Plans for idyllic housing scheme in Wexford will include an amphitheatre, playground, and an old tea house

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

An often ignored part of Enniscorthy is to be transformed into a idyllic space with 50 affordable and social homes as part of an ambitious project from Wexford County Council (WCC). Turret Rocks in Killagoley will be the site of the new housing scheme which will come with a community centre, amphitheatre, playground, skate park, and walkways linking the area back into Enniscorthy town centre.

Presenting the plans at the January meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District, county architect Shay Howell said the key to unlocking the 8.24 hectare site was the construction of a new 414m road through it.

“It will link all of the spaces right back to the town and will have paths and cycle lanes on either side,” he explained as he detailed the type of housing being developed at the site. “We’re looking at a mix of affordable and social housing, around 50 houses, and they will be located among the existing trees and shrubs.

“We also intend to develop a community centre, an amphitheatre, lots of walkways, a playground and skate park, with swales to look after the drainage in the area. We also want to address the tea-house there and bring it back into use with a modern take.”

Stating his intention to go to planning in Q2 of this year, Mr Howell said the coming months will see “a lot of consultation with local groups” as the council finalises its plans for the area.

The project was widely welcomed by the EMD’s councillors with Jackser Owens describing it as a “fantastic” development for a community which “feel they have long since been ignored”.

Cllr Aidan Browne was similarly effusive, noting that there hadn’t been any social houses developed on that side of the town “for years” and urging Mr Howell to ensure he was ready to avail of grant funding at the earliest opportunity.

It was left to Cllr Pat Kehoe to sound one slight note of caution.

“My only concern is that we’re putting 50 houses on 20 acres of land, I understand the need for amenities but in the middle of a housing crisis the priority should be finding somewhere for people to live; 50 houses are welcome but I’d like to see 100 or 150 there. I’d rather see houses than trees.”

However, Cathaoirleach Barbara Anne Murphy disagreed.

“You create communities when you create space, a house is a house but it only becomes a home when you create a community around it,” she said. “You also need places where you can relax and play and live your life.”