Courtown pier delay was year’s drawback

A productive year was marred by ongoing delays in finishing the pier repairs in Courtown, Gorey Municipal District AGM heard last week.

As he stepped down after a busy year in the chair, outgoing cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen, pictured right, reviewed the successes and achievements but was unhappy that the piers are still unfinished.

‘Courtown Harbour has become a blight on the staff and members here,’ he said. ‘It should have been finished long ago but unfortunately it’s not.’

He commended the members on working to get a disabled access ramp to Gorey Garda Station. He was also delighted with the success of the North Wexford 2K Clean, which saw ‘people take control of their own areas.’

He thanked the council staff and officials for their work as well as his fellow councillors, his vice chairman Cllr John Hegarty, members of the press, and wished the incoming chairman and vice chairman well.

The meeting also heard from district manager Amanda Byrne who delivered a review from district director Annette O’Neill who was unable to attend. She paid tribute to Cllr Breen, saying he had made so many positive steps forward, and represented the district admirably.

Highlights during the year included the conclusion of the design of the Town Park and Showgrounds revamp; increased attendance at the Market House Festival, the Halloween events, and the Big Switch On at Christmas; cultural celebrations by the Sri Lankan and Polish communities; the renewal of the Avenue in Gorey as well as projects in Camolin and Ferns; and the opening of the Hatch Lab which is already attracting a lot of interest.

Paying tribute to Cllr Breen, Cllr Hegarty. ‘It’s a district that is based around community, and that’s one of your strengths,’ he said. ‘You have contacts around the community and you work well with them.’

He agreed that the situation in Courtown ‘isn’t good enough.’ ‘You fought that battle as hard as could be fought,’ he said.

Pip congratulated Cllr Hegarty on his recent election to chairperson of Wexford County Council.

Cllr Mary Farrell congratulated Cllr Breen on his year, saying ‘a lot of good work has been done around the district.’

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin enjoyed working with him, saying everyone was given a fair hearing at the meetings. Cllr Robbie Ireton also thanked him for his work, saying it had been a good year for the town and district.

Cllr Malcolm Byrne joined in the congratulations, saying the year had been ‘ hugely significant’. ‘You have steered it in an open and fair way with a great sense of humour,’ he said.

He echoed the comments about Courtown. ‘You have been to the fore of trying to get answers,’ he commented.

Cllr Anthony Donohoe wished to be associated with everything said, while Cllr Joe Sullivan also congratulated him on an excellent year.