United front in New Ross as new chair of district urges councillors to work together over next 12 months

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

As he donned the chains of office for the third time in a lengthy and successful political career, New Ross councillor John Fleming said the focus for the upcoming year was to work together for the betterment of the town and extended district.

Cllr Fleming was elected as cathaoirleach of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) at The Tholsel on Wednesday afternoon and he immediately set his sights on completing some of the high-profile projects planned for the area.

“We have a lot of work to focus on over the next 12 months, including the greenway, the Norman Visitor Centre, and the pedestrianisation of Quay Street,” he said. “But, so long as we work together, I believe we can progress all these projects and achieve a lot in the coming year.”

This sense that everyone was pulling together to ensure the NRMD continued to flourish was reiterated by Cllr Bridín Murphy who noted that, despite operating out of the same parish, she and Cllr Fleming had developed a strong partnership over the past seven years.

And it was she who proposed Cllr Fleming for the position of cathaoirleach, a proposal which was seconded by Cllr Michael Sheehan.

While district manager Alan Fitzhenry said that the NRMD was “arguably the most effective district in the county” when it came to bringing projects like The Shambles, Brennan’s Lane, and Duncannon Fort to fruition, Cllr John Dwyer was quick to remind the new cathaoirleach that housing remained a concern in New Ross.

“We need an affordable housing scheme in this town,” he said. “Every other district in Co Wexford has announced a scheme of this nature apart from us.”

Cllr John Fleming has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District. Photograph: Patrick Browne

Cllr Michael Sheehan, leas cathaoirleach, with Cllr John Fleming who has been elected the new Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District. Photograph: Patrick Browne

Cllr Dwyer was speaking after he had vacated the role of cathaoirleach and his colleagues were keen to commend him for his work during that time.

“You were a strong representative of the district and everywhere you went people were impressed how genuine and grounded you were,” noted Cllr Sheehan.

Although Cllr Sheehan had previously served alongside Cllr Dwyer on the New Ross Town Council, for others it was their first introduction to “the legend of John Dwyer”; but any trepidation or misgivings had been swiftly dismissed.

“I’d heard all sorts of stories before I started working with you, about the great rebel John Dwyer who would be kicking up all sorts of storms,” said Cllr Pat Barden. “But you have been fair and genuine throughout your term, and you did a brilliant job.”

Similarly, Cllr Murphy said “the legend of John Dwyer was spoken of in halls and councils” before he was re-elected to the council in 2024, but, contrary to reports, the outgoing chair was “an absolute gentleman” who “cares deeply for everyone around you”.

Further praise for Cllr Dwyer came from Mr Fitzhenry who referenced the councillor’s “great instinct for social justice” and from director of services Eamonn Hore who described him as a “true voice for the underdog”, before Cllr Murphy proposed Cllr Sheehan as vice-chair for the year ahead.

That proposal was seconded by Cllr Dwyer and, as a result, Cllr Sheehan will serve under Cllr Fleming for the year ahead.