2.6km pipeline from Tagoat to Rosslare

ROSSLARE STRAND

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann has revealed that major improvements to local wastewater treatment facilities will soon begin in Tagoat and Rosslare Strand.

The current wastewater treatment infrastructure is overloaded and therefore a new wastewater pump station and wastewater network are required to transfer flows for treatment at Rosslare Wastewater Treatment Plant.

This will include the construction of a new pumping station and over 2.6 kilometres of pipeline to transfer flows from Tagoat to Rosslare, as well as a new storm water holding tank and other ancillary works. 

This key investment will support the future growth of Tagoat by delivering essential infrastructure that strengthens community development and unlocks sustainable growth while also modernising the current wastewater infrastructure, ensuring compliance with water quality and environmental standards. 

James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, welcomed the commencement of this vital work in the Tagoat area. “These works will provide a much needed upgrade to the wastewater infrastructure in Tagoat, will meet our water quality objectives and facilitate growth. These upgrades are a welcome development for Wexford,” stated Minister Browne.

David Shalloo, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann

David Shalloo, Portfolio Manager with Uisce Éireann, highlighted the importance of the investment: “This project is part of our commitment to deliver wastewater services necessary to support sustainable housing and economic development for Wexford communities. By investing in the wastewater infrastructure in Tagoat, we are enabling future growth while safeguarding essential services for current and future generations.

“Protecting the environment is a key priority for Uisce Éireann, and this critical investment demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding and enhancing environmental health and integrity.”

Works are set to commence in the coming weeks and will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd., with the overall project expected to be completed in Spring of 2027.

Double for Sean Doyle at Tinahely

By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely

Ballindaggin handler Sean Doyle recorded a double success at the Bray Harriers point-to-point at Fairwood Park, Tinahely today (Sunday).

Gale Force Jet earned a trip to Cheltenham and a run in the Foxhunters’ Chase following a clear round of jumping and an eight lengths victory in the Open Lightweight race confined to novice riders. Cormac Byrne from Ballindaggin was on board Sean Doyle’s charge and enjoying his fifth career success.

Doyle’s double came in the maiden race for five-year-olds and upwards mares with Spring Thistle and Jamie Scallan in the saddle. Only two finished and the verdict was eight lengths. The Gain Mares Final at Ballynoe is Spring Thistle’s next challenge.

The maiden race for four-year-olds was won by Onetingfornuttin who was very impressive in his 12 lengths victory for the Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill team.

CORMAC BYRNE was a winner at Tinahely today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Johnny Berry from Tomhaggard saddled Sub Editor in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings and he had 18 lengths to spare at the finish. Bred by John Berry and running in the colours of Anna Berry, Sub Editor was a 15th career winner for the handler’s son, Josh Berry.

Commiserations to the Berry family from Tomhaggard on the recent passing of Michael ‘Mick’ Berry, (92), who dedicated his life to horses as a jockey in his young days and as an owner and trainer with plenty of success over many decades. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

Jack Hendrick had been on the sidelines with injury since the beginning of the 2025-’26 season and rode his first winner of the season on Denis Murphy’s Kiwi De Cotte with six lengths to spare in the maiden race for six-year-old and upwards geldings. It was Hendrick’s 110th career point-to-point success.

Racing also took place today at Kildorrery, Co. Cork where Jim O’Neill’s Ballindaggin stables took the maiden race for four-year-old mares with newcomer Foxy In The Park by seven and a half lengths ridden by Rob James who rode his 400th point-to-point winner yesterday (Saturday).

Rob James rides his 400th winner

ROB JAMES rode his 400th point-to-point winner and a double at Laois this afternoon. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Killanne rider Rob James rode a double this afternoon in Laois where he reached a significant milestone in his career riding his 400th point-to-point winner.

James, who is joint-national point-to-point champion (with Barry O’Neill), rode his first winner in Tinahely in 2012, but he has also ridden a number of winners on the track including success at the Cheltenham Festival and the Scottish Grand National.

James’ milestone success was achieved with a ‘neck’ success on Found It trained by Pat Doyle at Holycross, Thurles, in the five-year-old mares’ maiden race and the second leg of a double on the day.

Earlier James scored on newcomer New Grange, which he also trains for the Matchmaker Syndicate by a whopping 24 lengths in the maiden race for four-year-olds.

Matthew Flynn O’Connor saddled Sir Topham Hat in the geldings’ maiden race for novice riders and it concluded with a 24 lengths victory and a first winner for rider Shaun Greene from Shroughvesteen, Co. Kilkenny.

Barry O’Neill also added a winner when partnering Yewtree Hill for Meath trainer Cian Collins in the Winner of Three Race.

Also action today (Saturday) at Oldtown, Co. Meath, and one Wexford trained winner there. The good run of luck for Paul Pierce, the Blackhall Stables, Killurin, and rider Luke Murphy continued with an amazing 64 lengths victory for newcomer Different Story in the two-runner contest that was the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares.

Point-to-point action returns to Fairwood Park, Tinahely, tomorrow (Sunday) for the annual Bray Harriers fixture. First race at 1pm. 90 entries. Latest going is “soft, soft to heavy in places.”

Gorey faces water issues until 6pm?

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is advising customers served by the Creagh Water Treatment Plant in Gorey that operational issues have led to low reservoir levels this morning. 

Due to the depleted reservoir levels, customers in  Clonattin,Ballymoney, Woodlands, Townpark, Ramstown, Gorey and surrounding areas of Gorey may experience a water outage or reduced water pressure as a result.

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 outage and we thank customers for their support while normal supply is being restored.” 

He explained crews are on site and it is expected to have full supply restored by 6pm tonight. 

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.  

Bunclody and Ahare River floods reaches the Dáil

By Dan Walsh

Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Malcolm Byrne TD, said “Storm Chandra had a particularly profound impact on the Wicklow-Wexford constituency I represent.

“I know the Minister of State (Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran) was in Aughrim, (he didn’t visit Enniscorthy or other Wexford flood sites, such as Bunclody and neither did An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin).

MALCOLM BYRNE TD

He said; “Bunclody faced the first serious flooding in 60 years when the Slaney burst its banks. It was horrific visiting some of the homes and business impacted there.

“The concerns when I met Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and local residents were that a sufficient plan was not in place. The big challenge there for a lot of residents is while many had flood insurance until now, they will not get it again.

“We need to look at some sort of State guarantees until a permanent flood defence system is put in place in these communities. I would be grateful to hear the Minister’s views on that.

In the case of Castletown in north Wexford, on more than one occasion every year the River Ahare bursts its banks, making a road impassable. It is an issue Cllr Joe Sullivan has been raising regularly in terms of how to address this challenge.

“For this coastal community, it is cut off in many ways and people have to drive the long way round because the Ahare bursts its banks any time there is heavy rain. Coastal erosion is another huge issue.

“I am fortunate to represent a constituency that has arguably some of the finest beaches in the country, running from Brittas Bay in Wicklow down as far as Morriscastle in Wexford. Every time there is an adverse weather event, we see parts of our coast lost to the sea.

On this occasion in the floods, the Rosslare rail line (due to flooding in Co. Wicklow) was closed again, not that it is a great service anyway.

“I am asking for it on behalf of Wicklow County Council and Wexford County Council to be able to address the problems with our roads as a result of these weather conditions,” concluded Deputy Byrne.

Deputy Mythen addresses Enniscorthy flooding disaster in the Dail

By Dan Walsh

Sinn Fein Deputy Johnny Mythen, speaking in Dáil Éireann told the House and the Minister of State, with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD that “My hometown of Enniscorthy, along with Bunclody, Bridgetown, Our Lady’s Island, Kilmore, Kilcarbery and Killurin experienced extensive flooding with some roads obliterated altogether.

JOHNNY MYTHEN TD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“Sixty businesses were affected, some of which have stated they will not open again. Some 35 homes were destroyed by water and contaminated effluent.

“Island Road in Enniscorthy and the quays on both sides of the River Slaney took the brunt of the floods. This has occurred 16 times since 2000, not to mention the years in between when the people were put on full flood alert with their homes and businesses threatened again and again.

“I thank the Minister of State for visiting those homes. I am sure he realises the anguish, the torment, the feelings of desperation and the sleepless nights these people have gone through. Generations have faced the same thing over and over again.

“Some businesses are facing bills of well over €80,000. This has been going on for decades. The people of Enniscorthy and Wexford will no longer put up with what can only be described as wilful neglect. It is only with the luck of God no one was drowned or injured.

“Planning permission for the Slaney flood relief scheme was turned down because of the freshwater pearl mussel, a fact that is infuriating people. Surely this species can be translocated just like the Dublin Bay oyster. I plead with the Minister of State to act now. Under section 7 of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, he can approve flood relief works independently of the planning system. Things need to happen and need to happen now. “Climate change is not waiting for anybody. As sure as night follows day, flooding will continue and will occur again.

“The people of Wexford need the Minister of State’s full assurance that he will sort this out. He must rein in the OPW, the relevant Departments and Wexford County Council and get the planning application across the line once and for all and to immediately apply the interim measures.

“Wexford County Council has completed an interim plan, but I understand that it must be agreed on by the Ministers and the OPW. I ask that this be done and be treated as a humanitarian emergency and not be delayed any longer.

“It is the least the people of Enniscorthy and Wexford deserve after being left unprotected for over 25 years and denied their rights to a proper flood defence scheme,” concluded Deputy Mythen.

Water repairs in Bridgetown and Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews were busy today (Thursday) repairing burst water mains in Bridgetown and Wexford town and restoring water services to affected customers in both areas.   

The Bridgetown burst is impacting customers in Bridgetown, Tomhaggard, Kilmore and the surrounding areas of south Wexford.

Uisce Éireann crew at work. (Pic; Clare Keogh/Uisce Éireann)

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 outage, and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.” Repairs were expected to be completed by 5pm today!

Separately Uisce Éireann crews have completed repairs to a burst water main which caused an interruption to supply for customers in Corish Park, Avondale, Highfields, Liam Mellows, Kennedy Park, Wolfe Tone Villas, Pine Ridge, College Green and the surrounding areas of Wexford Town. 

The network is recharging and water is returning to impacted customers. However, it may take time for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the network recharges.

Upgrades to Donaghmore water supply

By Dan Walsh

DAVE MURPHY Uisce Éireann Programme Mananger

Customers in Donaghmore, Ballygarrett, can look forward to a more secure and reliable water supply as Uisce Éireann begins essential upgrade works in the area next week.

As part of its National Leakage Reduction Programme, Uisce Éireann has prioritised the replacement of over 1km of ageing water mains between Aloha and Skuna Hill in Donaghmore, Co Wexford.

This investment will provide a more secure and reliable water supply in the area and will also reduce leakage of treated water being lost into the ground.

Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager Dave Murphy is looking forward to delivering the project for customers in the local communities. “This essential work is part of an investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across County Wexford, prioritising investment where it is needed most. We would like to thank customers in Donaghmore in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these works.

These works will be delivered on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Shareridge, with completion expected by late Spring 2026.

HISTORY; Donaghmore is an early medieval (400-1000 AD) ecclesiastical site. The present ruins of the 18th or 19th century Church of Ireland parish church, dedicated to St. Patrick, is on the site of the older parish church. Source; On Our Own Ground – County Wexford Parish by Parish – Volume 1 by Edward Culleton, pub Wexford County Council Public Library Service, 2013.

McDonald’s brings 80 jobs to New Ross

At the opening of McDonald’s in New Ross were Lee Chin, who performed the official opening) Cllrs Michael Sheehan and John Fleming and Alan Fitzhenry, District Manager and the McDonald’s team.

By Dan Walsh

Wexford hurling star Lee Chin was guest of honour when McDonald’s officially opened its newest Irish restaurant at Bennettsknock, New Ross, following a €3 million investment that has created 80 new local jobs.

The new McDonald’s restaurant is a 400-square-metre, single-storey drive-thru development, featuring customer seating, 50 car parking spaces, bicycle parking facilities, electric vehicle charging points and an outdoor seating area. The restaurant will trade from 6am to midnight, seven days a week.

The opening has created 80 new employment opportunities, ranging from full-time and part-time crew roles to mid-level and senior management positions, providing a welcome boost to employment in the local area.

McDonald’s Franchisee John Byrne said: “This €3 million investment in New Ross demonstrates McDonald’s ongoing commitment to growing our business in Ireland and supporting local communities. We are delighted to officially open our doors today and to have already created significant employment opportunities for people in the area.”

The opening of the New Ross restaurant brings McDonald’s total restaurant portfolio in the Republic of Ireland to 96, all of which are owned and operated by local Franchisees. Collectively, McDonald’s Franchisees employ more than 7,300 people nationwide, with McDonald’s Ireland contributing over €414 million annually to the Irish economy.

€ millions required for road repairs in Gorey and Enniscorthy.

By Dan Walsh at monthly meetings in Gorey and Enniscorthy.

At today’s (Tuesday) monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at Presentation Arts Centre it emerged that the estimated cost of road repairs is in the region of €2.5 million.

Reporting on General Road Maintenance, Roads Engineer, Neil Dempsey told the meeting that pothole repairs, gully cleaning and inlet works are ongoing around the district,” he said, before adding; “After recent floods and continuing wet weather, road conditions throughout the district are in very poor condition with sections of road completely impassable.

Crews are trying to repair roads at present, but persistent wet conditions are making it very difficult. Enniscorthy Area road submitted draft request for funding for over 30 sections of road, with estimated cost of repair in region of €2.5 million.

Joanne Kehoe, Senior Executive Engineer for North Wexford told today’s monthly meeting that the roads in the Gorey-Kilmuckridge District were impacted by flood waters during and following Storm Chandra.

Extensive damage has been noted in over 20 locations across the district and temporary repairs are underway.

Pothole repair is ongoing throughout the district and works have been carried out in all crew areas, drainage works are complete in Banogue and bridge repair works are complete in Kilmichael and Grovemill.

Ms. Kehoe told today’s meeting that the estimated cost for repairs to failed roads and culverts is €1 million.

In addition to these repairs, potholes are widespread across the district with poor weather preventing permanent repairs being carried out.

JAMES BROWNE TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Away from Gorey and Enniscorthy later today, Minister James Browne TD welcomed €34.2m for 2026 for Wexford’s national, regional and local roads – €23.3m for regional roads and €10.9m for national roads.

Minister Browne said, “I am ensuring that Wexford is not left behind. The protection and renewal of our existing national, regional and local road network is also so essential to every single village and town.

“I have also been committed to assisting the local authority with financial support to assist with the aftermath of Storms in particular.

“I particularly welcome the commitment of funding for the national route of the N11-N25 Oilgate to Rosslare, a project I have raised and worked to ensure was dealt with as it’s badly needed.”