Page 4 - Simon Bourke News Today

Hotel Rosslare is to undergo significant renovation works after an appeal was rejected by An Bord Pleanala (ABP). The application from the owner of the site, Longfield Ventures Limited, to change the hotel into 23 apartments, including a second-floor extension for five new apartments, was initially granted by Wexford County Council (WCC) in November 2022.

Artists from as far afield as Bermuda, Iceland, and Singapore will come to Wexford this summer to take part in the 17th annual Art in the Open festival. Running from July 20-28 the festival will see more than 200 artists, both national and international, arrive in the town for a week-long schedule of workshops, masterclasses, and outdoor painting events.

After another successful festival, after more awards were handed out, and after more packed-out shows, the organisers of the Wexford Drama Festival could afford to momentarily relax, to allow themselves to reflect on a job well done. And this year, more than most, was a time for reflection. Now in its 60th year, the festival has become a focal point in the calendar for those with a love of theatre, and those behind the scenes are acutely aware of the responsibility they face in maintaining old t...

The lack of progress on works to upgrade the Enniscorthy North Business District have left local councillors wondering if Wexford town is the only place which receives funding for active travel projects.

The Enniscorthy Stars Sports and Arts Club (ESSAC) has been launched in Marshalstown Community Centre with a promise to provide “boundless opportunities for creativity, athleticism, and cultural enrichment”.

Having started Irish dancing classes at the age of four with the Cloke Donohoe school of Irish Dancing, Lisa Murphy is now part of the professional circuit in Disney Springs, Orlando, Florida. The Ballywilliam woman joined the Raglan Road dance troupe last October and has been performing in shows on a daily basis with dancers from Ireland and the US along with Irish musicians and singers.

Enniscorthy councillor Aidan Browne is calling on the government to extend a scheme which supports those building their own home. Because of the extended spell of wet weather many of those building their own homes have been unable to begin construction, and Cllr Browne said the extension of the waiver scheme on development levies is now of urgent importance.

Uisce Éireann, in partnership with Wexford County Council (WCC) is replacing 2.7km of old damaged water mains with new modern pipes in Rosslare to provide a more reliable water supply and reduce high levels of leakage.

A new theatre festival will take place in the Wexford Arts Centre this weekend as five original plays are staged over the course of two nights. Page to the Stage 2024 is presented by Amigo Productions and features works carefully selected by founder Paul Hughes and his team.

The funeral mass of the late Sean Kavanagh has heard how his last days were spent doing the things he loved. Speaking in St. Aidan's Cathedral, Enniscorthy, Sean’s daughter Edel recalled her father’s final hours.