Wexford Mental Health services “must be improved”

By Dan Walsh

Wexford’s Mental Health Services Working Group conducted a recent online survey examining the standard of mental health services available across County Wexford.

There was an overwhelming response to the survey which demonstrates just how important this issue is to people throughout the county.

Key findings from the survey included:

  • 80% of respondents rated the quality of mental health services in County Wexford as either “poor” or “very poor.”
  • 80% of respondents said they have had trouble managing their own mental health.
  • 91% of respondents aged between 18 and 24 said they have struggled to manage their mental health.
CLLR AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN “As a county, we must ensure that services are adequately resourced to meet growing demand and that every person can access the lifesaving care they need when they need it.”

Chairperson of the working group, Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien stated that the findings are “deeply concerning, but sadly not surprising. “While these findings are frightening, they also provide an opportunity. They represent the voices of people who believe that mental health services in County Wexford can and must be improved. No one should have to face a mental health crisis without timely, accessible, and effective support. As a county, we must ensure that services are adequately resourced to meet growing demand and that every person can access the lifesaving care they need when they need it.”

“The Wexford Mental Health Services Working Group will continue to engage with local representatives, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that the voices of the people of Wexford are heard. We believe these findings demonstrate an urgent need for immediate investment in mental health services across the county.”

“Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the survey. Your honesty and willingness to share your experiences have strengthened our evidence base and will help inform our ongoing campaign to secure the high-quality mental health services that the people of County Wexford deserve,” concluded Cllr O’Brien.

Future plans for the working group include the roll out of another survey, this time designated to capture the lived experience of the younger members of our communities. An under 18s survey has been designed by the FDYS and Comhairle na nÓg and is set to be launched in September 2026.

Communication between the working group and stakeholders will continue in a meaningful, productive nature to help ensure the overall goal is achieved; improved mental health services for Co. Wexford.

Taghmon school food production awareness project

A guided foraging walk through Courtown Woods with Lorraine O’Dwyer of Gallivanting Tours introduced pupils from St. Joseph’s National School, Taghmon, to edible native plants and the importance of understanding the natural environment as a food source. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

A unique Food and Horticultural Project at St. Fintan’s National School, Taghmon, has concluded following a very successful inaugural year.

Developed by Ann Marie Laffan of Wexford County Council and funded through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, the inspiration for the project came from Principal Willie Cleary, who noted that many children no longer understand where their food comes from.

In response, Ms. Laffan developed an innovative hands-on programme designed to reconnect children with food production, healthy eating, cooking and horticulture through practical experiences.

Each class was allocated its own growing bed within the purpose-built greenhouse funded by the project, transforming it into both a productive growing space and an outdoor classroom where children learned to sow, grow and care for fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Weekly sessions were delivered by Horticultural tutor Catherine George, who introduced pupils to growing food, healthy eating, cooking skills and sustainable food practices. She was joined by Sarah Shiggins, Community Food and Nutrition Worker with FDYS, who also secured additional support through Safefood to further enhance the programme.

Learning extended far beyond the classroom through a series of engaging educational visits. Pupils visited the farm of local farmer and Irish Farmers’ Association representative Jer O’Mahony near Wellingtonbridge, where they experienced life on a working farm, learned about livestock, crops, renewable energy and modern farming practices, before planting trees and sunflowers to take home.

The children also visited Saltrock Dairy, where they learned about dairy farming, discovered how milk is produced and even made their own butter. A guided foraging walk through Courtown Woods with Lorraine O’Dwyer of Gallivanting Tours introduced pupils to edible native plants and the importance of understanding the natural environment as a food source.

Another memorable visit came from Tara Hill Honey, whose beekeeping demonstration gave children a fascinating insight into the essential role bees play in pollination, biodiversity and food production.

The project’s inclusive approach also ensured dedicated experiences for the school’s autism classes, including a therapeutic visit to Equine Railway Gallop, where pupils enjoyed equine-assisted activities in a supportive outdoor setting.

CLLR FRANK STAPLES. Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District said; “This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when schools, local communities and organisations work together. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr. Frank Staples praised the initiative, saying; “This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when schools, local communities and organisations work together. The enthusiasm shown by the children has been inspiring, and the practical skills and knowledge they have gained will stay with them for many years. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this such a success.”

Ann Marie Laffan said; “This project was about much more than growing vegetables. It was about helping children understand where their food comes from, giving them practical life skills, encouraging healthy eating and fostering a real appreciation for nature, farming and their local community. None of it would have been possible without the incredible support of the school, our tutors, volunteers and partner organisations, all of whom embraced the vision from day one.”

Project tutor Catherine George added; “Watching the children’s confidence grow alongside the plants has been one of the most rewarding parts of the project. They have embraced every opportunity to learn, whether planting seeds, cooking healthy meals, visiting farms or discovering nature. Their curiosity and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring.”

Reflecting on the visit to his farm, Jer O’Mahony said; “It was a real pleasure to welcome the children to the farm and show them what happens behind the scenes in producing the food we all eat every day. Many young people have never had the opportunity to visit a working farm, so being able to introduce them to the animals, the crops and the importance of caring for the land was incredibly rewarding. Their curiosity and enthusiasm were fantastic, and hopefully they left with a greater appreciation of farming, food production and the people who work so hard to put food on our tables.”

Better wheelchair access at Clone Beach

The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group met at the entrance to Clone Beach, Castletown, where it launched the National Heritage Week ” Castletown River and Nature Festival ” for 2026.

By Dan Walsh

The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group met at the entrance to Clone Beach, Castletown, where it launched the National Heritage Week ” Castletown River and Nature Festival ” for 2026.

It happens from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd, so that is the weekend for your diary.

There will be an exciting line up for year’s events with a Bat Walk and bat box making workshop on Friday and is our ” Wild Child ” event.

On Sunday will celebrate ” Water Heritage ” with a Family Funday on Clone beach. There will be some nature seashore exploring and lots of fun and games for all the family.

Cathy Lee, Chairperson of The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group told Wexford Local.com; “At last year’s Water Heritage event, it was very disappointing when we had to tell people that the festival was not wheelchair accessible or suitable for those with mobility issues.

“While small children were able to be lifted on to the beach an elderly wheelchair bound gentleman got stuck in the sand on his approach to the beach.

“Recognising the man’s distress, four people from the event came forward and lifted the gentleman on and off the beach, which enabled him to enjoy the festival atmosphere,” stated Ms. Lee.

To address beach access going forward, a meeting has taken place involving Wexford County Council and The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group on Clone Beach in the presence of Enda Brennan and Conor Kinsella from the Coastal Team along with Caroline Horan, ability officer from Wexford County Council.

Cathy Lee and Natalie Lytovka represented the river group, and they raised the access concerns of the community and together explored possible solutions.

Cathy Lee responds; “We are delighted that with the support of Wexford County Council the pedestrian bridge over the estuary will be reinstalled with ramp access aligning with the existing path to the beach. This will involve a mixture of ground works and beach mats.

“This not only enables wheelchair users to access the beach but also people with mobility issues and families with young children and buggies. A beach wheelchair will also be made available for the festival weekend courtesy of Wexford County Council.”

Local woman Niamh Walsh who was present at the launch and who is also wheelchair bound said she was so excited to be able to attend this year’s festival as she had not been on Clone since she was a child.

The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group extends a “big Thank You” to the team at Wexford County Council for their great support, not forgetting Matthew McGrath who campaigned tirelessly to gain access to his local beach at Ballymoney.

Wexford Chamber pre-Budget 2027 submission

Pictured at the launch of the County Wexford Chamber Pre-Budget 2027 Submission at the Chamber’s head office, Hill Street, Wexford, are (l-r): Chamber President Ed Murphy, CEO Paula Roche, and Vice President Ben Radford.

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber has launched its pre-Budget 2027 Submission, calling on the Government to prioritise strategic investment, strengthen business competitiveness, and build the foundations for Wexford’s future economy.

The submission, developed following extensive engagement with Chamber members, stakeholders, and public representatives, sets out a clear roadmap to unlock County Wexford’s economic potential through targeted investment and policy reform.

The Chamber’s recommendations are centred around three strategic priorities:

  • Unlocking Growth through Strategic Infrastructure
  • Making Wexford a Competitive Place to do Business
  • Building Wexford’s Future Economy

Among the key recommendations are accelerated delivery of the M11 corridor to Rosslare Europort; continued investment in Rosslare Europort and offshore renewable energy infrastructure; upgrades to water, wastewater and electricity infrastructure; measures to reduce the cost of doing business; reforms to improve workforce participation; and investment in entrepreneurship, innovation, skills and the SETU Wexford campus.

County Wexford Chamber CEO Paula Roche said the submission reflects both the ambition of Wexford businesses and the challenges they continue to face.

“County Wexford has all the ingredients needed to become one of Ireland’s leading regional economies. We have ambitious businesses, a strategic international port, significant opportunities in offshore renewable energy, a growing population, and enormous entrepreneurial talent. What we need now is delivery of measures so that County Wexford can fulfil its potential.

“The challenge is no longer one of ambition, but of execution. Businesses are telling us they need investment in infrastructure, action to improve competitiveness, and a stronger focus on developing the entrepreneurs, skills, and innovation that will drive our future economy. Budget 2027 provides Government with an opportunity to deliver on those priorities.”

The Chamber said investment in strategic infrastructure must be viewed as an investment in Ireland’s future competitiveness, rather than simply a capital cost.

“Projects such as the M11 corridor and investment in Rosslare Europort, utility infrastructure, and the SETU Wexford campus are not just regional priorities – they are investments that will strengthen Ireland’s economy, improve connectivity, support housing delivery, create employment, and enhance national competitiveness,” Ms Roche said.

The submission also highlights the significant economic opportunity presented by offshore renewable energy, calling for greater Government investment in the infrastructure, skills, and enterprise supports needed to ensure Irish businesses capture a greater share of the jobs, contracts, and long-term economic value generated by the sector.

County Wexford Chamber will now begin engaging with Ministers, Government Departments, local Oireachtas members, and key stakeholders to advance the recommendations contained within the submission ahead of Budget 2027.

80 Co. Wexford projects get funding

By Dan Walsh

Minister James Browne TD and his Cabinet Colleague, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, this week announced successful projects under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026. In Co. Wexford 80 projects will benefit from over €250,000 under the Local Enhancement Programme 2026.

Regarding the Co. Wexford funding, Minister Browne said; “These groups are genuinely so essential to community life as we know it, from groups in Templeshannon and Bunclody to Taghmon, Bridgetown, and New Ross.

“Every single week I meet the people and groups that benefit from grants under the LEP across the county. There are some incredible people giving their time to lead, contribute to and keep these groups going for everyone’s benefit and we are lucky to have them.

“These pots of funding are about improving local facilities through small-scale funding for a wide range of projects including minor renovations to buildings and the purchase of essential equipment for the maintenance of public areas.

“It also allows groups to purchase items such as IT equipment to enable groups to conduct their business.

The 80 groups in Co. Wexford who will get an injection of funding for their activities are in the accompanying list.

JAMES BROWNE TD Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

12th Wexford Ballykelly Scouts €4,700.

13th Wexford Scout Group (Wexford Town) €4,500.

Access 2000 €5,000.

Adamstown Community Centre €1,589.

Adamstown Community Development Association €5,000.

Ballaghkeen Community Project Ltd €5,000.

Ballycanew Christmas Lights Committee €5,000.

Barnardos (Wexford) €4,505.27

Bellefield Youth Club €2,000.

Bridgetown Men’s Shed €2,882.13

Bunclody Area Tourism €1,000.

Bunclody Bridge Club €870.

Bunclody Tidy Towns €2,000.

Campile Area Development Group €5,000.

Castlebridge Horticultural and Agricultural Show Committee €1,000.

Celtic Dragon KBX Kickboxing €4,925.52

Clonard Girl Guides €1,000.

Community Catholics (Brazilian) in Enniscorthy €1,646.46

Coolgreaney Ballyfad Woods Nature Trails €4,300.

Coolgreany Handball Club €4,800.

Coolgreany Tidy Towns €1,800.

Courtown Communtiy Council €3,030.83

Courtown Heritage Group €2,241.

Courtown Hibs AFC €4,890.

Courtown Tidy Towns €4,604.

Enniscorthy Delightful Dollies Women’s Group €800.

Enniscorthy Basketball Club €491.

Enniscorthy Men’s Shed €744.35

Enniscorthy United FC €5,000.

FAB Coolcotts Development Project CLG €5,000.

FDYS Scoil Spraoi Na Leanai Preschool €2,314.11

FDYS Traveller Inclusion Programme €1,000.

Ferns Community Development Association (FCDA) – Ferns Old Graveyard Steering Group €349.85

Friends Together New Ross- FDYS €1,000.00

Glenbrien Community Hub €5,000.

Gorey Garden City Residents Association €4,600.

Gorey Athletics Club €4,403.

Gorey Boxing Club €2,998.79

Gorey Tidy Towns €1,000.

Kilmore Athletics Club €902.88

Kilmore Quay Community Development Association CLG €5,000.

Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour Men’s Shed €2,595.

Kilrush Brownies €1,000.

New Ross Community Hospital CLG, t/a New Ross Community Care Home €5,000.

Newbawn Development Group €1,000.

Old Kilnenor Historical Society (Graveyard) €4,595.

Pairc Na nGabhar Committee (Bunclody) €5,000.

Poulpeasty Women’s Group €798.

Revive New Ross €5,000.

Riverchapel & Courtown Ladies Club €853.89

Saint Brendan’s Estate Residents €2,020.

Scoil Mhuire Ballyhogue €4,443.

Slaney Search & Rescue €5,000.

Southend Family Resource Centre €4,122.

St Abbans Adamstown GAA Club €4,934.95

St Abbans Kilmyshall Boxing Club €5,000.

St Patrick’s Fife And Drum Band €5,000.

St. Aiden’s Communty Hall (Bunclody) €510.38 St. Columba’s Old Folk’s Club €5,000.

St. John’s Volunteers GAA Club €970.

St. Mary’s Day Care Centre CLG (Tagoat) €1,376.58

St. Mary’s Maudlintown GAA Club €5,000.

Summerhill Girl Guides €1,000.

Sunflower Ukrainian Hub €4,867.94

Taghmon Badminton Club €3,000.

Taghmon Camross GAA Club €3,250.

Taghmon Camross LGFA €837.15

Taghmon Family Resource Centre €2,780.76

Templeshannon Indoor Bowls €2,500.

The May Byrne Community House €2,463.

The Mna le Cheile (Bunclody) €5,000.

The Phoenix Rising Support Network-CLG €1,000.

Vision for Courtown and Riverchapel €4,950.

Wexford Albion FC €4,799.96

Wexford Astro Football €1,898.90

Wexford CBS Boxing Club €5,000.

Wexford Eagles American Football Club €5,000.

Wexford Sub Aqua Club €2,720.

Write By The Sea Literary Festival (WBTS) at Kilmore Quay €4,051.86

Yola Hedge School (Tagoat) €5,000.

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.