CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS ARE CONTINUING
WITH the uncertainty of coronavirus continuing to play havoc with forward planning for Christmas, the decision has been made to proceed with preparations as if the pandemic was of no consequence. With Christmas ten weeks away, every effort is being made to ensure the full potential of the festive season is not lost to Covid-19.
Enniscorthy Municipal District is working with the Chamber to put together a comprehensive programme of events, with the decoration of the town top of the agenda. Plans are well advanced for the erection of the town’s Christmas lights and plans are also comong along for the construction of a Christmas village in Market Square. A re-imagined Santa’s Enchanted Castle will take place in the Castle with the nearby Athenaeum also to be utilised for Santa-related activities. Municipal District staff will this week select suitable trees for erection in the town centre and what is believed to be Ireland’s largest Christmas tree is planned for Templeshannon Quay. Extra festive lighting will be erected in strategic areas and a first for Enniscorthy will be Santa’s Express which will be available for tours of the town centre from November 27 – the planned date for the switching on of the Christmas lights. Much, however, will depend on how well the pandemic can be curtailed in the coming weeks and while the picture right now is somewhat bleak, a positive response from the entire community to recently introduced restrictions will certainly go a long way towards saving Christmas 2020.
DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PLAN
In September, Wexford County Council announced the preparation of a new Draft Development Plan for the county. It advised that the draft plan would be available for inspection online, by appointment at the Planning Department of Wexford County Council and in the public libraries. The announcement further advised that the display locations would be kept under review in light of emerging Government guidance relating to the management of Covid 19.
Now that the Government’s has moved Wexford to Level 3, the libraries have reverted to online and click and collect services only. In this scenario, the county council will make copies of the draft plan available to lend by prior arrangement by phoning a library of choice. The plan remains available to view at https://consult. wexfordcoco.ie/ and by appointment at the Planning Department.
Written submissions and observations in relation to the draft plan received by the Planning Authority before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, will be taken into consideration. These can be submitted online via consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy to Forward Planning, Planning Department, Block B, Wexford County Council, Carriglawn, Wexford. E-mailed submissions will not be accepted.
UPDATE ON COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
A quick reminder of the Government regulations under Level 3 now in operation across County Wexford.
▪ No visitors to home or garden.
▪ In outdoor settings away from home or garden, up to six people from a maximum of two households can meet.
▪ Non contact training only in pods of 15.
▪ No matches or other sporting events.
▪ Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools may remain open for individual use only.
▪ Restaurants and cafes may remain open for take-away sales only. Niteclubs , discos and casinos remain closed.
▪ Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs to remain open but with service limited to residents.
▪ Schools, early learning and child care services remain open. n Outdoor playgrounds, play areas and parks remain open. n Visits suspended to nursing and care homes.
▪ Work from home unless absolutely necessary to attend in person.