New Ross motorhome park delayed for a ‘year or longer’ over concerns surrounding environmental impact

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

A new 23-bay motorhome park in New Ross has been delayed for “a year or longer” due to concerns regarding its potential impact on the River Barrow. Following Wexford County Council’s (WCC) application to develop the motorhome park at Marshmeadows in May of this year, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has requested that a new environmental impact assessment be carried out to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding area.

The proposed site is close to the Oaklands Roundabout, directly opposite New Ross Garda Station and, if approved, will feature a modern 23-bay motorhome park with drinking water, sewerage, and waste facilities, along with lighting, landscaping, controlled access, and ancillary works.

At the September meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) local councillors reacted to news that the project was going to face significant delays.

“What impact is this going to have in terms of timelines?” asked Councillor Bridín Murphy. “The town is crying out for accommodation and I’m concerned this is going to delay it for a year or longer. Are we going to have to look at a new site?”

Explaining that the council’s application would now have to be assessed by the national planning authority An Coimisiún Pleanála, director of services Eamonn Hore was reluctant to place an exact date on when the works might proceed.

“Things have become more strict with regards to environmental impact assessments, ecologists and archaeologists will have to look at the site now, carry out inspections,” he said. “It will be at least a year before that process is complete. We have to prove there will be no impact on the river.”

While some were dismayed by this development, district manager Alan Fitzhenry sounded a more positive note.

“This is a temporary setback, it’s nothing we can’t overcome,” he said.