Cahore Pier is the trailhead for Sunday’s Country Connects autumn walking tours. (File Pic; Cahore Pier).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford Walking Trails has announced the launch of the Autumn schedule of Country Connects walks, inviting locals and visitors alike to put their walking shoes, explore the vibrant autumn landscape, and connect with local communities across CountyWexford.
Where better to open the Autumn series than the stunning coastal path at Cahore hosted in partnership with the local Trail Management Organisation, Ballygarrett Tidy Towns. It takes place tomorrow at 2pm and the trailhead is at Cahore Pier (Sat Nav: 52.569 -6.202)
Led by knowledgeable local guides sharing fascinating stories and insights you won’t want to miss, walkers will enjoy the rich heritage, the fresh sea air and the panoramic views up and down the coast as they make their way along the trail.
The walk will take approximately two hours. Refreshments served after the walk.
Mark your calendar for the remaining walks in the Autumn series. Full details for each event will be announced in the weeks before the event as details is finalised. Upcoming walks include Sunday, October 25th at Oulart Hill and Sunday, November 29th at Forth Mountain.
Country Connects, an initiative of Wexford Walking Trails, together with Wexford County Council, Healthy Wexford and the Irish Farmer’s Association, is a series of monthly walks inviting you to get outdoors and explore some of the fabulous trails in the Wexford Walking
These walks are taking place on the last Sunday of each month on one of the ninety-five waymarked trails across County Wexford. The trails will be graded as ‘easy’ or ‘moderate’ and suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness.
Good outdoor walking footwear, suitable clothing and snacks/drinks are all recommended. Full details available on our website: http://www.wexfordwalkingtrails.ie
A local woman in her late 70s has died in a road traffic collision on the N30 at Ballymackessy, near Clonroche, which occurred around 2.40pm today (Friday).
The woman, who was driving one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver and sole occupant of a second car, a man in his 50s, was airlifted to a Dublin hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The occupants of the third car did not require immediate hospital treatment.
The road remains closed this evening while gardaí carry out a technical examination, with local diversions in place.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and have asked anyone who was travelling in the area at the time and may have camera or dash-cam footage to make it available to them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 051 924 2580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Uisce Éireann has completed the upgrade works as part of the Leakage Reduction Programme at Parnell Avenue estate in Enniscorthy which was constructed in 1939.
The works in Parnell Avenue involved the decommissioning of the ageing backyard water mains and the delivery of over 179 metres of new, modern water mains constructed along the public road. New service connections for customers have also been provided.
These improvements will help improve water quality, reduce leakage and provide a more reliable water supply for customers in Parnell Avenue.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has welcomed news. “This is positive news for the families and residents living in Parnel Avenuewho willbenefitfrom a more reliable water supply through these upgrades to the old backyard network.
“A reliable water supply is fundamental to family and community life. With upgrade works by UisceÉireannnow complete inthe areaI’mpleased to see further progress on improvements to Wexford’s water supply network.”
Uisce Éireann’s Dave Murphy is delighted to have delivered another project for customers in Enniscorthy. “This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most, enabling these communities to thrive.”
“We would like to thank the local community for their co-operation and patience during these works, which involved accessing their properties,” stated Mr Murphy.
This project was delivered as part of Uisce Éireann’s national Leakage Reduction Programme which continues to deliver significant benefits to communities across Ireland, including improved water quality, provision of a more resilient and sustainable water supply for customers, and considerable water savings.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD has announced the next round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF). Fine Gael TD for Wicklow-Wexford Brian Brennan is urging local sports clubs to prepare their applications as the funding round opens next Monday, September 28th.
The new funding round introduces a redesigned three-tier structure, higher grant ceilings and simpler application requirements, making it easier for sports clubs, community organisations and local authorities to access Government support.
BRIAN BRENNAN TD is urging Wexford sports clubs to apply for funding.
Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Deputy Brennan said; “The amount available to successful applicants is a huge amount of money. I’ve sat down with over 100 clubs over the last year that reached out to me in relation to this fund, and I honestly feel, in relation to all clubs of all sports, that this is an opportunity not to be missed.
“If we take for example Kilrush Askamore GAA Club – they’ve bought their land, they’ve developed their grounds and the next stage of their development is building a clubhouse. So, I’m hoping that if they are successful, this fund will in some way help them in their journey to achieve that new clubhouse.
“I strongly recommend that you do apply for this fund, and if you haven’t already reached out to me, do not hesitate to contact my office in relation to this fund, because it is a huge fund, and it is hugely important to the social fabric of every town and village within my constituency.
Deputy Brennan continued; “This is excellent news for clubs across Wexford. Every community knows the difference that good sporting facilities make—not only for players, but for volunteers, families and local communities.
“In recent years we’ve seen clubs across Wexford secure significant Government investment through this fund, delivering new pitches, floodlights, dressing rooms, walking tracks and community sports facilities. I want to see even more local projects benefiting from this new round,” concluded Deputy Brennan.
Registration will open on Monday, September 28th, on the Department’s new SPRAOI online system. Existing organisations already registered on the previous OSCAR system will automatically transfer to the new platform.
An information guide with detailed terms and conditions will be published the week of October 12th.
Applications will open on Monday, October 19th.
Application window will remain open until Friday, February 26th, 2027
Further details, including the ‘Guide to Making an Application’, will be published by the Department.
On Thursday, 24 September at 7pm, Dr Breda Lynch will present the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association’s September talk, ‘A Church Already Changing: Ireland, the Cistercians and the Norman Arrival’, at Tintern Abbey.
Dr Breda Lynch is a historian and heritage professional with more than twenty-five years’ experience in Ireland’s heritage and conservation sector. She works with the Office of Public Works while also pursuing independent historical research.
Her work explores medieval religious institutions, monastic landscapes and church reform, particularly the influence of belief, patronage and political power on Ireland’s historic places and communities.
When Anglo-Norman forces arrived in Ireland, they encountered not an unreformed Church, but one already undergoing profound change. This talk traces the Irish led reform movement from the synods of Cashel, Ráith Bressail and Kells through the work of Cellach, Gillebert and Malachy of Armagh.
It explores the creation of territorial dioceses, metropolitan provinces, new clerical ideals and changing relationships between Church, kingship and ordinary Christian life.
Set within Tintern Abbey itself, the lecture reveals how reform, conquest and patronage reshaped Ireland’s institutions, communities and physical landscape.
Canon Trevor Sargent, Rector of Bunclody Union in the Diocese of Ferns, has been appointed Rector of the Parish of St Ann with St Mark and St Stephen in Dublin.
Commenting on his departure from St Mary’s Rectory in Bunclody, Canon Sargent said: “It will be difficult and sad to leave all the many friends Áine and I have made in this active rural parish, but I am confident, by God’s grace, that Bunclody Union is in a good position to thrive and attract a new Rector who will bring fresh collaborative ideas to the work of witnessing to Christ’s love in this union of four parishes and in this farming community”.
A native of Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Trevor combined his early teaching career with living bilingually, by residing with a Gaeltacht family when teaching in the Model School, Dunmanway, Co Cork. On being appointed Principal of St George’s NS in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, Trevor immersed himself in parish and community life and was elected to Dublin County Council in 1991 and Dáil Éireann in 1992, representing Dublin North as a Green Party TD. He became the first leader of the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas, and later Minister of State for Food and Horticulture in the 2007–2011 coalition government.
After losing the general election in 2011, Trevor was asked to write and illustrate a book about his experiences of politics, agriculture, life and growing food in limited spaces, known as ‘Trevor’s Kitchen Garden’. Trevor and his partner, Áine Neville, then moved to Co Wexford, where they were married in St Enoch’s Church, Killinick, in 2014.
Following a time of prayerful discernment, and with the support of Bishop Michael Burrows, Trevor was selected for training to full–time ministry in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute.
He was ordained deacon in Shillelagh in 2017 and was ordained priest in Christ Church Cathedral Waterford in August 2018 and prior to that assisted in the Tullow Group of Parishes where he was ordained deacon in Shillelagh parish church in 2017.
On February 5th, 2021, Canon Sargent was instituted as Rector of Bunclody Union during the Covid–19 pandemic.
Canon Sargent collaborated with Dr Jeffrey Cox in developing a thriving St Mary’s Choir and young chorister programme, and with many others to organise table tennis, badminton, bowling, GFS and Boys Brigade, as well as Youth and Family Services in St Fiaac’s Church, Clonegal.
2026 has marked the 250th anniversary of St Mary’s Church, Canon Trevor has helped with the calendar of special occasions marking this milestone, not least the publication of Oliver Deacon’s beautifully illustrated and well researched landmark history of the parish.
Bunclody is also blessed with excellent primary and secondary schools, especially Carrigduff National School where he has chaired the Board of Management.
Bunclody Union of Parishes has four churches; St. Mary’s Church, Bunclody; St. Fiaac’s Church, Clonegal; St. Paul’s Church, Kildavin and St. Brigid’s Church, Kilrush.
Sinn Féin TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin a, former primary school teacher of many years, has said the Government must go beyond minor adjustments to the School Meals Programme and introduce meaningful reforms that improve food quality, reduce waste and support local food producers.
FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN TD
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin said; “Sinn Féin has long supported the provision of school meals and recognises the vital role the programme plays in tackling food poverty and supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis. However, the fact that around 100,000 meals a day are reportedly going uneaten shows that significant reform is needed.
“During a recent committee meeting attended by Darina Allen, I highlighted concerns that have been consistently raised by principals, teachers and parents. These include the quality of some meals being provided, excessive food waste, and the growing administrative burden being placed on schools.
“Principals have told me that large quantities of food are ending up in bins because children simply do not want to eat it. At the same time, schools are being asked to manage a scheme that places additional pressures on already stretched staff.
“We need to move towards a model that prioritises fresh, locally sourced food and supports local farmers, food producers and small businesses. Public money should be delivering nutritious meals for children while strengthening local economies.
“There are currently 11 schools across North Wexford and South Wicklow participating in the Hot School Meals Programme, including four schools in North Wexford and seven in South Wicklow according to 2025 figures on the department of Education Website.
“Children deserve healthy, high-quality meals that they will actually eat,” said Deputy Ó Súilleabháin, who added; “The Government must now address the issues of quality, waste and administration, and seriously examine community-led and locally sourced alternatives. Simply tinkering around the edges will not be enough.”
Celebration time at Hewitsland, New Ross, where Minister James Browne opened 48 new social homes.
By Dan Walsh
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD has officially opened 48 new social homes in Plás Fhearann Hiúéid, Hewitsland, New Ross, delivered by Clúid, Ireland’s leading Approved Housing Body (AHB).
Minister Browne said: “It is a pleasure to be in New Ross today to officially open these 48 new social homes, including 10 age-friendly bungalows. These homes will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the individuals and families who will now call them home.
“Supported by €4.3 million in funding from my Department, this development is an excellent example of the strong partnership between local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in housing delivery.
“Wexford County Council has established itself as a national leader in social housing delivery, consistently exceeding its targets and demonstrating what can be achieved through ambition, commitment and effective partnership,” concluded Minister Browne.
Cllr Lisa McDonald remarked; “As Cathaoirleach for Wexford County Council, I am delighted to launch these much-needed homes in Hewittsland, New Ross. I wish to thank the Minister and his officials in the Department for the support on this scheme and to compliment Clúid on what is a fabulous project.
“I want to especially wish the families here today every success and happiness with their new homes. Wexford County Council has delivered and will continue to deliver an ambitious housing construction programme for the county.”
Averil Power, Chief Executive Officer, Clúid, commented: “Plás Fhearann Hiúéid is a strong example of the high-quality, well-designed homes Clúid is delivering across the country. Through our growing construction programme, we are providing more people with secure, affordable homes and the foundation for a better quality of life.
“Spending time with residents here today is a powerful reminder of what that means in practice. A secure home brings stability, dignity and opportunity.
“We are proud to support people to put down roots here in New Ross, and to play our part in building a strong, inclusive and thriving community. We wish all of our new residents every happiness in their new homes,” added Ms. Power.
Eddie Taafe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, said; “We are delighted to work with our partners Clúid in the delivery of 48 new social homes in New Ross. The delivery of all forms of housing, social, affordable and private, along with associated community and servicing infrastructure remains the number one priority for Wexford County council. We wish the new tenants well in their new homes and look forward to further housing delivery under the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 housing plan.”
The 48 homes will provide secure, long-term, affordable homes for individuals and families on the Wexford County Council housing list. The new homes are a mix of 2- and 3-bedroom houses, and one-bedroom age-friendly bungalows for residents aged 55 and over.
All the homes have now been allocated, and the new residents are beginning to settle in and build their new community.
The new homes in Hewitsland bring to 408 the number of Clúid homes in Wexford. Clúid currently has 136 homes in the pipeline in Gorey and Clonard that are due to be delivered in the next six months.
The homes have been developed as part of Clúid’s own construction programme on a site provided by the Housing Agency. The main contractor was local firm Mythen Construction Limited, from Foulksmills.
The homes were delivered in partnership with Wexford County Council, and with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Housing Agency and the Housing Finance Agency.
Wexford County Council meets delegation from the State of Georgia, USA. (left to right); Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services, Wexford County Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Governor Brian P. Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council. (Pic; Mary Browne).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council welcomed Governor Brian P. Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and a high-level delegation from the State of Georgia including Mr. Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Mr. Trip Tollison, President & CEO Savannah Economic Development Authority, and Dr. Kyle Marrero, President Georgia Southern University as part of a successful two-day visit that reaffirmed the strong economic, educational and cultural ties between County Wexford and the State of Georgia.
The visit brought together representatives from government, higher education and industry to celebrate existing partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, research and talent development.
Governor Kemp was welcomed by An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Lisa McDonald and Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe. The programme highlighted the success of TradeBridge, a joint initiative of Wexford County Council and Wexford Enterprise Centre, which connects companies in Ireland and Georgia through trade, investment and partnership opportunities.
Presentations were also delivered by Wexford-based companies Stafford Bonded, Kersia Healthcare and Waters Technologies Ireland Ltd., showcasing the innovation and global reach of businesses operating in the county.
The programme also featured contributions from senior leaders with strong Wexford connections and extensive experience in global industries including representatives from Microsoft Ireland.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Lisa McDonald, said: “This visit has been a wonderful celebration of the friendship and connections that exist between County Wexford and the State of Georgia. It showcased the best of our county, our businesses, our educational partnerships, our heritage and, above all, our people. We are deeply appreciative of Governor Kemp and the delegation for taking the time to visit Wexford and we look forward to strengthening our relationship in the years ahead.”
A key element of the programme was the delegation’s engagement with Georgia Southern University’s Wexford Campus Initiative. The visit provided an opportunity for leaders from both regions to celebrate the success of the partnership and meet students benefiting from international educational opportunities in Wexford.
The delegation also toured the Adoration Convent student accommodation facility, which supports the university’s growing presence in the county and is expected to be officially opened in early 2027.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, said: “It was a great honour to welcome Governor Kemp and the Georgia delegation to County Wexford. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the strengths of our county and to reinforce the relationships that have been built through business, education and people-to-people connections. We look forward to continuing to develop these valuable partnerships into the future.”
During the visit, delegates experienced some of Wexford’s cultural and heritage attractions, including Johnstown Castle, the National Opera House and the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in New Ross. These visits highlighted the county’s unique history, tourism offering and enduring links with the United States.
A man in his 50s died this afternoon after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a van near Wellingtonbridge in south Wexford.
He has been named locally as Sean (Jack) Cahill, (54), from Caislean an Dinigh, Carrig-on-Bannow.
The collision happened on the R736 at Barrystown between Wellingtonbridge and Carrig-on-Bannow shortly before 3.15pm.
Gardaí and emergency services attended, and the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
The van driver did not need immediate hospital treatment.
The road remains closed to facilitate a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
Local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.
Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
