Uisce Éireann are responding to a water outage impacting customers in Whiterock Hill and surrounding areas of Wexford town following a burst on a watermain. Crews have been on site since this morning, and repairs are expected to be completed by approximately 3pm today.
Uisce Éireann’s Water Operations Manager for Wexford, Padraig Lyng, acknowledged the disruption to homes and businesses: “We understand the significant impact this unplanned outage is having on customers in Whiterock Hill and surrounding areas.
“Our crews are working to restore supply as quickly and as safely as possible. We thank the community for their continued patience while these essential repairs are carried out,” added Mr Lyng.
Customers may continue to experience low pressure or outages until repairs are completed and the network refills. Typically, it can take a number of hours following repairs for normal supply to return to all customers, particularly for those at the end of the network or on higher ground.
NoDog Fouling; From September 1st, 2026, the fixed-payment on-the-spot fine for littering will rise from €150 to €250. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Local authority meetings are renowned for the regular commentary on dog fouling and littering; therefore, it would be anticipated that public representatives will be delighted to inform their supporters that litter fines are to be increased to €250.
The Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon today (Thursday) announced a package of measures to support cleaner communities, including a new €250,000 fund for local authorities and an increase in litter fines from €150 to €250 from September 1st, 2026.
“People are rightly proud of their local communities, but one issue I consistently hear about is litter, including dog fouling. This new €250,000 fund will help local authorities provide additional dog waste bins and related infrastructure where it is needed most. We want to make it easier for responsible dog owners to do the right thing and help keep our parks, beaches and public spaces clean”, said Minister Dillon.
The new fund will support local authorities in purchasing additional dog waste bins, bag dispensers and related infrastructure in parks, beaches, greenways and other locations regularly used by dog owners.
A circular will issue to Local Authorities in due course with the details on how to apply for this funding.
Minister Dillon also 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 Minister added: “There must be consequences for littering. Those who drop litter impose costs on communities, local authorities and taxpayers. The increase in fines sends a clear message that littering is unacceptable and that the polluter must pay. Most people dispose of their waste responsibly. It is unfair that the actions of a small minority can spoil public spaces for everyone else.”
Minister Dillon also welcomed the launch of a new nationwide anti-litter awareness campaign – ‘Bin it or bring it home’ – by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, supported by the Department.
The Minister explained; “Enforcement is important, but education and awareness are equally important. The message is simple: if there is not a bin nearby, take your litter home. The same applies to dog waste. Every one of us has a role to play in keeping Ireland clean.”
Wexford County Council to receive €13.49 million to address storm damage to roads. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Ministers of State Seán Canney and Jerry Buttimer today announced Department of Transport funding of €40 million to address the damage caused to regional and local roads by Storm Chandra last January.
Wexford County Council is to receive €13.49 million. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD informed WexfordLocal.com of this “significant and critical announcement this morning for Wexford.”
“I have secured €13.49 million from Minister Darragh O’Brien to aid Wexford’s storm damage repairs and can confirm that it has been allocated today. Since the storm hit us, I have been pressing hard for this to be secured to support the work of Wexford County Council,” concluded Minister Browne.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Cllr Lisa McDonald welcomed the announcement. “This is the biggest ever announcement for rural roads in the county outside of our usual allocation,” she said.
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow–Wexford, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, has welcomed the allocation and told WexfordLocal.com the funding will benefit rural communities across North Wexford, including areas such as Gorey, Courtown, Riverchapel, Ballymoney, Kilmuckridge, Ballycanew, Oulart, Monamolin, and Camolin,Bunclody, Ballindaggin and others where road conditions have been a long-standing concern for residents.
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin stressed that it does not go far enough. “This €13.49 million allocation is very welcome and will deliver much-needed improvements. However, more funding is required. Wexford County Council has indicated that the true cost of bringing all rural roads back to a safe and acceptable standard is closer to €20 million, leaving a significant shortfall.”
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford Brian Brennan told WexfordLocal.com; “I am delighted that this funding has been approved. The damage caused by Storm Chandra was unprecedented and left a trail of devastation in its wake.
“The cost of repair of this damage is enormous and would put massive strain on the Council’s already tight roads Budget. I have been working closely with Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, the Tanaiste and Minister for Finance and all relevant Departments to get this funding over the line and I am both delighted and relieved to see this allocation delivered.
JJ SLEVIN enjoyed success at the Wexford Races this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford races
Wexford racecourse was in excellent condition for today’s races and racing returns there again on Friday evening, so a busy summer for the popular South-East track.
Paul Nolan had another exciting day at Wexford Races when he saddled Rue Taylor (12/1) ridden by Carl Millar who scored by a neck over the Conor O’Dwyer trained Teenage Kiss (Charlie Dwyer up) in the opportunity handicap chase.
Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe received the leg up on the Willie Mullins trained Soir De Grande (11/2) and the combination were impressive when victorious by one and a quarter lengths in the beginners’ chase.
Caim, Enniscorthy jockey JJ Slevin enjoyed success at his local track when he won the handicap chase on Chosen Shant (9/1) for owner/trainer Aengus King from Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.
Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead, who has an excellent strike rate at Wexford, added another success when Rockonliam (Evens Fav.) scored by four and a half lengths under Darragh O’Keeffe,
David O’Brien, who made the short hop from Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, returned smiling after saddling Mic Drop (5/1) with Josh Williamson in the handicap chase.
Racing returns to Bettyville Park on this Friday evening with an eight-race card and the first race is off at 4.47pm. It is also Wexford GAA fundraising day at the races.
Low water in the River Slaney at the end of June and a new island emerges north of the William Barker Bridge. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Uisce Eireann is carrying out leakage reduction works in Enniscorthy and the job is getting under way this week.
The section of works will take place along the R890 Nunnery Road from the junction of the R702 and will continue along Summerhill Road to Blackstoops, where crews will be installing 1.25 km of new, modern pipes that will strengthen the local network and reduce disruption to homes and businesses.
The existing pipes were prone to bursts and leaks, leading to supply interruptions and the loss of treated drinking water, a valuable resource we all depend on. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed news of the upcoming works. “This is positive news for the people of Enniscorthy who will benefit from a more reliable water supply through these upgrades to the pipe network.
“A reliable water supply is fundamental to family and community life. With upgrade works by Uisce Éireann set to begin in the town, I’m pleased to see further progress on improvements to Wexford’s water supply,” stated Minister Browne.
Welcoming the project, Dave Murphy of Uisce Éireann said that these upgrades will help stop leakage and give the community in Enniscorthy greater confidence in their water supply for years to come.
“Every pipe we replace is guided by one clear goal: providing a water supply people can count on. These improvements make a difference every single day, in every tap, home and throughout the community. “By focusing on delivering a more reliable supply, we’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient water service for the people of Wexford, now and for generations to come,” stated Mr. Murphy.
Works will begin in the coming days and will include installing new water service connections from the public water main on the road to customers’ property boundaries and linking them to the customers’ water supply.
The project is being delivered by Shareridge Ltd, on behalf of Uisce Éireann with completion expected in the Autumn of this year.
Customers can phone Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 if they have any questions about the project or visit the Water Supply Updates section of the Uisce Éireann website for regular updates.
The Residents of Oakfield Nursing Home, Co. Wexford and traditional singer and folklorist Rachel Uí Fhaoláin are looking for some help please with the development of their special award-winning childhood memory collecting project ‘Dearest Child‘.
Do you have old photos of North Wexford in your family albums that you would be happy to share with the residents and Rachel, physical copies that they can borrow for their special project and upcoming community exhibition.
Perhaps you have photos of a particular shop front on Gorey Main Street, or a photo of the Tea Room on the Avenue, run by Francie Gleeson. Some of the residents fondly recall their trips into town as children for tea and cake here, a real treat by all accounts.
Maybe you have a photo of Fair Day in Gorey or Ballycanew? How about photos of Courtown, the harbour, or maybe the herring season in Cahore.
Photos are fantastic conversation starters and a powerful way of helping to recall our memories, especially those of us who don’t remember as well as we used to.
The residents and Rachel would really appreciate your help with this, and they extend a very warm welcome to the wider community to get involved in their award- winning memory collection project in North Wexford.
For further information or to get involved you can contact Rachel by email or phone.
Local parish priest Fr Pat Mernagh P.P. (left) and members of the lifeboat crew at annual Blessing of the Boats ceremony in Kilmore Quay this afternoon. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI launched this Sunday afternoon to assist the crew of a yacht taking on water in Kilmore Quay harbour
It happened as the crowd, including the volunteer crew, gathered for the annual Blessing of the Boats ceremony in the harbour, the crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat RNLB Killarney by the Irish Coast Guard mid-ceremony at 5.20 pm to assist a recently arrived yacht in the marina.
The vessel had taken on a significant amount of water having suffered some damage on the voyage to Kilmore Quay.
The lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. The salvage pump was deployed to attempt to drain the vessel. Taking into consideration the immediacy and gravity of the situation, it was decided that the safest course of action was to assist in manoeuvring the vessel to the slip where it could be safely removed from the water by a local marine engineering company.
The vessel safely secured at the slip, the lifeboat returned to its berth in the marina and was made ready again for service.
The crew were then joined by parish priest Fr Pat Mernagh who completed the day’s Blessing of the Boats ceremony with a special blessing for the lifeboat and its crew.
The Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash has announced a long list of changes in the Diocese of Ferns. The appointments will be effective from Tuesday, September 1st 2026.
BISHOP GER NASH Diocese of Ferns
The following priests will retire from active Ministry
Fr Martin Casey will retire from his role as Co-PP, Carnew
Fr Paddy Cushen will retire from his role as assistant priest in Ferns, Bunclody, Kilrush Pastoral Area
Fr John Paul Sheridan, Co-PP, Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin, Carnew Pastoral Area is appointed to a full time post in St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth.
Fr Brian Whelan, Co-PP in Ferns, Bunclody, Kilrush Pastoral Area will go on Sabbatical for a year to pursue further studies. He will reside in Kilmuckridge and provide weekend cover for Masses as available.
Fr Chris Hayden, returning from the Staff of St Patrick’s Seminary Maynooth to be Co-PP in Castlebridge, Crossabeg, Oylegate Pastoral Area, resident in Oylegate.
Fr Jim Doyle, returning from Chaplaincy in the Irish College Paris to be Co-PP in the Horeswood, Ramsgrange, Duncannon, Templetown Pastoral Area and to reside in Templetown.
Fr Brian Broaders V.G. Co-PP, Ballindaggin, Rathnure, Cloughbawn, Davidstown, Bree Pastoral Area to be Co-PP in Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn, Piercestown Pastoral Area. He will reside in Barntown and will continue as Vicar General in the Diocese.
Fr Eamonn Salmon, formerly Chaplain to Wexford General Hospital to be Co-PP in St Aidan’s, St Senan’s, Marshalstown Pastoral Area, residing in Marshalstown.
Fr Sean Devereux returning from Sabbatical to be Co-PP in Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn, Piercestown Pastoral Area, residing in Clonard. He will also take responsibility for Diocesan Communications.
Fr Frank Murphy, Co-PP, Imeall na Screige Pastoral Area will be Co-PP Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin, Carnew Pastoral Area, residing in Annacurra.
Fr John Carroll, Co-PP Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn, Piercestown Pastoral Area will be Co-PP New Ross, Cushinstown, Adamstown, Newbawn Pastoral Area residing in New Ross.
Fr Tom Orr, Co-PP Horeswood, Ramsgrange, Duncannon, Templetown Pastoral Area to be Co-PP Ballindaggin, Rathnure, Cloughbawn, Davidstown, Bree Pastoral Area residing in Rathnure.
Fr James Cullen, Co-PP St Aidan’s, St Senan’s, Marshalstown Pastoral Area to be Co-PP Ferns, Bunclody, Kilrush Pastoral Area, residing in Ferns.
Fr Dermot Gahan Co-PP Castlebridge, Crossabeg, Oylegate Pastoral Area will be Co-PP Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin, Carnew Pastoral area, residing in Carnew.
Following the discovery of a body of a male, the missing person appeal in respect of Paul Woods (50), who was reported missing from Kilbora, Camolin, Co. Wexford since Wednesday 24th June 2026, has been stood down.
50-year-old Paul Woods was last seen on Tuesday morning, while on a hiking holiday in Kilbora near Camolin. He was headed to hike in the Blackstairs Mountain at the time.
Members of the South East Mountain Rescue Association were tasked by An Garda Síochána to assist in the search on Friday morning at 11am.
They were supported by search dog units from the Search and Rescue Dog Association Ireland. The hiker was later located and the body was recovered from the area by the rescue team using their Land Rover.
In a post on their social media, SEMRA has extended its condolences to the family at this difficult time.
They’ve also thanked An Garda Síochána for their assistance, as well as local people who were involved in the search.
An Garda Síochána would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
WexfordLocal.com 