Frustration with HSE over Covid memorial garden
PLANS to open up a memorial garden for those who lost their lives during the Covid pandemic have been met with a major stumbling block as the HSE appears unwilling to engage with Wexford County Council on the plan.
Pitched by Mayor John Hegarty, the idea was to open the old walled garden at Ely Hospital in Ferrybank and to create a permanent memorial to those who died and those frontline workers who went above and beyond to pull us through the dark days of the pandemic.
The Borough District set aside a decent budget that would go towards landscaping, planting and all other associated works, all they needed was the cooperation and sign off of the HSE to use the currently overgrown and unused plot of land. Sadly, despite initial positive feedback, this was not forthcoming.
“Unfortunately, the HSE are not responding,” Cllr Hegarty said. “They are not willing and don’t seem to be agreeable to working with us on this. I don’t know why.
“It’s really disappointing. I think this has the potential to be a really lovely project. Effectively the council are willing to take the reins on this, to install and maintain a public park area on the grounds of the Ely Hospital which can be utilised by staff, patients and visitors there too. It seems to be a win-win.
“We have an allocated budget for this that’s there and ready to spend.
“It’s just frustrating that the HSE don’t seem to want to engage with us on this. It’s not like there’s a lot of work involved for them or that they could do anything else with the walled garden there. They won’t get to build on it. There’s no other use for this plot.”
With the picturesque vista of Wexford town, the Cuan Aingeal memorial and Crosstown cemetery all in close proximity, the walled garden was considered an ideal location for a project like this and Cllr Hegarty’s idea garnered the support and enthusiasm of his fellow members.
The Mayor was also keen to get the project over the line before he finishes in the role and steps away from local politics, however, it now appears that an alternative use will have to be found for the funds set aside.