Summer festival for Wexford town rejected by councillors from other districts – ‘I’d prefer investment in roads rather than a binge for eight days’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Hopes of Wexford hosting an annual music festival similar to the Fleadh Cheoil have been dashed after councillors from other districts objected to the unequal distribution of council funds. At the September meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC) Councillor Leonard Kelly submitted a motion in which he called for “a feasibility study into the establishment of a major family friendly, summer music/cultural festival in Wexford town” to be carried out.

"The study should explore the potential to attract both national and international audiences, build on the legacy and goodwill created by the hosting of the Fleadh Cheoil, and appeal to a different demographic than the existing festivals held in Wexford town,” he added.

However, Cllr Kelly’s proposal faced immediate objections from those representing other parts of the county.

“I propose an amendment to the motion to include the whole county,” suggested Enniscorthy councillor Aidan Browne. “We received a report in Enniscorthy suggesting that in order for the night-time economy to succeed we need four festivals annually, including the Rockin’ Food Festival which, by the way, was moved to facilitate the Fleadh this year – we want that weekend back for ourselves. And we would also like to see the return of the Strawberry Festival to Enniscorthy.”

Despite Cllr Kelly’s protestations that the feasibility study was “specifically for Wexford’s county town”, the complaints continued.

“No one is disputing that the Fleadh was a success but it cost money to do that,” said Bunclody councillor Barbara Anne Murphy. “If we’re going to do the same for Wexford town every year for another festival I’d like to know how it’s going to be funded, and I’d hope it won’t be done at the detriment of the rest of the county.”

“This wouldn’t be to the detriment of anywhere,” protested Cllr Kelly, “it would benefit the whole county, and it’s only a feasibility study I’m requesting.”

Cllr Kelly received support, of a kind, from Rosslare councillor Ger Carthy who noted that “when the Fleadh went to Enniscorthy in the late 90s we didn’t cry our eyes out about it down here.”

“We didn’t look for more money straight after it either,” countered Cllr Browne.

At this point chief executive Eddie Taaffe interjected.

“We need to strengthen our offerings in terms of festivals and spread them out equally over the year so they don’t clash,” he said. “This proposal can be part of our overall strategic plan to ensure our festivals get maximum exposure. But we do have four strong towns, a number of strong villages, and we have to take a coordinated approach to this, everyone should get something out of this and it should be distributed fairly.”

This did not calm tensions as councillors continued to fight for their respective areas.

“This motion is specifically for Wexford town,” said Cllr Vicky Barron. “There’s no point in looking for a feasibility study for festivals which already exist (elsewhere in the county), that would be an entirely different motion. I have played musically at festivals all over the county, and Wexford town is a unique environment.”

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 16th

“The other towns deserve a fair shake of the stick,” countered New Ross’s Michael Sheehan. “I don’t want to detract from the feasibility study for Wexford but we also need one in New Ross.”

“Is it feasible to spend so much to host a festival in the county town?” asked Enniscorthy councillor Pat Kehoe. “This shouldn’t come out of the county budget, I’d like to see each district get this money, see some investment in our roads rather than have a binge in Wexford for eight days.”

“Where does it mention binge?” asked a by now exasperated Cllr Kelly.

With neither side willing to budge it was put to a vote, with councillors asked whether they wished to support Cllr Kelly’s original motion or have it amended to include the entire county. The amendment was subsequently passed.