Last week, we asked our Facebook followers what they would change about Wexford. The post attracted more than 4,500 people. Here are some of the most popular comments.
Refurbish the old cinema
One of the most popular suggestions came from Wexford native Darren Beaver, who said the old Cineplex cinema by Dunnes Stores should be refurbished and brought “back to life.” According to Beaver, the newer Omniplex cinema on the Rosslare Road in Drinagh is out of reach for people who do not own cars.
Others said the abandoned premises should be converted into a new train station.
Live Music
Dermot Bradley said Wexford Town lacked a dedicated live music venue and that the old cinema building would be an ideal location:
The thing that Wexford town lacks is a dedicated live music venue. Something other than the opera! The old cinema near Redmond Square would make an ideal location. Something similar to the Forum in Waterford. Sadly that too is gone! The Crown Bar was a great spot for live music on a Friday night. We need a weekend music venue capable of holding good bands.
Sports Park
Charlotte Creane said the town needs a park where children from the community can play sports:
A community sports park for kids in the town to go and play football. When I was young, we spent the summer in Redmond Park and the lads played football from morning until night. There’s nowhere for kids to go now. No ball games allowed in Redmond Park now, no dogs allowed there either. Always envious when I drive past the football pitch and playground on the way to New Ross.
Dog Poop
Many people expressed dissatisfaction at the level of dog waste in the town. Raymond Shannon suggested placing a dog warden on the quay. Others pointed out that there is “dog crap everywhere,” and called for stronger enforcement requiring owners to clean up after their pets.
Other suggestions
- Tina Taylor said shops and supermarkets should put coupons in local newspapers.
- Alexander John Court recommended that the Wexford to Waterford rail line be re-opened during the summer months.
- Jason Rowe said the town needs a proper American steakhouse restaurant.
- Suzanne Mc Aleenan and several other commentators criticised the lack of free parking in Wexford Town.
- Mark Mahoney said the quay waters should be cleaned so that people can swim in them again.
- Stan Fox said more CCTV cameras should be installed to curb anti-social behaviour.
- Preeti Leacy said the town lacked a proper shopping mall.
- Many people commented on the state of the quay front, with Fox calling it an “eyesore” that needed refurbishment.
- Jennifer Coady criticised the fact that the old Dunnes Stores premises on Wexford’s South Main Street is still vacant.
- Eamonn Nolan pointed out a lack of choice in men’s clothes shops.
- Audrey Wickham said the town needed a sushi restaurant, whereas Mark Reyburninho said it needed a “proper sports bar.”
- Dane Tyghe suggested the council introduce a law against jaywalking, saying Wexford pedestrians are too casual when crossing the road and that their behaviour sometimes borders on reckless.