Safety works delay to limit port traffic
NEW ROSS PORT will not be able to reopen to traffic on the scale it was hoped this month due to a delay in completing health and safety works.
Executive scientist with Wexford County Council Brendan Cooney said the taking in charge process of New Ross Pier/Port is ongoing.
Speaking at the municipal council meeting, Mr Cooney said health and safety standards are being looked at and a new harbourmaster is being hired.
Mr Cooney said he is hopeful the port can reopen in the next few weeks.
Cllr John Fleming said he is aware there are problems with navigational equipment in the port.
Cllr Michael Sheehan asked if there is any way to reopen parts of the port. Cllr Sheehan said the council is down around €100,000 in lost revenue from port activity so far this year.
‘It’s very concerning that we
Works are ongoing to fully open New Ross Port soon.
are waiting for everything to be done before we open it. I was under the assumption that all parties involved were happy with the works.’
Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Whelan said Arthurstown is not listed in the bye-laws for council piers and ports and asked for this to be rectified.
Mr Cooney said there are multiple issues that need to be resolved before New Ross Port can be reopened.
He said: ‘We are fully aware of the loss of revenue and we don’t want that to go on any longer than necessary.’
District director Eamonn Hore said: ‘We are hoping to reopen the port once health and safety issues are completed.’
A PAINT and toxic substances amnesty is needed post-lockdown as sheds were cleaned out across the district.
This is the view of Cllr Anthony Connick who asked if, along with a mattress amnesty, paint cans can be dropped off at a council owned waste facility.
Cllr Connick said there is a lot of old paint in back gardens, after sheds were cleaned out.
Executive scientist with Wexford County Council Brendan Cooney said the mattress amnesties have worked very well, adding that a paint and toxic substances amnesty can be considered.