Urgent appeal to use water responsibly

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers in County Wexford to continue using water responsibly as warm and dry conditions persist. 

A Water Conservation Order remains in place for the entire country to help protect public drinking water supplies following a prolonged period of exceptionally warm and dry weather, combined with high demand for water across the country.

The appeal comes as Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning for parts of the country, with higher temperatures expected to increase demand for water in the days ahead. 

In Wexford, water supplies serving Gorey, Castlebridge, Curracloe, Wexford Town and South Wexford continue to be closely monitored, with water sources remaining under pressure. Uisce Eireann also continues to supplement the network through tankering operations to help maintain water supply for customers in Bunclody, Askamore and Kilmuckridge. 

While customer conservation efforts have helped reduce demand, water sources remain under pressure and every effort to conserve water remains important. 

Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers, and essential services. Customers are being asked to continue avoiding non-essential water use and to play their part in protecting supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations with Uisce Éireann, said: “We would like to thank customers across Wexford for the support they have shown since the Water Conservation Order was introduced. We have seen demand reduce in many areas and those efforts are helping to protect water supplies. 

“However, many of our water sources remain under pressure following an extended period of warm and dry weather and it will take time for those sources to recover. With warm conditions expected to continue and temperatures set to rise again in parts of the country, we are asking everyone to continue doing what they can to conserve water,” she added. 

The Water Conservation Order is in place until 26 August and is reviewed on an ongoing basis considering weather conditions, soil moisture deficits, and the status of water supplies. 

Call for crackdown on Courtown jet ski use

Jet Ski activity in Courtown Harbour could be facing a clampdown in Courtown Harbour and along the North Wexford coastline? (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford Brian Brennan has called for a clampdown on the use of jet skis in Courtown Harbour and along the North Wexford coastline.

Deputy Brennan predicts: “There will be serious accident unless the reckless use of jet skis in Courtown is addressed. I believe that there is room for everyone to enjoy our incredible coastline, but we need to see greater regulation on jet skis to ensure the safety of everyone.

“I am asking both Wexford County Council and the Gardai to take steps to address this issue.

“For decades many children and families have been swimming close to the pier but now because of the dangerous use of jet skis in this area this is clearly unsafe and an accident waiting to happen.

Deputy Brennan continued; “Courtown Sailing Club have been at the centre of the social fabric of Courtown but having spoken with members they feel this reckless use of jet ski close to their boats is a danger to their members.

“Since initially raising this issue, I have been inundated with comments from locals up and down the coastline informing me of encounters they have had with jet skis, ranging from noise complaints to nuisance to incidents with potential to cause serious injury or harm.

“I have called on Wexford County Council to look at the role of a council warden who would have the authority to monitor and intervene where necessary. They have replied that they are currently looking into possibilities available in terms of bye laws for this and potential avenues there are to be considered.

“An Garda Siochana are very aware of these issues and have recently issued the following online statement reaffirming their commitment to keep the Wexford Coastal Waters safe for all users;

“Operation Coinním/Courtown Harbour; As part of Operation Coinním, Gardaí from Courtown Harbour Garda Station engaged with jet ski and personal watercraft users at the harbour slipway to promote water safety during the busy summer season.

“Advice included observing harbour speed limits, remaining outside the marker buoys once clear of the harbour, respecting other water users, wearing appropriate safety equipment, launching safely and parking responsibly.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to speak with Gardaí. Your cooperation helps ensure Courtown Harbour remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone this summer.

Death of Very Rev. Jim Byrne

VERY REV JIM BYRNE former PP at Kilrush and Newbawn.

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Very Rev. James (Jim) Byrne, retired parish priest of Newbawn. He was aged 92 years.

Educated in Gusserane, St. Peter’s College and St. Peter’s Seminary, Wexford, Fr. Jim was ordained at St. Peter’s College on June 5th, 1960.

Following Ordination, he was appointed curate at Rathgarogue in June 1960, moved to Poulfur May 1962, Kilmyshall 1966, Bunclody 1972 and Ballykelly in February 1983.

Fr. Byrne was appointed parish priest of Kilrush in June 1986, where he served until April 1998, when he succeeded Fr. Patrick Cummins as parish priest of Newbawn.

Fr. Byrne served the Newbawn community for eight years and took retirement in 2008.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of V. Rev. Jim Byrne, former Parish Priest of Kilrush and Newbawn. Late of Dunmain, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Predeceased by his beloved parents Thomas and Kitty Byrne, brothers John and Michael and sister Margaret.

Sadly missed by his loving sisters and brothers Sr. Anne, Kathleen, Mary, Hugh, Toddy, Bernie, Joan, Pat, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, Bishop Ger Nash and his brother priests of the Diocese of ferns, extended family and friends.

May His Gentle Soul Rest in Peace

Reposing at Cooneys Funeral Home, New Ross on Friday, August 14th from 2pm with removal at 7pm to St. John The Baptist Church, Gusserane.

Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 15th at 11am, followed by burial afterwards in Terrerath cemetery. Family flowers only donations to The New Ross Community Hospital.

Tributes to ex-Cllr Robbie Ireton

ROBBIE IRETON

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of former Wexford County Council member Robbie Ireton from Courtown Harbour who gave a lifetime of dedicated service to Courtown, Riverchapel and the wider North Wexford community.

Robbie was a member of a long-established Caravan Park business family.

A member of the Labour Party, Robbie served on Wexford County Council from 2009 to 2019 and was Leas-Cathaoirleach in 2012.

He also served on Gorey Town Council for 10 years and was elected Lord Mayor in 2010-’11. He opened the new Gorey Civic Offices during his term.

In 2022 at the Gorey Awards, Robbie received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the Riverchapel/Courtown community.

Paying tribute on social media, the Courtown & Riverchapel offered its deepest sympathies to Robbie’s family and friends.

Throughout his years in public life, and through his wider community involvement, Robbie was a committed advocate for the area and its people. A friend, neighbour and true Harbour man, he gave generously of his time and energy to the community he cared deeply about.

His warmth, good humour and contribution to community life will be remembered by many, and his service has left a lasting mark on Courtown and Riverchapel.

Our sincere condolences are extended to Rob and all the Ireton family, together with Robbie’s many friends and all who knew him.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Robert Ireton, Seamount, Courtown Harbour (and late of Knockavotha, Gorey). Robbie passed away in the loving care of the staff at Wexford General Hospital on Tuesday, August 11th surrounded by his loving family).

Beloved husband of Mary and loving father of Ellen, Katherina, Joseph, Robert and Thomas, brother of Benny, Alicia, Elanor and Rosemary. He will be very sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, brother, sisters, mother-in-law Mary, his adored grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, partners, extended family, relatives, neighbours and his wide circle of friends.

May Robbie Rest in Heavenly Peace.

Reposing at Murphy’s Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey (Y25 K122) on Friday from 1 pm until 8 pm. Funeral arriving to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel, on Saturday, August 15th for Funeral Mass at 1 pm followed by Burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery Gorey.

Water repairs completed in south Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are carrying out repairs to a burst watermain which may cause supply disruptions to Ballylannan, Wellingtonbridge, Rosegarland, Carrick-on-Bannow, Duncormick, Ballymitty and surrounding areas in south Wexford.

UPDATE, WEDNESDAY; Uisce Éireann has completed repairs to a burst watermain and normal water supply has been restored to the majority of customers in Ballylannan, Wellingtonbridge, Rosegarland, Carrick-on-Bannow, Duncormick, Ballymitty and surrounding areas in south Wexford.

Uisce Éireann crews are on site and working to repair the burst as quickly and safely as possible and restore water supply to affected customers. Customers may experience low water pressure, intermittent supply disruptions and discoloured water while repairs are underway.

Enda Lambert of Uisce Éireann said; “We understand the inconvenience that an unplanned outage can cause and would like to thank customers in the affected areas for their patience while our crews carry out these essential repairs. Every effort is being made to complete the repairs and return normal water supply as soon as possible.”

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.

Golf championships under way at Enniscorthy

Avril Murphy receives her Captain’s Prize medal from Enniscorthy Lady Captain Helen D’Eathe. (Pic; Enniscorthy Golf Club)

By Caomh Breen Allen

Avril Murphy said Enniscorthy Golf Club are ready to showcase the improvements made to their course when the Whirlpool Irish Senior Men’s & Women’s Amateur Close Championship gets underway on Tuesday morning.

Murphy has a dual role at this week’s championship, competing for the Women’s title while also helping to oversee the running of the event as Chair of the Management Committee at the Wexford venue.

“We’ve done major work with the course. We brought in a consultant two years ago to give us an overview of what we needed to improve on. The community of members started to come together and got behind all of this.”

“They’ve done a fantastic job around the place. The greenkeepers have been putting in fantastic work, they’ve brought our greens back to life, they’re absolutely fantastic.”

A total of 141 players will tee it up across the Women’s and Men’s championships, with the opening two rounds of Stroke Play qualifying taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday before focus switches to match play, culminating in the final rounds on Friday.

Having committed to hosting the championships more than two years ago, the event has provided a clear target for everyone at Enniscorthy to work towards.

Murphy will also get the opportunity to test those improvements herself as she bids to challenge for the Women’s title. Having won the Captain’s Prize at Enniscorthy earlier this year, she knows what is required to navigate the tree lined fairways.

“You need to keep your ball straight,” said Murphy.

“We’re narrow and we have a lot of trees. They say if you can play Enniscorthy well, you can play anywhere well. Your drive has to be accurate.”

“I’m looking forward to playing with the elite of golf from around the country.”

Murphy begins her championship at 12.40pm on Tuesday. Enniscorthy will also be represented by Connie Doyle and James Gilbert, with Murphy backing both local players to go well this week.

“Both Connie and James will fly the flag very well,” said Murphy.

“I have no doubt that they might even bring in a result.”

Duncannon Beach ‘Do Not Swim’ warning

DO NOT SWIM notice has been issued for Duncannon’s Blaue Flag beach today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

A “Do Not Swim” notice has been posted at Duncannon Beach today (Monday).

The latest sampling conducted as part of Wexford County Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality, showed elevated levels of bacteria at the Beach.

Following consultation with the HSE and EPA, it is necessary to issue “Do Not Swim” warning notices at the above beaches in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

Further samples have been taken and results are expected on Thursday, August 13th at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed.  In addition, the Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter. 

Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beach to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.

Cllr Sullivan claims social housing policies “not fit for purpose”

By Dan Walsh

Gorey Kilmuckridge Independent Cllr Joe Sullivan has raised concerns following a recently published report stating that people on HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) cannot compete with other renters in the private rental sector.

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“This along with Income Threshold Limits for people applying to go on the social housing lists are two issues that I have regularly been raising at County Council level to absolutely no effect,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “I am not alone with this issue as it has regularly been raised by other local representatives nationwide.

“It is generally recognised by the interested parties Simon, Threshold and Daft.ie that there is a huge problem in this area of housing as people are squeezed into a trap and there is no apparent way out.

“The government are acting in a completely oblivious manner to this issue concentrating all their resources into telling the public how many houses that are been completed quarterly while apparently paying no attention to this ongoing carnage in the housing sector.

Cllr Sullivan queries the Department of Housing on how many Local Authority Chief Executives or Directors of Services for Housing are in contact with them to inform them of the uselessness of the HAP system or that Income Threshold Limits are ridiculously too low.

“I would appeal once again for what it is worth for our Housing Department to give serious consideration to these two issues and act appropriately and timely,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.

Touring anti-nuclear exhibition

Memory of a Free Festival. (Pic; Jed Niezgoda)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Arts Centre, in partnership with Ormston House, presents Memory of a Free Festival. Brendan Howlin, Chairperson of Wexford Arts Centre, officially opened the exhibition yesterday (Saturday).

Memory of a Free Festival is a touring exhibition. Conceived by Ormston House, it reflects on the Carnsore Point anti-nuclear festivals held in Wexford from 1978 to 1981.

Organised by a coalition of groups, the festivals drew thousands of people united in opposition to Ireland’s proposed first nuclear power plant. Alongside music and lectures, they featured workshops and exhibitions.

The exhibition features works by Orla Barry, Brian Duggan and Alanna O’Kelly, photographs by Derek Speirs, and original archival material from the Irish Anti-Nuclear Movement.

This touring project is organised by Ormston House with funding from the Arts Council of Ireland through the Touring of Work Scheme.

The exhibition runs in the lower and upper galleries until Saturday, October 3rd. Wexford Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm.  

Senseless vandalism at ancient burial ground

Aontú Cllr Jim Codd is “simply horrified” at criminal damage to the ancient Monachán Graveyard at Taghmon and Gardaí are appealing for information that would assist their investigation into the matter. (Pic; Cllr Jim Codd).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Gardaí are seeking assistance with their investigation into damage to several headstones and a stone wall at Monachán Graveyard in Taghmon between 20 April and 27 July 2026.

The vandalism of at least 15 graves in the centuries-old cemetery has attracted national media coverage.

At some point in recent weeks, vandals are alleged to have broken and smashed the surrounds of graves, knocked over and broken headstones and pulled down a cast iron cross from a wall at Monachán Graveyard.

Locals were enraged by the discovery, blasting it as “disrespectful” and “absolutely disgusting” and branding those responsible as “the lowest of the low”.

In a social media post, local Aontú Cllr Jim Codd said; “This is not the actions of children. Two men would be busy with a sledgehammer to complete this attack on our Christian burial grounds.”

He said he was “simply horrified” by the attack.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious or unusual activity in the area during this time period to come forward.

Gardaí are also seeking road users, residents and businesses who may have relevant CCTV, dashcam or other video footage from the area to make that footage available to the investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.