Decision yet to be made on access road for new schools
WITH the site for a new 1,000 student post-primary school to replace Selskar College and a new eight classroom Educate Together National School already confirmed for land in Clonard, Cllr Tom Forde raised some questions over access at last week’s meeting of Wexford County Council.
The land on which the schools will be built is situated to the rear of Whitford hotel and Clonard Village and stretches right back over 16 acres to the Clonard road.
Cllr Forde asked what the status was on a proposed link road which would go from Killeens right through the land and link up the Clonard Road on the far side. He also asked if it was proposed to have a pre-planning meeting to discuss what infrastructure the council would provide for the development.
Director of Services Tony Larkin said that ‘a full road to Killeens may or may not go ahead’, but that an access road off the Clonard road ‘will go ahead and open up the site for the new schools’.
Mr Larkin added that Wexford County Council’s technical team would meet with the technical team of Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board ( WWETB) as soon as the latter was appointed, to pick a line for an access road. He also added that Wexford County Council would cover the cost of a relief road from its end.
A CALL was made for New Ross firemen to be able to attend call outs in south Kilkenny if they are the closest to the scene.
Cllr Anthony Connick said: ‘ There was an incident before Christmas when a firebridge was called to the scene of an accident near the Ferry Bridge. It’s like the situation with the guards.
‘If you go to the crossroads at Albatros gardaí won’t go into the Thomastown area. If the golf club goes on fire what fire brigade comes? For the accident they came from Graiguenamanagh. It took 42 minutes. The road was closed and she was cut out of the car. Who dictates who sends what (appliance).’
Paul L’Estrange of the council’s community section, said it is up to the chief fire officer of each county to decide policy. He said County Wexford was the first county to review its policies whereby a closest appliance policy has been adopted.
Mr L’Estrange said Kilkenny Fire Service would be impacted close to Waterford and New Ross if it adopted this policy.
Cllr Connick said: ‘ The golf club is 2kms from New Ross. Does that mean a fire engine has to come from Kilkenny?’
Mr L’Estrange said among the reasons for the pre determined attendance policy, including financial efficiencies. ‘It’s going through due process. It’s not our decision to make. I have discussed this at least a half a dozen times with the team in New Ross so they are very clear of the limitations we have on this.’
To all who are bereaved at this difficult time, Bethany Bereavement Support Group are continuing their telephone support.
If you need to talk to someone, please ring 087 3846577.
WEXFORD PEOPLE and their four legged friends have been clocking up the kilometres for a very special cause this month, Dogs Trust.
The campaign 99K for Canines called on dog lovers across the country to walk 99 kilometres with or without their dogs over the month of February, and with their yellow t-shirts and bandannas on board, locals have responded.
Although this challenge is taking place virtually within the limits of five kilometres from home, an online community has brought people together as they engage in the collective online fundraiser.
Those taking part were asked to set up a Facebook fundraiser to encourage their friends and family to sponsor them, and there is a Facebook group with over 7,000 members all taking part.
Barbara Kelly Bourke from Courtown has been out walking with her friend Aine Graynor mostly in the Ardamine area, and they have taken on the challenge with their dogs Benji and Blue.
She explained that after Chloe her springer spaniel passed away two years ago, she rents a dog called dog Blue, who she described as a ‘gas character’ who she has known since the dog was seven months old.
Meanwhile in the south of the county, Niamh Gaffney and her dog Lola are nearly half way through the challenge, enjoying doing their walks just outside New Ross.
‘ The reason I decided to take part in this challenge was because it’s for such a great cause. So many dogs are left without a home because a lot of people don’t realise that dogs are long term unfortunately and this can sometimes lead to abandonment, cruelty and neglect or in some cases they are given up for legitimate reasons. Without these charities I can’t even imagine what it would be like for these defenceless animals.
‘Knowing we have Dogs Trust means our furry friends are getting the best care and have the opportunity to find loving and safe homes. I want to do my bit and Lola too, as I would hate to imagine my own dog being in such bad situations.
‘So far we have reached 40km and our aim is to do at least three kilometres per day. We have Lola one year in March and after lots of consideration and thought we decided to welcome her into our family. Ever since we have had so much fun with her she’s a very loyal, funny and intelligent girl. Having her throughout lockdown has been great and as a non walker myself before all this I have to say I am really enjoying it and hope to carry on with the walks well after the 99km, but it’s just better knowing that you’re making a difference,’ she said.
Councillor Michael Sheehan has over 30 kilometres completed with his beloved dogs Abi and Toby and looks forward to completing the challenge in good time.
A spokesperson for Dogs Trust thanked the people of Wexford and their dogs for taking part, but noted that registrations are now closed and will re-open for the next challenge in August, with more information to be announced in July.