New chair of Enniscorthy council vows to represent the people of the district – ‘It’s important we show that we’re working for them’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Councillor Barbara Anne Murphy has been described by her colleagues as a “tireless worker” who “always fights for what she believes in” as they entrusted her with the role of cathaoirleach of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) for the year ahead. Proposed by outgoing chair, Cllr Aidan Browne, the Bunclody representative said that despite preparing for her big milestone in her life she had no intention of slowing down.

"I’m 60 this year but I’m not ready to stop yet,” she said. “I’ve been in politics officially for 21 years but have been involved since I was 16 year-old. It’s a long time, and I hope we will all continue to work well together in the Enniscorthy district.”

Outlining her priorities for the year ahead, Cllr Murphy said there were several issues and projects she wished to focus on.

“I want to prioritise housing during my year as cathaoirleach, our town and villages are dying,” she said. “We need to change our development plans, we need our schools, GAA, and sports clubs to grow and allow our villages to thrive.”

Also on her agenda is CCTV in Bunclody, the community garden in St. John’s Hospital, and the potential opening of a new national park in her native area.

“I would like to see us extend our walks and trails and open part of the Blackstairs as a national park, this would increase tourism in the area and is something which is badly needed in rural Co Wexford.”

However, Cllr Murphy admitted that regardless of what projects she helps get over the line in the next year, the difficulties of being a local public representative will persist.

“I can see a time in the future when no-one wants to get involved in local politics, we have to deal with a lot of naysayers in this job and rarely does anyone say well done when works are completed,” she said. “But ultimately the people decide who is elected to do this job and it’s important we show that we are working for them.”

Having served as cathaoirleach for the past year, Cllr Browne addressed his colleagues before passing the chains to his fellow Fianna Fáil member.

“We all worked together for the district despite the occasional disagreement and there were a lot of projects completed during the year,” he said. “The opening of the astro-pitch has been a real game changer for the town, it’s always packed out and has been well-used since its opening. With so much bad weather during the winter that pitch ensured the football season finished on time.”

Cllr Browne also highlighted the recent opening of an affordable-housing scheme in Enniscorthy, stating that he hoped it “will benefit young married couples in the area and provide families with homes.”

He received praise from his fellow councillors for the work he had carried out during his year at the helm.

“You represented the district really well,” said Cllr Murphy, “we were down a councillor for several months (following Cathal Byrne’s election to the Seanad) but you made sure we didn’t slack off and that we continued to work together for the betterment of the district.”

"As a new councillor there was a lot I didn’t know when I started, but you were always available if ever I needed help or advice, and that’s something I appreciated greatly,” added Cllr Pat Kehoe.

“You were very professional and a pleasure to deal with, you’re a very community-focused councillor,” said director of services Carolyne Godkin.