VINEGAR HILL to get new signage and QR codes to enhance the visitor experience. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting
Cllr Jackser Owens has long championed the Vinegar Hill visitor experience. At today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre, he called for a visitor centre, coach access to the hill, a tea and coffee outlet, fresh water and toilet facilities.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Kehoe was in the chair and there was some good news for Cllr Owens and the team when Barbara Nolan, Staff Officer deputising for District Manager Claire Lawless presented the Enniscorthy Municipal District Report.
It read; “Enniscorthy Municipal District recognises the significant historical, cultural, and tourism value of Vinegar Hill. District staff are currently progressing a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and improving public understanding of the site’s historical significance.
“Work is underway on the development of new signage similar to signage installed at Oulart Hill. The signage will identify and highlight key landmarks, locations, and areas visible from the hilltop.
In addition, staff will work with The National 1798 Historical Centre Board to develop a series of QR codes that will be installed at appropriate locations throughout the site.
“These QR codes will allow visitors to access digital content through their mobile devices, providing a more interactive and engaging experience. The content will tell the story of the Battle of Vinegar Hill from a range of perspectives.
“Enniscorthy Municipal District looks forward to advancing these projects and delivering an improved visitor experience that celebrates the rich history and unique significance of Vinegar Hill.”
The HARP or ‘the Eiffel Tower of Wexford’. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walshat Wexford County Council meeting
Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh raised concerns about the poor condition of the iconic Fleadh Cheoil Harp on Wexford Harbour’s breakwater at yesterday’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Wexford County Council, chaired by Cllr Lisa McDonald.
Cllr Walsh described the Harp as “the Eiffel Tower of Wexford” and said its plinth was in poor repair, calling the situation “dangerous”.
Describing the memorial as “exposed to the elements and exposed to the sea” Cllr Walsh believes it needs a permanent base, some varnish, repairs and maintenance going forward.
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe admitted that the Harp on the breakwater was temporarily constructed, however, the Council has consulted with the people who carried out the installation and proposed a more permanent structure base.
“It is a wooden structure and will need regular maintenance,” stated Mr. Taaffe.
The giant Harp is a legacy from Fleadhanna 2024 and 2025 constructed by locals under guidance from Buí Bolg and is located on the boardwalk at Wexford Harbour.
Market Square and Enniscorthy Town Centre is closer to regeneration following €9 million funding.
By Dan Walsh
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has announced landmark funding of €18.3 million for four Wexford projects under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.
Wexford projects allocation include:
• Enniscorthy: Town Centre First Regeneration Project – Phase 1, €9m (Cat 1B).
• Enniscorthy: Town Centre First Regeneration Project – Templeshannon Hub & Link, €150,000 (Cat 1A).
• New Ross: John Street Urban Revival, €9m, (Cat 1B).
• Wexford Town: Centre Public Space Improvements (Cornmarket to Common Quay), €150,000 (Cat 1A).
The Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund supports the redevelopment of vacant or underused sites, public realm enhancements and community and civic infrastructure.
Minister Browne said: “I want the centre of towns to be places people want to hang out in, meet up, do the shopping as well as live in. We have to improve these areas because they should not only look well, but they should actually be used by our communities and also feel safe.
“This is a major injection of funding for towns across Wexford and I want to see regeneration beyond a tidying up of old buildings or under-used areas. I am ambitious for our towns in Wexford, and I am going to make sure we have the funding to back that up.
“Fair play to Wexford County Council for their submissions to this fund. I would also like to thank the community groups and social enterprises who have collaborated with them in creating projects.”
There was a warm welcome for the funding, particularly from the Enniscorthy district members Cllrs Pat Kehoe, Trish Byrne, Barbara-Anne Murphy and Jackser Owens and Gorey Kilmuckridge’s Cllr Paddy Kavanagh at today’s (Monday) monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.
Fethard RNLI at sea in foggy conditions last weekend. (Pic; RNLI/Nadia Blanchfield)
By Dan Walsh
Fethard RNLI lifeboat crew were launched on three occasions over three consecutive days at the weekend.
The first call came on Friday at 3.15pm, when the inshore lifeboat crew were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist a person suffering a medical emergency aboard a vessel travelling to Slade Harbour.
On arrival, they found the casualty was already ashore and receiving assistance from the local Fethard-on-Sea Coast Guard unit. The lifeboat crew remained on scene until the ambulance arrived before returning to station.
The following evening (Saturday) the lifeboat Naomh Dubhán was requested to launch at 6.52pm following reports that two people had become cut off by the tide on rocks north of Sandeel Bay.
The crew launched the D class inshore lifeboat at Slade Harbour and made their way to the reported location. Visibility was poor due to fog, with a Force 5 wind and a high tide. The casualties were located on rocks at 7.22pm.
With waves breaking over the rocks as a result of the wind and high tide, the crew carefully assessed the situation and decided the safest option was to veer down by deploying the anchor and manoeuvring the lifeboat back towards the casualties.
Both casualties were safely recovered onto the inshore lifeboat and brought back to Slade Harbour, where they were met by members of Fethard-on-Sea Coast Guard unit.
The lifeboat crew were requested for a third time on Sunday at 2.51pm, following reports of divers unaccounted for at Slade Rock.
Weather conditions were overcast, with poor visibility due to fog and a Force 4 wind. As the crew launched from Slade Harbour, they were informed by the Coast Guard that the divers had been located safe and well and that no further assistance was required.
Speaking on the weekend’s call outs, Domini Codd, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Fethard RNLI said; “This was a busy weekend, but it shows the selfless and dedicated nature of our volunteers who are always ready to answer the call for help.
‘We would like to commend all those who called for help this weekend. It highlights the importance of always having a suitable means of calling for help when visiting the coast.
If you get into difficulty or see somebody else that may be in difficulty on or near the water, use Marine VHF channel 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’
New President of County Wexford Chamber BEN RADFORD and CEO PAULA ROCHE at the annual general meeting held recently. (PIc; County Wexford Chamber).
By Dan Walsh
County Wexford Chamber has announced the appointment of Ben Radford as its new President following the organisation’s annual general meeting.
Mr Radford currently serves as Commercial Manager at Rosslare Europort and brings more than 15 years’ experience in business leadership, commercial development and strategic planning.
A strong advocate for economic development across the region, he is committed to supporting enterprise, strengthening business networks and helping businesses succeed across County Wexford.
In addition to his role at Rosslare Europort, Mr Radford serves on the Visit Wexford Committee. As President of County Wexford Chamber, he will work closely with members, stakeholders, and policymakers to encourage investment, strengthen collaboration and support the county’s continued economic development.
Speaking at the AGM, Mr Radford said: “County Wexford is a county of ambition, resilience and opportunity. We have considerable potential across renewable energy, tourism, food production, retail, healthcare and innovation.
“My priority as President will be to bring businesses and stakeholders together around a shared vision for sustainable growth. We will build on the success of the Chamber’s Look to Wexford campaign, advocate for the infrastructure and investment our county needs, and ensure that businesses of every size have a strong voice.
“A thriving business community supports employment, confidence, and prosperity throughout the county. I look forward to working with our members and partners to create new opportunities for businesses and communities across County Wexford.”
County Wexford Chamber CEO Paula Roche welcomed the appointment: “Ben brings extensive commercial experience, strategic insight and a highly collaborative approach to the presidency. His commitment to County Wexford and his understanding of the opportunities facing the region will be valuable as the Chamber continues to support, connect and advocate for our members.
“We look forward to working with Ben to strengthen the county’s business environment and advance an ambitious and sustainable vision for Wexford.”
BISHOP GERARD NASH will be installed as Bishop of Ossory in a Sunday ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. (Pic; Catholic Communications Office Archive).
By Dan Walsh
More than a thousand people are expected to attend Sunday’s 3pm Mass of Installation at St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, where Bishop Gerard Nash will be installed as the new Bishop of Ossory.
Since Bishop Nash is already a bishop – appointed as Bishop of Ferns by Pope Francis on June 11th 2021 – on Sunday he will be installed rather than ordained.
Another former Bishop of Ossory, Archbishop Dermot Farrell, now Archbishop of Dublin, will lead the Installation ceremony for Bishop Nash, who will serve as the principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass.
During the Mass, a crozier that will be presented to Bishop Nash by his predecessor Bishop Niall Coll, now the Bishop of Raphoe. Significantly, this crozier is the same one used by Bishop Edward Walsh during the original Dedication of the Cathedral on October 4th, 1857, exactly 168 years ago.
This installation liturgy will also mark the moment when the Diocese of Ossory and the Diocese of Ferns are united “in persona episcopi” – in the person of the Bishop.
Also present at the ceremony will be Bishop Denis Brennan, Emeritus Bishop of Ferns.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Gerard Nash as Bishop of Ossory on July 29th 2026.
The Diocese of Ossory has a Catholic population of 83,595. The diocese comprises 42 parishes, 35 priests in active ministry, and covers the areas of most of County Kilkenny, six parishes in County Laois, and one parish in County Offaly.
At today’s launch of The Dairy Fields housing scheme at Ferrybank, Wexford, were (left to right); Mick Rossiter, Wexford Harbour Developments Ltd, Cllr Garry Laffan, Cllr Robbie Staples, Deputy Mayor of Wexford, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne TD, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, John Foley, Project Manager, and Mick Fortune, Wexford Harbour Developments Ltd. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Ferrybank, Wexford
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD launched Wexford County Council’s ninth Starter Homes scheme at The Dairy Fields, Ferrybank, overlooking Wexford Harbour, marking a new step in home ownership in County Wexford.
The new scheme was officially launched by Minister Browne today (Friday) in the presence of Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Deputy Mayor of Wexford Borough District, Cllr Robbie Staples, Cllr Garry Laffan, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, the development team and local stakeholders.
The Dairy Fields is an exclusive new coastal residential development, offering a selection of high-quality one, two and three-bedroom homes, with prices starting from €225,000.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, said: “Today marks another very positive step forward in Wexford County Council’s commitment to supporting home ownership across County Wexford. The launch of The Dairy Fields is particularly significant as it provides another opportunity for local people and families to secure a high-quality new home in an excellent location.”
Minister Browne commended Wexford County Council for once again demonstrating leadership and innovation in the delivery of the Starter Homes Purchase Scheme.
“This ninth scheme highlights Wexford County Council’s proactive approach to delivering Government-supported affordable housing. It is helping turn the aspiration of homeownership into a reality for working households.
“Affordable purchase is an important part of the Government’s housing strategy and is one of the key levers we are using to provide long-term, secure and affordable housing solutions, alongside social housing and cost rental homes.
“I have been clear that I will be relentless in my efforts to increase housing supply and improve housing affordability. Schemes such as this are delivering real results on the ground and giving people the opportunity to put down roots in their own communities. I look forward to seeing many more families benefit from this initiative in Wexford,” concluded Minister Browne.
The launch represents the latest milestone in Wexford County Council’s growing programme to support home ownership across the county.
Through its continued programme of delivery, Wexford County Council is working with development partners and national Government supports to create additional opportunities for people and families who may otherwise find it difficult to purchase a new home on the open market.
The Dairy Fields offers a unique opportunity to purchase a brand-new home in this highly sought-after coastal location, just minutes from Wexford town.
The new phase within the development will provide a selection of one, two and three-bedroom homes, combining contemporary design with the benefits of this exclusive coastal location.
Applications for The Dairy Fields will open on September 28th at 12pm. All programme details are available on Wexford County Councils website.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD will visit Coláiste Bhríde in Carnew today (Friday), where she will meet students, staff and members of the wider school community and tour the school’s facilities.
During her visit, the Minister will acknowledge the school’s strong community ethos, its commitment to educational excellence, and the central role it plays in the lives of young people and families across the region.
Coláiste Bhríde serves students from 15 rural feeder schools and has become a cornerstone of community life in south Wicklow and north Wexford.
Speaking in advance of the visit, Minister Naughton said: “I am delighted to visit Coláiste Bhríde and to see first-hand the outstanding work being carried out by the entire school community.
“Coláiste Bhríde is a school with a proud tradition of serving its local community. It provides students with a supportive and nurturing environment where they are encouraged to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally.
HILDEGARDE NAUGHTON TD Minister for Education and Youth visits Colaiste Bhríde, Carnew, today, (Friday).
“The success of the school is built on the dedication and commitment of many people, including the staff, students, parents, Board of Management, Kildare and Wicklow ETB, the excellent student council, and the wider community.
“What is particularly striking about Coláiste Bhríde is the deep connection between the school and the wider community. The school’s facilities are used by local groups, clubs and organisations throughout the week, making it a true community hub.
“This highlights something very important about the role of schools in rural Ireland. Schools are not only centres of education, but they are also places where communities can come together, where lifelong friendships are formed and where a strong sense of belonging is being fostered.
“The rich history of Coláiste Bhríde is reflected in the development of its campus over many decades. From its original buildings dating back to 1936 to subsequent extensions and additional accommodation, the school has continually evolved to meet the needs of its growing student population.”
Holohans where many Blackstairs Bues acts are taking place this weekend. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
The 33rd Blackstairs Blues Festival brings a musical atmosphere to Enniscorthy this weekend kicking off at 6.30pm on Friday with Garry Cogdell (USA) and Dermot Byrne playing at Stamps in Market Square.
Free sessions will then take place in Dawsons, Rackards, Treacy’s Hotel, Holohans, The Antique Tavern, Riverside Park Hotel, the IFA Centre and The Bailey, with fringe events at Enniscorthy Library and the Athenaeum Hall. The weekend concludes on Monday at 8.30pm with a Survivors Gig by Austin Walkin Cane and the BC Blues Band in Holohans.
According to a spokesperson; “the festival will feature a massive variety of styles, from intimate acoustic sessions and traditional Chicago blues to high-energy blues-rock performances hosted across local pubs, hotel stages, and community venues.”
First established in 1995, the event holds a legendary place on the Irish music calendar as Ireland’s longest continuously running blues festival. What started as a modest gathering in Bobbie Rackard’s pub on Rafter Street has grown into a landmark regional event, taking over the entire town every September.
The festival is backed by the Enniscorthy Municipal District providing €2,500 thanks to the Arts Office Small Arts festival Fund and Fáilte Ireland Festival Scheme.
The full programme of events is available at all venues and other outlets in Enniscorthy and on the Blues Ireland website.
UPDATE; Night time restrictions will remain in place tonight for the community of Clonroche and surrounding areas from 11pm until 7am tomorrow morning, Saturday, September 12th.
Although treated water reservoirs are recovering, a further night of restricted supply is required to protect daytime supply for customers over the weekend.
Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked impacted customers for their understanding while restrictions are in place later tonight and appealed to them to be mindful of their water use.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused by nighttime restrictions such as this, but we want to assure affected customers that this measure is absolutely essential in order to preserve a full daytime supply for homes and businesses,” said Mr Lyng.
UPDATE; Essential night time water restrictions will be in place once again tonight (Thursday) for customers in Clonroche and surrounding areas.
The restrictions will be in place from 11pm tonight until 7am tomorrow to resolve ongoing technical issues and to allow the local reservoir levels recharge.
Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked impacted customers for their understanding while this further essential nighttime restriction is in place and appealed to them to be mindful of their water use.
It is recommended that you allow 3-4 hours after the estimated restoration time for your supply to fully return.
Uisce Éireann is introducing essential overnight water restrictions for customers in Clonroche.
The restrictions will be in place until 8am tomorrow morning (Thursday) to resolve ongoing technical issues and to allow the local reservoir levels recharge.
An alternative water supply will be available at Slí an Uisce and Canon Murphy Park in Clonroche from 1pm until 10.30pm tomorrow (Thursday).
Uisce Éireann makes every effort to ensure that the alternative drinking water supply provided, including the tanker / bowser, and dispensing tap, are adequately disinfected. However, as it is not practical to provide sterilised containers for the public to transport drinking water from the tanker to their homes, we cannot guarantee that any containers used by the public do not negatively impact or contaminate the drinking water. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, it is recommended that any members of the public who obtain water from a tanker or bowser boil the water before use.
Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked impacted customers for their understanding while this essential night time restriction is in place and appealed to them to be mindful of their water use.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused by night time restrictions such as this, but we want to assure affected customers that this measure is absolutely essential in order to preserve a full daytime supply for homes and businesses,” said Mr. Lyng.
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