WELCOME TO CO. WEXFORD

On behalf of SIPTU, the Peoples Resource Centres and Sonas Wexford Area Partnership we want to

WELCOME YOU

ASSIST YOU

&

INFORM YOU

This information contains essential information to assist you avail of services and support agencies that are in Co. Wexford in the hope that you will feel at home amongst friends quickly.

Contents:

Local Support Agents

National Support Agents

Community Services

Getting Involved In Community Activities

Local Support Agents CONTENTS

SIPTU is Irelands largest Trade Union with over 200,000 members nationwide; it is a general union, which means it, caters for all categories of workers. In Wexford alone we have members in Hotels, Restaurants, Bars, Factories, Shops, Security Industry, Contact Cleaning Services, Haulage Services, Mushroom Farms and many other employments. SIPTU members work collectively to influence change in our Country. They have a presence at all levels of society by organising themselves in the workplace, in the community and nationally. All the structures are positioned to encourage active participation from the members to ensure that ordinary peoples opinions are reflected throughout society and their issues addressed by those in power.

All workers in Ireland have the right to join a Trade Union.

SIPTU protects members rights at work and negotiates with Employers on all aspects of Employment conditions such as:

• Rates of Pay
• Hours of Work
• Payment of Holidays
• Sick Pay
• Equal Treatment
• Overtime Payments
• Regular Pay Increases

Discrimination on any of the following nine grounds is illegal under Irish Equality Legislation:

• Gender
• Disability
• Marital Status
• Race
• Religious Belief
• Family Status
• Sexual Orientation
• Age § Membership of the Travelling Community

The equality laws also cover the provision of goods and services, so discrimination on grounds of race or nationality is prohibited in shops, restaurants, pubs, banks etc.

All workers in Ireland regardless of their nationality have the same rights and protection under Irish Law, which covers:

• Minimum Wages is currently €6.35 an hour and due to increase in February 04 to €7.00
• Paid Holidays
• Unfair Dismissals
• Minimum Notice & Terms of Employment
• Health & Safety
• Part-Time Workers
• Redundancy & Insolvency
• Pensions § Equal Treatment
• Maternity & Adoptive Leave
• Parental Leave
• Careers Leave
• Working Hours
• Sunday Working in the Retail Trade
• Protection for Young Workers
• Protection for Fixed Term Contract Workers

Having such rights does not guarantee that the Employer will recognise those rights. SIPTU provides professional advice and assistance to ensure that you do secure your rights.

SIPTU members are people with VOICES who collectively shout for continuous improvement for all people in our Country. SIPTU can assist you to use yours more effectively and you can assist SIPTU raise their pitch.

You can call into the SIPTU OFFICE for a confidential chat, or advice on any weekday between 9.00am and 5.00pm or alternatively phone us at (053) 42848 the contact people are:

• Michael Wall - Branch Secretary
• Geraldine Malone - Assistant Branch Secretary
• Catherine Walsh - Administrator

SIPTU Office, North Main Street, Wexford

(Click Here For Application Form)

CONGRESS NETWORK OF CENTRES

These centres provide information on your rights and entitlements, they also assist with job hunting, publishing lists of job vacancies and helping with application letters and forms, most employers request a Curriculum Vitae (C.V) which is an outline of your personal qualification details, the centre will assist you with this. Many of the centres are also involved in education and training courses.

1. Peoples Resource Centre Wexford, 1 Charlotte Street Tel: (053) 24482
2. Peoples Resource Centre Enniscorthy, Captain Wafer Hall Tel: (054) 39878
3. 61 Wafer Street , Enniscorthy Tel:(054) 36497
4. Peoples Resource Centre New Ross, South Street Tel: (051) 422773

Citizens Information Centre:

Provides information on rights and entitlements such as social services, consumer affairs, health, housing and taxation etc. Wexford Centre: 28 Henrietta Street Tel: (053) 42012

Enniscorthy Centre: Athenaeum Tel: (054) 33746

Gorey: The Avenue Tel: (055) 22477

SONAS IRELAND

Sonas Ireland supports the needs of Asylum Seekers providing a range of information and referral services covering all aspects of the asylum process and assists asylum seekers to access local and national services.

Contact:

Donncha Foley
C/O Wexford Area Partnership Ltd
9 Mallin Street
Cornmarket
Wexford
Mobile: (087) 9798990
Tel: (053) 23994

Ferns Diocesan Ferns Youth Service (FDYS)

Established the Wexford Refugee Asylum Seekers Support Project. The project provides a range of supports for Refugee/Asylum Seekers including English Language Classes, information about accommodation, education, health and social services. They also host outreach clinics for the "Refugee Legal Services" providing a caseworker who advises on cases and how to avail of legal aid. For more information contact:

Sheila Dempsey
FDYS
Francis Street
Wexford
Tel: (053) 23262

Wexford Area Partnership

Local development company funded by government to give people equal opportunities to access, Education & or training opportunities, assistance with job hunting or self-employment. They also assist communities to develop initiatives such as, Childcare, rural transport etc.

Mallin Street
Cornmarket
Wexford
Tel: (053) 23994

Social Welfare Offices

Provides financial entitlements and information on social welfare entitlements for example child benefit payments, one parent payments, etc these are payments provided by the state.

Anne Street Wexford Tel: (053) 65400

Enniscorthy, Mernagh Street Tel: (054) 42900

New Ross, Cross Street Tel: (051) 440910

Gorey, Thomas Street Tel: (055) 30040

FAS

National Organisation with responsibility to assist with advice and information on available jobs in the locality, and improve employability by providing Training courses.

Wexford Office, Henrietta Street Tel: (053) 23936

Enniscorthy Office, Bridge Point Tel: (054) 39300

English Language & Other Courses

For information on English Language courses locally contact the Vocational Educational Committee (VEC)

Wexford VEC, Iberius House, Common Quay Street Tel: (053) 23799
Enniscorthy VEC, Mile House Road Tel: (054) 34185
Peoples Resource Centre, Spring Valley, Enniscorthy Tel: (054) 36497

National Support Agents CONTENTS

Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) - Umbrella organisation of the Trade Union movement in Ireland.
31-32 Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 8897777

Irish Trade Union Trust - Provides information and advice including a curriculum vitae service.
Drop-in Centre, Liberty Hall, Eden Quay, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 8787272

Equality Authority - Provides advice and assistance to ensure that the equality legislation is adhered to
2 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2 LoCall 1890 245545 or (01) 4173333

Department of Enterprise & Employment - Provides information on work permits, advice on seeking renewals & new permits for changing employment etc
Kildare Street, Dublin 1 LoCall 1890-201616 or (01) 6313308
Employment Rights Information Unit Davitt House Adelaide Road Dublin 2 LoCall 1890 201615 or (01) 6313131

Department of Justice Tel: (01) 6167700

Refugee Legal Service Tel: (01) 1800 229222

Immigrant Council Of Ireland - Provides information & free legal advice by appointment to immigrants
42 Upper Dorset Street, Dublin 1 Tel:(01) 8656525

Migrant Information Centre - Provides direct support and acts as a lobby organisation on behalf of migrants Basement of Stella Maris
Building, 3 Beresford Place, Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 8881355

Emigrant Advice Centre - Gives advice to emigrants & immigrants
1a Cathedral Street, (off Marlborough Street) Dublin 1 Tel: (01) 8732844

Threshold - Household Advice & Research Centre - Legal & other advice on accommodation issues, such as eviction, rights to security to tenure, privacy etc.
19 Mary's Alley, Dublin 7 Tel: (01) 8726311

Community Services CONTENTS

Schools

Each city, town and village has a number of schools; there are national and private schools to choose from. Montessories, playschools, crèches, primary, secondary and third level are all available depending on age and preference. Lists of schools can be obtained from the local library or any of the information centres.

Childcare

Wexford County Childcare Committee Limited, provides information for parents and childminders, they have a list of childcare providers and the cost in all areas. They also have a parent's network which offers parents information, parenting talks, courses and the use of a resource library.

11 Weafer Street Enniscorthy Tel: (054) 37156

Hospitals

• Wexford General Hospital Tel: (053) 42233
• St Johns Enniscorthy Tel: (054) 33228
• St Senans, Enniscorthy Tel: (054) 33110
• New Houghtons, New Ross Tel: (051) 421266
• New Ross Community Tel: (051) 421305
• Gorey District Tel: (055) 21102
• Caredoc - An after hours mobile medical unit and Doctor Tel: 1850 334999

Health Centres

Medical services such as Dental, children's check-ups, eye testing and other health related services are provided here. Community Welfare Officers are also available here to assist and advice at the appointed times.

• Wexford, 10.00-11.00am on Tuesdays & Thursday Tel: (053) 23522
• Enniscorthy, 2.30-3.30pm Wednesdays Tel: (054) 33465
• New Ross 10.30am-12.30pm Wednesdays Tel: (051) 421445
• Gorey 9.00am - 5.00pm Mon-Friday Tel: (055) 21374

Community Welfare Office - Wexford Tel: (053) 23522

Churches

While Christian religions particularly Catholicism are the most widely practised in Ireland, there are many other religions practised freely throughout the Country. Here are some in Co. Wexford

• Wexford Christian Fellowship Tel: (053) 24750
• Wexford Assumption & Immaculate Conception Tel: (053) 22055
• Church Of Ireland, Wexford Rectory Tel: (053) 43013
• Presbyterian Church, Mill Road, Enniscorthy Tel: (054) 33415
• Christ Alive Church & Ministries, Enniscorthy Tel: (054) 39496
• Church Of Ireland, Enniscorthy Tel: (054) 33249
• Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship, Tel: (054) 37440
• Methodist Church, Mill Park, Road, Enniscorthy Tel: (054) 33415
• Mountain Of Fire & Miracle Ministries, Enniscorthy, New Ross, & Wexford Tel: (086) 1036604
• Church Of Ireland, New Ross Tel: (051) 421391
• St Patrick's CC, Gorey Tel: (055) 21117

Garda Station

• Wexford, Roches Road Tel: (053) 65200
• Enniscorthy, Lymington Road Tel: (054) 33534
• New Ross, Cross Street Tel: (051) 421204
• Gorey, Public Office Tel: (055) 21222

Emergency Phone Number for Police, Ambulance or Fire Brigade, this is a free phone number and should only be used in an emergency Tel: 999

Tax Office - Tel: 1890 605090 / Tel: (053) 45555

Post Offices

Provide a range of services including, postal services, stamps, sending money, bill paying facilities, collecting social welfare payments, saving, topping up mobile phones, TV licences and foreign currency.

• Wexford, Anne Street Tel: (053) 45314
• Enniscorthy, Mill Park Road Tel:(054) 33565
• Gorey, Tel:(055) 21365
• New Ross Tel: (051) 421271

Libraries

Have a huge variety of books on all topics for all ages, most have computer and Internet facilities, and they also have C.Ds and tapes. Books and tapes etc can be rented for a very small charge with special rates for children and students, well worth a visit.

• Wexford, Mc Caully Car Park, off Redmond Square Tel: (053) 21637
• Enniscorthy, Lymington Road Tel: (054) 36055
• New Ross, Barrack Lane Tel: (051) 421877
• Gorey, 8 Esmonde Road Tel: (055) 21481

Transport

Busaras is the main bus service operating from Wexford, Trains also operate from the Wexford Railway Station. It is cheaper to travel by bus but generally the train is faster and a little more comfortable.

• Wexford, Railway Station, Redmond Square, Tel: (053) 22522
• Wexford Bus, Information from, Railway News Agents, Redmond Square, Tel: (053) 23939
• Enniscorthy, Information from, Bus Stop Shop, Templeshannon Quay, Tel: (054) 33291
• New Ross, Enquires via Waterford Office Tel: (051) 879000

Shops

Over the last few years many different types of shops selling food and goods common to other Countries have opened up throughout the country, reflecting the many different cultures that need to be catered for, these type of products would not have been available here traditionally.

• Enniscorthy, Afro-corthy, Templeshannon Tel: (054) 37675
• Wexford, J.J Afro-Caribbean & Asian Stores, Fettis Lane, Wexford (053) 21508
• Wexford, Gastronome European Food Store, Peter Street, Wexford (085) 7159236

Markets

These markets are often referred to as Car Boot Sales, generally there is a wide range of products sold at these, with a selection of new and second hand products such as, clothes, electrical equipment, toys, books, food, brick a brack in fact you can buy almost anything at these markets. It is advisable to bring someone who is familiar with markets with you to assist you bargain (haggle) about the price. Very often you can pick up a great bargain, it's an interesting day out for all ages.

1. The unyoke market is the biggest in Co. Wexford, held on Sunday only, from 7.00am to 4.00pm, it is located on the main Wexford to Gorey road, about 10 or 12 miles from Wexford town. The car park costs €2.
2. Gorey has a market on Saturday from 9.00am to 4.00pm. New Ross has a small market on Tuesday from 9.00am to 4.00p.m located on the Quay.
3. The largest market in the Southeast is held on Sunday from 9.00am to 4.00p.m in Callan, Kilkenny. It has hundreds of stalls. The car park also costs €2.

All towns and villages have various Community Groups and clubs, and encourage individuals to get involved. Intercultural groups are just beginning to emerge. The best way of finding out about local activities is to ask locals, here are some suggestions, Colleagues in work, Teachers in schools, Priests, or any of the support agents. Sonas produces a quarterly news-sheet especially for new communities which publishes volunteering opportunities. Copies of the publication can be obtained from Donnacha at Sonas (phone number listed previously).

Football is one of the most popular sports enjoyed by all ages. The Africans are in the process of forming a football club consisting of players from all over the southeast, Enniscorthy, Wexford, New Ross, Gorey, Kilkenny and Waterford. They are called the "African Union" and if you are interested in joining the contact person is Ezekiah Shoyeju, (087) 6459410.

A similar football club exits in New Ross, which is called "New Ross Intercultural Football Club" the contact person is Abraham Lawal, (086) 3924861 The "New Ross Intercultural Group" consists of individuals from different nationalities and cultures living in New Ross aiming to integrate its members into Irish society. The group has been involved in many community events including the St. Patrick's Day national parade, International Antiracism Day, Arts projects and recently had a very successful summer Barbeque. They also have a Children and Teenager's Miming group and the contact person is Abraham Lawal (086) 3924861

SIPTU Representative All workplaces represented by SIPTU have representatives, who are elected by the members; any member can stand for election. If you are interested in becoming a representative you should contact the SIPTU office @ (053) 42848

Voting

Non-national residents in Ireland over 18 years of age may vote in elections. If you are from a country outside the EU and are an asylum seeker or have refugee status, leave to remain/residency or are migrant worker, you are entitled to vote in Local elections. Those entitled to vote must have their name included in the Electoral Register. Application forms are available in post offices, libraries, the council and corporation offices. (Local Elections will be taking place in June 2004, so if you wish to vote you should register immediately.)

The Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A) promotes, organises and co-ordinates national sports - Hurling, Football, Handball and Camogie and has many teams throughout the county. All clubs are dependant on members and welcome new members who are interested and committed to the activity. The following is some of the GAA clubs in the County followed by a list of other clubs and if you are interested in discussing membership you should telephone the club during office hours.

Enniscorthy Hurling & Football Club,
GAA Grounds, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel: (054) 33982

Enniscorthy Rugby & Football Club,
Ross Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel: (054 35677

GAA Club Oulart,
Gorey, Co. Wexford Tel: (053) 36433

Gorey Rugby Club
Clonattin Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford Tel: (055) 22117

H.W.H Bunclody GAA Club,
Church Road, Bunclody, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel: (054) 76099

St. Patrick's GAA Club,
Lower main St, Camolin, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel: (054) 83633

Pairc Charman,
GAA Complex Pk, Wexford Tel: (053) 46494

Shelmalier GAA Club,
Hollymount, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford Tel: (053) 59092

Wexford County Board GAA,
Wexford Park, Clonard Road, Wexford Tel: (053) 44808

Other Activity Clubs Chairperson Phone No

• Cycling Club Mr. Paddy Kinsella (086) 8226918
• Wexford Light Opera Society Nicky Kehoe (053) 46873
• Wexford Macra Club Ms. Maresa Doran (054) 33976
• Wexford Golf Club Mr Brian Dempsey (053) 42238
• Swimming Club Mr. Liam Murphy (053) 43274
• School of Speech & Drama Ms Carmel Corish Wallace (053) 46491
• School of Ballet & Modern Dance Ms Suzanne O' Leary (053) 22940
• Wexford Rifle Club Mr Jack Kelly (053) 22841
• Sub Aqua Club Mr Niall Burke (086) 2547475
• Sea Scouts/Sea Cubs Mr Richard Colfer (053) 23785
• Boy Scouts Mr Gordan Rochford (053) 24248
• Wexford Arts Centre Mr Dennis Collins (053) 23764
• Hockey Club Ms Assumpta Carthy (053) 23522
• Shielbaggan Outdoor Centre Ms Colin Gibbon (051) 389550
• Good Music Club Mr Senan O' Reilly (053) 44634
• Wexford Drama Club Mr Tomas Murray (053) 41418
• Flower Club Ms Marie Lyons (054) 88549
• Soccer Mr Jack Carthy (053) 45145
• Sarsfield Football Club Mr Billy Dodd (053) 46181
• Wexford Wanderers Rugby Club Mr Noel Ferguson (053) 42939
• Slaney Olympics Mr Paul Kinsella (053) 28158
• D.M.P Athletics Mr John Joe Doyle (053) 28158
• Menapians Athletics Mr Mick Mc Keown (053) 45292

Many of the above clubs have sub-clubs and facilities in rural and other locations, for further details please contact the club. Ireland can only become a multicultural society at all levels if non-nationals get involved at all levels. A membership charge maybe applicable for some of the above clubs

Services Industrial Professional & Technical Union

Wexford Branch
North Main Street, Wexford

Tel: (053) 42848
Fax: (053) 23765
e-mail: wexford@siptu.ie

Michael Wall
Branch Secretary

Geraldine Malone
Assistant Branch Secretary