many homeowners. Draft proposals for community/educational/religious buildings will also give institutions such as schools a greater opportunity to reduce their energy bills. By proposing these increased exemptions we are bringing exemptions into line with our renewables ambitions and helping people to play their part in climate action and to reduce their energy bills. n

Over 300kg of litter collected in Wexford for World Ocean Day

The 8th of June 2022 marked the global celebration of World Ocean Day, an initiative that highlights the important role the ocean has for our life and the planet. Various clean-ups took place with Wexford volunteers answering Clean Coasts’ call to action to protect our ocean. Irish environmental charity Clean Coasts joined forces with National Spring Clean to provide volunteers and communities in Wexford with free clean-up kits to host a clean-up in honour of World Ocean Day. Statistics have shown that the number one cause of marine litter is litter dropped in towns and cities and getting involved in World Ocean Day was a great way for residents of non-coastal counties to help prevent litter entering our waterways by tackling the problem at the source. Over 50 volunteers collected around 300kg of litter at the various clean-up events held both on land and by the Wexford coast to prevent litter pollution at the source to ensure it does not end up in the ocean. A key event that took place during the first week was Tomhaggard Tidy Towns’ clean-up event of their area where they collected three big hauls of litter with

Tomhaggard Clean-up Group, Wexford.

new members of their group. The oceans support all life on the planet, by producing most of the oxygen we breathe and regulating climate. No matter where we live, we all depend on the ocean to survive. Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager said: “World Ocean Day is a great opportunity for individuals, groups and communities to take action for Ocean Health and lend their voice of support to actions that call for more protection of our Ocean. Clean Coasts were incredibly excited to have over 200 activities happening across Ireland in June to mark and support World Ocean Day. The amazing efforts shown on and around World Ocean Day, as well as the work of Clean Coasts volunteers all year round, are incredibly inspiring and provide a great deal of hope for the future of the world’s oceans.”

Check out www.cleancoasts.org to stay up to date on what’s happening. n

Tomhaggard Clean-up Group, Wexford.

Positive feedback from recent survey

In January 2022, Refill Ireland conducted a survey with We The People agency and almost 1,100 people responded. Some really strong data came through.  60% of those surveyed think plastic water bottles should be banned.  87% of those surveyed think plastic waste is a 'very big' issue.  85% own a reusable water bottle but only 47% of those take it with them everyday.  Almost 40% of those surveyed said

No places in their locality offer free water refills, and a further 47% don't know if there's any free water facilities in their area.  While 84% of respondents haven't heard of the Tap Map, 86% said they would download the app.  When asked where they would most like to have a water station in their community, the top answers were on the street (21%) , Shopping Centre (16%) and Park (14%).  Only 1% think the Irish government is doing 'very well' at tackling plastic waste.  86% believe refilling water bottles instead of buying bottled is an impactful action. n

The proactive Sustainable Enniscorthy group has secured funding approval from SEAI for an Energy Master Plan for Enniscorthy. We’ll carry full details in our next issue. n

Sustainable Enniscorthy’s funding for energy plan Gorey scores well on the litter front

In an An Taisce – IBAL Anti-Litter League Survey published on 12th June 2022, Gorey ranked 12th out of 40 towns/cities surveyed nationwide and was deeemd cleaner than European norms. According to the report, there was a definite improvement in the overall presentation and maintenance of the town. The result of this was a far higher ranking than previous surveys. The installation of barriers at the rear of Gorey Sports and Leisure Centre – a litter blackspot for many years – had made a difference. Several initiatives were noted e.g. Gorey 400, Gorey Pride of Place, ‘Have you Say on Gorey Town’, Text Hello Gorey. Top ranking sites included the newly redeveloped ‘Gorey Town / Gorey District Park’ (‘looking fantastic after all the work that has taken place’), Tesco Extra and both the Main Street and Esmonde Street. The recycle facility at Tesco was the only litter blackspot. Read the full report here: http://ibal.ie/ib/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Gorey-1-2022-Final.pdf n

The Beachcombers Guide to the Treasures of Our Beaches in Wexford

Saturday, July 23rd, 11am, in Enniscorthy Library. Go along to meet Jonathan Derham in Enniscorthy Library to learn what treasures you might discover and how to find them at the Wexford beaches you visit this summer! Dr Jonathan Derham works with the EPA who are responsible for protecting and improving our environment. This event is suitable for all the family. Booking essential. Phone: 053 9236055 enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie n

Major waterworks on Old Dublin Road to last until mid October

Irish Water, working in partnership with Wexford County Council, is carrying out mains rehabilitation works on the Old Dublin Road in Enniscorthy, with road closures and traffic management in place. The works are expected to be completed by mid October 2022. Speaking about the works, Irish Water's Joe Carroll (pictured) said: “The works involve the replacement of over 2km of problematic water mains with new modern pipes... and are being carried out as part of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.” The section of works is taking place along the Old Dublin Road (L2008) between the Clavass Roundabout and the Fran Cullen premises. Irish Water’s customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact them on Twitter @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Irish Water website or set your location on the website www.water.ie Since 2018, Irish Water has invested over €500 million to upgrade the underground water network across the country through the delivery of the Leakage Reduction Programme, and are investing a further €600 million up to the end of 2024 in fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply. Iish Water has plans to upgrade the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment plant to bring a safer and more reliable supply to homes and businesses in Enniscorthy. Similarly, an upgrade is planned for the Newtown Water Treatment Plant in Wexford town. n

Conserving water this summer

Irish Water is asking the public in Wexford to be mindful of their water usage due to increased domestic and commercial demand during the busy summer period. There are lots of helpful tips for conserving water on www.water.ie. These include leaving the hose and the pressure washer in the shed; not using paddling pools; reusing household water for the garden; and taking shorter showers.

Conservation Calculator:

Last month, Irish Water launched the online Conservation Calculator. Research commissioned by Irish Water showed that over half of Irish households (53%) admitted to wasting water, even though some eight in ten (78%) know it is important to take steps to conserve it. The Conservation Calculator, which will assist households across the country to assess their water usage habits and find out how much water they are saving on a daily basis. It also offers useful and practical tips on how to reduce water usage and track their progress. The free tool was developed in response to research which shows consumers want additional tools to assist them conserve water and is available at www.water.ie/calculator n

Creagh Water Supply Incident Report Published On 21 June 2022, the detailed report on the Creagh Water Quality incident at Creagh Water Treatment Plant, Gorey, was published and presented to the monthly meeting of the Members of the Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District. The Report is the outcome of a comprehensive examination conducted over several months by Mr. P.J. Rudden of Aengus Consulting Ltd who was commissioned by Wexford County Council to examine all the circumstances that led to the water quality incident in Gorey in August 2021. The report sets out in great detail the facts and causes of the incident, examining everything from the site alarm systems, the frequency of plant servicing, standard operating procedures, staffing on site, communication problems, to the Service Level Agreement between Wexford County Council and Irish Water. Irish Water is the national water utility company which is responsible for the operation of all public water and wastewater services including Creagh Water Treatment Plant, which is operated under a Service Level Agreement by Wexford County Council. The comprehensive report carried out by Aengus Consulting Ltd highlighted deficiencies in a number of areas including equipment and operation of the Water Treatment Plant and human error. The report has formed the basis of a comprehensive way forward by Wexford County Council and Irish Water to carry out the required improvements at the plant which will guarantee that such a serious incident will not transpire again. The water quality incident arose from a power failure at the plant during the late evening of Thursday 19th August last. The chlorine dosing pumps failed as a result of the power outage. The impact of the power failure was compounded by human error and a lack of supervisory oversight that allowed water, without the appropriate level of disinfection to enter the public water supply at Gorey for a period of 4 days from 19th to the 23rd of August 2021. The HSE subsequently reported that the number of people who fell ill replacement and servicing of the sand and filtration system, the full implementation of Irish Water Standard Operation Procedures, from the water incident was 46, all of an audit of all treatment plants in the whom attended their GPs, and one per- county and a review of incident manageson was eventually hospitalised. ment. All these recommendations have Further issues highlighted by the report were the requirement for ongoing training by plant operators to take account of changes in treatment processes and the libeen taken on board and are being addressed by Wexford County Council and Irish Water and many have already been put in place. mited compliance with Irish Water Stan- Since the incident last year €200,000 has dard Operational Procedures. been invested by Irish Water in upgrading The report goes on to outline 13 separate recommendations to ensure that there is no recurrence of the Creagh incident. The recommendations include the provision of an alarm system for power failure, a standby generator to guard against any the plant at Creagh with another €2 million committed to fund further agreed planned upgrades already underway. Staffing changes and a reorganisation of duties have also been carried out in line with the recommendations of the report future power failure, a return to quarterly Wexford County Council says it is fully satisspecialist maintenance of mechanical fied that the works already carried out and equipment, changes to the remote moni- the further upgrades committed to by Irish toring system (SCADA), a review of staff- Water will ensure that there will be no reping and duties at the plant, etition of this Water Quality failure at the implementation of automatic plant shut- Creagh Plant, and it again wishes to most down in response to water quality issues, sincerely apologise to all those people afan upgrade of the chlorine dosing system, fected by this incident. n Report on Events leading to the Water Quality Incident at Creagh Water Treatment Plant, Gorey, County Wexford 15th June 2022 Report commissioned by Wexford County Council

THE M.J. MALONE MARSHALSTOWN-CASTLEDOCKRELL VINTAGE CLUB TRACTOR, CAR AND BIKE RUN, SUNDAY 22ND MAY 2022.

Above: Janet Leadbetter, Felicity Cohan watch the tractor run get under way. Below: One of the vehicles taking part in Castledockrell. Right: A Land Rover passes by.

Left: Abigail and Pauline Cullen. Below: Fr Danny McDonald.

Marshalstown Castledockrell Vintage Club Trac Car and Bike Ru

nl ctor, un

Above: Patrick and Eilish Begley. Below: Oscar White and Igor Opolski.

Above left: Jamie and Josh Rellis. Above: Poppy and Colman Doyle. Left: Cody and Owen Levingstone. Below left: Realtin and Shea Power. Below: Gwen, James and TJ Tyrrell. Below right: Nadia and Natalie Jordan.