Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Malcolm Byrne TD, said “Storm Chandra had a particularly profound impact on the Wicklow-Wexford constituency I represent.
“I know the Minister of State (Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran) was in Aughrim, (he didn’t visit Enniscorthy or other Wexford flood sites, such as Bunclody and neither did An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin).
MALCOLM BYRNE TD
He said; “Bunclody faced the first serious flooding in 60 years when the Slaney burst its banks. It was horrific visiting some of the homes and business impacted there.
“The concerns when I met Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and local residents were that a sufficient plan was not in place. The big challenge there for a lot of residents is while many had flood insurance until now, they will not get it again.
“We need to look at some sort of State guarantees until a permanent flood defence system is put in place in these communities. I would be grateful to hear the Minister’s views on that.
In the case of Castletown in north Wexford, on more than one occasion every year the River Ahare bursts its banks, making a road impassable. It is an issue Cllr Joe Sullivan has been raising regularly in terms of how to address this challenge.
“For this coastal community, it is cut off in many ways and people have to drive the long way round because the Ahare bursts its banks any time there is heavy rain. Coastal erosion is another huge issue.
“I am fortunate to represent a constituency that has arguably some of the finest beaches in the country, running from Brittas Bay in Wicklow down as far as Morriscastle in Wexford. Every time there is an adverse weather event, we see parts of our coast lost to the sea.
On this occasion in the floods, the Rosslare rail line (due to flooding in Co. Wicklow) was closed again, not that it is a great service anyway.
“I am asking for it on behalf of Wicklow County Council and Wexford County Council to be able to address the problems with our roads as a result of these weather conditions,” concluded Deputy Byrne.
Sinn Fein Deputy Johnny Mythen, speaking in Dáil Éireann told the House and the Minister of State, with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD that “My hometown of Enniscorthy, along with Bunclody, Bridgetown, Our Lady’s Island, Kilmore, Kilcarbery (I think he meant Edermine… same area anyway!) and Killurin experienced extensive flooding with some roads obliterated altogether.
JOHNNY MYTHEN TD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
“Sixty businesses were affected, some of which have stated they will not open again. Some 35 homes were destroyed by water and contaminated effluent.
“Island Road in Enniscorthy and the quays on both sides of the River Slaney took the brunt of the floods. This has occurred 16 times since 2000, not to mention the years in between when the people were put on full flood alert with their homes and businesses threatened again and again.
“I thank the Minister of State for visiting those homes. I am sure he realises the anguish, the torment, the feelings of desperation and the sleepless nights these people have gone through. Generations have faced the same thing over and over again.
“Some businesses are facing bills of well over €80,000. This has been going on for decades. The people of Enniscorthy and Wexford will no longer put up with what can only be described as wilful neglect. It is only with the luck of God no one was drowned or injured.
“Planning permission for the Slaney flood relief scheme was turned down because of the freshwater pearl mussel, a fact that is infuriating people. Surely this species can be translocated just like the Dublin Bay oyster. I plead with the Minister of State to act now. Under section 7 of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, he can approve flood relief works independently of the planning system. Things need to happen and need to happen now. “Climate change is not waiting for anybody. As sure as night follows day, flooding will continue and will occur again.
“The people of Wexford need the Minister of State’s full assurance that he will sort this out. He must rein in the OPW, the relevant Departments and Wexford County Council and get the planning application across the line once and for all and to immediately apply the interim measures.
“Wexford County Council has completed an interim plan, but I understand that it must be agreed on by the Ministers and the OPW. I ask that this be done and be treated as a humanitarian emergency and not be delayed any longer.
“It is the least the people of Enniscorthy and Wexford deserve after being left unprotected for over 25 years and denied their rights to a proper flood defence scheme,” concluded Deputy Mythen.
Uisce Éireann crews were busy today (Thursday) repairing burst water mains in Bridgetown and Wexford town and restoring water services to affected customers in both areas.
The Bridgetown burst is impacting customers in Bridgetown, Tomhaggard, Kilmore and the surrounding areas of south Wexford.
Uisce Éireann crew at work. (Pic; Clare Keogh/Uisce Éireann)
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.” Repairs were expected to be completed by 5pm today!
Separately Uisce Éireann crews have completed repairs to a burst water main which caused an interruption to supply for customers in Corish Park, Avondale, Highfields, Liam Mellows, Kennedy Park, Wolfe Tone Villas, Pine Ridge, College Green and the surrounding areas of Wexford Town.
The network is recharging and water is returning to impacted customers. However, it may take time for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the network recharges.
Customers in Donaghmore, Ballygarrett, can look forward to a more secure and reliable water supply as Uisce Éireann begins essential upgrade works in the area next week.
As part of its National Leakage Reduction Programme, Uisce Éireann has prioritised the replacement of over 1km of ageing water mains between Aloha and Skuna Hill in Donaghmore, Co Wexford.
This investment will provide a more secure and reliable water supply in the area and will also reduce leakage of treated water being lost into the ground.
Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager Dave Murphy is looking forward to delivering the project for customers in the local communities. “This essential work is part of an investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across County Wexford, prioritising investment where it is needed most. We would like to thank customers in Donaghmore in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these works.
These works will be delivered on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Shareridge, with completion expected by late Spring 2026.
HISTORY; Donaghmore is an early medieval (400-1000 AD) ecclesiastical site. The present ruins of the 18th or 19th century Church of Ireland parish church, dedicated to St. Patrick, is on the site of the older parish church. Source; On Our Own Ground – County Wexford Parish by Parish – Volume 1 by Edward Culleton, pub Wexford County Council Public Library Service, 2013.
At the opening of McDonald’s in New Ross were Lee Chin, who performed the official opening) Cllrs Michael Sheehan and John Fleming and Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager and the McDonald’s team.
By Dan Walsh
Wexford hurling star Lee Chin was guest of honour when McDonald’s officially opened its newest Irish restaurant at Bennettsknock, New Ross, following a €3 million investment that has created 80 new local jobs.
The new McDonald’s restaurant is a 400-square-metre, single-storey drive-thru development, featuring customer seating, 50 car parking spaces, bicycle parking facilities, electric vehicle charging points and an outdoor seating area. The restaurant will trade from 6am to midnight, seven days a week.
The opening has created 80 new employment opportunities, ranging from full-time and part-time crew roles to mid-level and senior management positions, providing a welcome boost to employment in the local area.
McDonald’s Franchisee John Byrne said: “This €3 million investment in New Ross demonstrates McDonald’s ongoing commitment to growing our business in Ireland and supporting local communities. We are delighted to officially open our doors today and to have already created significant employment opportunities for people in the area.”
The opening of the New Ross restaurant brings McDonald’s total restaurant portfolio in the Republic of Ireland to 96, all of which are owned and operated by local Franchisees. Collectively, McDonald’s Franchisees employ more than 7,300 people nationwide, with McDonald’s Ireland contributing over €414 million annually to the Irish economy.
By Dan Walsh at monthly meetings in Gorey and Enniscorthy.
At today’s (Tuesday) monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at Presentation Arts Centre it emerged that the estimated cost of road repairs is in the region of €2.5 million.
Reporting on General Road Maintenance, Roads Engineer, Neil Dempsey told the meeting that pothole repairs, gully cleaning and inlet works are ongoing around the district,” he said, before adding; “After recent floods and continuing wet weather, road conditions throughout the district are in very poor condition with sections of road completely impassable.
Crews are trying to repair roads at present, but persistent wet conditions are making it very difficult. Enniscorthy Area road submitted draft request for funding for over 30 sections of road, with estimated cost of repair in region of €2.5 million.
Joanne Kehoe, Senior Executive Engineer for North Wexford told today’s monthly meeting that the roads in the Gorey-Kilmuckridge District were impacted by flood waters during and following Storm Chandra.
Extensive damage has been noted in over 20 locations across the district and temporary repairs are underway.
Pothole repair is ongoing throughout the district and works have been carried out in all crew areas, drainage works are complete in Banogue and bridge repair works are complete in Kilmichael and Grovemill.
Ms. Kehoe told today’s meeting that the estimated cost for repairs to failed roads and culverts is €1 million.
In addition to these repairs, potholes are widespread across the district with poor weather preventing permanent repairs being carried out.
JAMES BROWNE TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Away from Gorey and Enniscorthy later today, Minister James Browne TD welcomed €34.2m for 2026 for Wexford’s national, regional and local roads – €23.3m for regional roads and €10.9m for national roads.
Minister Browne said, “I am ensuring that Wexford is not left behind. The protection and renewal of our existing national, regional and local road network is also so essential to every single village and town.
“I have also been committed to assisting the local authority with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storms in particular.
“I particularly welcome the commitment of funding for the national route of the N11-N25 Oilgate to Rosslare, a project I have raised and worked to ensure was dealt with as it’s badly needed.”
UPDATE; Shaunah Daly has been found safe and well. No further action is necessary. Thanks to the media and the public for their help.
Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 35-year-old Shaunah Daly who is missing from Roxborough, Wexford, since Saturday, February 14th.
Shaunah is described as being 5 foot 8 inches tall with a medium build. She has brown hair and blue eyes.
Gardaí and Shaunah’s family are concerned for her welfare.
Anyone with any information on Shaunah’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
MINISTER JAMES BROWNE with public representatives and members of Gorey Fire Service at the Refurbishment opening today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Fire Station
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD was in Gorey today (Monday) where he joined Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan at the official opening of the newly refurbished Gorey Fire Station.
Minister Browne praised the fire service and said it is so reassuring for all communities to know that people are prepared to put their own lives at risk to save and protect them. “I really want to acknowledge the community aspect of the fire service. Fire services personnel all come from the community, they are a fantastic asset to the community and they protect our community,” stated Minister Browne.
Minister Browne said Gorey has dramatically changed since the first fire brigade commenced in 1934 and he gave details of the upgrade to Gorey Fire Station meeting modern standards at a cost almost €1 million. The works took eight months to complete.
He spoke about ‘teamwork’ that brought it all about. He thanked the local politicians, especially Cllrs Pip Breen and Donal Kenny, Paul L’Estrange (Fire Officer since retired), Ray Murphy, who was present, Edward Rossiter, Acting County Fire Officer, Eddie Taaffe and Carolyne Godkin from Wexford County Council.
The Minister acknowledged Station Officer, Eugene Doyle, the retired firefighters present, and congratulated everybody concerned.
Cllr Joe Sullivan said Gorey Fire Brigade has a proud and long standing history of service to the community. “From its beginnings in 1934, operating from a lean-to shed in Market Square, to the move in 1987 to this purpose-built station, the brigade has continually evolved to meet the needs of a growing town.
“This important project was funded in full by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and I am delighted to welcome Minister Browne and his officials here today and I sincerely thank the Minister and his Department for their invaluable support and assistance throughout the delivery of this project.
“The refurbishment was expertly designed by C.J. Falconer and Associates and constructed by Suirside Construction Ltd,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “I warmly welcome to Gorey Gary and Juneanne Falconer, and I thank them for their professionalism, dedication and the high standard of workmanship that has resulted in this excellent facility.”
Chief Fire Officer, Alan O’Neill added: I would like to express my gratitude to previous Chief Fire Officer, Paul L’Estrange, and his team for their efforts on this project. Although this is a retained fire service, our crews are professionally trained to the highest standards, and they selflessly put themselves out there into hazardous situations with every callout they attend. It is crucial there is a well-appointed station to ensure their kit and equipment can be maintained in top condition.
The attendance included Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllrs Pip Breen and Craig Doyle, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin, Director of services, Anita McLoughlin, District Manager and Stephanie Furlong, Staff Officer at Gorey Municipal Offices, Alan O’Neill, Chief Fire Officer, Edward Rossiter, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Eugene Doyle, Gorey Station Officer, crew members, Gardaí and other invited guests.
Ecumenical prayers were delivered by Archdeacon Mark Hayden, Fr Paddy Banville and Iman Hafib Tridak. A minute’s silence was observed to remember deceased members of Gorey Fire Service.
GOREY FIRE STATION has advanced to meet modern day standards and requrements. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
A colourful 8-page booklet that tells us that the upgrade of Gorey Fire Station in 2024 added a first floor and upgraded all facilities.
Gorey Station now houses two water tenders, an emergency tender and two support vehicles.
There are 18 crew members in Gorey Fire Brigade, a Station Officer, two Sub-Officers, two Drivers and 13 Firefighters.
‘The Cyclist’ memorial at the Fairgreen, Enniscorthy, unveiled by world class cyclist Sean Kelly to mark a stage of the Tour de France cycling race coming to Enniscorthy in July 1998. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Enniscorthy will host the finish of Stage 3 of the famous Rás Tailteann 5-day cycle race from Mitchelstown, Co. Cork and taking place from May 20th to 24th.
Enniscorthy famously hosted Stage 2 of the 1998 Tour de France, and has hosted the Rás Tailteann on numerous occasions in its 71 years of sporting existence.
Stage 3 will take place on Friday, May 22nd, starting at Mitchelstown and travelling through Kilbeheny, Skeheenarinky, New Inn, Fethard, Cloneen, Mullinahone, Dunnamaggan, Knocktopher, Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Graiguenamanagh, Ballymurphy, Kiltealy, Jamestown, with an uphill finish into Enniscorthy. A total distance of 155.6kms.
“There is a real mix across the five days, with opportunities for sprinters, climbers and aggressive riders. Stage two into Banteer and stage four into Baltinglass stand out as particularly tough, while the technical finishes in Enniscorthy and Dunboyne will place a premium on positioning and race craft” said Race Director Ger Campbell.
JAMIE SCALLAN and SEAN DOYLE were winners today in Cork.
Two point-to-point fixtures today (Sunday) in Cork and Tipperary and three Wexford winners. The sole winner at Knockanard in Cork was Sean Doyle’s newcomer Well Achieved, ridden by Jamie Scallan, who won the maiden race for four-year-olds by a neck.
At Nenagh, Brian Lawless was the winning rider and handler of newcomer Jessber’s Jury in the colours of Abbie O’Connor, Balycrystal, Kiltealy, who had ten lengths to spare at the finish of the maiden race for four-year-olds.
The second Wexford winner at the North Tipperary track was Lady Bam, ridden by Luke Murphy for Paul Pierce, Blackhall Stud, Killurin in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus mares’ maiden race.
Point-to-point action returns to Fairwood Park, Tinahely, next Sunday, February 22nd where the Bray Harriers fixture will be held. First race at 1pm.
WexfordLocal.com 