Pictured at An Lisin Mór, Coolballow, Wexford are (left to right); Tom and Brendan Doyle, Arcona Developments, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Jim Codd, Minister for Housing. Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Vicky Barron, George Lawlor TD, Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Eamonn Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council, Cllr Garry Laffan, Cllr John Fleming, Leas-Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Stephen O’Connor, Senior Executive Officer Wexford County Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
Dan Walsh homes at Coolballow, Wexford
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD visited the new affordable housing development known as An Lisín Mór ‘The Big Garden’ at Coolballow on the outskirts of Wexford town.
Applications for An Lisín Mór have generated strong interest, reflecting the continueddemand for affordable home ownership opportunities in the county.
The development provides 20 high-quality, A-rated homes and forms part of the Council’s wider strategy to support sustainablehousing delivery.
Applications for An Lisín Mór, Coolballow have closed.
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has announced a funding allocation of €371,792.25 for 105 events to support Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools taking place around Ireland in 2026.
Four Wexford projects have been awarded funding as follows;
The Verida Project, EDITOR’S Note; Never heard of it but research assures me, “it is a not-for-profit project dedicated to reshaping how we understand and support mental health”. €5,000.
Gap Arts Festival, Ballythomas, Gorey, €4,954.
Bunclody Trad Fest (St. Aidan’s Hall), €700.
St. Michael’s Parish Church, Gorey, €2.250.
The scheme is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events such as those supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.
Funding was allocated following a competitive applications process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said; “Culture and the arts play a vital role in enriching our society, strengthening communities and preserving Irelands unique heritage.
“Through the support of my Department, festivals and summer schools across the country continue to provide opportunities for people to connect, learn and celebrate our shared traditions.
“I extend my sincere thanks to all involved and encourage everyone to take the opportunity to enjoy the excellent programme of cultural events taking place throughout 2026,”concluded Minister O’Donovan.
Pictured at Cúl Caisleán in Taghmon are (left to right); Lynda Lacey, Finance Officer Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council, George Lawlor TD, Edwina Colfer Acting Rosslare District Manager, Cllr Frank Staples, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District Council, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Anne-Marie Neville, Liam Neville Developments, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr John Fleming, Leas-Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Jim Codd and Stephen O’Connor, Senior Executive Officer Wexford County Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Cúl Caisleán, Taghmon
Speaking during the launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, welcomed the continued progress being achieved through the Affordable Housing Programme.
“I am delighted to be home today in the sunny South East to see progress being made on three important developments at ‘An Lisín Mór’ in Coolballow, Roxborough Manor in Mulgannon, and here in Taghmon. These three developments combined will provide almost 200 much-needed homes, including 43 Starter Purchase homes and 35 social homes.
“With almost €3.5m in funding from my own Department through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), these projects will help make home ownership a reality for local applicants, providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes and further strengthening opportunities for people to put down rootsin their own communities,” concluded Minister Browne.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, said: “Affordable housing is about more than bricks and mortar. It is about providing stability, opportunity and a future for families across County Wexford. We are proud to see these new schemes progressingand to support local people in achieving the dream of home ownership.
Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore highlighted the Council’s ongoing commitment to housing delivery. “Wexford County Council remains firmly committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing and providing real opportunities for people to purchase a home. The launch of these new developments reflects the effectiveness of working in partnership with Government, developers andlocal communities.”
Cúl Caisleán “Back of the Castle” in Taghmon consists of six 2-bed homes and four 3-bed homes and are being made available for sale supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in partnership with Liam Neville Developments, through the affordable purchase arrangement under the Affordable Housing Act 2021.
Applications for Cúl Caisléan, Taghmon, open on August 5th 2026.
A woman in her 60’s has died on Kilpatrick Beach in North Wexford this afternoon.
The woman, who was a visitor to the area, was enjoying the close-in beach facilities when she suddenly became unwell and despite the best efforts of family and friends, she sadly passed away.
Her body was removed to University Hospital Waterford for a post mortem examination.
Emergency services from the Irish Coast Guard, the National Ambulance Service and An Garda Siochana were in attendance.
Local Independent Cllr Joe Sullivan visited the scene and expresses his condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.
CONOR STONE-WALSH kept local punters happy with a winner at Wexford today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races – Day 2
Day two of the Wexford Races attracted the year’s largest crowd so far to Bettyville Park this evening (Thursday), as summer weather shone and champion trainer Willie Mullins completed a treble.
Owner Stephen McGuinness and his son Tom McGuinness, who trains on the beach at Rosslare Strand enjoyed their first course success when Esticky End (16/1) scored by a neck in a handicap hurdle with Dylan Robinson in the saddle.
“This means a lot to us as he has been difficult to train and it has been a long journey with him. He won once for us in Dundalk previously and this is our first every jumps winner today.
“We’ve only three horses on the go, we ran two today and have another racing tomorrow, so we’ll have a quiet few days afterwards,” said trainer Tom McGuinness.
Wexford jockey Conor Stone-Walsh was aboard handicap hurdle winner Set The Tone (5/1) for Piltown trainer David O’Brien. The five-year-old bay mare was bred by legendary trainer Jim Bolger.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins and Brian Hayes shared a double with Highland Realm (7/2) and Are You Around (6/1) in the opening two races and then Willie went on to make it three winners on the card when Cotswold Blue, ridden by his son Patrick, won the ‘bumper’ impressively by seven lengths.
Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell had his second winner in as many days at Wexford when Ocean Murphy (9/1) took the Ladies Handicap Hurdle under Joanna Walton.
“It’s Joanna’s first winner for me and she is very loyal and able when Phildelma (Elvin, stable amateur) isn’t available,” said Philip Rothwell.
Racing resumes at Wexford again on Friday evening, August 7th, which is the ever popular Ladies Day and continues with day two which is an afternoon meeting on Saturday, August 8th.
At the Civic Reception on the roof top of Enniscorthy Castle this evening were CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, CLLR LISA McDONALD, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council , MAYOR BRAD BUNTING of Blacktown City, New South Wales, Australia, and CLAIRE LAWLESS, Enniscorthy Municipal District Manager. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
It was time to celebrate the Sister Cities agreement, also known as a twinning ceremony, between Enniscorthy and Blacktown, near Sydney, Australia, with a roof top Civic Reception at Enniscorthy Castle this evening.
Claire Lawless, District Manager, acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed everybody including Minister James Browne TD, Cllr John O’Rourke, Leas-Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Trish Byrne and Barbara-Anne Murphy, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services and from Blacktown City Council Mayor Bunting, Kevin Poilly, Manager of Events and Sister Cities; Donna Wallace, Manager of Greenspace Services; and Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors Caiden Bond and Laura Corvalan.
Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr John O’Rourke said “This evening’s reception provides an opportunity not only to formally welcome our guests from Blacktown City Council but also to celebrate the enduring links between our communities and to look towards future opportunities for co-operation and friendship.
“This return visit is another important step in building lasting connections through friendship, cultural exchange and tourism,” said Cllr O’Rourke, who added; “Thank you for making the journey to Wexford. We sincerely value our friendship with Blacktown and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”
Mayor Bunting said; “It’s only new but I already feel this relationship is going to grow further and further because of genuine interest from both sides of the world to grow.
Speaking directly to Cllr O’Rourke, Mayor Bunting said; “John, I would be more than happy to invite you back to Blacktown because I think it’s important that we do travel. We have stopped listening to the media regarding its a junket! These things aren’t about a councillor going overseas and having a holiday. These things are real connections, things that we can learn from each other to make sure each city is a better place for learning from other places around the world.
“So again, thank you for your great hospitality here in Enniscorthy and I look forward to the next couple of days and a bigger brighter future for our cities,” concluded Mayor Bunting.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Lisa McDonald also expressed her appreciation and supported strengthening the relationship between Blacktown City Council and Wexford in the years ahead.
There were many exchanges of gifts including a magnificent design of the Enniscorthy town crest by Martin’s Jewellery, Wexford, while Mayor Bunting presented Cllr McDonald with a didgeridoo, a traditional wind instrument from Indigenous Australian culture, played by vibrating the lips and using circular breathing to produce a continuous drone.
The pleasant ceremony concluded with entertainment from the Martina Leacy Academy and the Kay Keeley music and dance group.
British champion jocky HARRY COBDEN rode his first winner at Wexford today on the JP McManus horse Anodandawink. Also in picture is JP McManus racing manager Frank Berry and trainer Ciaran Murphy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Wexford enjoyed a very successful day’s racing today, with dry, warm weather, temperatures in the low 20s and a strong crowd. Similar conditions are forecast for day two tomorrow.
Thursday’s card consists of eight races, seven hurdle races and an INH Flat Race. First race at 4pm and the feature is the hurdle race for lady jockeys at 5.10pm.
British champion jockey 2023-’24 Harry Cobden rode his first winner at Wexford races today (Wednesday) when he partnered Anodandawink (3/1 fav.) to a ten lengths victory in the handicap chase.
Last January, Cobden (27) was appointed JP McManus’ retained jockey for Britain and Ireland, and today’s success was for his retained owner and a first McManus victory for Mullingar trainer Ciaran Murphy.
Wexford races began 75 years ago, but never has a horse won by 70 lengths…until today! Sky Lord (6/) on a double for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe broke the distance record ahead of Cobden’s mount Centreofattention in the beginner’s chase.
Best of the local trainers was Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, who saddled Ballybrittas (9/2) to win the opportunity handicap chase under Joshua Halford.
Bad news on the local racing scene. Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe suffered a broken leg in an incident at Ballinrobe on Tuesday evening.
He underwent surgery today (Wednesday) and we wish him a speedy recovery.
More than 20 members of Wexford Racecourse Members’ Supporters Club visited Paul Nolan’s stables at Toberona House, Davidstown, Enniscorthy, before racing today.
Paul Nolan took the enthusiasts on a tour of the stables and gallops and met most of the horses in beautiful summer conditions.
Mary Doyle, Chair of the Club thanked Paul Nolan for his courtesy and support to the members while Paul replied that it was a pleasure to have the Wexford Supporter’s visit and said they are welcome to the yard anytime.
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford Brian Brennan has cautiously welcomed progress on the Gorey Primary Care Centre project but has vowed that he will continue to keep pressure on to finally drive this project to completion.
DEPUTY BRIAN BRENNAN TD
In response to a Dail Question tabled by Deputy Brennan by Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the Minister has confirmed that a preferred bidder for the project has been identified and that the project is now progressing through internal review and approval processes within the HSE.
Welcoming the progress, Deputy Brennan said; “It is almost unfathomable that a town with the demographic profile of Gorey does not yet have a Primary Care Centre to serve some of the most basic health needs of the community.
“This project has been talked about for years and has had several false starts so it is absolutely imperative that we get it right for once and for all.
“Since taking office, I have been in constant contact with the Minister to ensure that progress continues and have investigated all possible options to help with getting this over the line.
“Gorey is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland and as such it is struggling to meet the day-to-day health needs of its people. In addition, Courtown/ Riverchapel is now Wexford’s fifth largest town, and an estimated population increase in the summer of 40,000 people from Castletown to Cahore puts huge strain on existing services.
“The development of a Primary Care Centre will help to address some of the issues faced in Gorey and bring services directly into the community that have been lacking up to now.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD
In the Minister’s response she detailed the prior issues with this project and outlined the current position in the process as follows; “As previously communicated, the need for a new Primary Care Centre in Gorey had been previously identified. A tender process had been undertaken, and a Preferred Provider had been selected. Unfortunately, the selected Preferred Provider encountered difficulties regarding the economic viability of the proposed project, resulting in the collapse of this process.
In conclusion, Deputy Brennan said; “I am optimistic that this project is on the right track but there can be no room for complacency. The people of Gorey deserve to have access to a state-of-the-art Primary Care Centre to meet their day-to-day healthcare needs in the community and I will continue to do everything in my power to make this happen.”
Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a burst watermain in Wexford Town. The burst watermain is impacting customers in Roxborough, Mulgannon and surrounding areas, with repairs expected to be completed by 2pm today.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.
To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the bursts and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.
Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a major burst in Gorey and restore water to affected customers.
The burst watermain will result in interruptions to supply for customers in Ballycanew, Killenagh, Poulshone, Kilmuckridge, Coolook and the surrounding areas of Wexford.
Repairs are expected to be completed by 5pm today.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.
Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
WexfordLocal.com 