Cleaner waters making a difference in Co. Wexford

Turning the sod at Kilmore Quay wastewater facility, May 2022. (Pic; Patrick Browne).

By Dan Walsh

Cleaner waters, a healthier environment and more resilient wastewater services are making a real difference for communities across Co Wexford.

This local progress is reflected in the latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, which shows that 93% of Uisce Éireann’s wastewater treatment plants nationally are now compliant with EU standards.

Across Co Wexford, investment in wastewater services has already ended raw sewage discharges in Kilmore Quay, Arthurstown, Ballyhack and Duncannon, helping to protect local coastal waters.

Further investment is progressing in Tagoat, where a €6.7 million upgrade will increase wastewater capacity, reduce the risk of sewer flooding and support housing and local development.

Niall Horgan, Uisce Éireann’s Wastewater Compliance Senior Manager, said: “The progress we are seeing in Co Wexford shows what sustained investment can deliver for communities and the environment. We have made significant progress in recent years, but we know there is more to do. “We are continuing to invest in communities right across the country, modernising wastewater services, protecting local waterways and ensuring communities can grow and thrive while safeguarding the environment.”

Paul Nolan ends Wexford season with treble

Honouring Dr. John O’Connor, retiring after 54 years as Wexford Racecourse Doctor, are (left to right); Donie O’Brien, Ursula Sinnott, Managing Director, Dr John O’Connor, Michael Murphy, Denis Hickey and Matt O’Connor. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan followed his 40/1 Fairyhouse winner on Tuesday with a treble at today’s (Wednesday) final Wexford fixture, where he fielded a strong team. This was the replacement fixture for the one abandoned on Bank Holiday Monday due to unsuitable ground conditions.

An Peann Dearg (18/1) got the winners rolling in the novice hurdle and The Big Clubman (11/8 fav.) did the business for Nolan in the beginner’s chase. Both were ridden by Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe.

Nolan’s treble was achieved in the maiden hurdle with Walking Saint (10/3) ridden by another local jockey Eoin Staples from Duncormik.

The leading trainer and jockey at Wexford are Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe and they enjoyed a double this afternoon – Palinca (1/3 fav.) impressively in a maiden hurdle and The Big Westerner (1/3 fav.) by 15 lengths in the only Listed Race run at Wexford – the Michael Hickey Memorial Steeplechase.

This was the end of the 75th year of racing at Bettyville Park and a special day for Dr John O’Connor from Bannow who retired as the Racecourse Doctor and received a special presentation and farewell.

Speaking on behalf of everybody associated with Wexford Races, Managing Director Ursula Sinnott said; “We would like to pay a special tribute to Dr. John O’Connor who is retiring as our Racecourse Doctor. John has been the longest serving doctor for all Irish racecourses to date. His service to Wexford racecourse has spanned 54 years!

“He has been a dedicated and much appreciated member of our team and he will be very much missed,” said Ms Sinnott, who concluded: “We look forward to welcoming Dr John as a racing fan to Wexford Racecourse for many years to come.”

Jockeys formed a guard of honour for Dr John, while racing colleagues offered thanks and best wishes and spectators in the stands and enclosures applauded warmly.

Racing returns to Wexford again on Sunday, March 14th 2027. Fourteen meets again in 2027. The message is to think of Wexford races and the annual membership is an option when shopping for Christmas presents at www.wexfordraces.ie

RTÉ visits family-run fruit farm near Enniscorthy

Greenhill Fruit Farm. From left; Sadbh, Dierdre, Edmund, Aoibhinn, Abigail, Eamon Mairead and Annalise Crean. (Pic; Mary Browne)
By Dan Walsh
Greenhill Fruit Farm, one of Ireland’s leading soft fruit producers, features on RTÉ One’s Ear to the Ground, this Thursday, November 5th at 8pm, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the family-run Wexford business and the people behind its success.
The popular agricultural programme, recently visited Greenhill Fruit Farm, located at Ballinavary, near Enniscorthy, where presenter Stephen Robb met with Managing Director Eamonn Crean and members of the team to learn more about the farm’s operations and its journey from a small roadside business to a major supplier of Irish-grown berries and employing 35 full-time team members, and 300 seasonal team members.
During the visit, Stephen was given a tour of the farm, exploring the different varieties of soft fruit grown at Greenhill, including exclusive varieties not produced anywhere else in Ireland.  The programme will also give viewers an insight into the work that goes into producing high-quality Irish berries, from growing and picking through to packing and distribution, as well as the farm’s continued investment in innovation, sustainability and operational excellence.
Stephen also spoke with several members of the Greenhill team, including Eamonn Crean Director, David Jardim Packhouse Manager, Iliyan Zdravchev General Manager, and Andrew English Irrigation Manager and Beekeeper, highlighting the people and expertise behind the business.
With three generations of fruit-growing knowledge, Eamonn Crean, Managing Director Greenhill Fruit Farm, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Stephen and the Ear to the Ground team to Greenhill and show them what goes on behind the scenes. We’re very proud of how far the business has come. What started with selling strawberries from the boot of a car has grown into a much larger operation, but we’re still a family business at heart, and that hasn’t changed.”
The episode will also highlight Greenhill’s commitment to responsible farming, including its efforts to reduce waste, use resources efficiently and protect the land for future generations.
Greenhill Fruit Farm, near Enniscorthy, will feature on Ear to the Ground this Thursday on RTÉ One at 8pm.

Christmas plans for Esmonde Street?

By Dan Walsh

Essential street works in Gorey are causing distress, prompting Sinn Féin representatives Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD and Cllr Craig Doyle to urge Wexford County Council to suspend Esmonde Street’s one-way system temporarily over Christmas.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said: “I have been speaking with a number of business owners on Esmonde Street who are concerned about the impact the one-way system is having on their businesses. We are calling on Wexford County Council to review the possibility of suspending the one-way system for the Christmas period, particularly as works are expected to stop on the 18th of December.

“Local businesses rely heavily on the Christmas trading period, and we need to do everything possible to support them during what is traditionally their busiest time of year.”

CLLR CRAIG DOYLE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr Craig Doyle who raised the matter at the recent meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council said; “We need to ensure that we support our local businesses in the run-up to Christmas. Temporarily suspending the one-way system would go a long way towards making the town more accessible for shoppers and supporting local trade.”

Both representatives agreed; “Gorey is a vibrant town, and we need to encourage people to shop local; support local and make it as easy as possible for shoppers to access the town over the Christmas period. Our engagement with concerned shoppers and local businesses has highlighted the challenges many people are facing in getting into town due to the various roadworks on key approaches.

“While we understand that these works are necessary and must be completed, there also needs to be better planning and management to ensure ease of access to the town, particularly during such an important trading period for local businesses.”

Major roadworks on Esmonde Street are expected to finish next June!

Free admission for Wednesday’s Wexford races

By Dan Walsh

Following the cancellation of the Wexford meeting scheduled for the October Monday Bank Holiday due to waterlogging, Horse Racing Ireland has announced that this meeting will now take place at Wexford next Wednesday November 4th.

First race on Wednesday is 12 noon. Seven races. The going is described as ‘Yielding to Soft’. Remaining dry and breezy over the coming days. Racing on inside racing line (Hurdle), five yards from outer racing line (Chase).

Admission is free. With favourable weather and good jump racing expected, a strong turnout would be a fitting end to Wexford’s final fixture of the year.

Free on-line tickets available at www.wexfordraces.ie.

Sunday’s point-to-point action centred on Damma House in the neighbouring county of Kilkenny where two Wexford trained winners were celebrated.

BARRY STONE was amongst the winners in Kilkenny. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Tomhaggard handler Benny Walsh saddled his 25th career winner when Leo Brave Fe in the colours of Busher Bloodstock and Crossgales Stables Partnership led from three out to came home first, six lengths to the good under Barry Stone, in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Jim O’Neill in his fifth season as a handler saddled his 10th winner when Jigsaw Juke ridden by Brian Dunleavy beat his neighbour Matthew Flynn O’Connor’s Sir Topham Hall in the Winner of Two race. O’Neill’s charge is likely to go for a winners’ race before tacking a hunter’s chase.

Two Wexford winners yesterday (Saturday) at Lisronagh, Co. Tipperary. Eamonn Doyle saddled his first runner of the season, Annabelle Park in the Mossy Fen Stables Partnership colours in the mares’ maiden four-year-old race which resulted in victory by ‘a neck’ ridden by Alan Harney.

League of Legends in the Monbeg Syndicate colours scored in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings for Ballindaggin handler Donnchadh Doyle. Rob James the winning rider and the verdict was ‘half a length’.

Next point-to-point action in Co. Wexford is Sunday November 8th with the Wexford Hunt fixture at Knockmullen House, on the outskirts of New Ross. First race at 12.30pm.

Increased safety measures along Wexford Quay

Works on the Bank of Ireland crossing at Wexford Quay is an investment in public safety, said Cllr Robbie Staples.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Borough Cllr Robbie Staples has welcomed the commencement of works at the Bank of Ireland crossing on Wexford Quay, describing it as “an important step towards making one of Wexford town’s busiest roadways safer for everyone who uses it.”

Speaking following the start of construction works, Cllr Staples said the enhanced lighting initiative is designed to improve visibility at pedestrian crossings, particularly during darker winter months and periods of poor weather, helping to reduce risks for both pedestrians and drivers.

The works now completed form part of a wider plan to upgrade pedestrian safety infrastructure along Wexford Quay, a project Cllr Staples has been pushing for with the respective officials in Wexford County Council.

CLLR ROBBIE STAPLES

“Improving safety for pedestrians has been a key priority. I am delighted to see works commence at the Bank of Ireland crossing, which is one of the most heavily used crossing points along the Quay,” said Cllr Staples, who added; “These lighting upgrades will make pedestrians more visible to motorists and create a safer environment for everyone.

The project follows ongoing calls for improved pedestrian safety measures along Wexford Quay and builds upon previous investment in active travel and road safety initiatives throughout Wexford town.

Works at the Bank of Ireland crossing have significantly enhanced visibility for all road users and represent an important investment in public safety along one of the town’s busiest routes.

Halloween headache for Ukrainian families

Historic HOOK HEAD. (File Pic; WexfordLocalcom)

By Dan Walsh

The Offer A Home scheme comes to an end in March 2027 and the Ukrainian Response Unit at Wexford County Council team will “manage existing pledges and encourage Ukrainian families to enter private rental arrangements with the homeowners.”

Where this is not possible, families will be encouraged to find alternative long-term accommodation. Since April 1st, 2026, 40 properties in Co. Wexford have been withdrawn from the scheme.

On Friday, South East Radio reported that “almost 200 Ukrainian residents living at Hookless Village at Templetown on the Hook Peninsula are facing an uncertain future as State-supported accommodation at the site comes to an end.

“The contract expires today, October 31st, with 197 residents given three months to make alternative arrangements,” it added.

“Natalia, a resident of the Hookless Village told the radio that “Residents were given two options when notified in August: apply for temporary accommodation in a centre or find somewhere else independently. They asked the owner of the cottages if they could rent them for longer, ideally until the end of the school year, but the request was rejected.”

Apparently, families in the region have contacted local and national representatives, including Wexford Minister James Browne TD, Minister for Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD and Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, seeking clarity on their situation.

Meanwhile, the October County Council meeting report of the Chief Executive announced that Carne Accommodation Centre (occupancy 50), Unity Court, Wexford, (29), and Borrmount Lodge, near Bree, Enniscorthy, (29), have been given closure notices in line with the Government’s withdrawal of state-contracted commercial accommodation. The three centres are due to close on October 31st.

Escaping the Ukraine Refurbishment programme for the time being appears to include Michael Street, Wexford, (occupancy 13), Rafter Street, Enniscorthy, (5), and Ryland Road, Bunclody, (8).

Teenager missing from Drinagh

FERGUS HARTY

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 15-year-old Fergus Harty who is reported missing from Drinagh, Wexford, since Monday 19th October 2026.

Fergus is described to being approximately 6 feet in height, of slim build, with short brown hair and brown eyes.

Gardaí are concerned for Fergus’s well-being.

Anyone with any information on Fergus’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.

7 defibrillator locations in Marshalstown

By Dan Walsh

Marshalstown is the home parish of Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council who is reminding the neighbourhood of the existence of defibrillators should medical emergencies arise at any time.

“​We’re fortunate to have seven defibrillators located across our community,” said Cllr Kehoe, who added: “Since knowing where to find one in an emergency is critical, here is where you can access ​Defibrillator Locations;

CLLR PAT KEHOE. Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

• ​Marshalstown Community Centre

• Castledockrell (Church Carpark)

• ​Ballydaw (NMT Group)

• ​Farmleigh GAA Pitch

• ​Milehouse (Brooks Residence)

• ​Barleyhill Playschool

• ​Old Post Office Ballycarney

​“​We also have a dedicated team of trained local volunteers working behind the scenes, who will be launching their official Facebook page soon to share updates and training tips.

​“Please Share this post to help make sure everyone in our community knows where to go in an emergency!” concluded Cllr Kehoe.

Wexford town water supply is returning

The Croppy Boy memorial in the famous Bull Ring in Wexford town (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Water is now returning to homes and businesses in Wexford town after Uisce Éireann crews successfully repaired a major burst on a water main in the area.

The burst, which occurred this morning, required extensive repair works by specialist crews to restore normal water supply as quickly and safely as possible.

Padraig Lyng, Water Network Operations Manager, Uisce Éireann, said: “We know that losing your water supply can be difficult and disruptive for families, businesses and communities, and we are very grateful to everyone affected for their patience and understanding while repairs were carried out.

“We are pleased to have supply returning, and we appreciate the efforts people made to conserve water while repairs were underway. Community support and cooperation made a real difference,” added Mr. Lyng.

Customers may experience lower than normal pressure, temporary discolouration or intermittent supply for a short period while the network refills. This is normal and should improve as the system stabilises.

Uisce Éireann teams will continue to monitor the network.