Latest news with #WexfordCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Wexford defends its Norman heritage following comments from Sinn Féin TD – ‘We're well capable of commemorating our ancestry with sensitivity'
Many of those events will take place across Co Wexford as places like New Ross, Carrig-on-Bannow, and Wexford town mark the legacy of the Normans since their arrival to Ireland over 900 years ago. However, Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, has criticised the decision to take part in the celebrations, asking if this will be a precursor to 'a Festival of Cromwell or a Famine Queen Jubilee?' 'William was a foreign king who never set foot in Ireland, and had nothing to do with Ireland, and yet his birth will be given a higher honour than bestowed by an Irish Government on any figure from Gaelic Irish history,' said the Sinn Féin TD. 'This is not a commemoration for Ireland. Marking the birth of a future English king is not for us, even if it was 1,000 years ago. 'Of course we should acknowledge, protect, take pride in the rich architectural, cultural, and literary heritage that stands testament to Anglo-Norman Ireland, which lives on today in surnames and songs, and celebrate those brave Irish heroes of Norman descent who rebelled against the imperial yoke of England, as early as the 1360s through to the Desmond Rebellion through to United Irishman Lord Edward Fitzgerald, in whose Leinster House our Dáil now meets, and beyond. 'We should make the most of Ireland's Norman heritage to boost tourism, to create jobs, to support communities, and reinforce links with families tracing their Norman Irish roots and with other places who share a Norman heritage, but celebrating England's William the Conqueror, however, is a step too far.' At the June meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC), following confirmation that the council was in contact with Normandy regarding events for 2027, Deputy Ó Snodaigh's remarks were discussed in the chamber by Councillors Lisa McDonald and John Fleming. 'His comments were unpalatable and unfortunate,' said Cllr McDonald, 'we've proven that we're well capable of commemorating our ancestry with sensitivity.' 'I've never heard such negative, dour comments, I can't understand it,' added Cllr Fleming. 'We're proud of New Ross and its Norman connections, Hook Head, Tintern Abbey, and we have the Norman Visitor Centre coming next year. Now we have some silly comments trying to put a stop to that. ' Director of services Eamonn Hore took time to clarify his feelings on the matter, admitting that it had taken him a while to 'calm down' when he'd first read the deputy's statement. 'If he wants to come down to Wexford we'll show him all that's good about the area and its heritage,' he said. 'And with regards to to Cromwell, Wexford people don't need any history lesson on that. I had a particular problem with him saying this wasn't well-prepared; since 2016 we've had the Norman Way in place and when we invited the president of Normandy to New Ross he was amazed at the influence of the Normans there. "This is a way for the two regions to celebrate their history and culture – I must say I was very disappointed in what he said.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- General
- Irish Independent
New Ross unveils new age friendly car parking spaces – ‘It makes the town more accessible and welcoming'
Taking place in New Ross, the spaces were officially launched this week by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District, in the presence of district members and council officials. These dedicated parking spaces are designed to promote inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that older residents and those with mobility challenges can easily access the town's amenities and services. The initiative reflects the town's ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive community where everyone can participate fully in town life. Speaking at the unveiling, New Ross District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry, said: 'We are thrilled to introduce these age friendly parking spaces, which help in making New Ross a more accessible and welcoming place for all. Initiatives like this demonstrate our dedication to supporting residents of all ages and abilities, and we are proud to champion inclusivity in our community. "Thanks to Niamh Bolger, the age friendly programme manager with Wexford County Council, for her support on this project and to the area engineer, David Murphy, for completing the works.' Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council, Cllr Bridín Murphy said: 'It is with great pleasure that I unveil these new age friendly parking spaces in New Ross town today, as my last official task as Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District. These spaces, strategically located to provide easier access to essential services and amenities, are a small but meaningful step towards enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the district. "I want to thank Niamh Bolger, age friendly officer with Wexford County Council, for funding this initiative, as well as the district engineer, David Murphy, for installing the spaces. I encourage all motorists to respect these courtesy spaces, together we can create a more inclusive New Ross that truly caters to the needs of all residents.' A Wexford County Council spokesperson added: 'The new spaces are part of a broader effort by the district to enhance accessibility in the town, aligning with the national Age-Friendly Ireland Programme. New Ross Municipal District is committed to continuing such initiatives to ensure New Ross remains a vibrant, inclusive place to live, work, and visit.'
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
'Habitual vandalism' threatening to spoil €1m project in New Ross town centre
Despite funding of almost €1m going towards its rejuvenation Brennan's Lane in New Ross continues to be a centre for anti-social behaviour and vandalism. Commencing in 2024, the laneway underwent a comprehensive refurbishment to enhance safety, accessibility, and vibrancy. The project was funded by a €500,000 grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and was further supported by match funding from Wexford County Council, with the backing of the elected members, bringing the total investment to €891,000. However, at the June meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) Councillor Michael Sheehan said there were some who cared little for the new facilities. 'I want to condemn the anti-social behaviour and vandalism at Brennan's Lane, this has become a habitual issue now,' he said. 'The neighbouring businesses have to go down and take the plants off the roof every evening, because they've been ripped out of it several times. Having spent the amount of money that we did there this is disgraceful behaviour.' Cllr Sheehan received support from Cllr John Fleming who urged the district office to ensure the area was kept in good condition.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford village to welcome one of Ireland's finest céilí bands for Fringe Fleadh 25
With the club having done such a wonderful job hosting people from all over the country at their campsite set up for last year's Fleadh Cheoil, they were the ideal choice to host a wonderful evening of music as part of the Fringe Fleadh 25. Supported by Wexford County Council, Friday night will see a high energy performance from one of the country's most renowned traditional acts – The Blackwater Céilí Band, all the way from Co Tyrone. Since their formation in 2015, the band are widely recognised as one of the finest exponents of traditional music, bringing boundless energy and passion to each performance, creating fresh musical interpretations with distinctive character and detail, firmly rooted in the Ulster tradition. Former Senior All-Ireland Céilí Band winners, they will certainly ratchet up the excitement levels a notch ahead of this year's Fleadh. Support on the night will be provided by local acts Danescastle Music Group and Carrig Bán CCÉ. Tickets for the show are priced at just €10 and are available through Doors open at 8 p.m.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
'Blanket ban' on pets in tenancy agreements needs to be eliminated as study finds just 7 per cent of landlords allow dogs
As a result, Wexford councillor Michael Sheehan has called on Housing Minister James Browne TD, 'to amend section 12 of the Residential Tenancy Act 2004 to eliminate blanket bans on pets in tenancy agreements thereby reducing the number of pets being surrendered and abandoned.' Submitting this motion at the June meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC), Cllr Sheehan also provided figures from Dogs Trust which illustrated the number of healthy dogs being abandoned due to tenancy agreements with landlords. In 2024 Dogs Trust had more than one call or email a day (431 annually) on average from people needing to give up their dog because their move did not allow dogs. This is a 112 per cent increase from 2019 when the number was just 203, which, according to Dogs Trust, highlights a 'disturbing trend' affecting dogs and their owners. The charity said that, based on a search of all rental properties on in April of this year, only 7 per cent (132 out of 1871) of properties in Ireland allowed pets. 81 per cent of the 24,000 people surveyed by Dogs Trust – through Ireland's Dog Census – believe that dog owners should have the right to have a pet in rental accommodation said the charity. Discussing Cllr Sheehan's motion, Cllr Jim Codd noted that this issue also affected homeless people. 'Homeless people who have dogs are prevented from entering DePaul (homeless shelter) because of their pets. These dogs should be taken care of by the warden while their owners are in emergency accommodation,' he said. Cllr Vicky Barron added that the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) already catered for pets owned by homeless people, before the motion was subsequently passed. As a result WCC will now write to Minister Browne requesting an amendment to the Tenancy Act.
