Latest news with #WexfordCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford's Fringe Fleadh initiative tuning up for opening sessions in New Ross
The Fringe Fleadh, which is an initiative by Wexford County Council, is promised to be a vibrant series across the county, with the New Ross town centre set to come alive to the sound of traditional Irish music from the much-loved Danecastle. On Saturday, June 7 at 2.30 pm, the live performance in Brennan's Lane, will create a spirited afternoon of music and community celebration. The special outdoor session is the ideal set up which was much anticipated by the District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry, and Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, as they seen the Brennan's Lane project recently come to fruition. The laneway now boasts a beautiful open space, with a smaller area enclosed with a roof, a mural, benches and greenery which is the newest area in town to host street sessions of live music, trad sessions, and community events, while arts and crafts markets are also in the works. 'Here the New Ross Municipal District, along with the councillors and the staff, we're really excited to see the crowds gather for the Fringe Fleadh in Brennan's Lane," said Mr Fitzhenry, adding that the carefully chosen location 'is a beautiful new public realm space and this event will really showcase the potential of the laneway and all its great uses.' Seeing the much needed clean-up project of Brennan's Lane fulfilled in time for local musicians to utilise the space throughout the summer goes in hand with the aim of the Fringe Fleadh, which is to showcase local talent and spaces on our doorstep and to embrace the arts in more than just a traditional setting. It was previously reported in the New Ross Standard on April 25, 1991, that 'Brennan's Lane needs a clean-up', however, other reports in the paper in relation to the area dated back to 1898, when a 'Total Abstinence Meeting in New Ross' was held by the Protestant Total Abstinence Society in the hall of the Hill School. The Hill School, which was originally built in 1799, to the rear of Brennan's Lane was known as St. Mary's Terrace, and said to be the birth place of Michael O'Hanrahan, who was a member of the Gaelic League and served in the 1916 Easter Rising. The pride of both Mr Hore, and Mr Fitzhenry, in the restoration appears timeless, despite the laneway being reopened in April, as they both continue to observe the delight of locals who access the historic area, but in its newly brightened and colourful capacity. At the opening, Mr Hore said the 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,' he added. With the schedule for the Fringe Fleadh quickly taking shape, Mr Fitzhenry said having seen the AIMS Choral Festival utilise the space last week, 'a very large crowd of over 300 people were in the laneway and there was still loads of space, but it was just fantastic to see everyone there enjoying the great weather and we hope that atmosphere continues for the Fringe Fleadh in June.' Performances will continue to take place each Saturday in June, with Saturday, June 28 expected to filled with an entire day of live entertainment. The Fringe Fleadh will also take place in other areas across the county, from Seisiún by the Sea in Morriscastle to performances by The Blackwater Céilí Band at St. Martin's Community Centre in Piercestown, and the Enniscorthy Irish Folk and Ballad Festival, the programme is packed with musical highlights. Supported by Comhaltas branches, community groups, and local performers, each event is a celebration of Irish identity, heritage, and community pride delivered in a warm, inclusive, and joyful atmosphere. Wexford County Council invites locals and visitors alike to be part of this unique summer celebration. Whether you're discovering traditional music for the first time or returning to a beloved tradition, Fringe Fleadh 2025 promises unforgettable moments and the true spirit of the Fleadh. For full event listings, times, and locations, visit
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Community turns up in droves at historic building in Wexford for final time ahead of regeneration project
Gorey Guardian Today at 07:00 Wexford County Council hosted successful Open Days at the Gorey Market House recently, where members of the community and visitors to Gorey were given the chance to see the iconic building as it stands before the initial phase of the regeneration project begins. The Market House, located on Main Street, holds a significant place in the town's history. The affection the local community have for the building was evident in the interest and enthusiasm shown for the regeneration project during the open days. District Manager Philip Knight expressed his gratitude to the large public turnout, highlighting the strong community connection to the building. 'We are thrilled by the overwhelming interest and support shown during these Open Days. The Market House will soon be transformed into a vibrant social and community hub, inspired by the innovative European Bauhaus Principles that guide this regeneration project,' he said. During the open days on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24, local historian, Willie Willoughby, conducted talks on the rich history of the Market House. Attendees were captivated by stories recently uncovered, including the early days of the Gorey Credit Union operating within the building and a story about how a friendship began when two ladies received keys to their new home many years ago in the chamber office. Throughout the Open Days, video interviews were conducted with local residents, business owners, and community groups to capture their memories and hopes for the future of the Market House. These interviews will form part of ongoing project updates to keep the public informed as the regeneration progresses. Catherine Connaughton, Project Officer from the EU Programmes Division of the Southern Regional Assembly, was also present for the open days. 'The incredible community response to the Gorey Market House Open Days reflects exactly what THRIVE is all about, putting people, place and pride in local heritage at the heart of local development. "By working with the community to reimagine this historic space, we're supporting a shared vision for a vibrant, inclusive town centre. It was a pleasure to hear memories from those connected to this building over the years,' said Catherine. The Gorey Market House project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, and Wexford County Council.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford County Council's ‘hands are tied' on funfairs organised on private lands
District Manager Philip Knight explained that Wexford County Council cannot do much to stop funfairs being organised on private lands and one of the only things they can do under the Events License is look at applicant's proposals for the different types of attractions. Additionally, as long as the applicants submit their documentations including public liability and safety certificates, Mr Knight said, 'if all that's in order we really have no reason to refuse their application'. He went on to say that he's aware of the concerns surrounding the funfair. However, it is on private land and it meets the criteria within the planning regulations so his 'hands are tied'. In response, Cllr Darragh McDonald asked if a traffic management plan or security plan was in place. 'I've no issue with anyone who owns a piece of land doing whatever they want with it but the amount of people coming in and out of that and the facilities that are year round being impacted. I refuse to believe that there's any traffic management out there,' said Cllr McDonald. Cllr McDonald then requested that the Council investigate what can be done to tackle these traffic issues and 'make this whole process a bit tighter'. "It's not fair to year round members of local clubs and groups that their facilities are being damaged because there's not proper security on three nights of the year,' said Cllr McDonald. Cllr Joe Sullivan shared Cllr McDonald's concerns in regards to the damage done to local facilities but didn't believe there were any laws in place to tackle these issues. Cllr Anthony Donohue subsequently chimed in, proposing that the Council introduce a Bye-Law. Cllr Sullivan explained part of the issues regarding the laws, saying he previously 'poured through the laws on that and couldn't find the law to corner it'. "Funfairs and circuses and things like that are in a certain area. It's not like organising a music festival or something like that. A funfair or circus, there's a prescribed number of days you can operate in a year,' said Cllr Sullivan.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Meet the young Wexford heroes who were honoured at the Garda Youth Awards
Wexford People Today at 21:00 Wexford County Council headquarters was filled with stories of young people doing incredible things as the 2025 Wexford Garda Youth Awards took place. A total of twelve awards were presented and several moving stories recounted. From young people who had overcome tragedy and adversity to inspire others and make a lasting, positive contribution to their communities, to groups who had given their time and efforts to ensure their local areas simply became better places to live. Inspector Graham Rowley said: 'The achievements of these young people exemplify the positive contribution being made across our communities and serve as inspiring examples of the potential within our youth in every corner of the county. An Garda Síochána remains committed to celebrating and supporting the achievements of the young people in County Wexford, and we look forward to continuing this work in the future'
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Council launches affordable homes in two Wexford estates with prices starting from €250,000
In association with Wexford Low Energy Homes, the local authority has announced the launch of homes available under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme at Ard Uisce on Whiterock Hill in Wexford town and at Old Forge Road in Enniscorthy. All ultra energy-efficient a-rated homes, both three and four bedroomed units will be available and prices are set to start from €250,000. While Wexford County Council has taken a long time to get an affordable housing scheme off the ground in Gorey, they have long been sought in other areas too. A government-backed initiative, it aims to help first-time buyers to purchase newly built homes at a reduced price, bringing the gap between what aspiring homeowners can afford to pay and the cost of purchasing a house. Up to 24 affordable purchase properties will be made available for sale to eligible private purchasers below market price. Prices net of the Affordable Dwelling Contribution start from €250,000 for three-bed semi-detached houses and €270,00 for four-bed semi-detached houses, with buyers able to get support through the Government's Help to Buy Scheme. Speaking at the launch, Housing Minister James Browne said: 'The local authority affordable purchase scheme is further evidence of the government's commitment to helping people into home ownership and into security of tenure. 'Increased supply of new homes and the Affordable Housing Fund Programme, together with Government and local authority supports, will help those aspiring to own their own home realise this goal. Owning your first home is a hugely significant step, and I would urge first time buyers in Wexford to apply for this scheme. 'This Government wants to support first-time buyers and other eligible homebuyers in purchasing new homes, and the key to this is supply. The Programme for Government aims to ramp up supply of new homes and deliver another 300,000 new homes between 2025 and 2030 – on top of over 133,000 new homes delivered between 2020 and 2024. "My department is examining actions to help boost delivery in the immediate-term, pending completion of a new national housing plan, and what we are seeing at Ard Uisce and Old Forge Road is proof of that.' Applications can be made for the scheme via the online portal and the local authority is set to host a information event at Whites Hotel in Wexford on June 4 at 7 p.m. and at The Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on June 5. Those interested will have the opportunity to speak to housing officials and get an overview of the application process, as well as meet with approved lending partners to discuss mortgage options. An online application webinar will also take place on June 11, while an in-person clinic will take place at Wexford Library on June 14 and Enniscorthy Library on June 21. To register to attend events or to receive affordable housing programme updates, visit the affordable housing section of the Wexford County Council website and fill out an 'expression of interest' form. Alternatively, contact affordablehousing@
