Caretaker for Vinegar Hill
A caretaker has been employed to help with the maintenance of Vinegar Hill.
Speaking at last Monday’s meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Cllr Johnny Mythen said Vinegar Hill is an iconic site and should receive full protection and go on the National Monuments list.
He said with the discovery of the mass graves on the hill such protection was warranted. He said that a caretaker was needed to keep the site looking its best.
Enniscorthy District Manager Liz Hore said that the report on the archaeological findings on Vinegar Hill will be published and there will also be a presentation to members. She also confirmed that a caretaker would be back in site this week.
Director of Services John Carley said that with the new information on Vinegar Hill available to the council it would be taking cognisance of thee findings when looking at any future plans for the area.
‘This is a very important site and a lot of material needs to be looked at.’
However Cllr Paddy Kavanagh was a little wary of the level of protection needed.
‘‘I would be careful about putting a blanket protection order on the whole site because life still has to go on up there. I’m not saying that with any disrespect for what was found up there but previously the OPW wouldn’t even allow up dig a small trench there for lights. I think there is enough protection there.’
He was also critical of the way in which the findings were relayed.
‘The group up there were very slow to let people know what they found. I know they didn’t want people disturbing things and the residents obviously don’t want treasure hunters up there either.
‘In view of the verification of the finds there has to be consultation with all the interested parties including the residents.’
Cllr Kavanagh said he was delighted a caretaker was back on Vinegar Hill. ‘It was embarrassing this summer when it was neglected up there at the height of the tourism season.’
Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan was in agreement. ‘We have to be practical. There have been people living up there for generations.
‘If that find (the mass graves) was in any other country or county it would be huge. There are so many people buried up there. It’s something we really need to push along and work o hard on.’
She suggested that the 1798 Centre should be located near Vinegar Hill ‘so people can get a feel for the battle’.
Cllr Keith Doyle said that Vinegar Hill is on the council’s priority list for this year saying the possibility of lighting was also being examined.
He said that he had allocated his chairman’s allowance for the re-enactment of Vinegar Hill next year. ‘It is on the forefront of our minds to prioritise Vinegar Hill’, he said.
Cllr Doyle also raised concerns about dog fouling in the area and said something needed to be done.
Cllr Mythen said ‘the discovery of the mass graves is a game changer for the town. These are our ancestors. If it were anywhere else it would be protected. It’s a mark of respect.