River Slaney flows through Enniscorthy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
UisceÉireann crews are working to repair a major burst in Enniscorthy and restore water to customers affected. Repairs are expected to be completed by 2pm today.
The burst is impacting customers in Nunnery Road, The Moyne, Moran Park, Old Dublin Road, Sean Browne Court, Coolnahorna, Ballinahallin, Greenville Lane, Bohreen Hill and surrounding areas in Enniscorthy.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned interruption, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.”
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.
Gorey-based Cllr Nicky Boland has called on Wexford County Council to provide on-duty parking exemptions for public health nurses working in Co. Wexford towns. He was speaking at Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council.
CLLR NICKY BOLAND (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Cllr Boland, who had raised the matter at the May meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting, noted that there are 30 public health nurses in Co. Wexford and one nurse had received a parking summons while on “an end of care” call in Gorey!
Cllr Boland proposed parking exemptions only during working hours at what proves to be “an emergency” be it a newborn, palliative or end of care situation.
He asked that Wexford County Council liaise with the HSE to see if the proposal could be rolled out through the county. Cllr Michael Sheehan said he was 100% in agreement. Support also from Cllr Tom Forde.
But Cllr Bridín Murphy, who informed the elected members that she was a social worker, questioned Cllr Boland’s suggestion and asked “where does the boundary come in place; who should and who shouldn’t” be facilitated?
Deputy Eamonn Hore said that matter should be referred to the HSE. He felt the matter can be complicated and he remarked that “not all calls are emergencies!”
STORY UPDATE; Water is returning to Uisce Éireann customers in Gorey Town following operational issues at the town’s Creagh Water Treatment Plant earlier today.
Uisce Éireann crews have carried out the restoration works, and the network is currently recharging. It is expected that the majority of customers who experienced a disruption will have a normal water supply within two to three hours.
Uisce Éireann is working to restore normal water supply to homes and businesses in Gorey following operational issues at Creagh Water Treatment Plant, which has led to some customers experiencing low pressure and intermittent disruptions to their water supply. While Uisce Éireann crews were able to reduce the impact of the interruption by reconfiguring the network, customers in higher areas may be impacted, with supply expected to return by 2pm today.
Alternative water supplies are available at Clonattin GAA Club, Hazelwood, Ashwood Grove, Carnew Road School, Ramstown, Creagh Wood and Tesco Car Park, Gorey.
Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from tankers and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.
Typically, it takes three to four hours following repairs for normal supply to be restored to all affected customers. However, it may take longer for customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.
Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a normal water pressure as quickly as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience of a disruption to the water supply, and we thank customers impacted for their support while our restoration works are ongoing. Our crews are working to reduce the impact; however, some customers may experience reduced pressure until the repair work is completed,” said Padraig.
Sub-sea fibre optic cable system will be located 12 nautical miles of Kilmore Quay. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the May meeting of Wexford County Council
Calls to ensure that the proposed sub-sea fibre optic cable system at the 12 nautical mile limit to the extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Kilmore Quay be safe for trawlers and fishermen was voiced at today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held at Council Chamber, County Hall.
Cllr Jim Codd called for assurances of no interference to the traditional fishing grounds and said; “it would appear not to be the case.”
“It needs to be so deep that trawlers can get over them and the effect on fisherman,” while Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien felt “there is no room for error.”
Executive Planner Diarmuid Houston pointed out that the project had already got planning – “it is outside the foreshore area and outside the planning area” – and a cable twenty years old is being replaced.
The application relates to an area starting 12 nautical miles out to sea and covers the maritime area designated as Ireland’s EEZ and the cable will continue to Pembrokeshire in the UK.
Planning has been granted by Wexford County Council for a development consisting of a cable duct and all associated works above and below the ground on a site of 0.02ha located at Crossfarnogue Beach, Kilmore Quay.
It was stated that the location of the cable will have very limited impact on County Wexford. The onshore element of the development has been agreed, and the applicant, who has been working with the Council, has supported local community projects to the value of €125,000.
“The development is considered to comply with the objectives of the County Development Plan 2022-2028 which seeks to maximise the economic benefits of the marine area and promote the international telecommunications connectivity,” said Chief Executive Wexford County Council Eddie Taaffe, who added; “The proposal will provide essential national infrastructure and Wexford County Council welcomes this investment.”
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD with Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD and Johnny Mythen TD at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Monday night for a public meeting themed ‘The Cost of Living‘.
By Dan Walshat Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy
On Monday night Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald addressed a packed crowd in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on the theme ‘The Cost of Living’.
Accompanied by local TDs Johnny Mythen and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, she set out Sinn Féin’s measures to make life affordable including a permanent cut in the USC for every worker and a range of other measures to get prices under control.
She made particular reference to the challenges facing people with disabilities. Many contributions came from the floor, beginning with several mothers talking about the lack of supports for parents of children with disabilities.
There were questions about getting rid of the ‘Fianna Fáil tax’ the USC and how to deliver affordable homes at scale. Many young people talked about how many of their friends had already emigrated because of the challenges of finding a home and the lack of opportunity to build a life. Tachta McDonald concluded the meeting, saying; “I believe we can build an Ireland where hard work is rewarded. Where young people can afford a home of their own. Where families can get ahead instead of merely getting by. Where older people can live with dignity and security. That is our priority.”
South Wicklow-North Wexford constituency Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin (Sinn Féin) addressed the European Parliament meeting during the week speaking on the threat of AI (Artificial Intelligence) to independent artists and musicians.
DEPUTY FIONNTÁN O SÚILLEABHÁIN in the European Parliament.
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin told Wexfordlocal.com this morning; “It was an honour to participate in a meeting of Creative Europe and Erasmus+ in the European Parliament this week, in the context of the next round of funding 2028-34.
“Erasmus+ is the European Union’s funding programme supporting education, training, youth, and sport. It provides grants for students, apprentices, teachers, and professionals to study, work, or train in another country, while promoting lifelong learning, social inclusion, and skill-building.
“Artificial Intelligence was also part of the discussion, as well as music, arts and sport funding
“I emphasised how important music, sport and the arts is to Ireland; the need for proper funding for those involved with music and the arts, as well as the threat posed to creativity by AI,” he added.
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin is a member of the All-party Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (FHERIS).
DeputyMayor of Wexford Cllr Raymond Shannon has launched the community garden in Wexford Arts Centre annexe on John’s Gate Street this afternoon.
The garden features Muse, sculpture by Imogen Stafford and mosaic butterflies made by community participants in the Create and Chat workshops last summer, guided and installed by Helen McLean.
Music and poetry events are taking place there this afternoon followed by Creative Youth Lab events from 6-8pm.
The garden will be open after the weekend Tuesday to Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10-4pm.
One male, aged in his 20s, was arrested by An Garda Síochána and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in County Wexford following a drugs raid yesterday (Thursday).
Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort seized approximately 145 kg of suspected herbal cannabis and approximately 7.9 kg of suspected cannabis resin.
The illicit drugs have an estimated value of over €2,947,000.
The cannabis was discovered when an accompanied freight unit that had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France, was stopped and searched.
The subsequent search, with the assistance of Revenue’s mobile x-ray scanner, led to the discovery of the drugs which were concealed within the load.
Four Rivers returns to the stage this year with a nationwide tour of Eoin Colfer’s blackly comedic and very moving play about love, life and death, My Real Life.
The play will be performed at Wexford Arts Centre for three nights – June 11th, 12th and 13th – seats are selling fast so don’t delay call Wexford Arts Centre and book your tickets today. Contact boxoffice@wexfordartscentre.ie or call 053 9123764.
In this stunning one-man play directed by Heather Hadrill, Wexford man Noel records his thoughts for a friend to provide ‘a bit of a speech for the afters’. We soon learn the ‘afters’ in question concern Noel’s own funeral. He has been diagnosed with MS and decides to spend what is possibly the last hour of his life re-living the highs and lows of the past forty years. But it is not all doom and gloom.
Noel will be played by one of Ireland’s leading actors, Garrett Lombard from Gorey, who last featured for Four Rivers in Jim Nolan’s Castel Gandolfo in 2024 which sold out in record time. Garret is a regular performer at the Abbey and Druid theatres and has many celebrated television and film credits including Pure Mule, Quirke (with Gabriel Byrne) and Alexander (directed by Oliver Stone.)
Heather Hadrill has recently directed Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Wexford Festival Opera following her sell out success for WFO with Donizetti’s Le Fille de Regiment in 2023. She was Artist in Residence at Wexford Arts Centre in 2021 and staged Thomas Moore at Bannow at Bannow House in August 2024.
Director HEATHER HADRILL
My Real Life is shot through with Eoin Colfer’s trademark humour and compassion. It promises to be a night at the theatre that will stay with you for a long time.
My Real Life by Eoin Colfer Starring Garrett Lombard; Director: Heather Hadrill; Designer: Liam Doona; Costume: Jeni Roddy; Lighting: Mark Redmond and Sound: Bryan Steacy.
Rector Reverend Canon Nicola Halford at the Blessing of Animals ceremony at St. John’s Church, Clonmore, Bree, last week. Some of the blessed dogs could be rewarded at the Pet Dog Show in The Showgrounds, Enniscorthy, at the annual Enniscorthy Monart Union of Parishes annual Féte Day on Saturday. All are welcome to share in an enjoyable social occasion.
By Dan Walsh
The annual Enniscorthy Monart Union of Parishes Féte Day takes place on Saturday (1-5pm) at the Showgrounds, Ross Road, and it promises a variety of attractions, social interaction, and family fun.
Free admission for a day filled with fun events to suit all ages.
This event is a fundraiser for the Enniscorthy and Monart Union of Parishes which comprises of Clone, Clonmore (Bree), Monart, St. Mary’s, Enniscorthy and Templescobin.
“It is a major fundraising initiative and we are hoping for a large attendance. Support has been great in previous years”, Reverend Canon Nicola Halford, Rector, told WexfordLocal.com and she added; “It is important to note that the family fun day is not confined to the Church of Ireland – everybody is welcome – and we are encouraging people of all denominations to attend what promises to be a great family day out.”
Always the big highlight on the day is the Pet Dog Show, taking place from 2pm to 5pm, and there are a number of curious categories such as “dog with the waggliest tail” and the “dog the that judges would most like to take home.”
The Pet Dog Show has nothing to do with pedigree or good looks! This is not Crufts! Bring your pet – if he can do some magic tricks, it can win a prize or if he just snores in the warm sunshine, he could also be a winner! It’s all about a fun day for all the family.
Plenty of other activities too, like face painting, lucky dips, afternoon tea, a few stalls, including BBQ burgers, toys and games. Great way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon!
There is free admission on the day with a generous number of free parking slots available.
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