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Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford pop-up ‘Play Day' brings the community together
The pop up event was organised by the Enniscorthy Municipal District, Creative Places Enniscorthy and FDYS and was held to mark National Play Day 2025, The aim of National Play Day is to promote play and recreation opportunities for children and young people across the country. The theme this year is 'The Power of Play', This year's theme highlights the many benefits of play for children's development, including physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth. It should raise awareness of the vital role that play does play in a child's life. Each year the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provides funds for Local Authorities to engage in National Play Day. Following the pop-up event, part of the funding from the Department will be used to purchase durable play equipment for community settings. Children heartily engaged with a number of games including tug of war, sack races and had fun with colourful fabric. The peace park was an optimal location to host the festivities as large instruments were installed last year to improve physical activity through playful activities, adding colour and more interest into the park. There is a bench shaped xylophone, flowers that make noise with movement and plenty of bells to keep children entertained. A number of councillors were in attendance including Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Patricia Byrne, and Cllr John O'Rourke who joined in on the games. Before the pop-up event began, funding was also provided for a morning training workshop for people volunteering or working with children and young people that was hosted by play strategist Martin O'Donoghue from Cork.
Irish Independent
01-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Wexford Gardaí highlight the importance of showing solidarity with those affected by domestic abuse
'Go Purple' is a national campaign aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and the supports available to victims. The initiative was first organised in 2020 by community garda Stacey Looby in Navan Garda Station. Each year, it encourages both garda personnel and participants to wear the colour purple. An Garda Síochana revealed that in 2024, an excess of 65,000 domestic abuse related contacted the Gardaí – an average of 2,250 reports each week. They have observed an increase in reporting rates of domestic abuse year on year. Enniscorthy Gardaí made sure to do their part by inviting in members of Wexford County Council to discuss the issue on Friday, May 30. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Cllr Mary Farrell were welcomed into the Enniscorthy station by Superintendent David O'Sullivan, Garda Maeve Hanlon, Garda Emma Walsh, and Inspector Liam Kavanagh. Wexford Garda Station also encouraged people to speak to each other and to share their experiences with those close to them. "Above all, we are asking that you speak to one another about this issue. Without realising, you might just give someone the crucial support they've needed to begin to share some of the fear they deal with alone,' they said. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please contact or speak with any officer at your nearest Garda Station. In an emergency or immediate danger, please call 999/112.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford community park will enhance local village once complete but funding must first be found
The field is located between Termonbarry Housing estate and the national school and plan has received pre planning approval and will now proceed to the Part Eight Planning process. Seen as a great amenity for the community, Bunclody Community College have thrown their support behind the initiative. "Bunclody Community College is delighted to support the Páirc na nGabhar Community Garden initiative. The Páirc na nGabhar committee was formed to develop the field and turn it into a community amenity. The committee consists of town residents, who are passionate about this development. Once completed it will be inclusive and available to all ages, genders and abilities,' they said. There was a public consultation held in St Aidan's Hall on Wednesday, April 16 where locals and residents could visit, have a look at the plan and give their feedback. The public meeting was attended by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Deputy Malcolm Byrne and Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe. At the April meeting of the Enniscorthy municipal district held just a day before, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy stressed the importance of working together with members of the public on these kinds of projects. "The important thing is that it is welcome for people to have comments on it and to make suggestions on it or changes – that is what it is about. It's not just saying 'this is it, here is the done deal.' It is asking people if they are happy with it or something that they would change. It is the consultation aspect,' she said. District Manager Claire Lawless further explained that the draft plans include a walking track, a picnic area, and a flower section. The project will be progressed when funding is sourced.
