Latest news with #JohnO'Rourke
Irish Independent
24-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Calls for QR codes to enhance one of Wexford's primary tourist spots
Speaking at the July meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD), Councillor John O'Rourke said the panoramic views from the hill offered a unique opportunity to tell the story of those who fought in the 1798 Rebellion. 'Jacqui Hynes gave us a detailed rundown of everything that happened there, she was able to pinpoint each battle, where it took place, and all the dates,' said Cllr O'Rourke. 'Could we showcase that to people who are visiting the area, use that information to our advantage, and give people the sights and views of each of the battles? It would enhance the value of the attraction.' Having recently visited Brandon Hill in Co Kilkenny, cathaoirleach of the EMD Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy said she had seen first-hand how the council there promoted its history. 'They have a circular stone taken from a forge which provides all the information of what happened in the area, it's very detailed. We could do something similar and provide a QR code for people to scan for more information. It's very a natural way of telling a story, we should be considering doing something like that.' In full agreement with the councillors, district manager Claire Lawless noted that Forth Mountain in the Wexford District already had information panels in place and that she would look into creating the same on Vinegar Hill.
Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Repeated dumping outside clothes bins in Wexford branded ‘absolutely crazy'
Cllr John O'Rourke is frustrated with the low rate of collection at clothes bins in the town leading to dumping and untidiness with the clothes bin in the old Dunnes Stores carpark being a large offender. Having been in the area recently, Cllr O'Rourke said he watched as members of the public removed bags out of the overflowing bank, rifled through the bags and took pieces of clothing for themselves, before leaving the remnants of clothes and plastic strewn across the road. "I have repeatedly asked that we write to the clothes bin provider about increasing the rate of collections and it is getting to the stage now that it is just ridiculous. It is every day without fail that this is going on.' He highlighted how it was unfair for both the people who want to donate to a good cause and the people meant to benefit from it. "People want to provide genuine support to charities, and there are people taking what they want from the overflow without consent and leaving the clothes strewn everywhere. It is absolutely crazy,' he said. However, he is also encouraging residents to think about the multitude of charity shops nearby in the town that they could use as an alternative. "We get these flyers in the door with stickers for charities A, B, C, and D – but if people feel the need to donate their clothes there are charity shops in the town that would make better use of the clothes rather than dumping them beside a full bin,' he added. Furthermore, he said that the strewn clothes and plastic is making the area unsightly and causing even more work for the volunteers in the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns, especially in the adjudication period for the Tidy Towns competition. "It just looks terrible,' he said.
