Wexford Council Approves Demolition of Historic Homes Amid Protests

URGENT UPDATE: Wexford County Council has just approved a controversial plan to demolish historic homes in The Faythe, sparking immediate backlash from local residents and experts. The decision allows developer Bawn Developments to proceed with plans for new housing on sites that date back to the mid-1800s, raising serious concerns about the preservation of this culturally significant area.

Dr. Richard Gem, a former president of the British Archeological Association, voiced his alarm, stating that the lack of conservation status for The Faythe is “extraordinary.” He emphasized that the area is at risk due to increasing pressures to meet national housing needs, which could jeopardize its historical and archaeological heritage.

Residents are mobilizing against the demolition, as the local community group, Fight 4 The Faythe, has organized protests every week since the approval. They argue that the plan for new developments, which includes three demolished homes and the construction of a block of apartments, would result in a “crammed” environment that undermines the character of the historic streets.

The homes targeted for demolition are approximately 150 years old, with one previously serving as a thatched cottage from the early 1700s. Community member Sue Rea, founder of Fight 4 The Faythe, stated, “We are in a housing crisis…but town planners should consider existing residents and amenities.”

Despite receiving 90 objections to the project, Wexford County Council initially approved the plan in late 2023. An Bord Pleanála later overruled their inspector’s concerns, who had warned that the development would negatively impact the visual quality of the area. This has raised questions about the council’s commitment to preserving Wexford’s architectural history.

The council defended its decision, citing the urgent need for housing in a county where over 1,500 households are on the social housing waiting list. The council stated that the homes in question are not protected structures and that the mural honoring George Ross, a local accordion player, does not have planning permission.

As protests continue, community members are seeking to secure conservation status for The Faythe, aiming to protect it from future developments that could erase its historical significance.

In the coming days, attention will remain focused on the ongoing protests and the community’s efforts to preserve this vital part of Wexford’s heritage. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as local residents prepare to voice their concerns at future meetings.