Peace breaks out in battle for Wexford’s border roads – ‘We would serve the county better if we all worked together’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The battle to claim the roads bordering the Wexford Borough and Rosslare districts has temporarily stalled after a Sinn Féin councillor urged the warring factions to unite against a common enemy. Amid claims that Wexford councillors are neglecting the roads bordering the districts, Rosslare councillor Lisa McDonald asked what was being done to address poor surfaces at Rathaspeck, Drinagh, Kerlogue, and Coolballow.

Speaking at the October meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC) she was momentarily interrupted by Wexford councillor Leonard Kelly who reminded her that he had already requested works in Kerlogue.

“I don’t care,” replied Cllr McDonald. “There are 20 houses in the Wexford Borough on that road, the rest of the people are from the Rosslare District, and it needs work. Kerlogue in general needs the same level of work that the Newtown Road got, you need to consistently raise these issues to get anything done.”

However, Wexford councillor Tom Forde took issue with the suggestion he and those in the Borough were not looking after the outskirts of their district.

“Some councillors in the Rosslare District have been complaining about a lack of resources, but at the same time they have been suggesting they should take over some of the roads from the Wexford Borough. That’s just complete nonsense,” said the Sinn Féin councillor.

“Also, some of those councillors were part of the Wexford District before the split was made and the Rosslare District was formed. We would all serve the county better if we worked together and demanded more funding from a Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael-led government, instead of putting pressure on Wexford councillors who are pushing for those works to be done in Kerlogue and Sinnottstown Lane.”