Hello All

Its been a busy few months, with lots happening. From the highs of another enviornment award to the lows of our most destructive winter storm to date (Storm Eowyn) Read on to find out what happened over last winter and spring 2025.

KEEP WEXFORD BEAUTIFUL AWARDS

CCC were delighted to be recognized once again in the Best Community Coastal Management Initiative for 2024! Huge congratulations to all the community groups who participated in this years competition, which keeps growing from strength to strength. A big thank you to the Environment Section of Wexford County Council for hosting yet another fantastic event.

COURTOWN RIVERCHAPEL CIRCULAR ECONOMY ACTION PLAN

CCC are pleased to share our Courtown Riverchapel Circular Economy Action Plan 2024.

Link https://drive.google.com/.../1InfGQulegRp1qh4InTj.../view...

We would like to sincerely thank the community groups who contributed their valuable insights to the plan's development and we look forward to continuing these collaborations to implement the recommended Circ ular Economy Actions. Special thanks to Roisin Markham of BDT Consultancy Ltd and to Seal Rescue Ireland who generously hosted our group presentations.

If you or your group would like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at courtowncommunitycouncil32@gmail.com

This project was funded by Community Foundation Ireland and facilitated by Voice -Voice of Concern for the Environment.

WALKING TRAIL ENHANCEMENTS

After a busy 2024 filled with community walks, art workshops, citizen science days and the release of our circular economy report, we’re excited to build on further opportunities in 2025 and first up is what's happening down the Burrow.

Over the past 4 weeks, a digital trail counter recorded approx 5,000 people using the Courtown Kiltennel Walking Trail which gave us a massive boost here as we have been working hard behind the scenes applying for grants to enhance the area.

In addition to the knee rail fencing protecting the biodiversity work already started, you will soon see the installation of accessible picnic tables and replacement benches.

Nature restoration signs and heritage displays, developed in collaboration with the NPWS and Courtown Heritage Group, will showcase key points of interest along the trail.

A "Welcome to Courtown Dunes and Glen" sign will also be installed, marking the entrance to this wonderful proposed Natural Heritage Area.

Once installed, we’ll celebrate with an official opening event!

As our soft shoreline continues to disappear and our rivers continue to swell, CCC remains committed towards advancing our community focused circular economy and climate action projects.

Many thanks to Wexford County Council, Wexford Walking Trail, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Wexford Local Development for their continued support and assistance.

If you, your business, or your community group would like to get involved, please reach out to us via direct message or email us on courtowncommunitycouncil32@gmail.com

STORM EOWYN

Back in January we had extensive storm damage along the Courtown Kiltennel coastline caused by Storm Eowyn. Sadly, we lost a section of Fishermans walk, an old coastal path which formed part of the of Sli Charman coastal trail. To preserve what remains of this beautiful walk, we need a new strategy, along with urgent support and assistance.

News Article Link

SPIKE BRIDGE CLOSURE!!

Back in February the pedestrian bridge in Courtown Woods known as Spike Bridge was closed by Coillte.

Due to the cultural and local significance of this bridge, the Courtown Heritage Group were anxious that it be restored and returned to use as soon as possible.

This timber bridge was once an Iron spiked bridge which workers on Lord Courtown’s estate used. It was locked by night after the last workers went home and opened again in the morning, to allow workers access to their workplace.

Currently the bridge allows for access to woodland managed by Coillte on the north side of the Owenavorragh river, linking the 1.4km Bridge Walk which is especially popular for active travel and river anglers.

An adjoining trail recently recorded approximately 5,000 users over a four week period, so it is important that bridge be returned to full use to give access to both sides of the river.

NEW RECYCLING SERVICE FOR MEALS ON WHEELS COURTOWN!

Re-turn, Courtown Community Council

Meals On Wheels Gorey & Courtown is proud to launch a new recycling collection service for our service users on our Courtown service, supporting the Re-turn Scheme!

The Re-turn Scheme is a circular economy initiative, capturing a higher quality of recyclate and maximising existing resources. By reusing and recycling more effectively, it saves energy and water, reduce landfill and there is a lower impact on the planet. Supporting this recycling scheme is part of the key sustainability commitments Meals On Wheels Gorey made under the Courtown Circular Economy Plan. The service was launched on our Courtown service, and if all goes well, it will be extended to the Gorey service.

As strong advocates for inclusion, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in sustainability initiatives, regardless of their circumstances. We understand that many of our service users may face challenges in participating due to mobility, isolation, or other limitations—so we’re bringing the scheme directly to them. By offering this service, we’re expanding the service we offer and also making sure everyone can take part in recycling, no matter their circumstances. That’s why we are the first Meals on Wheels service in the country to offer this kind of recycling support!

PHOTO: Joining our Chairperson in launching this initiative are Linda Sinnott, Chairperson, Courtown Community Council, and Roisin Markham, the Facilitator for the Courtown Circular Economy Plan

COURTOWN RIVERCHAPEL TOWN CENTRE FIRST

Walkabout & Workshop

In March Wexford County Council organised a Walkabout & Workshop for Courtown/Riverchapel Town Centre First. It was a great day and we were delighted to engage with such fantastic people in our community.

More Information here https://www.facebook.com/share/v/176qhnpLjZ/

CLEAN COASTS

In March, we had the pleasure of meeting newly appointed, Clean Coasts Development Officer Roisín Fitzgerald from the Environmental Education Unit. Roisín praised our community coastal management initiatives and will be supporting us with some educational signage. She also plans to return to feature our restoration and climate resilience efforts and supply us with some Clean Coasts beach cleaning kits so we can run even more community events.

CCC AGM

Thank you to everyone who came along to find out more about the work we do and to discuss potential new projects for the coming year. Many thanks to our Garda representatives., our council representatives and our newly elected TDs. We very much look forward to an exciting year ahead. Here is a summary of our annual report.

Winter / Spring 2025

National Tree Week