Wexford housing project delayed as it’s revealed land swap deal has yet to be formally approved

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The construction of 40 new council houses in Co Wexford is not expected to be completed until 2027 after it emerged that the deal to acquire the site has not yet been formally approved.

As part of an agreement with the Wexford Football League, Wexford County Council (WCC) is due to acquire a 12.13 acre site at The Lyre, Milehouse Road, Enniscorthy with a 12.4 acres at Killagoley going the other way.

However, at the September meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) it emerged that the land swap has yet to go ahead.

Explaining the hold-up, Angela Finn from WCC’s housing capital team said the case was currently with “the solicitors” while the Wexford Football League assessed the suitably of the land at Killagoley.

With Cllr Pat Kehoe noting that the land at The Lyre had changed hands “five or six times” over the past 20 years, director of services Carolyne Godkin said it was her understanding that contracts were due to be signed on the agreement a number of weeks ago and that she would investigate further.

Meanwhile, the site at The Lyre must undergo a number of tests before it is deemed suitable for housing.

“Our architect report has advised we carry out further testing,” said Ms Finn. “So that will have to be done before we can progress further. We have received the flood risk report and we are currently reviewing that.”

Asked for further information on the testing required, Ms Finn said it would involve “archaeological” testing of the trenches at the site, adding that it won’t cause a “huge delay” to the project.

“Are there any other sites we intend to develop?” asked cathaoirleach of the district Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy.

“We have one other site close to the town,” replied Ms Finn.

“So all the sites at the moment are in the town?” asked Cllr Murphy.

“Yes, except for the site in Bunclody,” came the response.

“Which isn’t progressing,” noted Cllr Murphy. “We are in the middle of a housing crisis and we’re not moving on anything, it’s frustrating but I think we’ve been beaten into submission at this stage.”