By Dan Walsh at the July meeting of Wexford County Council
The Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon recently confirmed that he has signed the commencement order providing for a substantial increase in litter fines.
From September 1st, 2026, the fixed-payment on-the-spot fine for littering will rise from €150 to €250.
The matter was raised at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Wexford by Gorey Kilmuckridge Cllr Paddy Kavanagh who described the Minister’s action as “a joke.”
Cllr Kavanagh told the members of a disgusting and sickening event near Enniscorthy recently concerning illegal dumping or so-called fly tipping.
Cllr Kavanagh described approaching a black plastic sheet and when it was taken back it contained the decaying carcase of a dead goat! The smell was horrendous and Wexford County Council staff who are normally charged with removing illegal dumping content, were removed from the scene on health and safety grounds. A knackery company had to be brought in at extra cost to remove the offensive carcase which threatened public health.
Cllr Kavanagh was angry and stated that the perpetrators should be fined “thousands of euro” and “should be locked up in jail!”
“I don’t expect to see an end to fly tipping,” said Cllr Kavanagh, who added; “Nobody ever seems to be caught! Yet, they can inflict rubbish on the community and on the outskirts of towns and villages. It is horrendous what they are doing to our environment and countryside”, added Cllr Kavanagh.
Uisce Éireann is asking customers in parts of County Wexford to be mindful of their water use as night-time restrictions are being introduced to help maintain daytime water supplies for local communities.
The current spell of warm weather has led to a significant increase in water demand across the county, with demand exceeding the volume of water that can be treated and distributed in some areas.
To help treated water reservoirs recover overnight and protect daytime supplies, night-time restrictions will be in place from 11pm until 6 am each night until further notice. The restrictions will apply to customers in the Courtown North, Killenagh, Kilmuckridge North and Clonroche areas.
Customers may experience low water pressure or temporary interruptions to supply during these hours.
These restrictions form part of a wider range of measures being implemented to protect water supplies across County Wexford during a period of sustained warm weather and exceptionally high demand.
Padraig Lyng, Water Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann, said to WexfordLocal.com; “Last week, we appealed to customers across Wexford to reduce non-essential water use. While many customers have responded and are making an effort to conserve water, demand remains exceptionally high and continues to outstrip the volume of water that can be treated and supplied in these areas.
“Night-time restrictions are now required to protect daytime supplies and allow treated water reservoirs to recover overnight. Taking this action now will help safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, farms and essential services across the affected communities.”
“We are asking everyone to continue playing their part by using water wisely and reducing non-essential use wherever possible. Every small action can collectively make a real difference during this period of exceptionally high demand,” stated Mr. Lyng.
Simple steps taken at home, on farms, in gardens and in businesses can make a real difference in protecting supplies during this period. Water conservation tips and advice are available on water.ie. For further updates, visit the Water Service Updates section of water.ie.
Six people were rescued from the water at Rosslare Strand on Sunday afternoon following an incident where a young swimmer was in difficulty in the water and brave rescuers ended up in difficulty themselves.
All of those brought to hospital are currently believed to be in a stable condition.
Operations Resource Manager with the National Ambulance Service Ger Carthy confirmed that the National Ambulance Service responded to a significant incident at Rosslare.
“They transferred five people by land ambulance and our colleagues from Rescue Helicopter 117 airlifted one person to a waiting ambulance at Wexford Wanderers Rugby Club for transfer to Wexford General Hospital which is close-by.
“This multiple agency response again reassured the public of the capability of our emergency services in a time of grave need,” said Mr Carthy, who also praised “the fast actions of An Garda Síochana, the Coast Guard and the general public during the emergency incident.”
This was a rapid emergency response with the Coast Guard Rescue 117 helicopter, Rosslare and Curracloe Coast Guard Units, Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat, Gardaí and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) all in attendance.
Johnny Howard’s OLD BOG COTTAGE is a reminder of times past at Clohamon Vintage and Heritage Weekend. (Pic; WexfiordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Clohamon
A parade from Slaney ABP to the field starting at 7pm on Saturday evening kick starts the two-day Irish Vintage Society All-Ireland Vintage and Heritage Weekend taking place under the auspices of Clohamon Vintage and Heritage Club in Clohamon.
“This is a special year for us as we are proud to host the National Rally with an anticipated attendance of about 8,000,” said Secretary Eilish Kavanagh speaking with WexfordLocal.com, who added; “We have been affiliated to the Irish Vintage Society since 2024 and our intention is that this year’s event will be a weekend of enjoyment and celebration for all.”
After the opening parade on Saturday evening there will be storytelling in the marquee with John Candy and music with John Rush. Stew is served at 6pm, the Honda 50 bikers and a Tug Of War competition for a perpetual cup and medals, and more music, 8-10pm, with Alistair Ferguson.
The official opening takes place on the main stage at 11.30am sharp on Sunday morning with the Ballindaggin Pipe Band, Paddy Denby, who is delighted and honoured to perform the official opening and committee members.
Vintage events will include a mowing demonstration, steam engines, small steam engines, Steyr tractors, all makes of tractors, trucks, motorbikes, vintage cars and vans and at 4pm expect a visit from the Coast Guard Helicopter.
Music on stage will be performed by Paddy Treacy, Olivia Douglas, there is a jiving competition with registration to Chloe Kavanagh and the adjudicators are Aaron O’Hara and Nula Doyle. There is also a Best Dressed Male and Female judged by the Mayor of Tombrack.
Mick Gahan, Chairman of the organising committee thanked everybody for the yearly growth of the Clohamon Vintage and Heritage Weekend with special mention of the Mahon family “for the use of the field” strategically located beside in the River Slaney in the village. Other sponsors, landowners and volunteers are also warmly appreciated for their outstanding contribution.
Proceeds from the weekend will be donated to very worthy causes like Bunclody Day Care Centre and other local charities.
Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers across County Wexford to help conserve water as exceptionally high demand continues to place pressure on local water supplies.
The appeal is focused on customers supplied by the Wexford Town, Fardystown, Taylorstown and Gorey water treatment plants, where water usage has increased significantly during the recent spell of warm weather and increased summer demand.
Together, the Wexford Town, Fardystown, Taylorstown and Gorey water treatment plants are currently producing four million litres more water each day than the average daily demand experienced in 2025. This represents a peak increase of 9% in demand and is enough water to supply approximately 25,500 additional people every day.
While supplies are being maintained, there is a need to reduce demand to help protect local water supplies and ease pressure on raw water sources, treatment processes and treated water reservoirs.
Across the water treatment plants, production has increased significantly to meet exceptionally high customer demand. Fardystown Water Treatment Plant is currently producing approximately 13 million litres of drinking water each day, compared to a typical daily output of 10.2 million litres. The plant is not only meeting increased local demand but is also supporting supplies in Wexford Town and Taylorstown.
Padraig Lyng, Water Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com: “Our teams are working around the clock to maintain water supplies across County Wexford and are currently producing very significant volumes of drinking water every day to meet demand.
“Every litre of treated drinking water supplied to homes and businesses starts as water drawn from a raw water source. It must then be treated, stored and supplied through the network. When demand remains exceptionally high over a sustained period, it places increasing pressure on each stage of that process.”
“The Wexford Town, Fardystown and Gorey water treatment plants are currently producing water at levels significantly above what we would normally expect for this time of year. While we are continuing to maintain supplies, reducing demand now will help protect local water sources and support a more sustainable supply throughout the summer months.”
“We are asking customers to help by reducing non-essential water use wherever possible. Small changes made by households, businesses, sporting clubs, community groups and visitors can collectively make a significant difference and help protect supplies for everyone.
“By acting now, communities across Wexford can help reduce pressure on the network, protect raw water sources and safeguard local water supplies throughout the summer.” Customers can support water conservation efforts by avoiding unnecessary use of hoses and sprinklers, using a watering can instead of a hose, taking shorter showers, only running dishwashers, and washing machines when full, and checking homes and businesses for leaks.
A hosepipe can use as much water in one hour as a typical family uses in an entire day. By making small changes to daily routines, customers can help protect local water supplies while demand remains high. This aligns with Uisce Éireann’s recent national appeal encouraging customers to continue saving water during periods of sustained high demand.
Customers can find practical water-saving advice and access Uisce Éireann’s Water Conservation Calculator on www.water.ie/conservation.
Singer JESSE SLUDDS performing at the opening session at the Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay
The 41st annual Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival was officially opened this evening (Thursday) by local musician Liam Bates following a parade of local groups from the Stella Maris Centre to the stage on the quayside.
Jesse Sludds was on stage tonight (Thursday) fresh from the Shania Twain Concert and he performed excellently. But plenty of music, dancing and entertainment happening over the weekend and the Children’s Summer camp with Red Moon Theatre features a sandcastle competition and beach games on Friday and more fun and games with Tomhaggard Clean Coast Group on the little beach of Saturday.
Festive proceedings commenced with a Grand Parade featuring Piper Hamish, Peter Moran, Coast Guard, Red Moon Theatre Company, Kilmore ICA, Kilmore Athletic Club, Kilmore GAA Club, First Responders, Tomhaggard Clean Coast, RNLI, the Becky Sheil Dancers, Kilmore Scouts and Write By The Sea. They were given a rousing reception on arrival at the quayside by the large attendance that gathered in the summer sunshine.
CLLR FRANK STAPLES Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District opened the Wexford Camera Club Exhibition at the Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival this evening (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Mr Bates welcomed everybody to Kilmore Quay for “a weekend of summer celebration with lots of family fun activities and family favourites, and, of course, plenty of locally caught delicious seafood to enjoy.
He complimented all the groups taking part and outlined the continuity of success between the community groups and their dedication to a festival of celebration now in its 41st year.
Friday events in the Stella Maris Centre from 11am to 5pm will be a Live Cooking Demonstration and Wine Appreciation Day with award winning chefs and the master of ceremonies Sallyanne Clarke. Locally sourced fresh fish and shellfish will be on sale but come early as the quantity is limited!
The annual festival lecture and coastal walk with Jim Hurley is on the agenda and Wexford Camera Club’s annual exhibition was officially opened tonight (Thursday) by Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Frank Staples in the Stella Maris Centre and it is open to the public throughout the weekend. Well worth a visit!
Fethard RNLI lifeboat crew launched at 8.30am his morning (Thursday) amid concerns that a dog walker may get into difficulty trying to rescue a dog after a member of the public had contacted the Irish Coast Guard for help when a dog became trapped in the oyster beds at Woodstown Beach.
The volunteer crew made their way by road and launched the lifeboat at Duncannon. Conditions were good with excellent visibility and a calm sea.
At 9.15am, just before the lifeboat arrived on scene, the Irish Coast Guard advised that the dog had freed itself and had reunited with its owner. Both owner and dog were safe and well. Fethard RNLI was stood down and returned to recover at Duncannon. The lifeboat returned to station and was washed down and refuelled ready for service.
This call-out comes on the eve of the 30th anniversary of Fethard RNLI’s reopening. It also marked the first call-out for volunteer crew member Rebecca Doyle, whose father John Doyle played a pivotal role in the reopening of the lifeboat station in 1996.
Speaking on the call-out, volunteer crew member Rebecca Doyle said; “Well done to the dog walker who did the right thing by calling for help. We were relieved to hear that dog had freed itself from danger.
“If your dog goes into the water or gets stuck, don’t go in after them. Move to a place where the dog could easily get out and call them – they will probably get out by themselves. If you’re worried your dog can’t get out, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
Wexford’s Mental Health Services Working Group conducted a recent online survey examining the standard of mental health services available across County Wexford.
There was an overwhelming response to the survey which demonstrates just how important this issue is to people throughout the county.
Key findings from the survey included:
80% of respondents rated the quality of mental health services in County Wexford as either “poor” or “very poor.”
80% of respondents said they have had trouble managing their own mental health.
91% of respondents aged between 18 and 24 said they have struggled to manage their mental health.
CLLR AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN “As a county, we must ensure that services are adequately resourced to meet growing demand and that every person can access the lifesaving care they need when they need it.”
Chairperson of the working group, Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien stated that the findings are “deeply concerning, but sadly not surprising. “While these findings are frightening, they also provide an opportunity. They represent the voices of people who believe that mental health services in County Wexford can and must be improved. No one should have to face a mental health crisis without timely, accessible, and effective support. As a county, we must ensure that services are adequately resourced to meet growing demand and that every person can access the lifesaving care they need when they need it.”
“The Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group will continue to engage with local representatives, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that the voices of the people of Wexford are heard. We believe these findings demonstrate an urgent need for immediate investment in mental health services across the county.”
“Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the survey. Your honesty and willingness to share your experiences have strengthened our evidence base and will help inform our ongoing campaign to secure the high-quality mental health services that the people of County Wexford deserve,” concluded Cllr O’Brien.
Future plans for the working group include the roll out of another survey, this time designated to capture the lived experience of the younger members of our communities. An under 18s survey has been designed by the FDYS and Comhairle na nÓg and is set to be launched in September 2026.
Communication between the working group and stakeholders will continue in a meaningful, productive nature to help ensure the overall goal is achieved; improved mental health services for Co. Wexford.
A guided foraging walk through Courtown Woods with Lorraine O’Dwyer of Gallivanting Tours introduced pupils from St. Joseph’s National School, Taghmon, to edible native plants and the importance of understanding the natural environment as a food source. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
A unique Food and Horticultural Project at St. Fintan’s National School, Taghmon, has concluded following a very successful inaugural year.
Developed by Ann Marie Laffan of Wexford County Council and funded through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, the inspiration for the project came from Principal Willie Cleary, who noted that many children no longer understand where their food comes from.
In response, Ms. Laffan developed an innovative hands-on programme designed to reconnect children with food production, healthy eating, cooking and horticulture through practical experiences.
Each class was allocated its own growing bed within the purpose-built greenhouse funded by the project, transforming it into both a productive growing space and an outdoor classroom where children learned to sow, grow and care for fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Weekly sessions were delivered by Horticultural tutor Catherine George, who introduced pupils to growing food, healthy eating, cooking skills and sustainable food practices. She was joined by Sarah Shiggins, Community Food and Nutrition Worker with FDYS, who also secured additional support through Safefood to further enhance the programme.
Learning extended far beyond the classroom through a series of engaging educational visits. Pupils visited the farm of local farmer and Irish Farmers’ Association representative Jer O’Mahony near Wellingtonbridge, where they experienced life on a working farm, learned about livestock, crops, renewable energy and modern farming practices, before planting trees and sunflowers to take home.
The children also visited Saltrock Dairy, where they learned about dairy farming, discovered how milk is produced and even made their own butter. A guided foraging walk through Courtown Woods with Lorraine O’Dwyer of Gallivanting Tours introduced pupils to edible native plants and the importance of understanding the natural environment as a food source.
Another memorable visit came from Tara Hill Honey, whose beekeeping demonstration gave children a fascinating insight into the essential role bees play in pollination, biodiversity and food production.
The project’s inclusive approach also ensured dedicated experiences for the school’s autism classes, including a therapeutic visit to Equine Railway Gallop, where pupils enjoyed equine-assisted activities in a supportive outdoor setting.
CLLR FRANK STAPLES. Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District said; “This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when schools, local communities and organisations work together. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr. Frank Staples praised the initiative, saying; “This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when schools, local communities and organisations work together. The enthusiasm shown by the children has been inspiring, and the practical skills and knowledge they have gained will stay with them for many years. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this such a success.”
Ann Marie Laffan said; “This project was about much more than growing vegetables. It was about helping children understand where their food comes from, giving them practical life skills, encouraging healthy eating and fostering a real appreciation for nature, farming and their local community. None of it would have been possible without the incredible support of the school, our tutors, volunteers and partner organisations, all of whom embraced the vision from day one.”
Project tutor Catherine George added; “Watching the children’s confidence grow alongside the plants has been one of the most rewarding parts of the project. They have embraced every opportunity to learn, whether planting seeds, cooking healthy meals, visiting farms or discovering nature. Their curiosity and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring.”
Reflecting on the visit to his farm, Jer O’Mahony said; “It was a real pleasure to welcome the children to the farm and show them what happens behind the scenes in producing the food we all eat every day. Many young people have never had the opportunity to visit a working farm, so being able to introduce them to the animals, the crops and the importance of caring for the land was incredibly rewarding. Their curiosity and enthusiasm were fantastic, and hopefully they left with a greater appreciation of farming, food production and the people who work so hard to put food on our tables.”
The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group met at the entrance to Clone Beach, Castletown, where it launched the National Heritage Week ” Castletown River and Nature Festival ” for 2026.
By Dan Walsh
The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group met at the entrance to Clone Beach, Castletown, where it launched the National Heritage Week ” Castletown River and Nature Festival ” for 2026.
It happens from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd, so that is the weekend for your diary.
There will be an exciting line up for year’s events with a Bat Walk and bat box making workshop on Friday and is our ” Wild Child ” event.
On Sunday will celebrate ” Water Heritage ” with a Family Funday on Clone beach. There will be some nature seashore exploring and lots of fun and games for all the family.
Cathy Lee, Chairperson of The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group told Wexford Local.com; “At last year’s Water Heritage event, it was very disappointing when we had to tell people that the festival was not wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with mobility issues.
“While small children were able to be lifted on to the beach an elderly wheelchair bound gentleman got stuck in the sand on his approach to the beach.
“Recognising the man’s distress, four people from the event came forward and lifted the gentleman on and off the beach, which enabled him to enjoy the festival atmosphere,” stated Ms. Lee.
To address beach access going forward, a meeting has taken place involving Wexford County Council and The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group on Clone Beach in the presence of Enda Brennan and Conor Kinsella from the Coastal Team along with Caroline Horan, ability officer from Wexford County Council.
Cathy Lee and Natalie Lytovka represented the river group, and they raised the access concerns of the community and together explored possible solutions.
Cathy Lee responds; “We are delighted that with the support of Wexford County Council the pedestrian bridge over the estuary will be reinstalled with ramp access aligning with the existing path to the beach. This will involve a mixture of ground works and beach mats.
“This not only enables wheelchair users to access the beach but also people with mobility issues and families with young children and buggies. A beach wheelchair will also be made available for the festival weekend courtesy of Wexford County Council.”
Local woman Niamh Walsh who was present at the launch and who is also wheelchair bound said she was so excited to be able to attend this year’s festival as she had not been on Clone since she was a child.
The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group extends a “big Thank You” to the team at Wexford County Council for their great support, not forgetting Matthew McGrath who campaigned tirelessly to gain access to his local beach at Ballymoney.
WexfordLocal.com 