Latest news with #RosslareMunicipalDistrict
Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘It's as if the Wexford Borough ends at The Faythe' – Neglected roads and footpaths are an ‘absolute disgrace'
Today at 21:00 Although Wexford's new electoral borders were redrawn over seven years ago there remain parts of the county which are up for dispute. One such area, on the outskirts of Wexford town, is suffering from being part of the (relatively) newly-formed Borough District according to a councillor from the neighbouring Rosslare Municipal District (RMD). Speaking at the July meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC), Councillor Lisa McDonald said Sinnottstown Lane was not technically part of the RMD but was, traditionally at least, home to those whom she represents. 'Sinnottstown Lane is an absolute disgrace to the council, the barrier at the top of the road was knocked down by a car some months ago and it hasn't been fixed,' she said. 'It's going from bad to worse, you can't walk down that road, there's no footpaths, and yet all the financial contributions (for its upkeep) are coming from the businesses there. "It's as if the Wexford Borough District ends at The Faythe or thereabouts, but this is in the Wexford District and it needs investment badly, and at the moment it's not being addressed.' Senior planner Diarmuid Heuston informed Cllr McDonald that works were planned on Sinnottstown Lane in the future and that the area would feature prominently in the Wexford Town Local Area Plan which will guide the town's development up to 2040.
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Community text alert system needed to tackle increase in thefts and burglaries in Rosslare district
'There's been a huge increase in anti-social behaviour and suspected thefts and burglaries and suspicious activity across the district lately, it's really concerning,' she said at the June meeting of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD). District manager Nóirín Cummins advised that, 'up until recently', the superintendent attended the RMD meetings on an annual basis and that the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) will be launched later this year. 'I'd really like to see the community text alert scheme come back in,' continued Cllr O'Brien, 'it works, it's easy to manage and run. A couple of weeks ago half of the district was in terror, my phone did not stop for five days with people saying they were seeing the same vans going on, people trying to break into their houses at 8 a.m. through their sitting-room windows, animals almost being robbed out of their gardens. We need to focus on doing things that we know work.' She received support from Cllr Jim Codd who had some stories from his own part of the district to share. Requesting that a representative from a local neighbourhood watch group be invited to attend a future meeting, he spoke of 'an elderly couple in my own area who had two young lads get up on the roof and start painting it without any permission'. "When guards retire, we need them to be replaced quickly. Criminals know about these retirements, know there aren't as many eyes on them,' said Cllr Codd..
Irish Independent
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
A late Wexford publican, musical mentor, and gifted artist among those honoured at annual Rosslare Civic Awards
The first of these was the late Murt McGarry of Kilmore Quay. Although he passed away in 2006 at the age of 45, Murt's work as an artist is still remembered and celebrated across the county. His nascent talent first became apparent when he won the national Texaco Art competition while still a schoolboy and he was later commissioned by Wexford County Council to do the drawings at the National Heritage Park and create the artist's impression of the council's new waterfront development in New Ross. Murt was a keen tin whistle and bodhrán player and attended the Fleadh Cheoil every year. He spent six years researching and illustrating his book on Irish history, Strangers at Home, which his father Liam later published posthumously. Paying tribute to Murt, Councillor Jim Codd, the cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD), said, 'Murt was self-taught and had a natural talent, and he had a great love of history, heritage and nature and culture.' Another beloved member of the community who has since passed was honoured next. The late John Sammy Sinnott of Duncormick, who passed in 2022 at the age of 92, was described by Cllr Codd as more than just a publican, but 'a counsellor, someone who was always there if you needed help'. 'He valued us as a people, he knew our ancestors, our ways, everybody was welcomed and cared for under his thatched roof,' continued Cllr Codd. 'Sinnott's was an institution, a men's shed before the term became popular, it was there people went to get the news in older times. And Sammy was the keeper of our oral history; people came from all over to immerse themselves in the rich culture of south Wexford, and no less than the Rolling Stones manager, Chesney Milligan, once served behind the bar.' Mick Berry accepted the award on behalf of the Sinnott family. The late Dick Lambert, who passed away in 2008, was then honoured for his 'outstanding contribution to culture and heritage'. He was the author of three books chronicling the history of Rathangan, books which Wexford County Council is now preparing to have reprinted for a new audience. The tidy towns committee in Carrig-on-Bannow was next to receive a civic award for its work in 'developing its local community' and 'enhancing the environment' in south Wexford. Commending the group for the strides it has taken in promoting biodiversity and sustainability in the area, Cllr Codd noted how inclusive the tidy towns committee is and how it has 'rejuvenated' the village and 'fostered a culture of tidiness'. 'The group ensures the village always looks its best all year-round, and also it is blessed to have two wonderful employment scheme members who are dedicated and motivated in their work,' he added. Established in 1974, Corach Ramblers are now based in Duncormick and boast some of the finest facilities in the county. However, the club had some nomadic years before finally settling in its current home. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'They initially played their home matches in Wellingtonbridge, with local publican John Ryan providing a pitch, he also sponsored the team with a new football,' recounted Cllr Codd. That ball remains in the possession of the club and is joined by committee members who have been there since the outset, including Jimmy McWhitty and Willie Wallace. Those two men were heavily involved in the fundraiser in 1998 which led to the club purchasing five acres of land in Duncormick four years later where it established its new home. "There have been a lot very good people involved in the club over the years, but Willie Wallace, Breda Walsh, Toddy and Clodagh Barry, all of whom have given many years working with the club, should get a special mention,' said Cllr Codd. 'Corach Ramblers now has a huge membership with teams competing in underage and adult leagues; it's a hub of activity and a place where lifelong friendships are made.' The last recipient on the night was Áine Kennedy who was recognised for her outstanding contribution to arts and culture in the RMD. A familiar face to all those with even a passing interest in traditional Irish music, Áine became director of the Danescastle Music Group following the retirement of Ms Martha Torpey and now works with over 200 children as they take the first steps towards Fleadh Cheoils and Scór na nÓgs of the future. 'We are so lucky to have the most dedicated director in all of the land,' said Cllr Codd. 'Áine always gives 100 per cent to the children of Carrig on Bannow and surrounding areas that come to learn music in Danescastle. She prepares them for various competitions and events around the county and country and when the group is asked to play at different events, Áine is the person that sends the texts, organises who is going, and generally ends up bringing half the children in her own car." Áine is also chairperson of Wexford Scór and secretary of Leinster Scór Secretary, she is also a member of the Rackard League Committee and combines all these voluntary roles with her full-time job as principal of Danescastle National School "She is an extraordinary principal and gives so much of her time to the children of our parish,' said Cllr Codd. 'We are truly blessed to have Aine as a dedicated principal and musical director.'
Irish Independent
05-06-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Fears Christmas Day floods will be repeated as Wexford dunes disappear – ‘It'll be too late if the tide ever gets through'
Fears that the Christmas Day floods which decimated south Wexford may become a regular occurrence have been aired at the monthly meeting of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD). With the sun shining and all winter storms momentarily forgotten, Councillor Jim Codd sounded an alarm bell for those living in the Kilmore Quay area. 'We'll have to take a look at the Burrow in Kilmore because the locals are telling me there's large gaps developing in it,' he said. 'We had thousands of acres flooded down there in 2021. I know we're so tied up with red tape on issues like this, but it'll be too late to discuss it if the tide ever goes through the Burrow, and this is a very real danger according to those with knowledge of the area. "The Burrow has kept back the sea for a very long time and any holes in it are dangerous.' Last year environmental engineer Rory O'Mahony was among those who met with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to discuss a potential solution to the problems at the Burrow, and he said a more natural approach was required to combat the tides. 'The view the NPWS took back then was that natural rehabilitation would solve the problem,' he said. 'So, I've advised the local group to come up with a proposal to bring to the NPWS.' However, Cllr Codd was of the view that drastic measures were required and that time was of the essence. 'The farmers have agreed to use their own diggers down there to fill the gaps,' he said. 'The plan is not to use diggers," replied Mr O'Mahony. 'But instead use a low impact method to trap the sand and allow the marram grass to regenerate, that kind of approach might get a project across the line. If the group down there get an expert on dune restoration and put a decent proposal together for the NPWS it could work.'
Irish Independent
05-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Rare visitor causing traffic chaos in Wexford – ‘Cars abandoned in the middle of the road to see this white stork'
However, according to the cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) the bird's army of admirers are creating chaos wherever they go. 'There's been cars abandoned in the middle of the road down near Sigginstown Castle, all stopped to see this white stork,' said Councillor Jim Codd at the May of the RMD. 'He was in the Tacumshane area and now I believe he's moved to Mayglass, and where he goes, traffic havoc follows. Locals are telling me that they're coming across cars stopped stone dead in the road, drivers are jumping out to get pictures of this bird.' Addressing roads engineer Michael Brazzill, the Aontú councillor continued. "We're all lovers of wildlife and we don't want to get into a battle with birdwatchers but maybe you have a suggestion on how we handle this situation?' Momentarily stumped, Mr Brazzill replied, 'The guards are the next port of call if people are doing dangerous manoeuvres and parking illegally.' Speaking after the meeting, local birdwatcher Cian Cardiff explained the significance of the stork appearing in Wexford. 'White stork are a very rare vagrant to Ireland,' he said. 'It winters in Africa and returns to parts of Europe to breed each spring and summer. This is the first white stork to be seen by so many birders in Wexford for many years, from my understanding the last recorded sighting was in the late 1970s, also at Tacumshane Lake. 'So, it was of great significance to the birding and local communities.' Explaining what might have drawn the white stork to the south-east, Cian said there were a number of potential contributory factors. 'During early spring we experienced a series of wind flows from the south and south-east, this led to species overshooting their continental breeding grounds and hitting Ireland,' he said. 'Good numbers of vagrant birds, such as the Eurasian hoopoe, which is also a vagrant species not usually seen in Ireland, were also spotted.' While Cllr Codd spoke of traffic disruption and abandoned cars, Cian said the birdwatching community has been well-accommodated by local landowners in their quest to get a sighting of the stork. 'Groups of birders were watching the stork in the Coddstown Great area during its stay, especially during the first few days after it was pinned down to a general area of farmland. I must say a big thanks on behalf of birders and others to the local landowners and residents for allowing us to view this bird.' The last recording sighting of the white stork was in Kilcoole, Co Wicklow on May 29. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
