Gorey’s Esmonde St works may be pushed into 2026 as businesses fear loss of Christmas trade

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Works to regenerate Esmonde Street in the centre of Gorey may be pushed into next year if the contracts aren’t signed in the coming weeks. Originally scheduled to take place in September of this year, the works are currently awaiting confirmation from Irish Rail and Uisce Éireann before commencing.

However, with Autumn soon turning to Winter and Christmas just around the corner, there are concerns that the works, which will include upgraded footpaths, cycle lanes and road surfaces, as well as new street furniture, will lead to the permanent closure of some town centre businesses.

Speaking at the September meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD) Councillor Nicky Boland said the lack of clarity regarding the works was causing business owners to question their immediate futures.

“Businesses are holding off getting Christmas stock until they know what’s happening with these works,” he said as he requested an update on the proposed start date.

“It’s outside our control, it’s a matter between Irish Rail and Uisce Éireann (UE),” replied director of services with Wexford County Council (WCC) Liz Hore. “I have spoken to our engineer and we are ready to go from our end.”

Casting further doubt on the works starting by the end of the year, Cllr Donal Kenny noted that even when Irish Rail and UE came to an agreement it would be potentially four more weeks before all the paperwork was completed.

“If it drags to the end of November then we could hold off until next year,” he said.

Cllr Boland, who is a successful business owner himself, urged the council to consider waiting until January to begin the works which are expected to take 9-12 months to complete.

“The Christmas trade is massive for retailers, if the works are going to take place in the next few weeks I’d propose we wait until January to begin them,” he argued.

“You’d be running into next summer then,” cautioned Cllr Anthony Donohue.

“If the start date runs too close to Christmas we wouldn’t begin the works,” said Ms Hore.

However, one councillor believed the works will lead to the closure of businesses regardless of when they take place.

“The timing is going to be bad whatever way you look at it,” said Cllr Darragh McDonald. “Businesses are going to end up closing because of this, the least we can do is give them some clarity.”

With a consensus growing that the works may be best left until January of next year, Ms Hore reminded councillors that her priority was to ensure said works began at the earliest available time.

“We’re aware of the impact on the Christmas trade but at the same time we’re anxious to use the investment we have there,” she said. “In addition, it’s very hard to get contractors to do this work so we have to be ready when we get the go-ahead.”

It was left to Cllr Boland to have the last word and speak on behalf of those who face the prospect of losing out on their most lucrative time of the year.

“The lack of communication is frustrating the shop owners. The Christmas trade starts at the end of October for some shops, they’re putting stuff out and planning ahead by that point.”