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Issue 129 - Monday - 8 February 2021
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Adamstown, Askamore, Ballaghkeen, Ballindaggin, Ballycarney, Ballyduff, Ballyedmond, Ballyhoge, Ballymurn, Blackwater, Boolavogue, Bree, Bunclody, Camolin, Castledockrell, Clohamon, Clonroche, Courtnacuddy, Curracloe, Enniscorthy, Ferns, Galbally, Glenbrien, Killanne, Kilmuckridge, Kilmyshall, Kiltealy, Marshalstown, Monageer, Monamolin, Oylegate, Oulart, Poulpeasty, Raheenduff, Rathnure, Screen, The Harrow.
TACKLING ILLEGAL DUMPING PAT MURPHY Oil Ltd. A family-owned Wexford company providing you with a reliable and quality service since 1988 Ask about our Easy Pay Budget Plan All Major Credit & Laser Cards Accepted Delivering Kerosene, Diesel, Gas Oil, Agri Diesel to homes, farms and businesses all around Co. Wexford.
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Illegal dumping is costing the country’s local authorities more than €100m a year according to new figures published by Wexford Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne. Mr Byrne has drafted new legislation to give local authorities the power to use CCTV to prosecute people illegally dumping their waste. He believes illegal dumping has increased during the pandemic and should be addressed urgently. “It is just awful to see bags of rubbish dumped indiscriminately. Our beauty spots are being destroyed and the waste poses a hazard... I just cannot get how some people have such a lack of civic responsibility.” He hopes the legislation can be introduced as an amendment to the Garda Síochána Act.
“GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation] is often cited as the reason as to why councils cannot use CCTV... I raised it with the Data Protection Commission and my engagement with them on the issue is that we don’t have the legislation in place underpinning the use of CCTV to catch those who dump,” he added. “We need to start catching those responsible and fining them and, in my view, jailing them... One of the best weapons we can give local authorities is the ability to catch those responsible on camera.” Meanwhile, today, 8th February, Enniscorthy District Councillor Cathal Byrne is bringing a motion to Wexford Co. Council seeking a clear statutory framework to allow local authorities to use CCTV to deter illegal dumping. n See more on page 4.
On pages 18-19 inside we remember the late Joe Doyle. We thank his family and friends for providing us with photos and memories. Joe is sadly missed by his work colleagues here in the Slaney News, and by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.
COURT STREET DENTAL CENTRE Open for routine treatment Free consults for braces and implants ● Offering treatment for fine lines and wrinkles ●
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Slaneynews: March issue will be out on Mon 8th March 2021
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Slaney News
8 February 2021
THE SLANEY NEWS IS NOW AVAILABLE IN 230 OUTLETS!
comment The latest news on the spread of Covid-19 is not encouraging for those of us living in Enniscorthy. At the time of going to press, the Enniscorthy area still has the second highest incidence rate in the state. Recent large gatherings at local funerals are likely to lead to even more cases. With nationwide vaccination of the general public now expected to take longer than initially envisaged, the tried and trusted rules around wearing masks, social distancing and hand-washing remain critically important. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Recent comments by Patrick O’Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), in relation to the delays with the Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme, have added fuel to that particular fire. Referring to local figures, who have expressed their concerns, as “hyenas on speed” is certainly not helpful. While reassuring the public that the money for the Scheme (approx €50m) is ringfenced, the prospect that it will be 2022 before we see the main work on the project commence is infuriating to say the least and that anger has been expressed strongly at recent Enniscorthy Municipal District meetings with Cllr Jackser Owens being particularly vocal on the matter. The Slaney News will, as always, continue to keep our readers updated on this vital project. _____________________________________________________ I would like to personally offer my condolences to the family of the late Tom Shiggins, Scoby, Enniscorthy. I had many dealings with Tom during his nine years working in C&R Print in Enniscorthy. In addition to his impressive graphic design abilities, I can honestly say that in almost 40 years working in the area of print and publishing, I have never dealt with a nicer or more helpful person. His passing leaves a huge void in the lives of all those who knew and loved him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilís. – Frank Corcoran
10,000 copies per issue of which 5,000 are distributed door-to-door in Enniscorthy town and 700 in Bunclody. The balance is distributed to over 230 drop-off points: ENNISCORTHY: Alba Restaurant Holohan’s Pub Shang Hai Golden City Lotus House T. Doyle’s Pub Enniscorthy Kebabish Mizzoni’s TJ Murphy’s FFC Carry Out Templeshannon Dawson’s Bar Bellefield GAA complex –––––––––––––––––––– Kavanagh’s Pharmacy Uptown Kuts Enniscorthy Cabs Hilltop Dry Cleaners Aideen Vonno Beauty Booth Pet Corner Enniscorthy Sporting Depot Presentation Centre Greenville Stores SuperValu Pettitts Gonzaga House Doyles Bar, The Duffry Gala Duffry Hope Centre The Wilds Copper Pan Enniscorthy Cabs –––––––––––––––––––– Quik Pick, Ross Road Grants Pharmacy Saucy Butcher Pet Depot CWCWE Enterprise Centre Enniscorthy Voc. College Co. Wexford Education Centre Centra-Drive Milehouse Road –––––––––––––––––––– C&R Print
Bus Stop Shop Smiles Dental The Barber Shop Enniscorthy Chamber Ashmore Financial Services Screaming Canvas Treacys Hotel Waterfront Merrythought House TK Cabs Toss Kavanagh’s O’Callaghan’s Centra T’shannon Community Centre George Kehoe & Co Chapel Lane Service Station D&G Hair Studio Castle Gardens Dept of Agricuture Offices Topaz Service Station Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Alcast Motor Factors Wheelocks –––––––––––––––––––– Main Post Office IFA Centre Bank of Ireland AIB Wexford Local Development Enniscorthy Credit Union Enniscorthy Castle Frizelle O’Leary Solicitors Property Team M.A. O'Leary Burger Macs Hope Shop IWA Charity Shop Coffee Shop Abbey Centre Bizzy Fingers City Fashions AJ Pets –––––––––––––––––––– Sami’s South East Animal Rescue Sherry FitzGerald O'Leary Monica’s Hair Salon Phoenix Estates Crystal Script Kennys for Bikes Maura Flannery’s Shop The Antique Tavern Impresso Cafe Day Today
Cotton Tree Cafe –––––––––––––––––––– Library Riverside Park Hotel Rejuvenate Treatment Rooms St John’s Hospital 1798 Centre –––––––––––––––––––– Mackin Travel Orchard Fruit & Veg Shop GX3 Scissors Sisters Put A Bow On It Finishing Touches Crew Cuts Sofia’s Galo Chargrill George’s Hair Salon Town Council Offices River Restaurant Milano’s Community Info. Service O’Leary Travel Eir The Holy Grail Stamps Sandro’s Wickham Bros Delaneys Newsagents O’Brien’s, Court Street Court Street Barber Serenity Place Rackards Court Street Dental Clinic Court Street Medical Centre Citizens Advice Centre Easons Grants Pharmacy Cutting Edge Curls My Café Turkuts Bridget’s Hair Salon Darcy Blinds & Interiors Little Spoon Coffee Shop Hair Salon Inspiration –––––––––––––––––––– Millstream Fish Shop Butcher’s Cottage / Bakery Dunnes Stores The Bailey Evolv
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Studio 5 Bega Barber Cafe Harmonia Beautique Storm Hair Design Karl Martin Astor Paul Kehoe TD Office Via Veneto Mick’s Barber Shop Paula Treacy Auctioneer Gus Byrne’s Sewing Studio MUM –––––––––––––––––––– TOP shop/filling station Centra-Drive Quarrypark Cooney Furlong, Old Dublin Rd Moyne Veterinary Clinic Pump Palace Gym Kilcannon Garden Centre Superdine Lifestyle Fitness Rebecca’s Enniscorthy Car Wash Tile Store n More Power Plant Hire Baked Potato Old Dublin Road Coal Yard ATB Tyres Before & After Furniture NCRS Enniscorthy Golf Club
–––––––––––––––––––– ADAMSTOWN: Cullen’s Gala. BALLAGHKEEN: Sawdust Inn BALLYCARNEY: Jenny’s Diner BALLYEDMOND/WELLS: Downes Gala BALLYMURN: Peter Doyle’s Costcutter Ballymurn Credit Union. BLACKWATER: Londis Post Office Blackwater Lodge Hotel BOOLAVOGUE: Post Office Fr Murphy Centre. BUNCLODY: Adult Learning Centre SuperValu Anatolia Turkish Barber Bearbóir Barber Mango Tree Tourism Office Rivers Edge Library Campus-Gala Sugar & Spice Daybreak, Ryland Road Eurospar Half Way House Credit Union Chevue Studio Dols Beauty Clinic DNG O'Connor & O'Connor Hers N Sirs ArtBank Hair Junction SignaCare Nursing Home CAMOLIN: C&K Takeaway Christy Byrne’s, Butcher Post Office. CASTLEBRIDGE: Flanagan’s CLONROCHE: Kavanagh’s Gala Post Office House of Hair
COURTNACUDDY: Kelly’s Shop. CURRACLOE: Cloney’s Shop Post Office. FERNS: Buí The Unique Escape Mace Applegreen Ferns Barber Bolgers Hardware Courtyard Eclipz Blush Ferns Community Centre Ferns Castle Saints Salon Daybreak Davitts Music Shop KILMUCKRIDGE: Centra Kates Coffee Shop & Deli Sean Ógs Hotel. KILTEALY/BALLINDAGGIN: Bowe’s Shop. MONAGEER Monageer Tavern / Shop. OULART: Corrigan’s Londis Post Office. OYLEGATE: Garrys Service Station. RATHNURE: Pat Murphy Oil Conran Interiors WEXFORD: Maldron Hotel O’Briens, Redmond Sq O’Briens, Main St Nosh & Dosh, Redmond Sq Yard Restaurant Wexford Arts Centre Wexford General Hospital Wexford Service Station
DELANEY’S NEWSAGENT – RAFTER STREET IS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE AND REMAINS OPEN THROUGHOUT THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC TO SERVE THE PUBLIC
SLANEY NEWS, CLONHASTON, ENNISCORTHY
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Bell Heather Interiors James Browne TD Office Paul’s Shoe Repair Dannys Barber Shop The Athenaeum NCBI Mrs Quinn’s Charity Shop
However, due to the high number of cases of Covid 19, especially in our local area, we are operating reduced opening hours: Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays 9.30am-2pm Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5.30pm Available this Spring: Join our Community Active Health Programme. Free Online classes, Teens aged 13-17 years and Older Adult. Online Personal Training €10 per session. Pre-recorded home workout videos and plans. Contact: iyates@cwcwe.ie or 087 7050357 for further information and how to sign up. See our facebook page @astroactivesport or website: www.astroactive.ie for updates.
PRICES CUT ON ALL CHARACTER AND DESIGN MASKS We ask you to please remember to wear a mask, if you cannot wear a mask please wear a visor. We have to beat this virus and help protect everyone.
SCREEN GALBALLY
OYLEGATE BALLYHOGE
CURRACLOE
ADAMSTOWN
Disclaimer: Slaney News reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication. Slaney News does not attempt to investigate or verify claims made in advertisements appearing in our publication. The appearance of an advertisement in this newspaper in no way implies endorsement or approval by us of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or services. Slaney News disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with advertising appearing in this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that all articles published in Slaney News are true and accurate but if any errors do occur please let us know and we will gladly rectify them in our next issue. Where details of future events are given in this newspaper, we recommend that you check these details directly with the organisers as event details may be subject to change. Slaney News strongly recommends seeking independent professional advice before acting on any financial, medical or other information contained in this publication.
ENNISCORTHY SNIPPETS… ENNISCORTHY SNIPPETS… St Senan’S parISh BIngo Bingo Nights are cancelled until further notice. chrIStIan MedIa truSt Check out www.christianmeddiatrust.ie for details of programmes and broadcast times on South East Radio. Illegal duMpIng To report illegal dumping: We x f o rd C o u n t y C o u n c i l Customer Service on 053-9196000 or email customerservice@coco.ie.
If you see dumping, take a photo and if possible send it to WCC to help them assess how big or small the incident is and what response is needed. CIvIl deFence needS you! Check out www.civildefence.ie. ennIScorthy Flood deFence The main construction work is not expected to start until some time early next year and will take three years to complete. See www.enniscorthyfds.ie
ennIScorthy caStle With current Covid-19 restrictions in place, Enniscorthy Castle is now closed until further notice.
approved in December for the Waterfront Pool & Leisure Centre to assist with the financial impact of Covid-19.
SaMI’S haIr parlour Sami’s popular Enniscorthy barber shop is moving to bigger premises – No. 22 Slaney St – next door to Mallocas, as soon as the current restrictions are lifted. Best of luck to Taoufik and his team.
St patrIck’S School Check out the school’s own YouTube channel: ‘St. Patrick's School, Enniscorthy’.
WaterFront grant A government grant of €9,966 was
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St Senan’S parISh oFFIce The office is open at present by apointment only due to the current Level 5 restrictions. Tel: (053) 9261729. n
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Slaney News
View from the Hill
A local contributor looks at life today in Enniscorthy and beyond
8 February 2021
www.slaneynews.com ERIC BARRON Eric Barron, one of Enniscorthy’s best known and resilient businessmen, retired recently. Since arriving in town in 1974, Eric has been a mainstay of the community. Not only is he an expert in his own field of gents outfitting (you don’t see that phrase much anymore) but has been a pillar of the business community, particularly the retail trade, representing that sector through his involvement in business associations for many years. His input in that area will continue as we believe that Eric intends to be active on that level well into the future. We wish Eric well in his retirement and look forward to seeing him continue his long walks around town each day for many years to come. DIRECTLY ELECTED MAYORS The government is gone off on a hairbrained scheme of establishing directly elected mayors
in parts of the country. These offices will be set up to run parallel with the local authorities chief executive offices. In other words – duplication of duties. The cost between salaries and expenses will be €430,000 per year minimum and not one extra service will be available to the public. Surely government would be better advised to scrap that ridiculous plan, which was rejected by the sensible people of Cork and Waterford, and give the current councillors real powers to manage their areas. The destruction of local government by Phil Hogan, when he was a minister, was only the completion of a job commenced many years before by other ministers. Local Authorities nowadays have no powers and are mere talking shops. The Executive holds all the cards and all that councillors can do is to literally beg them to do this or that. It is not local government. It is local
Eric Barron, left, ‘one of Enniscorthy’s best known and resilient businessmen’ promoting the Enniscorthy Gift Voucher scheme.
administration funded in the most part by central government which of course can then crack the whip at any time and withdraw any service at a whim. There was a time when even the smallest local authority had it own services. The power to raise finance and therefore the ability to provide local services. Fire services, refuse collection services, control of the health services, old age pension committees where members had the power to vet the amount of
pension awarded to local people. These committees ensured that thousands of older people got what they were entitled to and not what some faceless official who didn’t know anything about the individual decided. Local authorities had lighting committees where virtually every public light in their area was examined to make sure that it was effective and local authorities had the power to negotiate wage arrangements with their own staff. Most impor-
tantly of all, local authorities had the power to raise finance to build their own houses for their own people. All those powers are gone. Much (not all) of the fault lies with councillors themselves who in the past would not take the tough decisions required to raise the necessary finance to provide the services in their areas. They reneged and cried out “central government should provide this or that”. Central government was forced to do this and then obviously took the power to do it also. The public representatives of the day got what they wished for. The result being that local government was replaced by local administration. When the current crop of councillors call for a return to real local government and democracy hopefully they will be aware that with power comes responsibility and a lot of the time that responsibility will mean taking hard decisions. Hopefully they are up to it. n
Tackling illegal dumping hampered by Data Protection Commissioner
The perennial problem! The Prom, Enniscorthy: Providing dog-poo bins is one thing, getting some people to use them is another matter entirely!!!
the Slaney News has been attending enniscorthy Municipal district (town council) meetings for ten years and probably the most repeated problem we’ve heard discussed by our councillors and officials in that time concerns littering/dumping in general and dog fouling in particular. The December 2020 meeting was no exception with Cllr John O’Rourke mentioning the Milehouse Road/Enniscorthy Vocational College area as being lacking in dog poo bins. Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) Manager Ger Mackey said there are 12 such bins in the town at present and more will be installed but that “ultimately it’s people’s own responsibility” to bring their dog’s poo home with them if no bin is convenient.
At the January EMD meeting, Ger Mackey told Cllr Aidan Browne that he’s talking to the Environment Section of Wexford County Council about the Milehouse Road in particular and is looking at bins, signage, stencilling on footpaths as well as enforcement. Under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, it is an offence for someone to allow their dog to foul a public place. A dog owner who fails to clean up after their animal faces the possibility of an on-the-spot fine of €150, with a maximum fine of €3,000 for those convicted for failing to pay the fine. But the Act remains almost entirely abstract as very few people are ever fined in practice. In the absence of a concerted nationwide effort to enforce the existing law it’s hard to see how this perennial problem will ever get solved. n
the Irish Examiner newspaper recently reported on how county councils are being hampered in trying to stamp out illegal dumping. the report focused on how Waterford city and county council has been officially reprimanded by the data protection commissioner (dpc) for its use of cctv to monitor public activity According to the Irish Examiner, the admonishment by the commissioner, which was handed down in October of last year using its corrective powers under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), concerns the local authority’s use of surveillance technology to monitor illegal littering and dumping, and for the prevention of crime. Waterford is one of seven local authorities that have been the subject of own-volition inspections by the commissioner regarding the use of CCTV – the others being Kildare, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Kerry, and South Dublin. Those authorities between them have more than 1,000 closed circuit cameras in operation for surveillance purposes. In its Waterford investigation, the commission found the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Waste Management Act 1996 did not provide a lawful basis for the city and county council’s use of cameras with a view to detect and deter illegal littering and dumping. The commission said it had “comprehensively considered” those acts to that end but found “they do not regulate this processing of personal data” as required by the EU’s law
enforcement directive, a parallel piece of legislation which came into force in May 2018 at the same time as the GDPR. With regard to the use of CCTV for crime prevention and investigation, the commission found such usage was unlawful without an authorisation from the Garda Commissioner, according to the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The commission said its decision is that both Waterford City and County Council and An Garda Síochána are joint data controllers for certain CCTV cameras which had been authorised under the 2005 Garda Síochána Act. However, those particular devices still infringed Irish data protection law due to there being no written agreement as such with the gardaí. Other infringements had also been committed, the DPC said, with regard to Waterford Council’s policy in terms of the
use of drone technology for monitoring compliance with regard to waste and illegal dumping sites. Meanwhile, the DPC exercised its corrective powers concerning the breaches in three ways: by temporarily banning the processing of personal data, whose purpose was listed as being for enforcing the law, from some CCTV cameras and dash cams; by ordering the local authority to bring its data processing into compliance with the 2018 Data Protection Act; and by officially reprimanding the council for its conduct. Some other councils have also fallen foul of the data regulator including Wexford County Council (WCC). Last September, the DPC ruled that WCC had failed to adhere to data protection law by failing to run an impact assessment regarding its use of drones to
observe Covid lockdown compliance. Cllr Cathal Byrne says, “The law needs to change. Local communities across Wexford cannot afford to wait while illegal dumping continues on an almost daily basis. I am bringing a motion to Wexford Co. Council calling on the Minister for the Enviroment Eamon Ryan to change the law and amend the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Waste Management Act 1996 to provide a clear statutory framework to allow Local Authorities to use CCTV to deter illegal dumping.” –––––––––––––––––––––––––– At the January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District, illegal dumping at three places in Marconi Park – two houses and a derelict site – was brought up. The officials at the meeting agreed to organise a clean-up there, and not for the first time, they added! n
An example of illegal dumping in Kiltealy highlighted by Cllr Cathal Byrne.
At a time when illegal dumping is rife in Co. Wexford and all over the country, it beggers belief that those County Councils who are innovative in their use of modern technology to tackle the problem, should be targeted by an arm of the State for doing so.
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Slaney News
TOWN TALK
WITH
KEITH DOYLE
8 February 2021
www.slaneynews.com
IT’S NOT CALLED TRUMPISM, IT’S CALLED EXTREMISM It is ten years since the Arab Spring risings for democracy. It is important to mark it, and to look at what is happening in America in a global context. It is somewhat of a complex connection but connected all the same. History does have a habit of trying to repeat itself or at the very least shaping the future for a very long time. Remember Cromwell? Who doesn’t around here. America equally has an iconic figure similar in nature. Adored by many in the annals of the Civil War, but equally his name is feared by the defeated side. General Sherman, like Cromwell, embarked on a campaign of carnage for many months after the war was ended – this, in his own words, to purge the rebels to ensure they never rise again. Sound like someone we
know? Sherman tore up train tracks and pillaged and burned towns and laid waste to fertile lands and crops. People in Georgia were eating straw and cloth sacks for food for that is all they had to eat. This campaign was hailed by many and a ticket parade was lavished on his men on their return, but not forgotten by others. What, you may ask, has this got to do with Trump? Like many people in history, the right man in the right place, simple. America has being simmering for a very long time. Lines in the sand are well drawn. Some people were waiting for "their man to be in the White House". Trump duly obliged. He became the green light for extremism in many forms, and agendas to rear their heads. The right and the far-right liked what
Trump: the green light for extremism. Trump had to say but the far-right comes to the front and drives the bus. That is how extremism works. They carry along the masses with them because the message resonates and connects with them. Eventually you see its head with
‘Shop Enniscorthy’ campaign continues
a more extreme agenda. When you see the head it’s usually too late or at least off the rails. Donald Trump is not an idealist but a mere opportunist. I watched with great interest how he sent his family out to fan the flames of discontent after the election. A call to arms and he, like Nero, stayed in the White House while "Rome was burning”. Least said the better. So where does that fit into the global picture? One does not have to go any further than Europe to see examples. Over the last number of years we have seen the surge of what is called far-right or far-left rising to the top in the political arena. Most recently in countries like Germany, France, Greece, and in some of the Scandinavian countries whose lifestyle is the
envy of many. To a lesser extent in England and, dare I say it, Ireland. Democracy is by no means perfect and always needs to adapt and improve in modern times. Democracy comes in many and varied forms. The very existence of democracy gives people the freedom to question and call for change. Democracy gives you the freedom to speak about farright or far-left views. That is the essence of democracy. But she is also very fragile, always vulnerable and constantly needs protection. It is a bit like life itself, sometimes you try something different because it looks and sounds better. She is like that girlfriend you once had and let go only to regret it later when you never get her back. n
VACCINATION CENTRE FOR ENNISCORTHY? Enniscorthy district County Councillor Aidan Browne has written to the HSE and Wexford County Council seeking the location of a community vaccination centre in Enniscorthy. Frontline healthcare workers are receiving the early batches of the Covid-19 vaccine. In the coming months, people in the community, including elderly people, will receive the vaccine at locations termed community vaccination centres.
Cllr Aidan Browne
Given Enniscorthy’s central location, Cllr Browne views that it’s important to identify an appropriate site for a mass vaccination centre in Enniscorthy as soon as possible. Originally launched before Christmas 2020, the ‘Shop Enniscorthy’ campaign has been a huge success and has now been extended into 2021.
the ‘Shop enniscorthy, Support local’ campaign is highlighting that enniscorthy has everything you need online or on the street to meet all your retail and service needs. In just a couple of months it has accumulated 2,000 followers on Facebook. The retail showcase videos are proving very popular, engaging thousands of viewers and the website
www.shopenniscorthy.ie now has dozens of Enniscorthy retailers advertising there for free. Local retailers can send information on their business/trading hours/special offers/images etc. by completing the ‘Feature for Free’ form on the website. ‘Shop Enniscorthy, Support Local’ signage has been erected on all approach roads into town and at strategic locations within the town.
Promoted and organised by Enniscorthy and District Chamber of Commerce and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and supported by Enniscorthy Business Association through its ‘Enjoy Enniscorthy’ Facebook page, the campaign, which is expertly managed by Sinead Cashin and her team in IMPART PR, will continue for the month of February and beyond.
The campaign came in for special praise at the December meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. contact details: info@shopenniscorthy.ie Tel: 089 4884932 www.facebook.com/ shopenniscorthy www.twitter.com/ shopenniscorthy. www.shopenniscorthy.ie https://youtu.be/ 85Qi5WZbLA8 n
“The Department of Health’s smooth distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine is a priority. I know the Government and public health officials are committed to rolling out the vaccine as promptly as possible. At a local level, it’s important that we’re ready to accommodate their work and identify suitable community vaccination centre sites in Enniscorthy and County Wexford. “As Enniscorthy is at the centre of the county, it’s important that a community vaccination centre is established to accommodate the inoculation of thousands of people from the Enniscorthy region. Having a centre in Enniscorthy will make it easy for people to receive the Covid-19 vaccine in a safe environment close to their own community. “I have written to the HSE and Wexford County Council explaining the need to identify a suitable site in the Enniscorthy area, which will be ready to serve as a Covid-19 community vaccination centre”, Cllr Browne concluded.
ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL PROGRESS... The existing St Patrick’s School, Enniscorthy.
FROM THIS TO THIS
The new St Patrick’s School, Enniscorthy, photographed some weeks ago by Dee O’Leary. The new school could be in use by March this year.
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Johnny Mythen TD Due to Nationwide Covid 19 Restrictions, we are unable hold face to face advice clinics at this time.
“I would like to assure you that my office and staff are still here to help”. Contact us by any of the following methods:
087 114 2100 johnny.mythen@oireachtas.ie Johnny Mythen Johnny Mythen TD Wexford @JohnnyMythenSF johnnymythentd Johnny Mythen TD Constituency Office Slaney Place Enniscorthy Co. Wexford Y21 T8K7
Proudly serving you during this Covid-19 crisis – normal opening hours – social distancing rules – the safety of our customers and staff is our top priority
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Nick Cosgrave nick cosgrave was born on the family farm in Ballinavary, davidstown, on 11th July 1949 to nick and kathleen (nee Furlong) of killogan. he was the second youngest of six children. he was educated in davidstown nS and enniscorthy cBS. Nick began working in S&AG Davis, Enniscorthy, in 1968. Alongside his work he trained as a certified accountant in Waterford IT. In 1974 Nick decided to embark on a new adventure when he moved to Kitwe in Zambia where he worked as an accountant in a copper mining company. He returned to his beloved County Wexford in 1976 and rejoined Davis's as Financial Controller. He later worked with IAWS when Davis’s sold the mill and in 1994 he joined Weatherglaze Systems, Gorey. Nick always valued education and despite working a full-time job and raising four young children, he undertook a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). It was an immensely proud day for the family when he graduated in April 1996 in Trinity College, Dublin. Nick worked as Financial Director in Weatherglaze for much of his career and he retired in 2014. Nick was a very giving and generous man. He willingly shared his business and financial expertise with many community groups such as St. Senan’s NS Board of Management, Shamrocks GAA Club, Enniscorthy Gospel Choir, Enniscorthy Golf Club and, in most recent years, Enniscorthy Credit Union. Nick served as a Director on the Board of Enniscorthy Credit Union for many years. In 2018 he was appointed chairman, a position he held until his death. He was a selfless man and he
Wexford prices set to rise
Nick Cosgrave, R.I.P.
guided these organisations for the benefit of the members and the local community. Nick was a keen historian and had a particular interest in family history. He spent many years researching distinguished family members, such as Mother Patrick Cosgrave of Rhodesia, Bishop Browne of Ferns and Cornelius Furlong of Killogan. His efforts culminated in publishing many articles and books in collaboration with his brother Fr. William Cosgrave, Monagear. Nick enjoyed photography and videography and he documented countless family events over the years. He recorded many local Communion and Confirmation ceremonies in St. Aidan’s, St. Senan’s, Monagear and Ferns. He also recorded numerous weddings and other local events. Although Nick had a busy
career and many hobbies and interests, he was first and foremost a family man. His greatest joy was seeing his four children progress successfully in their careers and their personal lives. Alongside his wife of 40 years, Helen (nee Murphy), Nick enjoyed spending time with his children and five grandchildren. They took numerous trips to South Africa and New Zealand to visit their two sons and their families. Nick Cosgrave has left a legacy as being one of life’s greatest gentlemen. He will be deeply missed by his wife Helen, his children, David, Clare, Nicola and Conor, his sons-in-law and daughtersin-law, five grandchildren and his siblings, Gabriel, Fr. William, Anna, Margaret and Kay. Nick died on 12th January in University Hospital Waterford from complications of Myelofibrosis. n
Enniscorthy Credit Union mourns passing of its Chairman Nick All at Enniscorthy Credit Union were deeply saddened by the recent, untimely death of Nick Cosgrave, the Chairman of its Board of Directors. On the day his passing was announced, a spokesperson for Enniscorthy Credit Union said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, management and staff of Enniscorthy Credit Union we offer our heartfelt condolences to Helen, David, Clare, Nicola and Conor and all his family and friends. Nick served as a Director of our Credit Union, selflessly volunteering his time for many years in service of our members, and was Chairman of our Board for the last three years. It is a sad day for Enniscorthy.” n
8 February 2021
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the price of the average threebed semi in county Wexford is expected to rise by 5% in 2021, according to a survey by real estate alliance (rea). Prices in the county increased by €4,000 between September and December, 2020, a rise of 2%, the Q4 REA Average House Price Index shows. Three-bed semi-detached homes in the county now cost an average of €200,000, up 5.3% on the December 2019 average of €190,000. And as supply struggles to keep pace with demand, they were selling one week quicker at the end of Q4 – seven weeks compared to eight weeks in September 2020.
The REA Average House Price Survey concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland's typical stock home, the threebed semi, giving an up-todate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide. “There has been a significant demand for properties of all types throughout Co. Wexford. Properties are selling very quickly if priced correctly and are well presented,” said Winston Halnon of REA Halnon McKenna, Gorey. “Stock levels are extremely low with new stock coming on the market going ‘sale agreed’ within two weeks and even less. Country homes are still
performing strongly due to flexible working practices and the need for outdoor space.” Looking ahead to 2021, he said that, “Our biggest concern going into 2021 is the lack of properties coming for sale and for rent. This is the same message we hear from all our colleagues in the estate agency world.” Commuter counties are now feeling the benefit of the migration towards space and home-working potential, with a noticeable flight to rural locations. REA agents expect price rises of 5% in three-bed semis across Wexford in 2021 – the same rise which occurred in 2020. n
‘Let’s be careful out there’ those of us old enough to remember the popular police drama, Hill Street Blues, will recall the daily advice of Sergeant phil esterhaus as he sent his men out on patrol: “let’s be careful out there.” That advice came to mind as I read of a recent case in Bunclody where the Wexford Garda Division on January 1 7 t h w e re o p e r a t i n g a n Operation Fanacht checkpoint. Gardaí seizing cars and vans in Bunclody in January.
The driver of one car was stopped and the following was discovered: 1. Driver breaching Covid-19 regulations as not on an essential journey. 2. No NCT on the vehicle. 3. The driver had no licence. 4. Driver had no insurance. 5. The car was dangerously defective and was seized. Law-abiding citizens should be able to drive with
peace of mind on our public roads without having to worry if an oncoming car is dangerously defective and is being driven by an unlicensed, uninsured driver on a non-essent i a l j o u r n e y. T h e re c e n t Bunclody case begs the question – how many more similar cases are going uncaught? So my advice is: “Let’s be careful out there.” – Editor
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EUGENE BRESLIN CAR SALES & REPAIRS ‘Tale-a-Phone Exchange’ Storytelling by phone for older people As part of the Government’s Keep Well campaign, Wexford Age Friendly and the Arts Office at Wexford County Council are offering older people in the county the opportunity to receive a phone call from renowned storyteller Joe Brennan. The ‘Tale-a-Phone Exchange’, will be a chance to hear one of Joe’s wonderful traditional stories in the comfort of their own home. Each Exchange, lasting 20 minutes, will be unique to the person receiving the call. Joe will have a chat with the person receiving the call first and from this he will decide on what story to tell. ‘Each call will be different and even where the same story is told, that telling will be unique to that person,’ says Joe. ‘No two tellings of a story are the same. The listener, and the circumstances of the exchange, shapes the telling of the story.’ This is a new approach to storytelling and the first time in Ireland for sharing traditional oral stories in this way. It is a great opportunity to reach people who have been isolated from so much because of the pandemic. Phone calls will commence every Wednesday from the first week in February and continue through to the 31st of March.
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Farewell to Fr Billy Wexford GP blows full time whistle
Fr Billy Swan
St. aidan's cathedral enniscorthy will be losing its popular priest, Fr Billy Swan, who Bishop denis Brennan has appointed as administrator of Wexford town parish, effective from 13th February. Fr Swan will be replaced in enniscorthy by Fr Jim doyle who is currently based in Mulrankin.
Fr Billy, a native of Glynn, has served more than eight years in Enniscorthy having previously been ten years in Rome and over four years in New Ross. Fr Billy is an author having recently had two of his books published, Love Has a Source published by St Paul’s and Faith and Mental Health published by the Catholic Truth Society in London. Fr Billy says of his time in Enniscorthy, “This means that after eight and a half very happy years, my time here in St Aidan’s is drawing to a close. I will be very sorry to leave you, the wonderful people I met on this awesome journey of life and faith. Yet I look forward to a new challenge. Whatever happens I place my trust in the Lord and thank Him with all my heart for the goodness he has shown me here in St Aidan’s.” n
Community support initiative
healthy Wexford and Wexford public participation network (ppn) are collaborating to check in on those living alone or more isolated as part of the ‘keep Well’ campaign in Wexford. During the current restrictions, neighbourly check-in is even more important and so the Wexford Keep Well initiative is doing just that in an innovative and non-contact way with ‘check-in’ cards. The postcard-size cards provide details of the Wexford County Council Community Call helpline on one side, and a friendly message on the reverse: ‘I called today to check in and see how you are doing. If you need anything or even a chat give me a call, or contact the Community Call Helpline (details overleaf).’ Cards have been distributed to Wexford PPN member groups who conduct the local check-in activity. Wexford PPN is a network with over 400 member groups across the county so they have a broad reach. The concept of the cards is that it is not intrusive to the vulnerable or isolated person, and gives them an invitation
to connect, should they wish to do so – either with the local person who dropped the card, or with the Wexford County Council Community Call Helpline. As a security element, and reassurance to the recipient, the cards provide a space for the person leaving the card to identify how the recipient may know them – e.g. Mary from No. 4, John from the local shop etc. The PPN Member simply fills in their details and drops the card in the postbox of the person – ensuring a non-contact check in. PPN members will also only conduct ‘checkins’ within their own 5km radius. Keep Well is part of the Healthy Ireland campaign – an initiative of the government of Ireland with funding from the Healthy Ireland Fund and Sláintecare, delivered by Pobal. Head of the Community Section at Wexford Co. Council, Paul L’Estrange, highlighted, ’This is just one of a number of local Keep Well initiatives where the Community Section and other Departments at Wexford County Council are linking in with communities to support our citizens.’ n
on distinguished medical career Wexford gp, dr Stephen Bowe, has retired after 47 years practising medicine, 36 of those spent in Wexford town. A native of Enniscorthy, Dr Bowe is the son of the late Dr Bob Bowe and his wife Joan (nee O’Connor) of Main Street, Enniscorthy. Stephen is the third in a family of five and went to school in the Mercy and CBS Enniscorthy. He helped out in his father ’s practice from a young age, answering phones, taking messages and even going on house calls with his father who he remembers as being “the happiest man I ever saw in his job”. In 1968 he commenced studying medicine in UCD, before graduating in 1974. He trained in a number of Dublin hospitals – St Vincent’s, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, and Holles St – before commiting himself to general practice initially in Enniscorthy and then in Carbury, Co. Kildare, before setting up his own GP practice in Selskar Court, Wexford, in 1984. The following year, he met his future wife, Joan Brogan from Wexford town, at a tennis tournament in Wexford Harbour Boat Club and got married to Joan in September 1991. The couple have three children – Stephanie who recently qualified as a doctor from UCC and has been successful in obtaining membership of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Ruth who is a qualified physiotherapist with a Masters Degree from Brunel College in London, and Philip who is just completing his Masters Degree in Sports Science at St Mary’s in Twickenham. As well as being an exceptionally busy GP, Dr Bowe also finds the time to minister to the Dr Stephen Bowe as he locks his GP practice in Selskar Court for the last time.
Dr Stephen Bowe with his wife Joan and his daughter Ruth.
Wexford hurling teams – senior, under 20 and minor – like his father had done before him. Between them they have served Wexford teams for over 60 years starting in 1958. Dr Stephen appreciates how important the teams are to the people of Co. Wexford and he finds being part of the set-up very rewarding, and pays great credit to the amateur players and their commitment to the county jersey. He has agreed to stay on working with the teams for one more tilt at All-Ireland title success this summer. In addition to his GAA duties, Dr Bowe has also agreed to work part-time in a medical capacity at a residential unit at Farnogue and will also volunteer to help out with the Covid19 vaccination programme if required. Dr Bowe says he enjoys the personal approach to medicine rather than the more technical and technology-driven path he sees all facets of society head-
ing towards, and he believes it would be a shame if the human, personal touch was diminished as a consequence. He says he will miss the interaction with his patients many of whom he considers close friends at this stage. A former member of Wexford Lions Club, he initiated the annual Wexford Lions Club Art Exhibition and recently formed a committee that showcases the young voices of Wexford in ‘The Street’ auditorium of the new Co. Council headquarters at Carricklawn. Retirement will allow Dr Bowe to pursue other interests including keeping fit and exploring more thoroughly his home county, as well as upskilling himself in the world of modern technology and computers.
Dr Bowe says he will be eternally grateful to his father, Dr Bob Bowe, for the opportunity to pursue his medical career and for being such a wonderful role model in the way he looked after all members of the community in a caring and compassionate manner. The Bowe family is particularly appreciative of the lovely poem written by Eamonn Wall about Dr Bob Bowe which is reproduced on this page. Dr Stephen Bowe is most grateful to the people of Wexford for their support, and for the terrific contribution of his own staff in Selskar, and acknowledges also the support shown by his medical colleagues in Wexford General Hospital and all the wonderful staff there. n
From ‘The Country Doctor’ by Eamonn Wall, 1990 He is standing at his door talking with the world as it crawls up Main Street to church, dogtrack, hurling game, and he tells me to stop smoking, and that Redmond was a greater Irishman than Pearse. We sat in his waiting room and they sat up late in cottages on the side of the mountain waiting for his car: the ascending car lights throwing odd shapes on cups, plates, and walls. Jars of jam, cornflake boxes, and honey. Dr Bowe rode out into the night’s romance to heal the sick and talk and tallk, beating his knuckles on your chest and bringing you back to life. You learned the history of County Wexford with the glass jammed under your tongue. Hurling players walked down from Bellefield with cloths on their wounds and they lay on the doctor’s couch while he threaded the gut slowly though, a fraction above the eye, as the soft voice droned on about the Black and Tans. My brother as a child went to Dr Bowe with the five pound fee, was given back a pound, told to keep it for himself, and to say nothing to our mother. Like Samuel Beckett, another great Irishman, he slept by day and worked by night. He visited our houses when the work was done and made the family part of all examinations, gathered round the sick like Rembrandt’s students, in The Hollow or out in Bree, all leaning over the doctor’s shoulders as he explained. His skeleton in the final embraces of air danced round the ballroom floor at my brother’s wedding. I watched the parade come to shake his hand. He burned like Paul Klee’s fire as we waltzed around him, all odd-shaped heads and organs. A man who would take from you what you could afford to pay, who valued talk more than he did the time. A Jesus come to heal us and teach us how to live. In the ballroom that last night. Walking towards the cathedral looking for your face.
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Major fire brought under control Above right: Foggy Dew Inn owner, Michael McDonald, at the scene.
A major blaze broke out at the Foggy Dew Inn pub and guesthouse on South Main Street, Wexford, on Sunday morning, 7th February, around 9am. Five units of the Wexford fire service attended at the scene and successfully brought the fire under control. The ambulance service and Gardaí were also in attendance. Fortunately a number of people who were staying at the premises were uninjured and have been relocated to emergency accommodation elsewhere by Wexford County Council. Some residents in the area were evacuated for a time also. Wexford County Council spokesman David Minogue said there had been “significant damage to the building, but very little damage to adjoining buildings, and that’s a tribute to the fire crew who attended today.”
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INVESTING IN ENNISCORTHY’S FUTURE Over recent years there has been huge investment in Enniscorthy – in its historic buildings, in the public realm and in privatelyowned businesses. Enniscorthy Castle, The Athenaeum, The Presentation Centre (formerly the Presentation Convent), the Church Institute, the Courthouse, Gonzaga House (home of The Wilds Cafe) have all been transformed, and the Orchard Peace Park has been a huge addition to the public realm of the town. Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) recently introduced floodlighting for some of these buildings in addition to floodlighting the town’s two main churches, illustrating once again how fortunate we are here in Enniscorthy to have such noteworthy cultural and heritage buildings to highlight. So let’s look to 2021 and beyond to see what’s in store for our town. In what follows, Wexford County Council is abbreviated to WCC, Enniscorthy Municipal District to EMD and the Office of Public Works to OPW. So here’s our Top 20 in no particular order. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The remaining sites at the Technology Park will be developed when sufficient interest in them is secured and given the current lack of high quality office space in Enniscorthy, and the county as a whole, the prospect for development of the remaining sites looks promising. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
1. Market House
5. Other Schools + ASD Unit
Already in 2021 Enniscorthy has seen the reopening of the impressive Market House building in the Market Square following an investment of €1m approx in conservation, heritage and refurbishment works. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
2. Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre UK-based Primary Health Properties (PHP) is investing €12.6 million in a new primary care facility consisting of 50,000sq ft and 150 free-parking spaces at Quarrypark, Enniscorthy. Work commenced on site a couple of months ago. A lease agreement has been entered into with the Health Service Executive and a local GP practice (Dr Mairead Kelly) and further leases are anticipated to be agreed with Tusla (the child and family agency), and a pharmacy. Services on offer will include paediatric, disability, physio, dental, community nursing, adult mental health, etc. All these services are expected to be in place for the completion of the building which is anticipated in the first-quarter of 2022. This will bring PHP’s portfolio in Ireland to 18 such facilities. Dr Kelly says the new facility will offer state-of-the-art medical services for local people and will be a huge addition to medical care in Co. Wexford. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
3. Enniscorthy Technology Park Site preparation work at Killagoley, beside the former St Senan’s Hospital, just outside Enniscorthy, has been ongoing since 2018 with construction of an internal roadway, walkways, services, landscaping, fencing etc, and linkage with the new bridge to be constructed as part of the flood defence scheme, which will provide easy access to the town centre. Phase 1 (preparation of the three roadside sites) is now complete and building work on the first building can commence once Covid restrictions on nonessential building work are lifted. Planning permission exists for the development of two modern 4-storey office buildings (circa. 9,100m2). One of these offices blocks is proposed to accommodate a United Nations NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) Centre of Excellence which will promote and highlight energy efficient construction methods internationally. This development will be in collaboration with WCC and the Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board. It is anticipated that Opus Fund Services (see No.6) will occupy space in the first building also. The initial buildings will also, most likely, house something similar to the successful Hatch Lab enterprise centre in Gorey which supports technology companies, start-ups and co-working staff. Investment in the first two buildings is expected to be around €1.7m coming from the private sector.
4. St Patrick’s School The brand new state-of-the-art St Patrick’s School at Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, could be open by March this year, as the final snag list is currently being dealt with. A number of delays were caused by factors such as Covid-19, the complicated design of the curved building on a sloping site, and the bespoke nature of the furniture and fittings in the new building due to the special nature of the school. The new school is designed for 21 classes and in addition there will be a hydrotherapy pool and a whole range of support facilities such as physio services available on-site as well as a fully-equipped speech and language suite. School Principal Mr Lee Rogers is very grateful to the people of Enniscorthy who did such wonderful fundraising for the new school. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– There has been multi-million-euro investment in several of the town’s schools in recent years most notably in St Aidan’s, St Senan’s, Gaelscoil, and Enniscorthy Vocational College. More investment is planned with a €1m ASD (autism spectrum disorder) unit in the pipeline for St Aidan’s and expansion proposed for St Senan’s and Coláiste Bríde. Meanwhile, Minister James Bowne and others are batting on behalf of the town’s CBS and the Meanscoil which need additional space to cater for their growing numbers. Development of the ASD unit at St Aidan's is awaiting the final go-ahead from the Department of Education. All going well, and assuming construction work is permitted on site under Covid restrictions, the project could begin within a matter of weeks to convert the old hall on site, which has been disused for around five years, to a state-of-the-art ASD Unit. Once started, it is expected the work will take around six months to complete. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
6. The Courthouse Global fund administrator Opus Fund Services is currently operating from offices in Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, but is in the process of moving to the Courthouse building on Court Street which was renovated in 2019 at a cost of around €700,000. The expectation is, given its backing by IDA Ireland for the creation of 100 jobs in Enniscorthy over the next few years, that Opus will move to the new Technology Park in town when suitable office space becomes available there. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
7. Enniscorthy Trails Project The proposed Enniscorthy Trails project will include a trail from Edermine to Scarawalsh and from the town to Vinegar Hill, among others. Details of five possible trails will be brought by EMD Manager Ger Mackey to the next EMD meeting on Feb 15th. It is proposed to apply for grant funding to action the proposed trails. Greenways: Although Enniscorthy is not directly included in any planned greenways, there will be several greenways constructed elsewhere in the county all within easy reach of Enniscorthy, which will be a huge boost to tourism here. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
8. Enniscorthy Sports Hub Enniscorthy Municipal District is proceeding with the second phase of the Enniscorthy Sports Hub at Cherryorchard. Tenders for the detailed design and construction management of the Sport Hub building were received in December. Consultants are due to be appointed around now to prepare the designs and manage the project for the provision of a pavilion
The Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen (www.ludgate.ie). Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) Council is planning to develop a similar centre in Enniscorthy “to facilitate safety-compliant remote co-working, training and 3rd level student supports”.
building (sports equipment storage area, changing rooms, toilets, showers and a small office). The project is fully funded and it is expected that construction will commence in September 2021 and be completed the following year. It is proposed that some improvement works will also be undertaken to the infield of the existing running track. When completed this facility will be one of the top athletics facilities in the country, hosting regional and even national events. Commenced in 2015, Phase 1 was developed at a cost of €1 million, following an investment of €850,000 by WCC and a supporting grant of €150,000. Phase 1 works consisted of an all-weather 8-lane worldclass running track and in-field facility together with extensive floodlighting and carparking facilities. The Hub is maintained and managed through the Enniscorthy Municipal District office of WCC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
9. Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is seeking additional clarifications and supplementary documentation from the OPW and WCC before signing off on the project. This extra work is due to more stringent requirements emanating from the EU for all major capital projects such as the Enniscorthy scheme. The latest estimate is that the Department will be supplied with everything it needs by June 2021. Assuming no further requests are made, Ministerial sign-off will then take a couple of more months, after which the tendering process can begin which will take about six months to complete. So it will most likely be the Spring of 2022 before the main work on the scheme will commence. But some initial work such as diversion of services could commence by the end of this year. While final confirmation of the scheme from the Minister is awaited, WCC will be progressing the detailed design, the shortlisting of contractors for the main construction works, and the attainment of all necessary licences and legal agreements required for the construction works. Indeed, a lot of preparatory work has already been completed. The detailed design of the new road bridge, approach roads and the traffic management plan for the scheme have been finalised. The legal agreement required for the diversion of Irish Water services has been completed. Public consultation on the foreshore application finished on the 15th December 2020. Treatment of invasive species was carried out last June; underwater archaeological investigations of the river bed took place in July 2020 and other archaeological excavations are advancing. Tender documents for the construction works are currently being prepared. The tender process for the shortlisting of contractors for the construction of the new road bridge is ongoing. The bridge agreement with Irish Rail is being progressed. The application for the foreshore lease and foreshore licence is also being progressed with the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government. Enniscorthy Municipal District Council is determined to keep the pressure on the Minister to get the main construction work started ASAP. The public has been regularly reassured that the €50.7m allocated for the works is still guaranteed under the OPW’s multi-annual capital budget. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
10. Remote Working Hub & E-Learning Centre Enniscorthy Municipal District Council has identified a vacant building in Enniscorthy which it is planning to develop into a centre “to facilitate safety-compliant remote co-working, training and 3rd level student supports”. This will generate increased footfall in the town centre and greater economic activity. EMD has received €40,000 funding under the Town and Village Renewal scheme to facilitate this development which will be something similar to the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen (www.ludgate.ie). The Enniscorthy hub could be in place within a matter of months.
At the turning of the sod in 2018 for Enniscorthy’s Technology Park at Killagoley were L-R: Tom Enright, CEO, Wexford County Council; Cllr Willie Kavanagh, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council; Cllr Keith Doyle, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council; then Minister Paul Kehoe TD; Maree Lyng, President Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce; then Minister Michael D'Arcy TD; Niall Barry, contractor.
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Artist’s impression of the Enniscorthy Primary Care Centre currently under construction at Quarrypark.
St Patrick’s School nearing completion. Pic: Dee O’Leary.
11. Templeshannon Regeneration There are major plans in the pipeline for the regeneration of the whole Templeshannon area with WCC currently awaiting approval of a funding application that will allow the plan to go to the design and tender stage. The Regeneration Plan includes: ■ Improving the public realm and streetscape (widening of footpaths, enhanced public lighting, undergrounding of services, and paving). ■ Establishing a new link to the town centre by construction of a new pedestrian bridge. The preliminary design and bridge options report should be ready very shortly. ■ The management and progressive transformation of the Leisure Centre car park to include a civic space. ■ The creation of new urban blocks for infill development by the private sector. ■ A Tempeshannon Food & Community Hub. An overall master plan is being developed which we understand will maintain the existing 2-way flow of traffic through the area. The new pedestrian, arched bridge would rise above the proposed new flood defence scheme work and would lead from the bottom of Slaney Street to the car park at the swimming pool in Templeshannon. The plan will outline and support urban renewal and development opportunities in the Templeshannon area and will improve accessibility and traffic management. The successful delivery of the regeneration project will require a mix of public and private sector funding. Phase 1: Templeshannon street enhancement works (€1.25m approx); Leisure Centre carpark works (€2m approx); Urban block enabling works (€1m approx); Templeshannon Food & Community Hub (€1.4m approx). Phase 2: Construction of pedestrian bridge (€3.5m); Development of Blocks A and B (financed by private sector). Phase 3: Block C to be constructed through the private sector. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
12. Enniscorthy Tourism Project We reported extensively in our August 2019 issue on this three-phase proposal, which could ultimately cost €30m, centred around Enniscorthy Castle (and possibly including a cable-car system to ferry visitors from a major new car-park at Turret Rocks over the Slaney to the Castle). The project will create a public space in Enniscorthy that will link up the key tourism assets in the town using these heritage and natural assets to develop unique experiences aimed at encouraging visitors to stay all-year round. The focus of the town would be placed on the Castle, the River Slaney, Market Square, Abbey Square and around St Mary's Church. A masterplan has been put together by a team of experts including Sherwood & Associates, Denis Byrne Architects, Behaviour & Attitudes, Bright3D, and Storyline, and is supported by WCC through its Special Projects team headed up by Brian Galvin. Preliminary design, planning and land acquisition is likely to commence early this year.. Phase 1 involves work at the Castle itself, purchase of adjoining property, and the opening up of new space around the Castle to allow it “reveal” itself and facilitate outdoor experiences – wander the grounds, meet the Normans, guided tours, kids activities, interactive experiences, etc. This phase is likely to cost €8m and attract an extra 50,000 visitors p.a. Phase 2 involves a Welcome Hub/Cafe/Black Box experience. The cafe would be a high quality one specialising in local food produce. In summer, the cafe could “spill out” into the adjoining Castle grounds. The Black Box is essentially a digital space all of which is usable – floor, ceiling, walls to create a modern, cutting-edge, interactive, immersive experience. The main story to be told there is Enniscorthy’s history up to the present day, but the space would be multi-purpose so could also be used for other purposes e.g. indoor market, meetings, exhibitions, etc. To experience a flavour of this Black Box idea, readers can check out the Paris-based Atelier des Lumières website. This phase of the town’s tourism plan could cost around €9m and attract an extra 140,000 visitors p.a. The last major phase (Phase 3) would be a car and coach park at Turret Rocks with cable-car access, across the River Slaney, to the Castle from there. This phase will only happen if and when the first two phases are successfully implemented, and this phase would likely cost around €13m and would require substantial private investment. This phase is projected to attract 400,000 extra visitors to Enniscorthy every year! A tender brief for design services to prepare the preliminary design and
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planning consent applications required for Phase 1 of the project is currently being prepared. Given that land acquisition would firstly be required in the centre of town, physical work on the project is not likely to begin until at least the third quarter of 2022. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
13. Murphy Floods Site / Kickham’s House WCC is in discussion with the owner of the former Murphy Flood’s site. The adjoining Kickham’s House was acquired by WCC in 2020. No plans have been revealed as yet but the two combined sites’ eventual use as office and retail space would seem logical for such a large prime site in the very centre of the town. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
14. Old Dublin Road The Old Dublin Road area has huge untapped potential for businesses to set up there and take advantage of the proximity to the new M11 motorway, bringing easier connectivity with Dublin. Several existing businesses on the Old Dublin Road have been recently, or are currently, engaging in expansion. Cooney Furlong constructed a large new farm machinery premises last year, and now their neighbours TFM are hugely extending their farm machinery business. WCC is working with various stakeholders in the Old Dublin Road area as well as with Enniscorthy Chamber with a view to producing a blueprint for the upgrading of the area. Landscape architects are currently working on the reimagining in such a way as to allow for packages of works to be done on a phased basis subject to funding. The blueprint is expected be completed by early this summer. The Special Projects team at WCC is submitting a proposal for works at the Old Dublin Road to the Active Travel Grants Scheme. The keeping of the 80km speed limit designation on the road between the Blackstoops and Scarawalsh roundabouts has been done to facilitate future commercial development along that stretch of road. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
15. Astro Turf Project EMD will be submitting an application for funding under the Sports Capital Programme for the development of an Astro Pitch at the Ross Road public amenity area (opposite the entrance to the rugby club). The pitch will be made available to the five local soccer clubs in the town in addition to clubs in adjoining areas. Around €300K could be the investment needed with a possible grant of €150K being sought under the Sports Capital Programme. EMD Manager, Ger Mackey, has referred to the project as “a fundamental piece of infrastructure for the town”. Due to the site’s size restriction, the astro pitch will be the minimum FIFA specified size pitch for adults. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
16. Vinegar Hill Many people view Vinegar Hill as a burial site and historic monument and should therefore not be considered a tourist attraction suitable for investment. Others see it as having huge tourism potential which should be catering for busloads of tourists daily with toilet and refreshments facilities located there. At present there is no specific plan for Vinegar Hill. It got mentioned in discussions around the Enniscorthy Tourism Project (see No.12) as a tourism asset to the town but it is not proposed to make it a major part of the Tourism Project. It is however proposed that a walking trail to it be provided as part of the Enniscorthy Trails Project (see No.7), and it may also be floodlit at some stage in the future as part of the ongoing work to floodlight the town’s key assets. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
17. Water & Sewerage Enniscorthy Municipal District has been in contact with Irish Water to address the ongoing issues around leaks in the Enniscorthy system which have resulted in frequent water outages in recent months, and to address the overall capacity of the water system so Enniscorthy as a town can continue to grow and develop. A new upgraded wastewater treatment plant was officially unveiled in Enniscorthy in July 2019. The plant at St John’s, costing over €16m, is bringing significant benefits to the town, enhancing the local environment and providing the platform for ongoing growth and development. The significant increase in capacity from 16,000 population equivalent (PE) to
26,000 PE, a 62.5% increase, will facilitate the future population and economic growth of Enniscorthy town and surrounding areas. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
18. New Housing Developments The potential brought by the new M11 motorway, bringing greater connectivity between Enniscorthy and Dublin, will see huge housing development happen in Enniscorthy over the coming years with a resulting significant growth in the town’s population. Some of the major schemes include: ■ The Old Forge Road is a brand new development to the rear of the new Centra shop on the Milehouse Road. These NZEB, technologically advanced, state-of-the-art homes will be available this March and feature high-speed broadband, Google Smart home package options, first-time-buyers grant, voltaic panels, air to water heating, zoned heating, etc. And they come with a 10-year Homebond warranty. There is planning permission for 272 units in total of mixed residence type, and community facilities comprising retail, commercial and childcare facilities as well as a road network on the 10.3 hectares site. Interested buyers can contact Bridge Auctioneers, Castlebridge. Tel: 087-4668664. ■ In Clonhaston, work has started on a large new housing development called Greenhill, on a 15.8 hectares site just past Alcast Motor Factors on the Oulart Road out from Enniscorthy. It will be a residential development most likely consisting of 410 units of mixed residence type and community facilities comprising a medical centre, pharmacy, childcare facilities and offices as well as an internal road network. So far the developer has secured permission for 210 houses and if the latest application is approved that will rise to 248, with further applications to come in the future. Contact Sherry FitzGerald O'Leary Kinsella, Auctioneers, on (053) 923 7322. ■ At the old St Senan’s Hospital, planning permission was granted in October 2019 for a multi-million-euro upmarket residential development of 71 units as well as a swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant and offices. In addition to the above, we expect to see more housing developments in the near future in e.g. Carley’s Bridge, Clonhaston, and The Moyne. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
19. LEADER Investment During 2020, Wexford Local Community Development Committee in partnership with Wexford Local Development awarded LEADER grant aid of €1.58m to twenty-six businesses in the county to facilitate business expansion and diversification, including: €84,000 for construction works to assist the development of an enterprise incubation hub at Kilcannon Industries CLG, and €175,000 for Slaney Spirits Ltd to support the development of a micro distillery and gin experience as a new rural tourism attraction for the town. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
20. Miscellaneous Some more private sector investment: Lidl and Homesavers have invested heavily in recent months in new retail premises in the town. On the Old Dublin Road both Cooney Furlong and TFM have invested heavily in new and expanded premises in the farm machinery sector. Andrew and Raymond Kavanagh, two brothers from Enniscorthy, say their plan to construct a multi-million-euro, state-of-the-art Flour Mill at Ballycarney is still going ahead. The proposed mill will process 300 tonnes of wheat daily to produce 235 tonnes of plain white every day. The new facility could lead to 30 new jobs for Enniscorthy once operational and is expected to create around 200 jobs during the construction phase of the project which could commence as early as the middle of 2021. Kehoes Hardware Clonhaston has just completed its second major expansion since moving to Clonhaston just a few years ago. Following the recent opening of the Btwenty7 coffee shop at the Bus Stop Shop on Templeshannon Quay, Ralph and Anne Swaine have now been granted permission for the change of use of existing yard for provision of off-street parking and outdoor seating area to serve the Bus Stop Shop.■
14 Slaney Entertainment & Leisure
8 February 2021
Multi-talented Luke’s new book Lights, camera, action! in Gorey The multi-talented Luke O’ Connell, a native of Carrowreagh near Taghmon, has just launched his new book Bygone Dawn – the result of six years of hard work. Bygone Dawn is now available on Amazon Kindle. Luke is a talented singer, musician, actor and is well known for his performances with Rathnure Pantomime Society in particular. Whether you are a fan of the wonder and terror of the depths of prehistory, or you just desire a thrilling read that takes you through a story of primal, raw survival, this one is for you! It is a traditional novel in many ways – 444 pages long, and it follows the story of a small group of close friends as they try to survive and adapt when both they and the world around them are transformed into something far more prehistoric, and the land, sea and air become filled with creatures from ages long since past. The book features action, adventure, mystery, and is quite raw and brutal at many points as characters react in their own ways to the pressures of a survival situation, with the line between humanity and savagery becoming blurred for many of them. In the end, the main focus of the
There has been a warm welcome locally for the granting of planning permission for the new Tara Studios development at Borleagh Manor, Inch, just north of Gorey, which will contain up to seven sound studios. The main people behind this project are Ivan Dunleavy, a former chief executive of Pinewood Studios, and John Gleeson, an accountant and one of the main arrangers of finance for film productions in both Ireland and the UK. Senator Malcolm Byrne who has been actively involved in helping the Tara Studios team with the development, said, “I am happy that planning has been granted and remain optimistic that the project will now progress and that construction can commence later this year.
Up to 30 direct jobs could be created at the studios, while several hundred could be employed when the studios are operating at full capacity. Local councillor Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has also welcomed the development saying it’s a massive boost for the area. ■
Shauna’s new song book is about people trying to hold onto their morality, and the dark paths that await those who don't. The book includes some interesting features such as the header images for each chapter which consist of cave paintings that provide glimpses as to what lies ahead. They are not vital for the story,
Local singer/songwriter Shauna Hever’s new song, For Pop, is now available on most music platforms including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify and Google Play, having been released on 7th of February.
but add a definite visual flare. Luke says, “To everyone who has supported me in this long endeavour, thank you! To be finally able to share my story with you is an honour and a treat...” Check it out on: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ dp/B08QNKQGGQ/ ref=mp_s_a_1_1... ■
Shauna wrote it for her grandad, who died in August 2019. She says: “It means so much to me and I can’t wait for you all to hear it!” Also, check out Shauna’s Facebook page ‘Shauna Hever Music’ and her impressive Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShaunaHever ■
An Aladdin’s Cave at Carrigabruce Just before Christmas at Carrigabruce, Enniscorthy, Liam and Jane Doyle, aka North to Madness, opened their pop-up Aladdin’s Cave and gave us a flavour of their unique compilation of antiques and collectables to whet our appetites for what they purpose will be a regular feature of 2021. Liam and Jane are well known in the Enniscorthy area and have worked on a great many projects around the town i n c l u d i n g t h e B ro o k l y n
“The global content creation industry is currently booming and there is a shortage of studio space. These studios could become one of the world’s leading venues. Ireland has excellent creative talent as well as being an attractive tax and financial base for film and television production.”
Exhibition at Enniscorthy Castle and the 1916 Exhibition at the Athenaeum, they are also in the business of providing sets and props for films and events and had on view a 1950s shop for hire to the film industry. Over the years and in their travels they have come across a great many pieces of interest and note including a prison door from Enniscorthy Castle, a life-size polar bear, an oriental chess set, a rare antique Indian wedding chair, a seat used by Eva Green in the TV
series Penny Dreadful, an early 1900s Buddha carved from a single piece of wood, a circus poster from 1942 advertising a circus in Clongeen, an antique African medicine bowl from the 1800s and a 1950s bust of Our Lord by C.P. Bull of Dublin. Just like Aladdin’s Cave, you could wander through this varied and curious collection at length unearthing little treasures with every footstep including some of the quirky and intriguing upcycling projects created by North to Madness.
Left: Indian wedding chair. Above: African medicine bowl. Right: Upcycled lamp by North to Madness. Far right: 1950s shop. Check out ‘North Two Madness’ on Facebook and view the video posted there on 30th December showing some of the shop’s stock.
Well done to Liam and Jane and I am very much looking forward to their next showcase. Trust me you could do worse than pay them a visit to view this amazing and extensive collection and who knows you may even uncover a Genie. – Maria Nolan To contact ‘North Two Madness’ Tel: 086-2516450 and see their Facebook page and Instagram also. ■ All pics: Maria Nolan
Slaney Entertainment & Leisure
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A Glorious Obsession
15
Maria Nolan
The second in an occasional fashion series by Maria Nolan
It was the English poet Alfred Tennyson who said, ‘In the Spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love’ and I think it would be safe to say that a young woman’s seriously turns to thoughts of fashion, and not just a young woman either. Once we pass January and our days begin to lengthen, we start to dream of sea, sand, sunshine, holidays and all the fabulous colour and fashion that goes with it. However, due to Coronavirus, 2021 will be very different for all of us, it is likely that we won’t be travelling too far for quite a while yet, vaccine or no vaccine, so when choosing your Spring/Summer wardrobe remember that it will be
weather dependent and, as we know only too well, our Irish weather is not at all dependable. Covid-19 and this latest lockdown is giving us fashionistas an opportunity to take an in-depth look at our current wardrobe, to see what we have and what we need to add to it to create our own unique Spring/Summer fashion story. Fashion Houses, fashion experts, fashion bloggers and
influencers tell us that the current trend is all about creating a story, so put some thought into it, and may I say it was never easier with the inspirational videos being produced and presented by many of our local shop and store owners and proprietors who are imparting excellent advice on what to wear with what and how to put an ensemble together, mixing and matching colours and textures, for that simply ‘je ne sais quoi’ look,
and full marks for effort to all our local retailers who are working so hard to keep themselves viable in these terribly difficult times, so please support them if you can at all. The 2021 biggest Spring/Summer fashion trend in line with the recent magnificent Junk Kouture Finals, is sustainable fashion, recycling, borrowing and even swapping. Yes ladies, be neither ashamed or afraid to swap. An item that you have worn for the past 2/3 seasons can look completely different on someone else and can give the piece that wonderful ‘Second love’ status, as well as giving you the satisfaction of doing your bit for global sustainability. Red is a big fashion colour for the coming season and nothing looks quite as classy for Easter as a nod to a naval uniform in red, white and blue and if red isn’t your colour simply add a pop of it with a bag, shoes or a scarf.
We’ve all been binging a tad during this current lockdown on TV period drama, and that, believe it or not, is having an effect on this year’s fashion trends, with empire dresses inspired by the very popular Regency series ‘Bridgerton’ big on the scene for Spring/Summer, romantic and girlie with square necklines, puff sleeves and pearl and feather accessories, and tulle skirts in pastels are back on trend, paired with bomber jackets and either kitten heels or combat boots. But, in truth, because of our Covid restrictions, including the limitations on where we can or might go, comfortable elegance is still the order of the day for the foreseeable future, with sportswear and loungewear upscaling, and coming in beautiful matching sets in most of our local outlets, stretchy enough for yoga, comfortable enough for the couch and smart enough to be noticed on a walk around town or at a Zoom meeting.
All of the clothes featured on this page are available through Enniscorthy’s wonderful range of boutiques.
– Maria Nolan
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Slaney Entertainment & Leisure
8 February 2021
Michael points the way for Wexford Quay The always creative Michael Way has put forward three imaginative proposals for a dramatic transformation of Wexford’s Quay... The Ballast Bank facing Wexford Quay Michael’s first proposal is for a water feature consisting of three fountains on the Ballast Bank f a c i n g We x f o r d Q u a y. T h e 'Frederick Douglass Freedom Fountains' would be a waterfront structure to permanently enhance the current social, leisure and cultural life of the town, Michael says.
To:
“The Ballast Bank has been a focus of my attention since I first laid eyes on it in 1968!!! How could such an amazing opportunity for joining the past and the present of maritime history be left mouldering in the middle of the harbour? “A fountain for sure... “So, earlier this past summer, the accompanying proposal came together. “The passive energy sources in competition with each other to see which is the stronger at any particular time could be a source of endless fascination – for me anyway.” The second proposal involves a ‘Longhouse Pavilion’ – a beau-
Committee Members – Frederick Douglass Wexford Civil Rights Festival Wexford Townspeople Wexford Public Representatives Wexford Press & Media
Wexford is a place of convergence of ancient and modern history – maritime development – invasion, occupation and liberation. A place of arts and crafts, philosophy, literature, sports, achievement, civil society, service, tenacity and vision. Recently the name of Frederick Douglass has risen to the surface of our consciousness – a remarkable individual representing the best that any mortal could hope to achieve. Ballast Bank Proposal The Ballast Bank has a long history of service to the town and though now derelict still serves the needs of local fishermen and much as the Saltee Islands do for the coastline around Kilmore Quay, provides a visual stepping stone out towards the horizon – and beyond. It has been a challenge for many years to know what may be recommended as a fitting realisation of all the visual potential offered by the Ballast Bank. Tempting to think Celtic or Viking but why look back when we may look forward?
The fountains, powered by tidal, solar and wind energy, would reach for the sky from the Ballast Bank in the middle of Wexford Harbour. Michael says, “It is architecturally and functionally feasible and as a landmark and unique facility will enhance the reputation and social, recreational and cultural life of the town.
26th November 2020
Frederick Douglass Freedom Fountains Funded entirely by business and public contributions, supervised by the Engineering Department of Wexford County Council and the Department of the Marine and costing in the region of €1m, this proposal suggests the reconstruction of the above-Spring-High Water ballast bank mass as a stone and brickwork low-level structure with a fountain towards each end and a cascade water feature in the middle.
Crescent Quay tiful bijou theatre on the waterfront where the Spiegeltent is usually sited. Michael says: “It will combine the verandah look of the Viking Longhouse with the spectacular circus style of the Spiegeltent in a piece of signature contemporary maritime architecture. Serving as a day-time library-linked reading room and outer verandah cafe and displaying Wexford's maritime history while serving the needs of the Spiegeltent Festival, other annual waterfront events, the drama festival, etc. “The liveliness of the Waterfront since the [refreshment] stalls were opened just goes to show what could be possible...”
The third proposal involves the the “Crescent Quay Arena”. The Crescent Quay would be “dredged and cleaned down to the cobblestone base and a sluicegate system installed to maintain a depth suitable for the public to use the pool for model boating. A walkway extending from one side to the other beside and below the railway bridge with a semi-circular stage in the middle for public amenity and small-scale concerts.” Overall, Michael says, “Investment in the town's potential has been very slow coming forward over the years but now seems to be a good time to put markers down... as Wexford moves into the third millennium.”
The cascade will serve as a screen after sunset for the projection of maritime abstractions. This and each of the other two fountains would be subject to a design competition for suitably qualified artists/sculptures/engineers. Renewable Energy Each fountain will be powered by one of three different energy sources – solar, wind or wave. There will be a water quality monitor which will cut out supply to the fountains if water quality falls below safety levels. There will be passive energy storage on the Ballast Bank for special occasions when conditions are not conducive to power generation. The two fountains will reach to heights determined by their power source at any particular time. This is a feature which will provoke engagement. All three features will switch to rest at midnight and switch on at 8 a.m. to allow for a break. With lighting, projection and the fountains themselves this development will create an arresting focal point for the waterfront and an inclusivity, equality and social justice link from the past to the future. Local Fishermen It is essential that the traditional usage of the Ballast Bank be respected. If feasible, part of the above surface re-development will cater for the fishermen but the fountains may be too much of an impediment in which case, and anyway, compensatory works would be invested in the Maudlintown Harbour and also either at the marina or at the wharf across the river. Longhouse Pavilion Proposals will be announced shortly for a Longhouse Pavilion on the Quay which reflects contemporary maritime architecture, the tradition of the Viking Longhouse and the multi-functionality of the Spiegeltent. There will be provision for outdoor and raised-verandah catering, observation balconies, weekday reading room, Saturday morning Children’s Cinema and all the usual mixture of musical and theatrical events. With input from the principal stake-holders in providing arts and entertainment in Wexford it will provide all the necessary facilities for the regular waterfront events but with on-going year-round indoor and outdoor public facilities which will keep the quay as busy as it has been in recent times. ‘Quay Foundation’ is entirely voluntary, bringing forward visions for the future of Wexford Town and County and answering community needs as and when they may arise and can be satisfactorily responded-to. The above concepts and plans for the Freedom Fountains and the Longhouse are copyrighted in the name of Michael Fitzalan Way © November 2020
14th December 2020 17th December 2020
To:
Wexford Townspeople Wexford Public Representatives Wexford Arts, Performance & Entertainment Interests Wexford Press & Media PREAMBLE
Wexford’s reputation as a centre of literary, visual, musical and performing arts excellence continues to grow. Wexford’s waterfront serves as a multi-purpose centre for casual social and leisure activities, exhibitions, festivals, concerts, sports and the fishing industry. The Spiegeltent Festival has highlighted four core factors: a theatre on the quay can be financially viable; a theatre on the quay can be technically viable; a theatre on the quay enhances the day to day vitality of the quay; a theatre on the quay allows for other events which require open space. Currently the performing arts in Wexford are served year-round by the National Opera House, Wexford Arts Centre and Crown Live along with Community Centres, Pubs and Hotels. All the above stage work ranging from local amateur to world-class professional and from original art-form to popular entertainment.
To:
Wexford Townspeople Wexford Public Representatives Wexford Arts, Performance & Entertainment Interests Wexford Press & Media
PREAMBLE The Crescent Quay, an endearing feature of Wexford’s waterfront, was completed in 1824. It is lined with cobblestones. A railway bridge spanning the entrance to the Crescent was constructed and the line connecting Wexford to Rosslare opened in 1882. The bridge was subsequently replaced and in 2001 the new waterfront was opened. It includes a breakwater pier which arches around the inflow to the Crescent and provides safe anchorage for a small number of craft. Local fishermen moored their cots in the Crescent until recently. The Crescent was always subject to silting but since the new waterfront was constructed silting has increased and the marina area is also now silting heavily. Prior to any new works the Crescent and marina would be dredged and the cobblestones sluiced.
The Viking Longhouse was one example of a form of community housing which was common around the world. No two longhouses were the same. A veranda often surrounded the longhouse as sheltered outhousing and to stabilise the structure.
There are seven spans accessing the Crescent under the new waterfront/railway bridge. This proposal suggests constructing barriers across four of them and over and under sluice gates across the remaining three. In order to alleviate silting in the marina area a drainage portal and sluice gate could be introduced under the walkway along the new pier. The recent explosion of vitality on the waterfront resulting from the opening of refreshment outlets has bridged the gap between the previously underused amenity and the wonderful potentials of the waterfront The Longhouse Pavilion will be a multi-purpose venue situated where the Spiegeltent is usually sited. There will be sheltered verandah catering daily. The interior will function as a reading room linked to the library service weekday mornings and Saturday mornings will be dedicated to a children’s cinema club. It will be a flexible performance space ideal for theatre, musical theatre, pantomime, all types of music, conferences and open space as a substitute for marqee accommodation for Festivals and other annual events. Architecturally the Longhouse Pavilion will be an interweave of a Viking Longhouse and a Spiegeltent with an emphasis on visual vibrancy. A fitting reflection of the town’s ancient Viking heritage and contemporary cultural blossoming. The Longhouse Pavilion will be a valid substitute for the Spiegeltent and made available to Lantern Productions for their year-round programme. Also on offer to the annual Pantomime and Drama Festival along with other town-based live performance interests.
Water level would be maintained at a level just below the lower part of the walkway around the Crescent by setting the upper levels of the sluice gates. Every second Spring Low Water the lower sluice gates would be opened and the Crescent drained to the lowest point allowed by the tide and a small team of qualified volunteers would sluice out any silt accumulated over the previous month. The constant water level would allow for model boat enthusiasts to exercise their hobby, always an attraction to members of the public. A walkway approximately 2m wide would span the width of the Crescent just below but physically separate from the railway bridge and at the centre point a semi-circular observation platform/stage would allow for public amenity. The walkway and stage would be edged with open steel railing. The stage would also allow for occasional concerts with the public lining the current walkway around the Crescent. The concepts and proposals for the Freedom Fountains. Longhouse Pavilion and Crescent Quay Arena are copyrighted in the name of Michael Fitzalan Way © November & December 2020
Slaney Entertainment & Leisure
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17
TALE-A-PHONE EXCHANGE!
Storyteller Joe Brennan in action. Full marks to Wexford County Council Arts Department in conjunction w i t h t h e We x f o r d A g e Friendly Programme, for coming up with a marvellous Covid-driven initiative, the Tale-a-Phone Exchange aimed at alleviating the loneliness and isolation of those living alone and in quarantine, but available to all. Local storyteller Joe Brennan is inviting older people in the county to the Tale-a-Phone Exchange, where they will be treated to one of his wonderful traditional stories in the comfort of their own home. How clever and wonderful is that.
Each Exchange will last approximately twenty minutes and will be unique to the person receiving the call. Joe will have a chat to the person on the other end of the phone before deciding what story to tell them. Each call will be different, even though the story may be the same, no two tellings of a tale are exact replicas and the listener and the circumstances of the exchange will shape the telling of the narrative. At the end of each call, Joe will invite the listener to tell him a tale if they so wish. Joe Brennan has been storytelling around the world for
the past twenty years and is both excited and animated by the project and how it will connect with people in difficult circumstances in these very trying times. This is a new and innovative approach in sharing traditional oral stories and a terrific opportunity to reach out to our older people isolated in the pandemic, and who knows what may come of it going forward, Joe may indeed unearth a wealth of oral culture as well as bringing a little hope and connectivity to those suffering the most. Well how does it work? All you have to do is book a call with AnnMarie Laffan, Age Friendly Manager with Wexford County Council by phone on 053-9196680. Storytelling phone calls will take place on Wednesdays o n l y, c o m m e n c i n g o n Wednesday 3rd February and continuing weekly through to Wednesday 31st March 2021. Please phone to choose a time and a date to suit you and don’t miss out on this wonderful chance to stay connected and entertained in these harrowing times. – Maria Nolan
Beautiful photo of Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill by Marie Hayes, January 2021.
Gorey District Park – “frustration will turn into anger” At its January 2021 monthly meeting, Wexford County Council provided an update on the €1.8m works at Gorey District Park (Gorey Town Park and Showgrounds). The update stated that Niall Barry & Co. Ltd was appointed for the construction of the re-development works at Gorey District Park in March 2019. Works commenced on site in May 2019 but were impacted by the Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. It is now expected that the external works will be completed later this month (February 2021), and the building works completed in March 2021. Tenders have been received for the playground equipment with the installation due to commence on site following completion of the main works contract. When works are completed, Gorey District Park will include a large playground, outdoor gym, walking track, and skatepark. ■
Cllr. Andrew Bolger and Senator Malcolm Byrne at Gorey District Park, 13th June 2020.
Looks like we might have to finish it ourselves! Senator Malcolm Byrne and Cllr Andrew Bolger at Gorey District Park, 28th January 2021.
Gorey District councillor, Andrew Bolger, says: "The holdup of the Gorey Town Park redevelopment is beyond frustrating. The frustration will turn into anger shortly. This is because every time we get an update on the Town Park there are delays. Of course, Covid-19 restrictions will have held things up but not to this extent. We have to stop using it as an excuse. This development has been mostly outdoors. It's not the biggest project in the world...” If the development could be completed, Cllr Bolger says it “would be a great asset to the community, especially during Covid-19 restrictions. Perhaps, the Council have to start enforcing penalty clauses on these contracts without overstepping the line, but why should the contractor be allowed to push the timeline out again and again. It is not fair on the people who pay their Local Property Tax." ■
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Slaney News
8 February 2021
Remembering the late, great Joe Doyle On 9th January 2020, the death occurred of Joseph Doyle, Doyle’s Bar, Duffry Hill, Enniscorthy.
Enniscorthy Drama Group:
Joe was the beloved son of John and Ann, and nephew of aunts Mary Doyle, Bessie Barry, Anne Lawler, Sheelagh O’Leary, the late Breda Ryan, and uncles Patrick Doyle, Victor Conlon, and the late Tom Conlon.
It is with a heavy heart that we write this message. Enniscorthy Drama group and indeed the town of Enniscorthy and beyond has lost a wonderful man in Joe Doyle.
A private family funeral for Joe was held on 12th January with burial afterwards.
We, as a drama group, were privileged to have Joe on our side and to say he worked hard and gave it his all is an understatement.
The Very Rev. Odhran Furlong at Joe’s funeral Mass spoke of how active Joe was in the community, how he lived life to the full in his short 48 years, and how he was never half-hearted in anything that he did.
Joe was one of the founding members of EDG and he devoted himself to stage management, props master and he was also known to tread the boards. He played the priest in "The Tinker's Wedding" and Dr. McSharry in "The Cripple of Inishmaan" and his most recent part was that of Nigel in "Well, anythin quare?" One of Joe's proudest moments was performing the part of Nigel in John B. Keane's pub in Listowel.
Fr Furlong said, “Joe was involved in absolutely everything... knew everything that was happening... and knew everybody.” He had “a phenomenal mind, memory and recall”. Joe was born on the feastday of St Joseph – the saint who is known to be “incredibly committed and loyal” and Fr Furlong drew a parallel with Joe who was so committed and loyal to his family, friends, relations and Enniscorthy town itself.
Joe was a true friend to all in EDG and he showed it by the lengths he went to for each play and each performance. We will miss you terribly Joe.
Fr Furlong had a special word for Joe’s parents: “For Ann and John he was so precious.” Mathiese Butler’s wonderful poem dedicated to Joe is reproduced on this page, and was read also by Fr. Furlong at the Mass which ended very poignantly with the playing by Colm O’ Tiarnaigh of You’ll Never Walk Alone – a nod to Joe’s love of Liverpool Football Club. May You Rest in Peace, Joe.
Nic Furlong: “Joe, I will forever miss your enthusiasm, character and wit. You truly were one of a kind. Enniscorthy won’t be the same without you that’s for sure. Fly high my friend.” Maria Nolan: “Round every street corner I will always see and miss you Joe, you were a part of Enniscorthy just as it was a part of you – R.I.P.”
RIP to a true gentleman.
Dedicated to Mr Joe Doyle We never needed Google, information to the cloud, ‘cause Joe’d remember EVERYTHING and repeat it, often, loud! He’d recall a dusty memory, that was usually decades old, and he’d spare you no embarrassment with the details he’d unfold. Never uttered though with malice it was innocent delight if he made you laugh while telling you it would set his face alight You’d get actions and impressions he would live out every scene He’d guide you back to memories lost you’d forgotten that you’d been Joe you take that hard drive with you filled with laughs and fun on file thanks my friend for giving me such a wonderful stockpile. © Mathiese Butler
Mathiese Butler, Anthony Breen, Anthony Pepper, Joe Doyle R.I.P. – friends since school.
Joe with Liam Doyle, Chairman of Enniscorthy Drama Group.
Johnny Mythen TD: Anyone who met Joe, grew to like him immediately. Mainly because of his lovely, quirky, innocent ways. He loved his music, drama and especially the craic that only Joe Doyle's pub could famously provide. He loved the Town with a passion and I know all his patrons loved him too. He fought against CF and always put the good side out. Joe passed by the old hack-nut tree [horse chestnut] on his beloved Fair Green on his final journey. So here's to our Joe. May we all meet again some day under that old hack-nut tree. Slán abhaile mo chara, codladh suaimhneas. Enniscorthy Municipal District Council: The January meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District opened with Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan speaking of Joe Doyle and the wonderful contribution he made to Enniscorthy in his short life with us. Her tribute to Joe was echoed by all the other Councillors present.
Anne Lawler, Bessie Barry, Joe Doyle R.I.P., John Doyle, Mary Doyle, Ann Doyle, Patrick Doyle at John’s 80th birthday.
Slaney News
www.slaneynews.com Below: A portrait of Joe by the very talented Lar Ó Duinn. Lar says: “We still can't believe it. You absolutely lit up our stage with your passion for drama and brought our theatre to life. We will sorely miss your visits – especially when you'd pop in excited to chat about updates and edits you made to the play you were working on. Our sincere condolences go out to Joe's loved ones. Rest in peace, Joe.”
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Doyle’s Bar: Liam Sharkey: So sorry to hear of the passing of the one and only Joe Doyle. He spent many years with us in PLC [Post Leaving Certificate] in Enniscorthy Vocational College, alongside the late Mo Dempsey and myself, and he became a part of the furniture. By the end of it, he could have taught the course himself. But for Joe, the social element was as important as the learning, and that continued for him throughout. His love of theatre and classic comedies on TV shone throughout, and he was always a great friend of Rathnure Panto too. So sorry that you will not get the send off you deserve in these troubling times, but you have left your mark on Enniscorthy for evermore. Rest in Peace Joe.
The Doyle’s Bar Facebook page included this piece: Our family is utterly heartbroken to lose someone so unbelievably loved, and under such tragic circumstances. It is difficult at the best of times but is even more trying during this terrible pandemic. We take comfort in all your kind calls, texts and posts and understand that you too would like to pay your final respects to Joe... In safer times, when restrictions have lifted, we will hold a Memorial Mass for Joe and a celebration of his life. We would love to see you all then to share our many treasured memories and stories, and to give Joe the proper send off that he so truly deserves. At dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
Julie Forster’s reflection written on 12th January: Where to start... I was in primary school with Joe. We went to the Presentation Convent up to the time the boys and girls were separated after making holy communion, and went to brothers (CBS) from second class on. My memory of primary with Joe was that he didn’t have the kindest of treatment in school. I wouldn’t think it improved when he went to ‘the brothers’ . I’ve known him all my life, only when my youngest daughter was diagnosed with CF did I realise that Joe had CF, when he approached me and told me, ‘Here, it’s not as bad as they make out, look at me.’ A year later I was diagnosed with CF myself. This frightened me beyond belief at the time as the one thing we’d been told when my daughter was diagnosed was that people with CF couldn’t mix because of cross-infection risks.
David Connolly of Moyne Rangers kindly sent us in the above photo and memory of Joe: Known to be lethal from the penalty spot, one of our favourite memories was him being awarded and scoring a penalty whilst playing for our ‘B’ Team in a heavy defeat at home to a strong Shamrock Rovers ‘A’ Team in a cup game back in the late 90’s sparking massive celebrations from both sides. We have many fond memories of Joe during his playing career before his other interests took over. The above photo shows Joe (second from left, back row) kitted out in the blue and white with the ‘B’ Team squad from 2000.
THANKS TO TERRY RICKARD FOR SHARING THE FOLLOWING PHOTOS:
Then I thought of myself and Joe. Unbeknownst to us of the dangers, we’d been in contact for 40-odd years and we were ok. Initially, when I was diagnosed I kept a distance, then I said, ‘Ah here f*** this, if we’re a danger to one another we’d know by now!’ Joe and his mam have done an unbelievable amount of fundraising for CFI [Cystic Fibrosis Ireland], the Wexford Branch in particular, over a number of years. I’m sorry for rambling, but Joe Doyle I hope you’re at peace, thank you so much for everything, the highs and lows, you drove me nuts and I’d clean your clock and then we’d make up. You were laid to rest today, I couldn’t go, but I’ve thought of nothing else all day. Fly high buddy. I’ll miss you.
Above: Joe with some of his cousins and Ita Kinnaird. Pic: Dee O’Leary. Left: Joe with Theresa O’Connor. Right: Joe with his parents, John and Ann, at his 40th birthday.
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Slaney News
8 February 2021
Seeking better SITING OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST CAUSES ANGER broadband
Cllr Lisa McDonald (second from left) at recent AIB Women in Enterprise event.
Fianna Fáil Councillor in the Rosslare LEA, Lisa McDonald, has called for Wexford County Council to engage urgently with providers to tackle the large number of broadband blackspots in rural areas of Co. Wexford. At the January monthly meeting of Wexford County Council, Cllr. McDonald called for the Broadband Officer to liaise with providers, in particular Eir, as a matter of urgency. “As the country re-enters tough but necessary Level 5 restrictions, many people who need functional high-speed broadband are deprived of it. Members of our communities who are ‘cocooning’ may not be able to video call their loved ones, secondary school students may miss out on vital online classes and employers and employees may not be able
to connect to important workrelated meetings, all because of the abysmal broadband speeds in these blackspots”, said Cllr. McDonald. “The failure of successive governments to prioritise the roll-out of high-speed broadband to rural areas is now leading to preventable inequality within society. For example, students studying from home in these blackspots in rural Wexford should be on a level playing field with a student studying in an urban area, but unfortunately this is not the case”. Cllr McDonald was later able to provide an update: “I am happy to confirm that the Broadband Officer of Wexford Co. Council has agreed to my suggestion and am hopeful that this important issue will be addressed urgently.” n
I read in the enniscorthy Guardian (issue dated 22 December 2020) an article reporting the anger of the residents of Moran Park and Seán Browne Court regarding the proposed erection of a telecommunications mast on the grounds of Enniscorthy United AFC. I t w a s re p o r t e d t h a t Wexford County Council refused it planning permission twice and it was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, who upheld the appeal and granted permission, much to the annoyance and anger of the residents living in the adjoining areas.
We have enough of such masts in Enniscorthy and the one that caused most anger in the town was the mast erected on Vinegar Hill. Many people believed that Vinegar is a National Monument but the only part of the hill that is a National Monument is the Windmill. Many complaints were submitted to the authorities but apparently we were told nothing could be done as the ESB Mast was erected before the Planning and Development Act of 1963 was enacted. The Leinster Milk Board had also erected a mast on Vinegar Hill but removed it when requested. The ESB did
the enhancement of existing facilities since 2016 and that investment is now proving its worth as more and more people discover and appreciate the facilities available on their doorstep. “It is being announced in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, who are co-funding the projects in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development.”
menting on the health aspect of mobile telecommunications technology in the community. In this modern age of rapid advances in all forms of technology, satellite phones should be capable of replacing cell phones and that combinations of companies should come together to co-operate in advancing the technology to such an extent that satellite phones can be as cheap and as effective as cell phones and eventually abolish the distress and anger of local communities who resent having foisted on their locality an unwanted ugly mast. – Sean Doyle
Enniscorthy needs new secondary school places Local Minister James Browne TD has welcomed confirmation of Educate Together patronage for new secondary school to be constructed in Gorey, and will now be concentrating on the need for additional Enniscorthy secondary school places following his meeting in December with Minister for Education Norma Foley. He commented, “While the project to develop a new school progresses in Gorey, equally, the demand for second level school places in Enniscorthy increases. The Minister has been made aware of the need for an increase in second level places for Enniscorthy CBS and is examining possible long-term and short-term solutions, includ-
Minister James Browne with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
ing providing emergency accommodation. The Minister also confirmed that the Department is examining site solutions for a new school for
Outdoor recreational funding boost €112,659 in funding for six Wexford outdoor recreational amenities, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, has been welcomed by local TD Paul Kehoe. Six projects across Co. Wexford will benefit from funding up to €20,000 each to develop trails, walkways, and beach accesss – see accompanying Table. Welcoming the funding, Deputy Kehoe said: “The last year has truly demonstrated the need for strong local amenities, providing us a space for exercise, fresh air and somewhere to go within our locality. “Now, more than ever before, we must look after our wellbeing and mental health and we need as many facilities throughout our county to help us to do this. “The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has provided investment for the development of new amenities and
lower their mast during the B i c e n t e n a r y Ye a r o f Commemoration in 1998, but restored it to its full height when the commemoration year was over. The mast was a desecration of our pre-eminent historic Vinegar Hill. There is another ugly mast further out at the back of Vinegar Hill festooned with unsightly appendages. We have another one at the rear of the Main Post Office and it certainly does nothing for the aesthetics of a centre town area or the efforts of the E n n i s c o r t h y Ti d y To w n Association. I’m not capable of com-
Under the programme launched in 2020, the Department of Rural and Community Development provides funding of up to 90% of the approved costs, with the additional 10% to be provided from other sources including Local Authority funds. All projects approved under Measure 1 of the 2020 scheme are subject to confir-
mation from the Local Authority/Local Development Company that they can be delivered in 2021. Further announcements in respect of medium and large scale projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with funding of up to €200,000 and €500,000 respectively for each project, will be made at a later stage. n
Meanscoil Gharman in Enniscorthy. “Covid-19 has shone a light on the importance of education and our school system. I look forward to work-
ing with Minister Foley and her Department to see progression on these new school projects in 2021,” concluded Minister Browne. n
Help at hand for retraining or upskilling Deputy Paul Kehoe has welcomed the launch of a new online portal for people seeking to upskill or retrain. The online portal – www.gov.ie/therightcourse – is a one-stop-shop for businesses, employees or unemployed persons and outlines the third-level options available to them. This can be a short part-time course, a course for an individual in employment or an option to return to third level. Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Kehoe said: “There are lots of opportunities out there, but sometimes it is hard to get a clear picture of what might suit you. This online portal should help to clarify that and will help us
all to develop the skills that we need for ourselves and throughout our communities. “This could also be an opportunity for people who may be temporarily unemployed due to Covid-19, with many courses allowing you to retain your social protection benefits. “I would also encourage business owners to explore the range of upskilling options available from Skillnet Ireland including enterprise-led busin e s s s u p p o r t s , t a rg e t e d upskilling opportunities for employees in businesses, free online training programmes and virtual job placements. Log onto www.gov.ie/ therightcourse.ie for further details. n
Slaney News
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HAVE YOUR SAY! Paul McGrath fundraiser in memory of Joe Doyle Irish soccer legend, the one and only Paul McGrath, has launched a 65 Roses Team Challenge for the month of February, in memory of his friend and long-time Cystic Fibrosis Ireland supporter and Slaney news columnist, Joe Doyle, who sadly passed away in January. As part of his 65 Roses Team Challenge, Paul is also raffling off prizes throughout the month to raise much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. The first prize is a retro O’Neill’s Irish Jersey (see photo). To be in with a chance to win any of the raffle prizes, simply donate to Paul’s Challenge using the link below or setting up your own #65RosesChallenge page!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ Communityviews1
https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Paul-McGrath17
Joe Doyle – Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
Residents Associations Grants Scheme 2021 Cllr John O’Rourke is reminding residents associations about grants available for planting of trees, shrubs, landscaping, etc. Wexford County Council may pay grants to residents associations to help them finance the carrying out of works of public amenity value which will improve and enhance the overall presentation of residential areas throughout County Wexford. Works that will qualify include, but are not limited to: 1. Planting of trees, shrubs, landscaping. 2. Community development initiatives. 3. Promoting social inclusion. 4. Promoting local heritage. The maximum grant payable is €600. Applications for grant assistance should be returned to the Borough/Municipal District Office in your area. If your application is successful and awarded a grant, please note that the grant payment will only be made out in the name of the organisation
Planning made easy for citizens
Cllr John O’Rourke
you have specified on your application form. Please ensure that this name is the same name as on the organisation’s bank account. The work will be subject to general oversight and inspection by the County Council. Please note that your application must be completed and submitted on or before 5pm, Friday, 12th February, 2021. Application Forms are available from enniscorthy@wexf o rd c o c o . i e o r p h o n e 053-9233540, or online from the Wexford County Council website. Closing date is 12th of February at 5pm, so hurry! n
FREEDOM, FLEXIBILITY AND CHOICE Enniscorthy Credit Union is 'Appy' to have launched its Enniscorthy Credit Union App – available to download now from the App Store or Google Play. It gives you everything that you need for your day-to-day banking with Enniscorthy Credit Union. And it is easier to log in to as members can use thumb print or facial recognition! If you are registered as an online user you just use the same details to login. If you would like to register just download the app and register using it! Not a member, no problem, if you are eligible to join you can join through the app too. Need any help? Just email online@enniscorthycu.ie or call 053 9233835.
Local firm wins national consultancy award
Congrats to local man Ronan McGrath and the team at McGrath Construction Consultants on winning The Public Sector Magazine Excellence in Business Awards for Construction Industry Consultancy.
Joe Doyle, R.I.P.
‘Images from Wexford’ is a new Facebook group set up by photographer Brian McDonald, for people at home and abroad to post and view all genres of images of our own beautiful county – historical, people, sport, landscape, seascape, wildlife, drone, art and astronomy. Anything goes but it must be relevant to the Model County. Above: Photo by Brian himself, entitled "Purple and Gold" taken at Ferybank, Wexford, using a long exposure. Check out “Images from Wexford” on Facebook.
A new series of online planning information leaflets will help put the citizen back into the heart of the planning process, local Fine Gael TD, Paul Kehoe, has said. The new leaflets contain practical, accessible information on how the planning system works and explain how best to engage with it. Deputy Kehoe said: “Proper planning across our communities transforms lives. It is a complex process but the key ingredient is engagement and collaboration with local residents. “To put the citizen back into the heart of the planning process first takes proper knowledge, information and awareness raising. “These leaflets are a small but crucial step in the work of the Office of the Planning Regulator established by government to, amongst other things, enhance public awareness of the benefits of planning and its role in shaping communities for the common good. “These leaflets replace ones published back in the 1990s and will be an invaluable tool for the householder thinking of improving their home, the business person in developing their premises or anyone who wants to know more about planning and the key role they can play in it.” The leaflets are entitled: Introducing the Planning System A Guide to the Development Plan A Guide to Planning Permission
Paul Kehoe TD
A Guide to Making a Planning Application A Guide to Making a Planning Appeal A Guide to Planning Enforcement in Ireland A Guide to Applying for Planning Permission to Build a House A Guide to Doing Work Around the House Agricultural and Farm Development – The Planning Issues A Guide to Planning for the Business Person Environmental Assessments and Planning in Ireland A Guide to Architectural Heritage Archaeology in the Planning Process Strategic Infrastructure Development. The leaflets are available at www.opr.ie/planning-leaflets/ They will also be made available on the websites of local authorities, libraries, and citizen information centres. n
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Slaney Food & Drink
8 February 2021
Strawberry growers – hard at it in February!
Gorey restaurant – Michelin Guide status Proprietor/Chef of Table Forty One, Andrew Duncan.
Cyril Wheelock, Finchogue, Enniscorthy. It might only be February but Enniscorthy’s top strawberry growers are already planting their 2021 crop.
Popular Gorey restaurant, Table Forty one, has been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2021, just published. The resturant is described as a “...cosy, welcoming restaurant. The con-
ENNISCORThy FARMERS’ MARKET: Saturday mornings, Abbey Square.
Jimmy Kearns, Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy.
cise seasonal menu offers classic, technically adept dishes with a great balance of texture and flavour.” Michelin Bib Gourmand awards recognise those establishments offering good food at affordable prices. Another Wexford restaurant to retain its Bib Gourmand status from earlier years is Aldridge Lodge in Duncannon, as did ShaRoe Bistro (Clonegall) making it three local restaurants out of only 18 nationally to achieve that status. Published now in a digi-
tal format only, by tyre manufacturer Michelin, the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2021 is available at https://guide.michelin.com/ie /en and via the iOS app: https://apps.apple.com/gb/a pp/michelin-guide-worldwide/id1541129177 n
To advertise in the Slaney News please contact: 087-2403310
Essential food businesses...
Slimming World Groups The Salt n Pepper Pot Community Workshop Enniscorthy Providing you with a service no matter what the covid restrictions are New Members Welcome Call Tony on 087 1785384
One of those keeping Enniscorthy and district supplied with fresh food during the Covid-19 restrictions is Killian Stafford of Brendan Stafford Craft Butchers, Rafter Street, Enniscorthy.
How to avoid food wastage SOME TIPS FROM ALDI: Reducing food waste can be really easy and so satisfying. Having empty shelves in your fridge on the day of your food shop means you know you have done your best to use everything you have! Here are some top tips! Prepare a meal plan. Use the system FIFO - first in first out - rotate your food and bring the oldest to the front always so it is the first one you grab. Make a shopping list! Planning your meals before you head to the shop helps you pick up the items you need. Buy frozen green vegetables as a backup for when fresh run out towards the end of the week. Pay attention to the ‘use by’ dates and
make sure you know the difference between ‘use by’ and ‘best before’. ‘Use by’ means that you must use it by this date for it to be safe to eat and ‘best before’ means that it is at its best quality before this date. Watch your portion size. Measure your pasta out and only cook what you need to avoid the excess going into the bin. Freeze food before its ‘use by’ date. Freeze fresh berries after two days in the fridge and use them in smoothies or with cereal. Use your leftovers the next day. So if you cook too many boiled potatoes for dinner, think of what you can do the next day – make a soup or sauté them for example. n
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Comhairle Contae
053 919 6000 www.wexfordcoco.ie customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
Loch Garman Carricklawn, Wexford Y35 WY93
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts Public Convenience Caretaker (Bunclody) Public Convenience Caretaker (Rosslare) 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 is: 5.00pm on Thursday 25th February, 2021.
Wexford County Council Amenity & Arts and Residents Association Grant Schemes 2021 Amenity & Arts Grant Scheme 2021 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. • • • • •
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following posts Temporary Social Care Worker Assistant Civil Defence Officer Temporary Senior Staff Officer (Business Development Officer) Selection for the 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 all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie Please note all applications for the above posts must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie Printed hard copies will be NOT be accepted for the above posts.
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.
Residents Association Grant Scheme 2021 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, details below, or from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie, where online applications for both Grant Schemes can also be made. Enniscorthy: Gorey: New Ross: Rosslare:
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the above posts is: Temporary Social Care Worker - 5.00pm on Thursday 18th February, 2021. Assistant Civil Defence Officer - 5.00pm on Thursday 25th February, 2021. Temporary SSO (Business Development Officer) - 5.00pm on Thursday 25th February, 2021. Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Wexford:
Phone 053-9233540 or E-mail enniscorthy@wexfordcoco.ie Phone 053-9483800 or E-mail gorey@wexfordcoco.ie Phone 051-421284 or E-mail newross@wexfordcoco.ie Phone 053-9196913 or E-mail rosslaremunicipaldistrict@wexfordcoco.ie Phone 053-9166900 or E-mail wexfordborough@wexfordcoco.ie
The latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms is: 5:00pm on Friday, 12th February, 2021. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Safeguarding Courses 2021
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post Course
Date
Time
Venue
Cost
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.
Safeguarding 1 Basic Awareness Course
Weds 10th Feb Places Limited
7.00pm – 10.00pm
ZOOM
€20
Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for this post are available from: Customer Service (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford.
Safeguarding 2 Children’s Officer Course
Mon 22nd Feb Places Limited
7.00pm – 10.00pm
ZOOM
€20
Craftworker (Carpenter)
Phone 053 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Pre-payment is essential for courses to proceed.
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is:
Contact office on 053 919 6557or e-mail sports.active@wexfordcoco.ie
5.00pm on Thursday 18th February, 2021.
Note: Bookings can be made online – https://pay.easypaymentsplus.com/feepay1.aspx?id=179
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Street Lights Broken? Report on www.deadsureapp.com
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Outside office hours call: 1890 666 777 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
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Slaney Business & Finance
8 February 2021
www.slaneynews.com
86 Wexford businesses allocated €4.7m in LEADER Grants Between July 2016 and December 2020, Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in partnership with Wexford Local Development (WLD) awarded LEADER grant aid of €4.7m to eighty-six businesses throughout the county to facilitate business expansion and diversification. Successful businesses come from a diverse range including niche food producers, tourism enterprises, creative industries and specialised engineering services. Feasibility studies for potential new tourism developments around the county have also been grant aided. In summary, this grant aid is supporting the creation of 250 new jobs in the county as well as sustaining 725 existing jobs in the grant-aided businesses. This has a significant impact on the economy of County Wexford and is certainly in keeping with the main aim of LEADER to strengthen the rural economy and to improve the quality of life in rural areas. An indication of the success of LEADER in Wexford is that during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Wexford LCDC allocated almost €1.6m in grant aid to the following twenty-six forward-thinking Wexford businesses: Barnadown Show Jumping Ltd €82,581.22 for installation
of “all-weather” arena with international standard showjumping fences.
Pictured at the recent LEADER contract signing with Ryan’s Bakery Wexford Ltd (L-R): Billy Ryan, Director, Ryan’s Bakery, Tom Bermingham, LEADER Programme, WLD, and Tim Ryan, Director, Ryan’s Bakery.
Bianca Divito €18,097 for conversion works to develop a workshop/studio for glass art sales and training and a glass kiln to facilitate increased productivity.
Tony Boland T/A APB Treecare €6,087 for purchase of a log cabin and fit out for office use for a specialised tree surgery and arboriculture business.
Cowhouse Studios €9,833.78 for upgrade of IT equipment to enhance the online presence of the business. Freshtoday Catering Wexford Ltd €60,366.44 for purchase of specialised equipment to allow for the roll-out of the hot meals scheme in schools across the region. Granite Links Ltd €20,737.50 for feasibility study to determine viable options for a tourism enterprise.
Trudies Catering Kitchen Ltd T/A Trudies Kitchen €13,690 for supply and installation of essential equipment to facilitate business expansion. Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in partnership with Wexford Local Development has responsibility for the delivery of LEADER funding in the county under the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development. Through LEADER, Wexford LCDC focuses on supporting local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy and the creation of employment opportunities in the county.
of a feasibility study.
Greenhill Fruit Farm Ltd €20,447.50 for purchase of additional pack-house equipment as well as branding and marketing supports.
Kilcannon Industries CLG €84,112.75 for construction works to assist the development of an enterprise incubation hub.
Inish Pebble Co Ltd €77,500 for construction costs of a building for an automated bagging system for beach pebble and silica sand products.
L a m h C h u n t a Te o r a n t a €44,048.98 for construction of a multi-purpose unit and upgrading of IT equipment to facilitate Irish language schoolbook business development.
IP Passenger Services Ltd T/A Wexford Bus €67,269.67 for supply and installation of an environmentally friendly vehicle wash system. John hassey €12,705 for support towards the conduction
Three Sisters Cruise Company Ltd €200,000 for refurbishment works for a 75-seater cruise vessel to operate on the river Barrow between New Ross and Waterford City.
Mary O hanlon T/A Tasty Parlour €5,347.65 for purchase of catering equipment and storage space to facilitate the expansion of this gluten and wheat-free artisan producer.
Morris Manufacturing Ltd €78,000.00 for purchase of specialised equipment to facilitate the manufacturing of bespoke trailers for the agricultural sector. Natural Ice Cream Co. Ltd T/A Scup Gelato €48,610 for purchase a range of production equipment to facilitate business expansion. O’Neill Foods Ltd T/A O N e i l l ’s D r y C u r e B a c o n Company €17,133.50 for upgrade of essential equipment for this producer of Irish dry-cured bacon products. Promotex Ltd €26,200 for purchase of an industrial embroi-
dery machine to facilitate business expansion. Robert O Connor T/A The Woodturning Studio €5,256.04 to purchase woodworking equipment to facilitate expansion of training workshops. Ryan’s Bakery Wexford Ltd €194,037.13 for the associated fit-out costs of a new bakery at Whitemill Industrial Estate, Wexford. Slaney Spirits Ltd €175,600.49 for support towards the development of a micro distillery and gin experience as a new rural tourism attraction in the county.
Wexford Cable Industries Ltd €83,776.50 for purchase of equipment for cable cutting and crimping to facilitate business expansion. Wexford home Preserves €27,976 for purchase of equipment to expand production of jams, marmalades, savoury and speciality preserves. Wheelock Fruits Ltd €7,257 for purchase of refrigerated units to expand and display artisan products available for sale in the farm shop. Zanna Cookhouse Ltd €188,479.20 for the associated fit-out costs of a new food production facility at Whitemill Industrial Estate, Wexford. Tom Bermingham (085 823 9314) and Helena Dempsey (087 173 7502) are the LEADER contact points for the business sector in the county. n
Wexford businesses get €1m to help them go online Tara Hill
LEADER Programme 2014 - 2020
E S TAT E
GOREY BUNCLODY
ENNISCORTHY Three Sisters CRUISE C O M PA N Y LT D
NEW ROSS
WEXFORD
CARROT FACTORY BREWING WEXFORD ADVENTURE TRAIL
Liz Hore, Head of Enterprise, Wexford Local Enterprise Office
Local Fine Gael TD, Paul Kehoe, has confirmed that €1,049,177 was granted to 458 Wexford businesses in 2020 to help them go online through the Trading Online Voucher Scheme. Deputy Kehoe said: “The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is designed to help support small and micro businesses to develop their online presence. As part of this there is a grant available of up to €2,500 to help them develop or enhance their ability to trade online. In addition, as part of the scheme, small and
micro businesses can avail of peer-to-peer advice and support through the Local Enterprise Offices. “It is great to see local businesses developing and expanding their online offering, particularly during this challenging pandemic as it has offered a new route to market for many businesses affected by closures. “It is for this reason that funding for the Scheme was increased from €2.3m to €39.8m in 2020 to respond to the challenges presented by Covid-19. The Government also introduced new flexibilities to the Scheme including reducing the requirement for co-funding and allowing businesses to apply for a second
Paul Kehoe TD
voucher where they have successfully utilised their first one. “I encourage any businesses in Wexford that have not yet applied for this Scheme to do so. In order to be eligible, an applicant business must have a limited online trading presence; 10 or less employees; turnover of less than €2 million; and must be trading for at least 6 months. Businesses should contact Wexford Local Enterprise Office on 053-919 6020 or email info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie for more information on how to apply. n
Slaney Services
25
€4.7m LEADER Funding Allocated to the Enterprise Sector From July 2016 to December 2020
€4.7m Funding Breakdown to Rural Enterprises €2.2m Allocated to Food and Beverage Enterprises €1.4m Allocated to Rural Tourism Enterprises €1.1m Allocated
975
Jobs Created / Sustained
250 725
New Jobs Created Existing Jobs Sustained
Breakdown of Existing/New Enterprises Supported
Supported 86 Enterprises by Sector
20 23 17 15 4 3 3 1
Rural Innovation Food & Beverage
Feasibility Studies
19
Renewable Energy
67
This month Joe Kavanagh takes a look at pet nutrition.
Social Enterprises Adventure Trail Training Programme
Breakdown of Funding % per District
Gorey 18% Existing/Returning Enterprises
with the Moyne Veterinary Hospital
Creative Industries
Rosslare 14%
New/Potential Enterprises
VET DIARY FOR FEBRUARY
Rural Tourism
New Ross 19%
I was listening to a webinar recently on pet nutrition hosted by vets from Cornell University. I was interested to get the up-to-the-minute thinking on nutrition from these people. One of the speakers, Dr Loftus, was a very interesting guy and raised a few topics that are as relevant in human nutrition as in animal nutrition. They spoke about the link between immunology and diet and the connection between the two. The old adage is 'you are what you eat'... or the French have a saying, 'We dig our graves with our teeth!!!'... Bit more pointed and hits the mark pretty well.
Enniscorthy 26% Wexford 23%
For information on the LEADER Programme: Helena Dempsey 087 173 7502 - hdempsey@wld.ie | Tom Bermingham 085 823 9314 - tbermingham@wld.ie
Dr Loftus spoke about how 70% of the immunity is located in the gut and if we can get the gut working well then our immune system works well, isn't overloaded and can function optimally. Better gut health translates to better overall health. He mentioned two things to help... one was the importance of the right bacteria in the gut... how probiotics are of huge help in this regard. With the correct microflora in the gut, these good bacteria break down the food into a more readily available substrate with is absorbed up into the blood stream, assimilated by the liver and easily processed. Where the problem comes in is if we've the wrong bacteria in the gut, leading to poor digestion, poor absorption/ assimilation and eventually causing problems in the bowel, liver and possibly elsewhere. Getting the right food for your pet is important... You don't want to be putting petrol into a diesel engine... Similarly giving dogs and cats good food that’s more easily digested promotes good health and usually longevity. The quick rule of thumb is a wheat free, corn free, soya free diet as these are generally all GM products now and often more difficult to break down internally. The case is being made more and more for a Raw Food diet too... Some dogs do exceptionally well on this diet but not all. There are so many choices out there now for your pets it can be difficult to get the right one for your pet. Depending on everyone's circumstances, people have to make the call for what works best for their situation but we are very happy to advise clients on the one that might work best for them. Whether young or old, getting the microbiome correct helps everything function better, alongside a good wholesome healthy diet. That's as true for us as it is for them!! Give us a call or drop in some day to ask our vets and nurses about what might work best for your pet. n
If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please text SLANEY NEWS at 087-2403310 or email: slaneynews@gmail.com
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OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK): 9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment): Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm. 24-hour, on-call, Emergency Service: (053) 9233187.
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28
Slaney History
8 February 2021
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Co. Wexford – Parish by Parish Launch of On Our Own Ground: County Wexford Parish by Parish, Volume 2 and 3, written by Dr. Edward Culleton. Two new volumes of the publication On Our Own Ground: County Wexford Parish by Parish were launched by Oulart man, Dr. Patrick Prendergast, Provost, Trinity College Dublin, on 28th January. This three-volume series, written and compiled by Dr Ned Culleton, with contributing editor Celestine Murphy, is a stand-out publication that details the built and natural heritage of County Wexford through the centuries. It is beautifully illustrated with colour photography, drawings and maps to complement the detailed text. On Our Own Ground provides researchers and local peop l e w i t h a re c o rd o f t h e landscape, archaeological sites, industrial, commercial and domestic buildings, and other man-made objects that dot the Wexford countryside. The books showcase the impact man has made on the landscape and his contribution to the heritage
of our localities. As many people are most interested in the heritage of their own areas, the parish and townland are the basis for this book’s design. The parish is ‘our own ground’ – the one area we know best, to which we belong, where who we are matters. It is the place where every field, stream, hill and valley is known and is part of our lives. The parishes referenced in On Our Own Ground are the modern Catholic parishes and parts of parishes that lie within the Co. Wexford boundary. As Dr Culleton notes in the introduction, the use of the Catholic parish unit, as a vehicle for conveying information, is based on practical considerations of useful geographic size, local familiarity with the landscape, and on community and sporting allegiances within each area. Parish by parish, On Our Own Ground gives brief descriptions on all significant manmade and natural places of interest in the county. A guide to sources is listed at the end of each parish section for those who wish to do further research. One crucial addition is the
inclusion of clear mapping references, to pinpoint each site with precision. Within the parish, the townland, the smallest administrative territorial unit in the county, provides the most intimate connection between the landscape and its people. The townlands system is of Gaelic origin, many pre date the Norman invasion, although their number, boundaries and names have been considerably altered over time. Some townland names still bear the family name of the early occupiers of the land, for example, Ballybrennan translates as ‘the place of Ó Braonáin’. It is through this historical interaction between the landscape and its people that the modern countryside, with its rich legacy of archaeological monuments, has evolved. Within County Wexford there are forty-five parishes and seven parts of parishes from bordering counties, and almost 3,000 townlands. Volume two and three, complete the three-volume series. A cumulative index has been added to volume three.
Contributors: Dr Ned Culleton, a native of Piercestown, is a graduate of NUI Maynooth and of Trinity College Dublin. A former soils scientist with Johnstown Castle, university lecturer and EU research manager in Brussels, Dr. Culleton is the author of several books, including Wexford’s Industrial Potential, The South Wexford Landscape and Celtic and Early Christian Wexford. Celestine Murphy, the series editor and co-author of volume three, is a local historian and retired librarian with Wexford County Council Library Service. The production of these volumes was project managed by librarians Hazel Percival and Susan Kelly and with the Geo-mapping coordinated by Catherine Kavanagh, Head of Information Services, Wexford County Council and her team. Wexford County Council won the 'Supporting Active Communities’ 2014 award at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards for the first volume of this publication. The judges said that the
Wexford project was meticulous in its detail and inclusive of all communities across County Wexford. It offered a model that could be replicated countrywide to create a national record of major importance. n
‘On Our Own Ground: County Wexford Parish by Parish’, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 can be ordered online from selected bookshops and will be available soon from bookshops in Co. Wexford, price €30 each.
Helen Skrine née Boxwell, tells the story of her Anglo-Irish family The story of one of County Wexford’s most prominent Anglo-Irish families for more than 400 years, is the subject of a new memoir titled The Boxwells of Butlerstown Castle which featured on the RTÉ One Television Nationwide programme presented by Helen McInerney earlier this month and which may be viewed now on the RTE Player. Helen Skrine, née Boxwell, aged 94, who was seen on the programme by hundreds of thousands of viewers giving a rousing rendition of Boolavogue on her piano, wrote the book
over a period of 30 years before she gave it to her daughter Anna Skrine-Brunton for final research and editing and having it published last month. The book gives an account of how her ancestors came to the 15th century Butlerstown Castle, Tomhaggard, Co. Wexford, from Wooton Bassett in Wiltshire, England in the 1600s. Beside the castle is her home, Butlerstown House, where she was born “a Wexford woman”. Helen Skrine tells of how the Boxwells settled in the Forth and Bargy baronies of Wexford and from there went across the
Launching her memoir and family history, ‘The Boxwells of Butlerstown Castle’, in centre is author Helen Skrine, née Boxwell, aged 94, former president of Wexford Historical Society, her daughter Anna Skrine-Brunton, researcher, editor and developer of the book, on left is her grandson Jack Skrine-Brunton and on right are her friends, Eithne Scallan and Jim Kelly, with Butlerstown Castle in the background.
world and influenced social, political, economic and cultural change everywhere they went. The Harvey, Skrine, Stokes and St Leger Doneraile families are part of that lineage. Although they came mainly from England, Helen says: “We’re probably as Irish as anybody else in Ireland”. Her extended ancestral families and connections lived at the castles at Ballycogley, Bargy, Ballyteigue, Butlerstown and Lingstown. She tells in descriptive, colourful, and entertaining prose about her great and sometimes sad and oftentimes funny expe‘The Boxwells of Butlerstown Castle’ is available at School and Office Supplies, Selskar, Wexford town and from Anna SkrineBrunton at Butlerstown House Tel: 053 91 35506.
riences and the history of her family in the 1798 Rebellion, the War of Independence of 100 years ago, Word War II and the bleak 1950s living in a big house beside the historic Butlerstown Castle on its 100-acre farm. She combines her experiences with her interpretation of Ireland and Irish history. Amongst the most prominent people of her ancestry is Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey of nearby Bargy Castle, who was commander-in-chief of the rebel forces in the 1798 Rebellion. He was wounded at the Battle of Ross but was found at the Saltee Islands and was hanged by the English forces at Wexford Bridge. There is a strong medical tradition in her family including Dr Whitley Stokes, Chair of Physicians in Trinity College Dublin in the 1790s and Dr William Boxwell (1875–1943), President of the Royal Irish College of Physicians in 1939, who treated Countess Markievicz during the 1916 Rebellion. Helen Skrine’s connections extend to Oscar Wilde, whose mother was Jane Francesca Elgee the poet “Speranza”, from Wexford town and whose father John was rector at St. Iberius Church, Robert McClure, the Arctic explorer and the St Legers of Doneraile Co. Cork who founded the horse race of the same name. In more than 16 family trees dating back to the 1500s, she connects her direct family to a host of other prominent and iconic names. The extended fam-
ily connections now stretch from Wexford to England to Asia, to South America and Australia. Helen Skrine grew up in Butlerstown House, near Tomhaggard in southeast County Wexford, in the 1920s and attended Alexandra College and Trinity College in Dublin. She spent much of her life in London with the BBC and later in Malaya, India, where she lived with her late husband John Skrine, a lawyer there. During the 1980s, she was president of the Wexford Historical Society. Her daughter Anna SkrineBrunton, editor of the book, started life in Malaysia, and then came to Dublin, London and Wales before returning to Butlerstown. She attended the
Royal Academy of Music in London, and then worked in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and later for the Spitalfields Trust, saving Georgian houses on the edge of The City of London. She now lives at Butlerstown with her husband Jim, a master builder, and her son Jack. Her eldest son Jonathan is in Wales. With some friends she set up a Centre for Natural Therapies in Wexford about 20 years ago, working there as a nutritionist. She continues that work in the Only Natural health food shop in Wexford town. She is currently chairperson of the Wexford Festival Singers choir, and has recently been setting classic Irish poems to music. n
Slaney Around the Region
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BUNCLODY… BunCLODY LIBRARY The following resources are available: Online library 24/7: Free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eLanguage learning, online courses, comics and graphic novels, business and company research and more can be found on the eBooks and eResources section of the library website. Not a library member? Join today at www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries - it’s free and easy. Delivery: Book Call Service for elderly/vulnerable and cocooning citizens. You can request a bag of books and the Library will deliver directly to your door. Phone: 0539196566, 9.30am—5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
BunCLODY DAY CARE SERVICES Due to Covid-19, Bunclody Day Care remains closed. It will reopen as soon as possible. SIGnACARE nuRSInG HOME SignaCare Bunclody is a new, state-of-the-art, 62-bedded nursing home, in the heart of Bunclody. Contact SignaCare in Bunclody, email: info@signacare.ie, tel: 053 93 76222. TOuRISM BunCLODY Make sure to visit the Tourism Bunclody Facebook page to view the great images which are posted there daily.
PLAYGROunD & TEnnIS Please use your own sanitiser before entering these facilities and adhere to social distancing rules. ST VInCEnT DE PAuL Local Confidential helpline 087-3696883. SVP request box is now located at back of shop. There is a newspaper recycling
CLOHAMON
– a new online hub promoting business in the Bunclody area. And a great way also to keep up to date with what’s happening in the town. On the site you can get a FREE listing to promote your business.
Proprietor Mags Walsh outside the impressive exterior of the SignaCare Nursing Home in Bunclody.
bin beside SuperValu in aid of S.V.P. SVP charity shop Bunclody is looking for volunteers to help in store. If you’re interested please contact Zoe at
085 8705670 or email vincents.bunclody@svp.ie. nEW LOCAL BuSInESS WEBSITE www.bunclodybusiness.com
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B u n C L O D Y PA R I S H OFFICE The office is open: Tuesday 8:30am - 1:00pm Wednesday 8:30am - 1:00pm Friday 8:30am - 1:00pm
Emma Pierce, Bunclody, who was recently conferred as a Member of Accounting Technicians Ireland, as well as receiving her Diploma for Accounting Technicians. www.accountingtechnicians ireland.ie
Parish Office Contact No: 053 93 76190. E-mail: mostholytrinity po@gmail.com. Fr O’Connor Contact No: 053 93 77319. Sisters Contact No: 053 93 75398. n
The Clohamon Development Group has been awarded €100,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to refurbish Clohamon school into a multi-purpose community centre with digitalhub/training facilities, solar PV and playground. The funding will also cover a heritage signed walking trail and biodiversity signage on the riverbank. The group acknowledges Slaney Foods for their matched funding of €20,000 to support the application, without which the project wouldn't be possible. The group also thanks Councillors Barbara-Anne Murphy, Kathleen CoddNolan, and TDs James Browne, P a u l K e h o e a n d Ve ro n a Murphy for all their support. And Wexford County Council community section (Yvonne Byrne) and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Manager Ger Mackey for his backing. Mr Mackey was fulsome in his praise of the Clohamon group and community at the Enniscorthy Municipal Distrct meeting of 18th January. n
ROSSLARE STRAND... The disused Iona Hotel building on a 3-acre site in Rosslare Strand was auctioned on 14th January achieving a price of €3.36m. This unique seafront prope r t y w i t h 1 2 0 m o f ro a d frontage in the centre of Rosslare Strand, was described by the auctioneer as “ideally suited to a residential, commercial or mixed use development”. Bidding opened at €1.75m and 145 bids later from six bidders, it was purchased by a Dublin solicitor on behalf of an unnamed client. n
BALLYCARNEY… Local man Dillon Beale has organised a fundraiser to buy a life-saving Defibrillator for Ballycarney with a target of reaching €3,000. Dillon says, “Every penny counts, just as every second does when it comes to using this invaluable piece of equipment... We hope that none of us will ever need to use this but should we need to it will be available to all in the community so please give generously.” For more information or to make a contribution: https://ie.gofundme.com/f/ ballycarney-defibrillatorfundraiser And on Facebook see: ‘BallycarneyDefib’ n
The disused Iona Hotel in Rosslare Strand which sold for over €3m at auction in January.
ROSSLARE EUROPORT... Glenn Carr, General Manager of Rosslare Europort – Ireland’s Gateway to Europe – has welcomed the announcement at the beginning of February by Brittany Ferries of a further weekly service between the port and St Malo/Roscoff in Brittany, France, beginning on 4th February. The new services bring to 32 – sixteen in each direction – the number of weekly direct services across all shipping operators between Rosslare Europort and the European continent, establishing Rosslare as Ireland’s number one port for direct European services.
The first month of trading in 2021 has seen sensational results at Rosslare Europort. Despite the challenges of Covid 19 and the current difficulties with the UK post Brexit, overall Freight traffic at the port is 45% ahead when compared to the same period last year. While UK traffic is down 49% for January, European Freight is up an incredible 446% year-on-year with unprecedented demand for the new direct services operating from Rosslare Europort to mainland Europe. Commenting on the first month of trading for 2021, General Manager, Glenn Carr
stated, “The demand has been phenomenal for the new and expanded services from all of our operators, and these results prove the strategic importance and potential of the port to our customers, industry and our economy. Through the significant challenges with Covid and Brexit, great credit must go to all colleagues working at the port and our shipping lines who have provided exceptional frequency and capacity on the now 32 services a week between Rosslare and Europe. We will continue to work with shipping lines and Irish industry in identifying further opportunities to meet market demand.” n
30
Slaney Motoring
Caroline gets motoring REVIEW BY CAROLINE KIDD
Toyota C-HR Review The Toyota C-HR marked a turning point for the Toyota brand when it was first launched back in 2016. The coupé crossover heralded the arrival of a new generation of Toyota cars built upon the TnGA platform, with more dynamism and style. The C-HR was a dramatic departure in styling for the brand, and continues to command attention on Irish roads. In 2020 Toyota debuted a mildly facelifted version of the popular C-HR, introducing some new features and powertrain options. The Toyota C-HR has been a huge success in Ireland and a top 10 bestseller for the Japanese brand. Priced from €29,995, the C-HR is now exclusively sold as a hybrid. However Toyota has also
8 February 2021
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widened the range with the arrival of a new 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain. It offers even more performance than the 1.8-litre hybrid version that helped the C-HR to establish itself in Ireland over the last five years. The C-HR’s dramatic coupe-like styling and crossover stance remain a stand out feature. There is new LED technology in the headlights and rear lights, with the daytime running lights (DRLs) and indicators combined into one frontal projector emitting a single smooth line above the main beam. At the rear, the new combi lamps are connected by a new gloss black spoiler. There are three trim levels – Luna, Sport and Sol – with varying levels of bling applied to the car depending
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on trim level, from different alloy wheel designs to the bitone roof option. Inside, Toyota has trimmed the interior with some new fabrics and materials. However the cabin remains stylish and contemporary with an intriguing diamond motif theme throughout. It appears in for example the shape of the control buttons for the media system, and even as an embedded pattern in the roof of the car. The driving position in the C-HR is very comfortable, with plenty of adjustment in the seat. There is some elevation to it though overall the driver feels very snug and cosseted in the seat, like a hatchback, as opposed to feeling perched upon the vehicle. Apple Car Play and
Android Auto are now available and there is a large touchscreen as standard. Other equipment highlights include Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety equipment including traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitor, JBL premium sound system, dual zone climate control, cruise control, ambient lights, parking camera and heated front seats. The C-HR will seat five with reasonable space for rear occupants. The beautiful coupe style on the outside means that the rear can be quite dark for passengers but there is competitive legroom. A powered tailgate is available and the boot has a capacity of 377 litres. T h e 1 . 8 - l i t re h y b r i d
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Bunclody native Caroline Kidd brings us reviews of the latest new cars to arrive in Ireland. Caroline is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing Lanes and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie.
Interior (122hp) is now joined by a higher powered 2.0-litre hybrid with 184hp. Fuel consumption is quoted as low as 4.8 litres per 100 km in the entry level 1.8-litre hybrid C-HR. On test, we drove the Launch Edition sold exclusively with the more performance oriented 2.0-litre hybrid. On the road the Toyota CHR 2.0-litre hybrid feels robust and well balanced in terms of power and its delivery through a CVT automatic gearbox. Refinement has been improved with less interruption from the CVT gearbox to ensure a smooth, calm and quiet presence in the cabin. At low speeds in town for example or when parking, the electrical assistance kicks in ensuring that overall, we returned an impressive 5.5 litres per 100 km on our test drive. Toyota has made some dynamic upgrades including a modified EPS tuning for improved steering feel. The 2.0-litre hybrid also gets a new suspension design that improves ride comfort while retaining the Toyota C-HR’s handling capabilities. All variants also feature an upgraded Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) pack to further reduce cabin noise. As a result the C-HR is comfortable to drive on the road and one of the brand’s most premium vehicles in terms of behaviour. It’s competent on the road and in this class of vehicle it feels responsive and agile in terms of controls and how it responds to driver inputs. The Toyota brand’s strong presence in Ireland means the C-HR has established itself quickly in the market as an alternative to the familiar family SUV pack. There
are more practical crossovers available in this price range but the C-HR is one of the most premium feeling models in the Toyota range, with design and style going some way to justify its positioning in the market. Add in an ultra trendy hybrid powertrain that genuinely delivers good return on economy and you can understand this car’s appeal. The Launch Edition 2.0litre hybrid had a hefty price tag (€38,515) but there is better value to be had elsewhere in the range, with the C-HR coming well-equipped from entry. The 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain will suit most motorists, but I did enjoy the power and refinement of the C-HR 2.0-litre hybrid. The addition of Apple Car Play and Android Auto is a welcome technology update and the C-HR’s cabin still looks stylish and contemporary against the competition. It’s very easy to see the appeal of the C-HR from behind the wheel and I enjoyed my time spent with the car. As more hybrids come to market, the sophistication of the hybrid powe r t r a i n a n d To y o t a ’ s experience in this area shines through. Model tested: Toyota C-HR Launch Edition. Price: €38,515. Engine: 2.0-litre petrol electric hybrid. Power: 184 hp. Torque: 190 Nm. 0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds. Top speed: 180 km/h Fuel economy (WLTP): 5.2 l/100km CO2 emissions (WLTP): 119 g/km Motor Tax: €190 per year n
Slaney News
www.slaneynews.com nestled snugly in the shadow of the Vitosha Mountain, Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, is an emerging metropolis, boasting a chequered past and an eclectic mix of peoples, religions, cultures and architectural traditions all existing peacefully and tolerantly together in this ancient city of wisdom. Not many can claim to be as old as this Wise Lady whose origins go back over 8,000 years. She is Bulgaria’s largest city and has been its Capital since the late 19th Century. Sofia’s importance through the centuries is well documented and is down to one main component – location, location, location! Sofia stands at the crossroads of the Balkan Peninsula between the Black and Adriatic Seas and close to the Aegean Sea and has linked Europe and the Orient down through the generations. She is ornate, ancient, colourful and diverse and her people cosmopolitan, friendly and helpful. She is a sleeping giant slowly emerging from the shackles of communism and destined to become one of the tourism hotspots of Eastern Europe. Sofia, I have to say, wasn’t on my Bucket List until I saw a 5-day trip to the Bulgarian Capital advertised in my local travel agents – Mackin Travel, for the very reasonable sum of €499 including flights, accommodation, B&B and evening meal, as well as guided city tour and day trip to Plovdiv. It was a no brainer – I booked it immediately. We flew Ryanair from Dublin to Sofia, to be met on arrival by the lovely, affable Marina, our local Tour Guide and Ailise our pleasant representative from Mackin Travel, and were taken by coach to our hotel – Hotel Festa on the outskirts of the city at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. A pleasant hotel and a pleasing location well serviced by Sofia’s efficient tram system with the terminal of the No.7 just across the road. Over the five days we used the tram several times and found it easy to navigate and extremely cheap. The Festa Hotel has a spacious and ornate lobby surrounded by many beautiful paintings with sale prices attached. The rooms are airy with massive, comfortable beds
Timely Travel: Sofia The Wise but I did bemoan the absence of coffee-making facilities which are always nice to have when travelling. Breakfast is good and varied ranging from fruits – fresh and dried, nuts, seeds and cereals, breads, cold meats and selection of cheeses to eggs scrambled, boiled and fried, rashers, sausages and beans. Tea and coffee are from a machine – but not bad, I particularly liked their Black Tea with Earl Gray overtures. Evening meals were basic. Lots of fresh salads and fruits with meat and potatoes but the meat is in the main chicken or pork, we saw no beef or lamb, and one evening we had fish. There were no sauces, no casseroles and no pies, very plain food but lots of it. If you fancy an after-dinner tipple, and who doesn’t on holidays, there were two small bars, one in the lobby and one just outside the restaurant. The drink is reasonably priced but they didn’t seem to be interested in serving for any length of time certainly not the length of time that Irish people require when on vacation. Suffice it to say that they suffered us until quite by accident we came across a most unusual spot on the 4th floor called the Sahara Lounge. Swayed in rich silk curtains, draped ceilings and low lying colourful couches it was like entering a Bedouin tent in the middle of an oasis. A couple across from us were smoking something fragrant from elaborate Shisha pipes and when I enquired as to what they were smoking I was told she was smoking Rose while he puffed on Cinnamon. Disappointingly, we were not offered a drag but I have to say I rather enjoyed this most bizarre bar in the company of friends from Tyrone, newly met. After breakfast the next morning we are taken on a walking tour of Sofia to visit some of her most fascinating places of interest from her eclectic past. Much of central Sofia is built over extensive Roman ruins, in fact Sofia was once described by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great as ‘my Rome’.
Maria nolan says: “Confined almost to barracks, in the midst of the dreaded Coronavirus, I try to console myself with the knowledge that when it’s safe to do so, we will travel again, and now is the time to plan and/or dream. So with that in mind, I have written a piece on the amazing city of Sofia, which I visited in 2018, to perhaps whet the appetite and give the would-be travellers something to think about and plan, and those who might never travel, a written virtual tour.” Maria at the Stone River, Sofia.
St. Nedelya Square in Sofia is the place of worship of four main religions – the Roman Catholic Church, the Synagogue, the Mosque and the Orthodox Church of Bulgaria. ‘They form a quadrangle’, we are told by our excellent and informative local guide Marina, ‘symbolising the peace between the different religions in Bulgaria’. There is no limit to the amount of churches you can visit in Sofia, all quite picturesque and adorned, and many holding services when we visited or populated with people praying to icons and statues. I took my place in a queue in front of one such icon in St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and when it came to my turn touched the plaque on the wall, which our guide told us is known for miracles, after all one never knows when one might need a miracle! There is no entrance fee here but there is a 10 Lev charge (about €5) if you want to take photographs.
The Rotunda of St. George is from the Byzantine era and is fully restored and open to visitors and the Church of St. Sophia which dates back to the 4th century has been reconstructed and declared a site of national cultural significance. The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is one of the most beautiful buildings in Sofia and National Assembly Square reminds one of the Communist period housing the Bulgarian National Assembly building with the entrance slogan ‘Unity Makes Strength’ and the striking monument to the Tsar Liberator, erected to honour the Russian troops and Emperor Alexander II of Russia who liberated Bulgaria from the Ottomans. There is no limit to the heritage and history of this fascinating Balkan crossroads but it was time for a little retail therapy and with Sofia boasting the longest shopping street in Europe – Rakovski Street –
who could resist! And we didn’t even try – with clothes and shoes retailing at half the price we would pay for the same quality item in Ireland, we simply lamented the fact that we were flying Ryanair with very restrictive baggage allowances. Fabulous street, lots of shops, cafes and restaurants where you can pick up a good lunch with a beer or two for about €15 and simply sit and savour as you watch the world go by. The following day was a free day but we had booked an optional trip to the Vitosha Mountain range and at a mere €20 per person proved to be beautiful, inspiring and exceptional value. The Vitosha range of mountains are in close proximity to Sofia and a total escape to nature, with wonderful hiking paths, a waterfall and the unusual Stone River. This meandering mountain spring is covered in massive boulders and is a photographer’s dream. The views of Sofia from the top of Vitosha are spectacular and worth the trip if nothing else. A fabulous facility so close to a capital city. On the way down the mountain we stop in the Boyana District of Sofia and visit the 10th century Boyana Church with impeccably restored frescoes from the 11th and 13th centuries. Only 10 people at a time can enter this tiny place of worship and take about 10 minutes to admire and marvel at the wonderful work of these gifted craftsmen from long, long ago. Once again our guide Marina excelled herself and imparted a wealth of information in a most pleasant and easy to understand manner. Our final day dawned with a day trip to Plovdiv – the second oldest city in Bulgaria and approximately a two-hour coach ride from Sofia. Plovdiv is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city even older than Rome. Plovdiv – or town of the seven hills as it has been called – is a heritage site and truly beautiful and ancient. Mind you it has only six hills now as one was used for construction purposes but that in no way diminishes Plovdiv’s ancient charm, once described by
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Lucian of Samosata, an ancient Greek satirist, as ‘the biggest and loveliest of all cities. It’s beauty shines from faraway.’ Our guide Marina really came into her own here trying in a short space of time to impart the fabulously chequered history of this ancient beauty spot originally a Thracian settlement and evolved into a bustling Roman city. It’s most famous name being Philippopolis or City of Philip after Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great who conquered the city for Rome. You could spend hours, days and even weeks in a city like this that has been home to several ancient peoples including Thracian, Roman, Ottoman and Bulgarian and we only had a couple of hours to savour it all. We did head up the winding cobbled streets and lanes to reach Nebet Hill – the Roman Fortress with views of the city. We visited the Roman Forum and the Roman Theatre and we managed to see some hand pottery being made all before we were drenched by the torrential rain of a rather sudden thunder storm that cut our trip a little shorter than it should have been and left us no time to amble leisurely in this picturesque place that was chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2019 – a good choice I would think by any standards. The following morning we flew home to Dublin having sampled a most enjoyable, pleasant and informative taste of Bulgaria in good company and in the careful and experienced hands of Mackin Travel who once again proved their worth at the airport when one of our party of thirtyseven had mistakenly thrown away her outward boarding pass instead of her inward one and only discovered her error when arriving at the check-in desk. No need to panic, Ailise from Mackin Travel to the rescue bringing up the discarded boarding pass on her mobile phone. Simple solution when you travel with an agent, otherwise it would have taken time, delayed everyone and cost the person concerned approximately €90 and significant stress. – Maria Nolan
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Slaney News
Ciaran’s charity challenge after suffering three heart attacks! A 30-year-old man who suffered three heart attacks and feared he would not survive to become a father, is now about to take up a 5km challenge to thank the charity which helped him rebuild his life. Gaelic footballer and jiujitsu fighter Ciaran Byrne, who lives in Camolin, Co. Wexford, was stunned when he had to have two stents inserted into his heart and was told he needed urgent cardiac care. “The only thing I kept thinking about was that I am 30 years old and I never got to meet my kids,” the Louth native said. “I felt so old and bad about myself. I felt like an old man in a young man’s body.” Despite his diagnosis with unstable angina, Ciaran, who lives with girlfriend Nicola Sheil, 29, has signed up to walk the virtual Love Run to help the Irish Heart Foundation bridge a major funding gap caused by the pandemic. The 5km event is part of the charity’s ‘Show Some Heart’ fundraising campaign which raises €150,000 each year. That vital funding is normally generated through bucket collections, bag packing and events across Ireland – now all fundraising activity has moved online due to Covid-19.
8 February 2021
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Ciaran Byrne, 30, is gearing up for a 5km 'Love Run' to raise vital funds for the Irish Heart Foundation after suffering three heart attacks, and urges everyone to sign up at irishheart.ie
Cabinet-maker Ciaran is urging everyone to put on their training gear and sign up for the February 14 challenge. A former player with current Louth GAA club champions Naomh Mairtin and keen boxing and jiu-jitsu enthusiast, his health nightmare struck suddenly last August. After struggling with persistent chest pains, vision difficulties and breathlessness, he was admitted to Wexford General Hospital. An MRI scan and angiogram revealed he had suffered three previous heart
attacks, had a major blockage in his coronary artery and was fitted with two stents to clear it. Walking the Love Run is his way of thanking the Irish Heart Foundation support teams for getting him on the road to recovery, alongside the love and care of Nicola. Ciaran is a member of the charity’s Heart Support Network on Facebook and has also received help and reassurance from the nurse support line. “I am doing the Love Run for the Irish Heart Foundation but also for my parents, my
brothers, for my family, for their future families. I have three brothers and seeing their reactions when they realised that they nearly lost me was heartbreaking, it was very difficult for my parents as well. “Your body will tell you when there is something wrong. It is up to you to listen to it.” Judith Gilsenan, the charity’s Head of Fundraising, said thousands of people are diagnosed with a heart condition every year. “Overnight, their life changes and they can feel vulnerable and isolated. We have been there to support people and fight against heart disease in communities, workplaces and schools,” she said. “This Valentine’s Day, across Ireland, people can help support those living with heart conditions and stroke and those they love by taking part in the Love Run. “We need €150,000 every year to make sure we are there for people living with heart disease and stroke. And we must be there, because every heart matters.” Register for €20 at irishheart.ie and you will receive a training plan, tips and an Irish Heart Foundation neckwarmer. If you are unable to take part, donations (personal or corporate), can be made at irishheart.ie n
MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favour). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your broken Heart where your Father sees it. Then, in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days. Promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. – SOD
Cllr Jackser Owens’ very kind offer With the Covid daily case numbers so high, Cllr Jackser Owens has made a very kind offer through his popular Facebook page. Cllr Owens says, “We all at this stage know someone who is currently positive or is awaiting results and isolating. Not everyone has family or friends living near them, so I am offering, in the strictest of confidence, if anyone is isolating and needs any essential items please pm my page or ring me on 087-6989033, and I will do my very best to get these items to you. I can leave these items on your door step.” n
Cllr Jackser Owens
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Wexford Together – live on radio One can tune in to South East Radio every Thursday night at 8pm for a series of one-hour shows designed to lift the spirits at what is a very difficult time for many in Co. Wexford. Described by some as a cross between the Alan Corcoran and Tony Kehoe s h o w s , t h e “ We x f o r d Together” show is reaching out to engage with and entertain all members of the community, particularly those who may be experiencing loneliness, isolation or simply boredom! In between music, chat, competitions etc., the show will highlight many of the excellent initiatives that have been organised and are taking place across County Wexford to help people stay safe, stay active and stay well at this time, with contributions from many of the organisations engaged in this work at this time. So if you know of any-
One of those behind the radio programme initiative: David Minogue, Wexford County Secretary and Head of Communications and Customer Services.
body who might enjoy the show and benefit from an hour’s light entertainment, get them to tune in every Thursday night at 8pm for the next couple of months or so and enjoy all that “Wexford Together” has to offer.
Those without easy access to facilities such as smartphones, online entertainment and information can be reached through the show’s format and content, and can enjoy some light entertainment also during these really challenging times. SE Radio will operate a phone-in service throughout the show where people can phone in and engage, chat, take part in competitions, play a request, and provide ideas and suggestions for inclusion in further shows. Listeners can also seek assistance from the Community Call helpline during the show, with these calls being immediately passed to the Wexford Community Call Helpline (053-9196000, 8am8pm, 7 days) for attention. So spread the word and tune in Thursday nights and enjoy some entertainment and an hour’s break from everything that’s going on around us. n
Wexford County Council headquarters, photographed during snow on 22nd January, 2021. From this building, Wexford County Council operates the Covid-19 Community Call Helpline.
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No rugby until Congrats James! Rauri a winner in Atlantic race September? Paul McCrea, Enniscorthy Rugby Club Chairman, has said that, “It now looks unlikely that we will have any meaningful competitive rugby before the commencement of 21/22 season. Hopefully we can get back to AIL in September which will be predicated on the efficiency of vaccine roll-out on the whole island, collective training resumption will also probably be influenced by this. In the meantime, as advised by our covid sub committee, who have shown leadership and done sterling work during the pandemic, members can train individually while maintaining social distancing and adhering to all rules.” n
Congratulations to Wexford’s James Kehoe who finished second in the World Games Greatest Athlete Of All Time award for his successes and achievements over many years in tug of war!
In last month’s issue we reported on a young man, Rauri Hadlington, with Co. Wexford connections who was nearing the end of his journey across the Atlantic in a rowing boat, with three fellow team members, having set out for Antigua from the Canary Islands on 12th December. Well not only did Rauri reach Antigua but his team won their race class and the McGaskil trophy. Rauri Hadlington is the son of Chris and Eileen Hadlington who operate the Archways award-winning Bed & B re a k f a s t i n R o s s l a re (www.thearchways.ie). n
Above: Rauri Hadlington before the month-long Atlantic crossing (on left) and afterwards (on right). Below: Rauri celebrates with his teammates.
Daryl’s five-timer at Wincanton Davidstown Jockey Daryl Jacob landed an incredible 3725-1 fivetimer at Wincanton on 9th January. Born in Donegal, Daryl grew up in Davidsstown, and now lives at Wincanton in Somerset, close to his place of work with leading trainer Paul Nicholls. Daryl was educated at St. Mary's primary school in Enniscorthy and later attended Kilkenny College. An Aintree Grand National winner in 2012 on the grey Neptune Collonges, Daryl has forged a highly successful career in both Ireland and the UK. n
Daryl Jacob
Enniscorthy 10k postponed It is with regret that Slaney Olympic has announced that it cannot go ahead with the Enniscorthy 10K this February with the pandemic still at a worrying level. A spokesperon said that, “The plans are in place and we will go ahead with the race in safer times.” We’ll carry full details in the Slaney News when a new date is announced. n
Wexford Racecourse schedule 2021 Wexford Race Meetings for 2021 are scheduled for the following dates: Wed 17th March Fri 9th April (e) Sat 15th May Fri 21st May (e) Wed 2nd June Wed 16th June (e)
Fri 2nd July (e) Fri 6th August (e) Sat 4th September Sun 24th October Mon 25th October (e) denotes Evening Meet. –––––––––––––––––––––––– One man hoping to continue his recent run of good form is
Enniscorthy trainer, Paul Nolan, who currently has between 40 and 50 horses riding out at his Toberona Stables. In 2020, he saw his stable star Latest Exhibition win a Grade One at the prestigious Dublin Racing Festival and finish a very close second in Cheltenham. n
George joins Kenny For Bikes Kenny For Bikes in Enniscorthy continues to offer a full repair service on all makes of bicycles. George Kelly has recently joined the
Wexford firm supporting local team
Pic: Sean Dempsey
Greg Browne, Managing Director of Wexford security experts, Darlex Risk Management, showing his support for local sports by sponsoring North End United in Wexford. Greg, who is Wexford born and bred, is a major advocate for shopping local and supporting local services. Greg is delighted at how the 2021 kit turned out: “It looks absolutely amazing” he says,“The very best of luck to North End United Sky Blues for the season, we will be keeping an eye on your performance in the league and hope to see you lifting trophies.”
George Kelly at Kenny For Bikes.
team to add his many years experience in the bicycle world, his expertise is in hydraulics, wheel building and Di2. n
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Slaney Arts
8 February 2021
Making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear! with Maria Nolan
The Glorious Guinness Girls – Book Review: This month I am reviewing a rather unusual novel by Irish author and journalist Emily Hourican, The Glorious Guinness Girls. How could one not be attracted by that title, set in Ireland and London between 1918 and 1930 it tells the story of the three rather notorious Guinness sisters Aileen, Maureen and Oonagh, who were the toast of Dublin and London Society and the darlings of the press on both sides of the Irish Sea.
‘Paintbox Wexford’ is a project designed to bring colour to some of Wexford Town’s grey street furniture and provide some imagination and smiles to those who live and work in the town.
Daughters of Ernest and Chloe Guinness and heirs to the vast wealth of the renowned Guinness dynasty, Emily Hourican’s fifth novel follows their fortunes as they progress from young girls living on the extraordinary Glenmaroon Estate, near the Phoenix Park, to become the most talked and sought after Society Butterflies of 1920s London.
Cllr Leonard Kelly, Mayor of Wexford, launched the Paintbox Wexford project on 28th November on Wexford Quay. Since then a lot of the town’s grey electrical boxes have been painted by local artists.
A fascinating read, as the sisters, secure in their wealth and family position, lead a charmed and almost oblivious existence, amid one of the most turbulent periods of Irish history as a nation struggles to find itself, reeling in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising, spiralling into the War of Independence and staggering through the Civil War. A most intriguing historical novel, and terribly well executed, as the author adheres to all historical fact, and deals mainly with characters who were real people – the Bright Young People of London’s 1920s, including Elizabeth Ponsonby, Brenda Dean Paul, Stephen Tennant, Baby and Zita Jungman, Evelyn Waugh and Nancy Mitford, while weaving a fictional tale around her version of who these people were. Narrated from the perspective of Felicity Burke, known as Fliss, from Ballytibbert House in Co. Wexford who goes to live, as a child companion, with the Guinness girls, this is an enchanting story, beautifully written and a must for all historical fiction lovers like myself. – Maria Nolan
Check out ‘Paintbox Wexford’ on Facebook to see more samples of the artistic work done together with photos of the artists who created them.
Online art 2021 Texaco Art Competition launched exhibitions The annual Lions Club Art Exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre is now available to view online – what stunning colour and creativity to start 2021. Check out all the wonderful art sent in this year at https://lionsclubshow.weebly.com/ For current online exhibitions at Enniscorthy’s Presentation Centre see: https://www.presentationcentre.ie/currentexhibitions.html, and make sure to check out the Keep Sketch! virtual sketching group’s work there also. n
Emily Hourican
Co. Wexford’s libraries remain closed to the public since 26th December 2020 in line with government guidelines. However there is still access as follows: Online library 24/7 Free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eLanguage learning, online courses, comics and graphic novels, business and company research and more can be found at www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/ebooks-and-eresources Delivery Book Call Service for elderly or vulnerable citizens. You can request a bag of books and it will be delivered directly to your door. Phone: 053-9196566 between 9.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday.
The search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun. Last year five students from Co. Wexford won prizes in the event which is now in its
67th year and is widely acknowledged as the longest running arts sponsorship in Ireland. Please note that the closing date for entries is Wednesday, 24th March.
Judging will take place in April with winners to be announced in May. Details are available through Texaco service stations and online at www.texacochildrensart.com n
A grants reminder to arts groups from Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy is publicising the fact that the Arts Department of Wexford County Council has announced a grant scheme in 2021 for Small Arts Festivals and Experimental Art Events taking place in County Wexford during 2021. This grant scheme aims to promote and support a diverse range of small arts festivals and experimental artistic events throughout Wexford County. Applications promoting cross disciplinary artistic collaborations and experimentation are also very welcome. The focus is on festivals/events of high artistic quality that are innovative and have a strong emphasis on public engagement. This grant scheme is open to organisers of arts festivals and events that have a clear artistic purpose and take place between April
– December 2021. Applications will be assessed on the quality and ambition of the proposed activities, the feasibility of the events and the completeness of applications. Regarding Covid-19, in preparing your proposal, you should base it on the best public health advice and guidance available at the time you are making your application. Given
this, you should ensure that what you are proposing is feasible or adaptable should social distancing and/or other public-health measures impact on all or part of the period to which this proposal applies. In the event that your application is successful and you subsequently need to change or alter some or all of your proposal on the basis of changed public health advice, you should contact the arts office in advance to discuss this. For further details, guidelines and application form, just search for ‘Small Arts Festivals and Experimental Art Events’ on the Wexford County Council website. Deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday 9th March, 2021, at 4pm. For any queries please contact the Arts Department in Wexford County Council on 053-9196369 or email arts@wexfordcoco.ie n
Slaney Arts
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Wexford Literary Festival 2021 will go ahead At a recent meeting of the Wexford Literary Festival Committee, a unanimous decision was taken to go ahead with Festival 2021, adhering to whatever Covid restrictions are in force at the time. Wexford Literary Festival 2021 is scheduled for the weekend of 2nd July and all our competitions – The Colm Toibin International Short Story Award, The Anthony Cronin International Poetry Award, The Billy Roche International Short Play Award, The Cursed Murphy Spoken Word Award, The Denis Collins International Literary Visual Arts Award are now open for submission from Friday 1st February until midnight 1st May 2021. And this year we have added another new competition – The Eoin Colfer International Children’s Short Story Award, so don’t waste any time, get creative and get your entries in now, all details and submitting process are on our website at www.wexfordliterary festival.com. In 2020, we were one of the very few festivals, not just in the county, but in the country, to proceed with our annual
event albeit through the medium of Zoom, which thankfully, turned out to be hugely successful and internationally popular, with audiences joining us from as far afield as Canada, the USA, Germany, France, Australia, the Netherlands, England, S c o t l a n d a n d Wa l e s , Newfoundland as well as all over Ireland. This year, Covid allowing, we plan to marry Zoom with physical events and host a Room & Zoom Festival. So watch this space for further details, along with our Facebook Page and Website. ––––––––––––––––––––––––– Wexford Literary Festival would like to take this opportunity to congratulate one of our own, Hannah Mcniven, who has just received the honour of being runner-up in the most prestigious Jim Sheridan Short Film Competition 2021. Hannah’s film, The Lady on the Hill, was awarded second place by the internationally renowned filmmaker. Hannah came up with the idea for the short film in 2017, which led to her securing a place on the Wexford Screen
Hannah McNiven
Wr i t e r s Professional Development Workshop, organised by the Wexfordbased Bodecii Film and funded through Wexford County Council. ‘I had the privilege of working with some wonderful industry professionals and fellow writers over the course of a year before the film found a director and pro-
ducer, the Screen Directors' Guild, and I am very proud to say that the whole project was filmed in Wexford, on Mount Leinster, and also had its first screening in the National Opera House which was organised by County Arts Officer, Liz Burns, who has been a driving force throughout the entire project along with Bodecii Film’s
Laura Way,’ Hannah told me recently, delighted with her success. ‘Hopefully, the film will continue to do well at film festivals, both here and abroad, and the Wexford-based film industry will continue to grow once we find our way out of this Coronavirus-induced mire. I hope others will benefit from similar opportunities as I found the whole experience really enjoyable and I learnt so much that will hopefully serve me well on future projects.’ Hannah McNiven is most definitely a girl going places. Having just recently read and reviewed her debut novel, The Loves of Mrs. McAllister, here in the Slaney News, I can vouch for her unique talent and Wexford Literary Festival is proud to say that Hannah’s book deal came from her participation in the Festival’s very popular Meet the Publisher event hosted annually by Paula Campbell of Poolbeg Press. Well done Hannah, your success puts not only you, but Enniscorthy and Wexford and the Wexford Literary Festival, on the world stage. – Maria Nolan
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Screen Wexford news Screen Wexford is delighted to partner with Wexford’s Local Enterprise Office to offer a three-week 'Start Your Own Business Programme' specifically designed for those working in Film, Television and Animation. If you are considering starting your own business or would like to hone your business skills in a supportive environment, this course is for you. Register your interest here: http://screen-wexford.com/training ––––––––––––––––––––––––– Screen Wexford, in collaboration with the Arts, Economics and Tourism Departments of Wexford County Council, Wexford LEO, Screen Skills Ireland, Creative Ireland and Bodecii Film, has announced details of a partnership that will deliver new training initiatives and events to help develop the local film sector in County Wexford, and to prepare aspiring and emerging filmmakers for employment in the screen industries. A variety of training courses, master-classes and screen talks will be rolled out over the coming months. Check out: http://screen-wexford.com/ training n
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRE WHENEVER IT REOPENS Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000.
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Slaney News
8 February 2021
Wexford – a pictorial focus on transport...
Scootering on Wexford Quay.
Irish Rail – still serving Wexford during Lockdown.
Rosslare: There will be 32 direct services to and from Rosslare to the Continent weekly in 2021 thanks to Stena Line and DFDS.
Trawlers lined up on Wexford Quay.
Wexford Bicycle User Group (WexBUG) is the voice for safe community cycling in Co. Wexford. Membership is Free. Check out the group on its website: www.wexbug.org and Facebook: ‘Wexford Bicycle User Group WEX BUG’. Right: Phil Skelton, founder and Chairperson of the WexBUG group.
A Garda checkpoint enforcing the essential travel only rule, has been operating on a daily basis at Ferrycarrig Bridge.
Under level 5 of the Plan for living with Covid-19, Wexford Bus and all public transport is operating at 25% capacity, and primarily for essential journeys. Please book in advance on www.wexfordbus.com and remember face coverings must be worn for the full duration of your journey.
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€1.3 million in grants shared by Wexford Communities Leader Eileen Drake ASKED
Tara Rock Community Field Trust, lighting of walking track, €23,082.49 grant.
2020 saw 42 community projects in County Wexford benefit from over €1.3 million of grant aid under the LEADER Programme 2014-2020. Funding will support a diverse range of projects which will be delivered by mainly voluntary groups over the coming year. Projects funded include biodiversity protection projects, walking track developments, community centre construction and arts based projects. Brian Kehoe, CEO, Wexford Local Development, said: “Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and Wexford Local Development are delighted to have played a role in supporting communities to realise such a range of exciting projects. We are continually impressed by the capacity of voluntary groups to undertake significant projects for the betterment of their community. 2020’s grant awards are of particular significance, given the difficulties caused by Covid19 restrictions, which these 42 community groups have overcome to pull together successful applications.” Those receiving funding included groups working on innovative and exciting projects which will support the protection and promotion of
Shamrocks GAA Club, development of walking track, €13,125.
biodiversity in their areas. Some groups will develop or enhance their community gardens and one group will install a water irrigation system to serve their community facilitates. A proposal to rollout biodiversity training for community groups was also approved, which will see participating villages supported to develop a biodiversity protection and development plan for their own area. The training will be available free of charge to communities later this year. 13 applications proposing the development of new and existing walking tracks and trails were approved, increasing free recreation facilities for community use, the type of essential resource many rely on to maintain daily exercise and healthy living. Wexford Walking Trails will receive funding to implement a countywide pilot project, installing interactive way marker signs and pedestrian counters on a number of their walking trails. A number of applications were approved for groups developing community facilities, including grant aid for the construction of the new CrossabegBallymurn Community Centre, the development of community rooms at Kilanerin GAA
Club and the fit out and purchase of equipment for the recently constructed Wexford Rape & Sexual Abuse Support C e n t re i n M a u d l i n t o w n , Wexford. Clare Williams, Manager, Wexford Rape Crisis Centre, said: “Wexford Rape Crisis is very appreciative to Wexford Local Development and Wexford LCDC for funding received via the LEADER programme. This money has allowed the service to fit-out our new premises in Maudlintown, offering services to people in County Wexford affected by Domestic, Sexual and Genderbased violence. Wexford Rape Crisis has been able to create a modern, therapeutic and welcoming environment for adults and young people who have been traumatised by Domestic and Sexual Violence.” Wexford’s arts & culture sector did not miss out, with approval granted to fund the creation of a street art trail in Enniscorthy town and an interactive community education and outreach programme to promote arts and music appreciation which has been devised by the National Opera House which will be rolled out in 2021. This training will be made available to children from preschool
to third level as well as classes for adults. In total since the start of the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme just under €3.5 million has been awarded to 117 community projects in Co. Wexford. Further details on the LEADER Programme can be f o u n d a t w w w. w l d . i e o r https://www.facebook.com/We xfordLocalDevelopment/ Full list of successful applicant and associated awards in 2020: Gorey Youth needs, IT equipment for creative digital hub, €12,415.17. Knockingall Organisation Community Centre, Purchase of IT equipment, €4,073.16. Clongeen Community Development Group, Construction of entrance & foyer, €28,500. Our Lady's Island Community Development Co. Ltd., Development of heritage experience, €36,800.49. Crossabeg Community Centre, Construction of new community centre, €200,000. Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA Club, Development of walking track, €37,447.15. Kilmuckridge Memorial Hall, Refurbishment works, €37,229.42. Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Development Association, Refurbishment works, €28,376.35. Ferns Development Association,
Purchase of equipment, €3,192.57. The Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, Enniscorthy Town Art Trail, €11,576.88. Tara Rock Community Field Trust, Lighting of walking track, €23,082.49. Tombrack Community Garden Association, Development of walking track, €7,610.17. Oylegate Glenbrien GAA Club, Lighting of walking track, €16,011.00. Ferns St. Aidan's GAA Club, Lighting of walking track, €26,899.50. Kiltealy Hall Development Group, Enhancements to existing walking trails, €4,267.50. Kilrush Askamore GAA, Development of walking track, €25,111.87. Shamrocks GAA Club, Development of walking track, €13,125. Shelmalier CLG, Remedial work to existing walking track, €20,939.90. Enniscorthy SMART Town Team, Feasibility study on development of walking trails, €20,091.60. County Wexford Community Workshop (Enniscorthy) Clg, Completion of walking track, €15,407.62. All Blacks AFC Community Group, Development of walking track, €31,951.99. Faythe Harriers Hurling and Camogie Club, Development of walking track, €92,785.61. St. Mary's GAA Club Rosslare, Development of walking track, €34,475.63. Wexford Walking Trails, Interactive way marker signs & pedestrian counters, €19,542.14. Riverchapel Community Complex Ltd, Purchase of equipment for youth rooms, €7,711.53. Wexford Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service DAC, Purchase of equipment for youth rooms, €34,774.59. Wexford Arts Centre, Creative youth programme, €7,500. Ferns Diocesan Youth Service CLG, Refurbishment of youth rooms, €25,020.49. Kilanerin Ballyfad GAA Club, Construction of community meeting room, €40,386.70. Faythe Harriers Hurling & Camogie Club, Development of community rooms, €188,547.24. Wexford Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service DAC, Fit of out centre, €18,966.74. The national Opera House, Community outreach training programme, €44,240. Rosslare Community Development
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Association, Water irrigation system, €40,000. The Killinick Project, Landscaping, €4,898.13. Hook Rural Tourism CLG Biodiversity study, €1,616.94. Rosslare Community Development Association, Planting, €9,092.04. Tintern Trails Development Committee, Biodiversity training programme, €6,047.60. Tombrack Community Garden Association, Construction of pond and wild flower area, €14,262.69. Wexford Local Community Development Committee, Community Biodiversity Training, €24,205.17. Murrintown Community Centre Ltd, Development of biodiversity garden and trail, €50,126.17. Riverchapel Community Complex, Feasibility study to develop community centre, €25,812. Wexford LCDC, Gorey District feasibility study to develop community centre, €19,442.74. About LEADER: Since its launch in 1991, LEADER has provided rural communities across the EU with the resources to enable local partners to actively engage and direct the local development of their area. About the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC): The aim of the Wexford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is to develop, co-ordinate and implement a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development. Its main function is to prepare, implement and monitor the community elements of the six-year Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). A b o u t We x f o r d L o c a l Development (WLD): Wexford Local Development Ltd (WLD) is one of 52 Local Development Companies in Ireland. It delivers a range of interlinked programmes on behalf of local and national government to address the needs of individuals and communities across the life cycle within Co. Wexford, promoting employment, inclusion, supporting enterprise and addressing inequality. n
At Tara Rock, Gorey, L-R: Derek Kent (Chairman Wexford GAA County Board), Cllr Cathal Byrne, Brian Kehoe (CEO, Wexford Local Development), Michael D’Arcy (then government Minister), Jim Higgins Chairman of Tara Rock GAA.
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Slaney News
MARIA NOLAN REPORTS
8 February 2021
BEATING THE COVID BLUES Right: Hanging By A Thread worn and modelled exquisitely by Gabriela Dyrcz won the coveted Glamour Award for Coláiste Bríde.
Rather than be thwarted by a world pandemic, to celebrate its 10th birthday Junk Kouture has decided to take on the world and the Coronavirus and expand globally. Following on from ten years of empowering young people to create high quality fashion from everyday junk, it plans to grow and expand the highly imaginative competition on the world arena, spanning seven continents between January and August each year, culminating with a World Final in September which has the potential to become the Eurovision of young sustainable fashion and creativity. Now more than ever our fashion choices have an impact on the world around us, and Junk Kouture is calling on young, innovative minds to push the boundaries and choose materials for their designs that might usually be overlooked. Beginning this year, Junk Kouture will take in five new cities – London, Milan, New York, Paris and Dubai along with Dublin, and plan to add Toyko, Auckland, Sydney, Sao Paolo, Los Angeles, Cape Town and Singapore in 2022, with the winning design being crowned – Junk Kouture World Designer of the Year. Coláiste Bríde right here in Enniscorthy has been to the forefront almost since the competition began, attaining recognition and many prestigious titles over the years and this year is no exception. Covid or not, six local students, Louise Kelly, Nadine Kehoe, Erin Cahill, Cerys Greig, Gabriel Dyrcz and Kerry Burt strutted their stuff digitally at the Dublin Final on Thursday last where 10 finalists in various categories were chosen to represent Ireland in the Digital World Final which will take place later in 2021. Coláiste Bríde teacher and Junk Kouture mentor and enthusiast Margo Whelan was anxious to applaud the tremendous work by all students involved in these extremely difficult and challenging times and thank them for their commitment and dedication to the competition whilst being Covid compliant.
continues to rise to the challenge with Hanging By A Thread worn and modelled exquisitely by Gabriela Dyrcz winning the coveted Glamour Award.
Each year the bar for this competition is raised and Ms. Whelan said that she was delighted that Coláiste Bríde
Congratulations to all the girls and to members of Enniscorthy CBS who also participated in the competition,
what an experience and what amazing exposure as Junk Kouture goes global. Ye did yourselves, your schools and the town proud, the designs were, glamorous, innovative and creative and the performances energetic and fabulous. — Maria Nolan
Slaney News
www.slaneynews.com Enniscorthy playground at the Prom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; young Keeva Kenny having fun during the lockdown.
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Major road resurfacing works at Wafer St, Jan 2021.
Y H T R O C S I N N E D N U O R A MBLE
A R R E T N I W A
Willie Wildes and John Bierney at the bottom of Wafer Street.
Pat and Molly Bolger with their impressive snowman named George.
Enjoying a walk on The Prom.
June Boyd and Lorraine Hannigan enjoying a takeaway coffee from My Cafe, Rafter Street.
Cobble repair work at Church St, Feb 2021.
Taking a welcome break on their cycle on 6th February were Sean Nolan and John Mc Cormick.
Co. Wexfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s libraries remain closed to the public from 26th December 2020 in line with government guidelines. However there is still access as follows: Online library 24/7 Free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eLanguage learning, online courses, comics and graphic novels, business and company research and more can be found at: www.wexfordcoco.ie/ libraries/ebooks-and-eresources Delivery Book Call Service for elderly or vulnerable citizens. You can request a bag of books and it will be delivered directly to your door. Phone: 053-9196566 between 9.30am-5.30pm Monday to Friday.
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Slaney News
8 February 2021
Wexford County Council leads the way in promoting the county as top investment location Wexford County Council has launched a new initiative in partnership with Abodoo aimed at mapping the talent and skills of those living and working in the county. The aim of the service is to develop ongoing live skills
mapping for the county, aligning Wexford’s growing international business profile with the talent the county has to offer. The initiative will leverage Abodoo’s technology in order to identify the skills that exist within the county,
and enable greater investment in those areas that will attract employment. T h e Ta l e n t M a p p i n g Technology will provide ongoing anonymised data analysis of the skills in Wexford, for persons residing here, as well as the diaspora, and persons wishing to relocate. The data provided to the county will not include any personally identifiable information, it will capture key data points such as skills and location. Those who sign up can opt to allow employers to contact them directly should they wish. At the launch, Cllr Ger Carthy, Chairman of Wexford County Council, stated: “I am delighted to see Abodoo partner with Wexford Council to support our economic strategy for jobs. We have carried out a capital investment programme to support first rate quality infrastructure to attract new investors. Equally it is important to highlight the
skills talent we have available here in Co. Wexford in areas such as the financial services, medical devices, technology and green economy.” Vanessa Tierney, CEO of Abodoo, reiterated that sentiment, saying: “We are delighted to be working with the dynamic team in Wexford and to bring our skills mapping technology to them. This continues our goal to develop constructive and long-term relationships with local governments, working closely with them to help them identify the skills in their areas and to ultimately ensure that they are best placed to take advantage of the opportunities ahead in the changing economic climate.” The project sees smart working as the new normal and something which both companies and government should fully embrace. The growing importance of digital hubs (such as those which have launched in Wexford in
Graduate Mícheál Ó Drisceoil, working with Wexford County Council, uploading his skills details onto the Wexford County Council Skills Mapping website.
Wexford man, Mícheál Ó Drisceoil, returned to Wexford from Dublin three years ago having been working in HR in the Civil Service in Clonskeagh.
“I couldn’t be happier with the move. I love my work in the council working in Economic Development and the pace of life is so much better. I lived in a tiny apartment in Dublin and here I can afford so much better. Everything about the change has been great. Anyone considering the move to Wexford for work, I would really recommend it as I haven’t looked back.”
recent times) as a means for spurring economic growth is a testament to this fact. The initial stages of the programme of work with Wexford County Council will include an education and awareness programme on both digital and social media
platforms together with a wider above-the-line advertising campaign. For more information, please visit abodoo.com/wexford. You can also follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #LifetheWexfordway n
Bidding for glory at National Enterprise Awards One of Wexford’s most impressive businesses, DuLAnn, has been announced as a finalist for this year’s national Enterprise Awards and will compete against 29 other finalists for a prize fund totaling €50,000. The awards, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), will take place virtually on the 11th February. DULANN, founded by Damian Donlon, is a highly effective digital transformation business that delivers efficient, compliant and safer workplaces via seamless and cost-effective cloud-based eLearning and online management systems. Clients to date have included wellknown names such as Danone, A d a r e M a n o r, J o n e s Engineering and Boston Scientific. Wexford has featured strongly over the years with Innovate in Gorey taking the overall National Enterprise Awards title in 2012, and Harte Outdoor Lighting winning the South East Regional Award in 2019. The finalists, selected by the Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities, represent a diverse range of small businesses that are supported by the LEOs across the country. Now in their 22nd year, the awards include ones that
recognise excellence in exporting, sustainability and innovation along with eight regional awards and an overall National Enterprise Awards winner. This year also sees the addition of two new award categories that reflect the challenging business conditions that companies have faced in 2020. The Pivot Award will be presented to a company which has successfully pivoted their business in the face of challenging conditions in the last 12 months. The Brexit Ready Award will be presented to a company which has excelled in their preparation for Brexit particularly where it would have created specific challenges for them as a business. Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, said: “ T h ro u g h t h e N a t i o n a l Enterprise Awards we celebrate the very best in small local companies who are leading in their field of business expertise. Over the past 20 years the awards have been the benchmark for excellence in micro-enterprise across the country... The very best of luck to all finalists and no doubt they will continue to grow beyond this and become part of Ireland’s growing international business community.”
Damian Donlon, founder of DULANN, bidding for glory at the National Enterprise Awards on 11th February. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie/awards.
Liz Hore, Head of Enterprise at LEO Wexford, said: “It has been a challenging year for small businesses so this is a chance to highlight positive stories and businesses which have excelled
in the face of unprecedented challenges. These businesses have been through a rigorous process of judging, auditing every aspect of their business and this in itself can be a huge benefit to them as
they plan for the future. These finalists are well positioned to follow in the footsteps of the great companies that have gone before them such as Pestle & Mortar, Simtech Aviation and Terra NutriTech and, as a network, the Local Enterprise Offices look forward to continuing to support them to help them grow.” Cllr Ger Carthy, Chairman Wexford County Council, said: “I want to extend my congratulations to DULANN on winning the County Enterprise Final... DULANN is an excellent example of a business which has adopted innovative technologies to pivot their business in the growing health and safety sector creating local jobs here in Wexford. I would encourage any business to contact the team at the Local Enterprise Office who are ready to provide SMEs with a range of supports from financial to training, mentoring and meeting the challenges of Brexit.” Last year’s overall winner of the National Enterprise Awards, Pestle & Mortar, backed by Local Enterprise Office Kildare, was founded by Sonia Deasy and her husband Padraig, and has become one of Ireland’s best-known skincare companies with products now sitting on the shelves of some of the world’s most
high-end retail outlets. Sonia has found that the Award has helped open doors nationally and internationally: “We are in 32 countries now and, when it comes to meetings with distributors, we find that in countries such as China, they love awards, so it’s a huge help.” The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme a n d N a t i o n a l Wo m e n ’ s Enterprise Day. Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, and are an essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. The LEOs work with over 7,000 client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For further information on the work of Local Enterprise Offices, contact the Wexford Office: email info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie, phone 053 9196020. n
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Training Schedule 2021 January - May Full programme, pricing, and bookings available at www.localenterprise.ie/wexford
Contact: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie or 053Â 919 6020
FEBRUARY Customs Workshop - Preparing for Brexit 01/02/2021 Facebook for Business - Beginners 01/02/2021 LinkedIn for Business Clinic 03/02/2021 Start Your Own Business 04/02/2021 Introduction to Lean 04/02/2021 Branding Your Business 05/02/2021 Brexit Clinic 08/02/2021 Relaunch Your Business Post Covid-19 09/02/2021 Canva for Social Media 09/02/2021 Management of Stress in a Time of Crisis 12/02/2021 Facebook for Business - Advanced 15/02/2021 Trading Online Voucher Seminar 18/02/2021 Enhance Your Own Business 19/02/2021 Facebook for Business Clinic 19/02/2021 Wellbeing Clinic 22/02/2021 Twitter for Business 23/02/2021 MARCH Instagram for Business 01/03/2021 Trading Online Audit & Review Clinic 01/03/2021 Sales Skills 04/03/2021 Website Advice Clinic 05/03/2021 Start Your Own Business 09/03/2021 Introduction to Email Marketing 09/03/2021 How to Get Paid On Time Clinic 10/03/2021 Trading Online Voucher Seminar 23/03/2021 How to Tender Successfully 24/03/2021 Tax & VAT for Small Businesses 25/03/2021 Social Media Strategy for Business 25/03/2021
APRIL Working with a WordPress Website - Advanced 07/04/2021 Start Your Own Business 08/04/2021 QQI Training Delivery and Evaluation Level 6 09/04/2021 Enhance Your Own Business 14/04/2021 Costing & Pricing Your Product or Service 15/04/2021 Customer Service & Complaint Handling 15/04/2021 Big Red Cloud Computerised Accounts 20/04/2021 Trading Online Voucher Seminar 28/04/2021 Business/Finance Clinic 29/04/2021 MAY How to Start a Podcast Workshop 04/05/2021 Successful Cash Collection by Telephone 05/05/2021 Visual Storytelling 07/05/2021 Introduction to Google Ads 17/05/2021 Using Social Media to Drive Your Tourism Business 20/05/2021 Negotiation Skills 21/05/2021 Sales & Marketing Clinic 24/05/2021 Presenter Masterclass for Business 25/05/2021