St Joseph’s site should be a car park Odd smell in rural villages

GOREY Municipal District councillors last week voiced their concerns about the future plans for the former St Joseph’s National School site on Wexford street.

Cllr Robbie Ireton pointed out that 21 houses are reportedly going there, which he feels is a big mistake.

‘We need to keep this site for a car park in the future,’ said Cllr Ireton. ‘The town is becoming tighter and tighter and this is a golden opportunity. We need to stop the Council from placing houses.’

Cllr Anthony Donohoe agreed with his fellow councillor. ‘Over the summer, people were going elsewhere to shop because there wasn’t enough parking,’ he added.

Cllr Joe Sullivan said he received a lot of complaints about the parking situation in Gorey over the summer. He said that the council should not jump the gun about housing.

However, Cllr Malcolm Byrne is in favour of the proposal of shelter housing on the St Joseph’s site which would be a community based facility for the elderly to live.

‘The possibility of this would free up other houses on the outskirts,’ said Cllr Byrne. ‘Maybe we could look at constructing an adjacent car park to this as well. Shelter housing and car parks are needed.’

Amanda Byrne, district manager, said shelter housing will bring vibrancy to the town.

‘It isn’t all about cars,’ said Ms Byrne. ‘These people would be living close to the town, instead of an empty car park at night time.’

Eddie Taaffe, director of services, said it is all about balance and bringing people into the town.

‘The county architect is drawing up the plans at the moment, so wait and see what he comes back with before making decisions,’ said Mr Taaffe.

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain said maybe it worth reminding ourselves how much parking there actually is in the town. A proposal was made by Cllr Mary Farrell at last week’s Gorey Municipal District meeting to look at the wastewater system in Kilmuckridge every year due to raw sewage coming out of the drains last week.

‘We think it is one estate in the village especially in the summer time when it has reached full capacity,’ said Cllr Farrell. ‘The playschool had to close because of it.’

Cllr Anthony Donohoe also said raw sewage was coming out of the drains in Camolin two weeks ago and requested this be looked at too.

Tony Quirke, engineer with Wexford County Council, said they will check the sewer line.