Transformative Wexford project will help showcase New Ross in all its glory
The Brennan's Lane project began with detailed planning, design, and community consultation. Works commenced in 2024, with the laneway undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance safety, accessibility, and vibrancy. The project, executed by contractor MJS Civil Engineering with design and construction management from consultants Avanti Architects, has turned Brennan's Lane into a welcoming space that celebrates New Ross' heritage and supports local businesses and residents.
Funded by a €500,000 grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Brennan's Lane refurbishment project was further supported by match funding from Wexford County Council, with the backing of the elected members, bringing the total investment to €891,000.
The official opening was performed by Minister Dara Calleary, joined by Councillor Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Councillor Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, Elected Members of Wexford County Council, Oireachtas members from Wexford, and invited guests. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts that have brought this vision to life.
Speaking about the Brennan's Lane project, Minister Calleary said: 'I would like to commend the of members of Wexford County Council, both official and elected members, for their dedication in bringing this important project to completion. Significant work and engagement took place between the local community, New Ross Chamber of Commerce and the local authority to enable the delivery of this project. The connection between local authorities and communities is crucial for the development of projects that address the genuine needs of our towns and villages. This helps to maximise value for money from the investment of public funds. My commitment to support and develop rural towns and villages is underpinned by the objective of Our Rural Future, the Government's policy for rural development, and aims to create the conditions to make rural communities in Ireland more attractive to live, work and participate in.'
Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, said: 'It is with great pride that I stand here at the official opening of Brennan's Lane, a project delivered under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This revitalised laneway is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and community spirit, and it marks another significant step in enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of New Ross town.'
Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, said: 'This marks a significant milestone for New Ross, as we celebrate the completion of this refurbishment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Brennan's Lane, once a modest thoroughfare, has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects our ambition for the future of the town.'
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, stated 'The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane is the latest investment in the public realm of New Ross, and is another significant step forward in the regeneration of the town centre.'
Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, remarked: 'This project showcases Wexford County Council's dedication to enhancing our communities, fostering pride, and supporting local vitality. The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane has transformed it into a safer, more accessible, and vibrant space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.'
Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager of New Ross Municipal District said: 'I am delighted to see this excellent project opening for the people of New Ross to enjoy. The Brennan's Lane rejuvenation project has seen a serious team effort from everyone at New Ross Municipal District, working closely with the consultant and contractor, along with local businesses and tradespeople. I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their tireless work on this project and we look forward to seeing this space come to life.'
The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane aims to create a safer, more accessible thoroughfare, enhancing connectivity within the town and providing a space for residents, visitors, and businesses to thrive. This milestone underscores Wexford County Council's dedication to investing in the future of New Ross under the Government's rural development policy, Our Rural Future.
Currently in the pipeline for New Ross is the construction of a skate park in Rosbercon, the development of a Norman Visitor Centre on the Quay, the pedestrianisation of Quay Street, and the provision of a Motor Home Park. These interventions will unlock the potential of New Ross town and help it grow and prosper as a major tourist destination town.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Minister dampens optimism over Wexford SETU campus – ‘I'm not aware that there's money ready to go for this'
A legal challenge taken by the principal landowner against Wexford County Council's compulsory purchase of lands at Ballynagee – stretching from Whiterock to Killeens – was rejected at the High Court, clearing the way for the local authority to move forward with the purchase and plans for the establishment of a new South East Technological University (SETU) campus. However, in a questionable performance on South East Radio's Morning Mix with Alan Corcoran on Thursday morning, Minister Lawless rowed back on previous assurances given by predecessor, Tánaiste Simon Harris, regarding funding for the campus and stated that it was still a long way off becoming a reality. Initially the Minister seemed poorly briefed on the cause of the latest delay and the outcome of the latest court proceedings. 'It's good news that it was refused in court,' he said. ' A judicial review was taken. It's one challenge with building infrastructure like this, there's always someone can object. That is there right, but it's not their right to hold up society for a number of years. The process is too slow. We're trying to address that with the Planning Act. I'm not making a comment on this particular case in saying that, however.' In this instance, of course, it was not an objection but a challenge to a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) taken by landowner Mr Scott Mernagh. Additionally, the purchase had not been subject to a full judicial review. Mr Mernagh's application to take this action was refused by the High Court. The Minister then stated that 'the ball is back with Wexford County Council' who he imagines will move 'full steam ahead' with the CPO. He also spoke of a need for 're-engagement' between SETU and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). However, the most worrying aspect of Minister Lawless' interview came when the subject of funding was broached. On several occasions, Tánaiste Simon Harris gave assurances that money would be in place for the construction of a 'state-of-the-art college campus' as soon as the acquisition of the site was completed. 'The state is not in the habit of purchasing assets to leave them lying idle,' he said at the time. However, having taken over the role of Minister for Higher and Further Education from Patrick O'Donovan in January, Minister Lawless was not quite so definite. 'I don't promise money,' he said. 'My own approach has always been 'steady as she goes' . ADVERTISEMENT 'If the right proposal comes in, I'd be hopeful that the funding will be there, but I think we're putting the cart before the horse to talk about money before we even have a proposal on the table. Let's see what's proposed first and then we'll look at the money.' When host Alan Corcoran pointed to the numerous assurances given by the Tánaiste, Minister Lawless was non-committal. 'I'd have to go back and look at it,' he said. 'I'm not aware of what promises were made. I don't know if any money was ring-fenced or not. I'm not aware that there's money ready to go. That would be premature. The CPO process held things up, but the council is in a position to progress that at this stage.' When asked if this is still some way off from becoming a reality, Minister Lawless responded: 'I'll tell you straight. I've come into this department and this is a project on the list, but there's no site, no plan and no planning permission. It is probably a bit off still at this stage, being honest. SETU need to come into the HEA with a full spec plan. 'I will make this a priority and I will work with the players involved, but colleges are autonomous. The college is welcome to come to the HEA with plans and we will engage and discuss them. There'll be parts we'll agree on and parts we won't agree on. 'Let's see where this goes,' he concluded. 'I think, though, it would be premature to make promises regarding funding on a site that is not even owned yet.'
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Full steam ahead for Fleadh Cheoil 2025 as Wexford aims to attract 700,000 visitors
Wexford People Today at 19:00 It was an altogether quiet affair this year as Wexford County Council hosted information evenings around Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at its headquarters. Last year's information sessions, taking place in the backdrop of a local election campaign, proved a lot more contentious, even sparking a war of words between sitting councillors and election hopefuls. It also saw a much larger attendance, with the Wexford public not fully aware of what to expect from the town hosting the Fleadh. Following last year's meeting, some took to social media to call the planning of the massive event as 'a farce', expressing concerns that residents in the likes of Crossabeg and Castlebridge would be left stranded and that people would be unable to access GP and hospital services. However, such apprehensions seem to have fizzled in the wake of the success of last year's event and this year's information sessions saw only around 30 business owners and 15 town residents attend the information meeting over the course of a day at county hall. "I think in general, everyone was pretty happy with how things went last year," Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe said. "There were a few minor suggestions and tweaks put forward by those in attendance and we hope to address those in the weeks ahead.' According to garda estimates, a record-breaking 650,000 people from all over Ireland and the world attended last year's Fleadh Cheoil which was described by Ardstiúrthóir of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Labhrás Ó Murchú as 'one of the greatest Fleadhs of all time'. Mr Taaffe confirmed that organisers in Wexford are expecting this year's Fleadh to break attendance records once again. "Generally speaking, on the second year of a town hosting a Fleadh, you factor in an additional 10% in terms of attendance,' he said. 'With that in mind, we think we could push to around 700,000 people over the eight days this year.'
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Legal challenge to Wexford County Council's CPO of lands for SETU campus dismissed in High Court
The local authority was given the green light to use its statutory powers to place a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on more the lands stretching from Killeens across to Whiterock Hill in 2022 in a bid to aid the South East Technological University (SETU) with the creation of a state of the art university campus. Wexford County Council also unveiled plans for a League of Ireland stadium with a capacity for up to 6,000 for Wexford FC, a new full-size 4G pitch for Wexford GAA, two schools and a whole raft of housing and commercial units as part of its 'Killeens Masterplan'. However, the project was facing major delays when it emerged back in March that the principal landowner, a Mr Scott Mernagh had taken a legal challenge to the council's CPO and was seeking a full judicial review. He claimed he had been treated poorly throughout the entire process by the local authority. However, having heard the specifics, a High Court judge found in favour of Wexford County Council and rejected the application for a judicial review. Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe confirmed that 'following a hearing in the High Court the council has been informed that the landowner's application seeking leave to apply for judicial review of the CPO of lands in Ballynagee, Wexford, has been refused by the Courts and the proceedings dismissed. "The council now intends to progress the CPO of the lands as per the relevant legislations and regulations,' he concluded. Labour TD George Lawlor was somewhat taken aback that a legal challenge had emerged in the first place, claiming that Mr Mernagh had approached him when he was Mayor of Wexford, seeking to sell the land to Wexford County Council for the provision of a university campus. "I'm absolutely delighted with this judgement,' Deputy Lawlor said. 'It seems pretty watertight and I hope it brings finality to this issue. "Obviously the landowner felt they had to take this course, but the price for the land will be decided by independent arbitration, so I've no doubt he will get the best price possible. I hope we can now push forward with the Killeens Masterplan for the whole 120 acres which includes the SETU campus, at least two schools and of course the stadium for Wexford FC. I think it will be of huge benefit to the town and county.' Deputy Lawlor says he will be pushing for things to move as quickly as possible from this point onwards. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "I think, in fairness, the commitment of the SETU board is not in any doubt at this stage,' he said. 'It's been a slow start. Money was first made available for this in 2015. I've been engaging with Minister for Higher Education James Lawless, who is a native of Wexford himself, and he has a keen interest in the SETU campus project. "What we need now is follow through on the commitment to funding which was made in Simon Harris's day as Minister of Higher Education. We can't have any delays in bringing the tens of millions it will cost to make this a reality to the table.' Fine Gael senator Cathal Byrne meanwhile is calling for the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to 'make a timely decision on the business case submitted by the board of SETU with regard to their new campus'. 'Once the land is acquired, the SETU must be in a position to act and to progress the project which requires a decision on their business case by the Higher Education Authority,' he said. 'I raised the matter on the floor of Seanad Éireann earlier this year directly with the Minister where I asked them to provide a detailed update on the HEA's plans to advance the project once all other matters had been resolved. "At that stage the Minister informed me that the HEA had still to decide on the business case submitted by SETU, I did emphasize at the time that this should not delay the project and a decision should be made regardless of any other factors.'
