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.”
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.
Bree Macra Novice Debaters – Mark Waters, Eddie Casey and Sarah Byrne – are heading for a crack at the All-Ireland title in Kilkenny next Saturday night.
By Dan Walsh
The quarter-finals of the National Macra Na Feirme Novice Debating Competitionwere held on Saturday evening in Cork, where four teams from Bree, Kilkenny City,North Tipperary and Portlaois gathered to compete for a place in the National Finals.
The local Bree Macra team of Eddie Casey, Mark Waters, and Sarah Byrne, faced strong opposition from Kilkeny City Macra. The teams debated the motion “Irishpeople must serve time in the armed forces.” Bree Macra took on the role of proposing the motion and delivered a compelling argument throughout the contest.
Their confident performance and effective defence of the motion earned them well-deserved victory on the night. Bree team will now progress to the National Finals, which will take place in the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny at 8pm on Saturday, February 21st, where they will oppose the motion “mobile phones should be illegal for those under 16.”
In addition to the team victory, Eddie Casey was honoured by the judges with the award for Best Debater, recognising his exceptional delivery and engagement during the debate.
Emergency services at the scene of a road traffic collision at Enniscorthy tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The R722 road at Enniscorthy has reopened to traffic after it was closed for a few hours following a two-car collision about 5.30pm this evening.
Three individuals have been transported to Wexford General Hospital, reportedly sustaining minor injuries.
The collision occurred at Springvalley, south of Seamus Rafter Bridge on the R722 Wexford road.
Gardaí, the fire service and the National Ambulance service were quickly on the scene.
There was huge traffic congestion in Enniscorthy while emergency services were dealing with the incident with the R722 closed completely from the Seamus Rafter Bridge to Brownswood. It has since reopened to traffic.
Artists Emma Phillips, Jean Maskell and Michelle O’Neill with Sharon Clancy, who performed the official opening of the Awakening exhibition in The Pigyard Art Gallery, Wexford, today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at The Pigyard Gallery, Wexford town.
Valentine’s Day in Wexford town was celebrated with the official launch of the Awakening exhibition at the Pigyard Art Gallery performed by well-known singer, actress and presenter and avid art lover Sharon Clancy.
Sharon said: “I’m so pleased to be opening the exhibition as I’ve been following these three amazing artists (Emma Phillips, Michelle O’Neill and Jean Maskell) for some time and am really looking forward to seeing their interpretation of this inspiring time of year.
Sharon continued; “This beautiful intimate gallery here feels like the perfect setting for something so personal and powerful. And how special that the three artists behind the exhibition – Michelle O’Neill, Jean Maskell and Emma Phillips – are not only collaborators, but cousins. There is something deeply rooted and quietly powerful abut that shared history, that shared bloodline, now expressed in three completely individual creative voices.
“Each of the artists present their own unique interpretation of what the great awakening of Spring means to them.
Pastel artist Emma Phillips’ incredibly detailed bird portraits reflect the presence, resilience and strength of these small creatures, whose song is often the first sign of life returning after winter. She feels that the wisdom within nature signals survival and hope all around us. Michelle O’Neill, an artist whose career spans elite international sport and visual arts, embraces colour and form as expressions of empowerment and renewal. Moving beyond her usual style, these works explore energy, love and self-discovery — a visual reflection of personal growth and new beginnings. Interdisciplinary artist and writer Jean Maskell’s work combines mediums to creatively explore and develop stories of strength, survival, and transformation. By merging the human journey and the natural world using art, ceramics, poetry and artisan printing, her message is one of positivity and hope. “Awakening” is a must-see exhibition at The Pigyard Gallery until February 27th at Spectrum Art & Framing, 13 Selskar Street, Townparks, Wexford, Y35 XV80. The exhibition is open Monday- Thursday 9.30am to 5.30pm and Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 6pm.
Gardaí have confirmed that Richard Kelly, (44), who was reported missing from Clonroche, Co. Wexford on Friday, February 13th, has been found safe and well.
An Garda Siochána would like to thank the media and public for their assistance.
Enniscorthy Water Treatment Plant at Vinegar Hill overlooking Enniscorthy. (Pic; Uisce Éireann)
By Dan Walsh
More than 38,000 Uisce Éireann customers in Co Wexford can take comfort in the knowledge that both the Enniscorthy Regional and Wexford Town Water Supplies have been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable supplies.
Investment of more than €30 million across the two large supplies has ensured the continued delivery of safe and reliable water for homes and businesses across both Wexford communities.
JAMES BROWNE TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD welcomed the positive update from the EPA:
“Continued and serious investment in Wexford’s drinking water infrastructure is critical. I want to see more resilient water supplies for communities across this county. Robust water services are essential to the overall development of villages and towns.
“I have prioritised funding for water infrastructure as Minister and Uisce Éireann will continue to progress works to improve infrastructure in our area to improve water services for Wexford.
“I am working closely with Uisce Éireann to drive critical improvements to water supplies in our county. Today’s news in relation to water supply is most welcome particularly after the difficult few weeks Wexford has experienced from a flooding perspective.”
Pat Duggan, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Manager at Uisce Éireann, said: “We are fully committed to identifying and addressing risks to drinking water quality. Our key focus remains the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean, and secure water supplies for local communities.
“These critical upgrades ensure ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduce the risk of future water quality issues.
“This investment ensures the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to the people of Wexford town and Enniscorthy, enabling local communities to thrive.”
Over recent months Uisce Éireann has been busy delivering upgrades in both towns. The finish line is clearly in site on the €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply. The investment ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development.
The project involved the replacement of the raw water intake to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, the replacement of 2km of water main, the construction of a new pumping station and the upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant.
While the delivery of both upgrade projects at the water treatment plants at Enniscorthy and Wexford Town are coming to a close, the works completed so far have facilitated the removal of both supplies from the EPA’s list of vulnerable water supplies. Works at both locations will be fully completed in early Spring.
FLASHBACK MAY 28th 2024; Pictured at a sod-turning ceremony at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant to mark the commencement of critical upgrade works to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme are;(l-r): Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council; Fionnuala Callery, Wexford County Council; Cllr Cathal Byrne; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy; Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming; Diane Carroll, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager; James Browne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Jackser Owens; Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr Aidan Browne. (Pic; Uisce Éireann).
Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme
Uisce Éireann is approaching completion on a €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme. The project which will benefit over 12,000 consumers, will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development.
The project includes the replacement of the raw water intake at Clonhaston to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant (WTP) – completed. Replacement of 2km of interconnecting raw water main – completed. Construction of a new pumping station – nearing completion. Upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill WTP – nearing completion, and Landscaping and all associated site development works – ongoing.
Newtown Water Treatment Plant upgrade project
Uisce Éireann is nearing the completion of works to upgrade the Newtown Water Treatment Plant (WTP). This critical investment of €12.5 million, will benefit customers in Wexford Town and surrounding areas, ensuring the continued delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source. Although the overall project is not completed yet, the works undertaken to date have facilitated the removal of the Wexford Town Water Supply Scheme from the EPA’S Remedial Action List.
Creagh Water Treatment Plant Upgrade (Gorey)
Uisce Éireann is progressing an upgrade of the Creagh Water Treatment Plant. This project will benefit over 7,000 customers in Gorey, ensuring the delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source.
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