Newly appointed District Administrator, Ger Mackey, was given a warm reception when he attended his first meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Centre this afternoon. Cathaoirleach Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan led the words of welcome and said Mr Mackey was “very experienced” and “an excellent worker.”

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy described Mr Mackey as “pro-active, has a positive attitude and will work hard for the district.” Cllr John O’Rourke recalled that he always supported voluntary organisations while Cllr Cathal Byrne spoke of his positivity and referred to his actions as “solution-based”. Cllrs Jacker Owens and Aidan Browne also added their sentiments.

New Ross native, Mr Mackey recalled his time in Enniscorthy in 2000 with Donal Minnock and Martin Whelan who gave him “a real schooling in local government. “I have a great affection for the town,” he added. He gave a short address in which he outlined a vision for the town and district and said that everybody should work together to make Enniscorthy great again.

Meanwhile, Wexford County Council has confirmed that the long-awaited modernisation of Enniscorthy Municipal District Offices in Market Square Enniscorthy is finally to get under way, with staff vacating the Market Square offices later this week and moving to the recently renovated Enniscorthy Courthouse just up the street, for the duration for the contract works.

Mr Mackey stated that it will be ‘business as usual’ at the Courthouse from 9 am next Tuesday, with the Market Square offices closing at 4 pm this Friday and remaining closed on Monday to allow the transfer of services to take place.

“The Market Square building has not undergone any significant investment for quite some time and as a result, it lacks the modern facilities and services expected in a public services’ building today” said Mr. Mackey. “Wexford County Council is investing approximately €1 million in a major refurbishment programme to modernise the building. The public will be able to enjoy much improved public facilities, including measures to improve privacy for those visiting the building, disabled access to floors above ground level, works to weather-proof the building and a significant upgrade of the telecommunications system.

“These much-needed refurbishment works will help ensure this iconic building reaches its full potential, not only in terms of improved public access to Council services in the Enniscorthy District for many years to come, but also in contributing to a rejuvenation of Enniscorthy’s Market Square and surrounding areas”, concluded Mr. Mackey.