Work set to start on community centre

IN October of 2021, as Bank of Ireland staff closed up the bank building in Rosslare Harbour for the final time, there were major fears that the local community would be left looking at another derelict building.

It was at this point that Independent councillor Ger Carthy began to apply some pressure. Having directed some pointed criticism towards Bank of Ireland for the decision to close the Rosslare branch in the first place, he publicly called for the bank building to be handed over for use by a community filled with loyal customers stretching back years.

Exerting his influence with then Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, he urged the council to do some kind of deal with the bank to acquire the building and finally put in place some kind of community centre for a growing population.

There were one or two raised eyebrows when the Lady’s Island man publicly discouraged potential investors for bidding against Wexford County Council on the old bank, but it was a means to an end as the building was finally secured for around €150,000.

There’s been a lot of work and discussion since between the local authority, the councillor and the Rosslare Harbour Development Team under the Chairmanship of Alan Murphy.

Thursday was a momentous day in the village, however, as contracts were finally signed with GJM Contracts to deliver a community centre and enterprise centre for the village.