Ballycanew and Camolin need help!

CAMOLIN VILLAGE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford, Brian Brennan has challenged Uisce Éireann on the lack of delivery of Wastewater Treatment Plants in towns and villages in North Wexford.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com following a meeting with Uisce Eireann representatives, Deputy Brennan said; “I am hugely concerned with the lack of progress at wastewater treatment plants across the constituency, specifically in Camolin, Ballycanew and Aughrim.

“If we take Camolin as an example, the lack of wastewater capacity has a hugely detrimental impact on the development of the town and literally reduces the ability for the town to thrive and grow. 

“Without wastewater capacity, houses can’t be built and this has a devastating knock-on effect on the entire social fabric of the community – the school will struggle for numbers, childcare facilities won’t be able to operate, the local sports clubs won’t be able to field underage teams.

Deputy Brennan continued; “In a climate where there is enormous demand for housing, investment in wastewater treatment capacity is an obvious starting point and all efforts must be made to ensure that communities such as Camolin and Ballycanew are prioritised for urgent development.

“I have warmly welcomed the implementation of the Developer-Led Wastewater Services Infrastructure initiative which was introduced by Government earlier this year which is a key measure to unlock housing supply and accelerate delivery across the country, particularly in rural areas. 

“Under Developer-Led Wastewater Services Infrastructure, developers working with Uisce Éireann will design and construct wastewater treatment solutions for new housing developments of up to 40 homes. Once completed, these systems will transfer to Uisce Éireann, who will manage their ongoing operation, maintenance and regulatory compliance.

Deputy Brennan added; “While I believe that the developer led initiative will alleviate some of the backlog we cannot allow Uisce Éireann to hand over all responsibility and they must take the lead for wastewater treatment for towns like Camolin as a whole.

“Following on from my recent meeting with Uisce Éireann, I have received assurances that there would be ongoing engagement and I will continue to drive this issue to ensure that our rural communities have the opportunity to grow and thrive,” concluded Deputy Brennan.

Colin Bowe is the only Wexford winner!

URSULA SINNOTT, Managing Director Wexford Racecourse makes a presentation to BRENDAN WALSH following the success of Mayo Shirocco at Wexford races this evening. (Pic; Wexford Racecourse)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Kiltealy trainer Colin Bowe saved the day for the locals with Mayo Shirocco (11/1) coming home five and a half lengths clear under Ricky Doyle in the Curracloe Beach Maiden Hurdle this evening at Wexford races.

Owned by Alberta Capital Ltd, the six-year-old mare who won a point-to-point for Bowe in 2024, was an easy winner was scoring her first racecourse success although she returned lame. 

Trainer Bowe wasn’t at the races, but speaking after the race jockey Ricky Doyle said; “It was a good performance after coming back from a break but obviously she pulled up a bit lame. Hopefully she might have just struck into herself and hopefully will be fine in a few days.”

It was a memorable visit to Wexford for Galway jockey Danny Gilligan who rode a double – Newbrook Diamond (11/4 jt-fav.) for Gordon Elliott and Giant Haystacks (5/2) for the Ross O’Sullivan stable.

The popular Henry de Bromhead/Darragh O’Keeffe team from Waterford enjoyed another successful visit to the Wexford winners’ enclosure following Pinot Gris (5/2 fav) easy victory in the beginners’ chase.

The weather was super summer and taking advantage was the large crowd and the best seen this season so far, and it was also Cairde Loch Garman Race Day sponsored by Molloy Metal Recycling Ltd, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy.

Two more race meetings coming up at Bettyville Park during July; an afternoon meeting on Wednesday, July 22nd and Family Day on Thursday evening, July 23rd. All are welcome.

Gorey Market House project ready to commence

Formal signing of contracts to commence construction on Gorey Market House Regeneration Project . (Pic; Wexford County Council).

By Dan Walsh

The formal signing of contracts to commence construction on the Gorey Market House Regeneration Project has been signed and Nevin Construction has been awarded the contract to deliver the landmark regeneration of one of Gorey’s most significant historic buildings.

Cllr Mary Farrell, Cathaoirleach, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, stated, the contract signing marked an important new chapter for Gorey Market House. “The regeneration of this historic building for community and cultural use means we are not only preserving its heritage but transforming the building for the future as a vibrant hub for creativity, connectivity, and shared experiences,” added Cathaoirleach Farrell.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald said; “I am delighted to see the significant investment in the Gorey Market House of €7 million under Thrive EU Funding with the Southern Regional Assembly, matched by a further €2 million investment by Wexford County Council. The project will sensitively restore and repurpose the historic building as a dedicated space for the community of Gorey and North Wexford.  It will safeguard the Gorey Market House Architectural heritage and establish a sustainable, inclusive public amenity for all.”

The contract signing marks the official commencement of the project’s construction phase. Located in the centre of the town on Gorey’s Main Street, the Market House is the oldest building in Gorey and one of the oldest surviving market houses in Ireland. It is now set to begin an exciting new chapter as a vibrant centre for culture, creativity, and community. 

Designed in line with the New European Bauhaus principles of sustainability, inclusivity and beauty, the regenerated Market House will provide flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for exhibitions, performances, workshops, markets, community events, and cultural activities while carefully preserving the building’s rich architectural and historical heritage.

GOREY MARKET HOUSE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Union, through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–27 and Wexford County Council. The project has attracted national and European recognition as a leading example of heritage-led regeneration and adaptive reuse.

The signing of contracts represents the culmination of years of planning, consultation and collaboration between Wexford County Council, elected members, funding partners and the local community of Gorey and North Wexford.

Construction is expected to commence in the coming weeks, bringing the long-awaited transformation of this iconic landmark into reality.

Once completed, the restored Market House will become a vibrant civic destination in the heart of Gorey, creating a welcoming space for residents, visitors, community groups, and creatives.

The indoor and outdoor spaces will support exhibitions, performances, workshops, markets, cultural events, and community activities, ensuring this important heritage building continues to serve Gorey for generations to come.

More Wexford races on Friday

By Dan Walsh

Racing returns to Bettyville Park on this Friday evening with an eight-race card and the first race is off at 4.47pm.

The card consists of four hurdle races, three steeplechases and an INH Flat Race. There is a large entry.

Following on from Tuesday’s successful meeting hopes are high for a large attendance with a dry and warm forecast.

Selective watering had been ongoing at the track and the ground conditions are described as “Good.

It is also Wexford GAA fundraising day at the races.

Water OK again on Whiterock Hill

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE; Uisce Éireann can confirm that repairs to a burst watermain impacting customers in Whiterock Hill and surrounding areas have been completed, and water supply is returning to customers.

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.

Fines for littering and dog waste rises to €250.

No Dog 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.”

€13.49m for Wexford storm damage repairs

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.

Local winners at today’s Wexford races

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.

Enniscorthy Uisce Éireann works

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.

Seeking old photos of North Wexford?

By Dan Walsh

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.

Phone Rachel on 087 2988473 or email: ceolmochroi@gmail.com