Boat had lost power and was adrift in the shipping channel north of the Barrow Bridge seen here (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Fethard RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked to assist a lone sailor whose boat had lost power and was adrift in the shipping channel north of the Barrow Bridge in Waterford Estuary last Friday.
Fethard RNLI inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán was tasked to launch by the Irish Coast Guard at 11.29am. The volunteer crew made their way by road and launched the lifeboat at Ballyhack. Conditions were good and the D-class arrived on scene at 12.17pm.
Having assessed the situation, the crew decided to take the casualty undertow to the closest marina in New Ross, as it posed a significant risk to navigation in the channel.
Once the casualty was secured in the marina at 1.30pm the lifeboat returned to Ballyhack to recover. The crew returned to station and were ready for service again by 2.49pm.
Domini Codd, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager at Fethard RNLI said; “The casualty did the right thing by calling for help as soon as possible. We would advise that anybody heading out on the water always carries an appropriate means of calling for help and always wears a personal flotation device, such as a lifejacket.”
The 10-metre fishing boat towed from the Keeraghs by Kilmore RNLI lifeboat last Saturday. (Pic; Elaine Walsh/RNLI)
By Dan Walsh
Kilmore Quay RNLI launched on Saturday afternoon to assist the crew of a 10-metre fishing boat with a fouled propeller drifting towards the Keeragh islands.
The volunteer crew were requested to launch their all-weather Tamar class lifeboat RNLB Killarney by the Irish Coast Guard at 2.18 pm. The lifeboat under Coxswain Nigel Kehoe and with five crew members on board promptly launched and made its way to the scene, five nautical miles north west of Kilmore Quay at the Keeraghs.
Arriving at the location at 2.45 pm, the lifeboat crew checked that everyone on board the vessel was safe and well before assessing the situation. Taking into consideration the wind and tidal conditions on site, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the disabled craft back to shore.
Weather at the time was described as good with a Force 2 to 3 westerly wind and slight sea state.
The lifeboat was soon under way to the nearest available harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 3.50 pm. The fishing vessel safely secured at the pier, the lifeboat returned to its berth in the marina and was made ready again for service.
Speaking following the call out, Coxswain Nigel Kehoe commended the crew of the fishing vessel for their quick action in raising the alarm saying: “The lads made the right decision to call for assistance when they did. We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a life jacket and to always carry a means of calling for help. If you do get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
One of 200 road signs objecting to the proposed Kilmichael Wind Farm project. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
No to Kilmichael Wind Farm Community Group committee have requested that WexfordLocal.com publish its statement in reply to the one published from Regnum Renewables as part of our report.
WexfordLocal.com is happy to oblige. The statement reads as follows;
“We welcome Regnum’s engagement by means of a prepared statement to Wexfordlocal.com. They speak at length about community engagement, however the experience of our community is at complete odds to the picture they paint “They claim to have made contact with 119 homes located close to the proposed wind farm since the project started in 2023. As a result of this claim, in their statement they have had 67 direct interactions with property owners. There are over 2,000 residents within 3kms of the wind farm.
“As a voluntary group formed only two months ago, No to Kilmichael Wind Farm have collected 450 petition signatures, launched a dedicated website, erected 200 road signs, have a Whatsapp group with 370 members and have had two excellently attended public meetings. That is what public engagement looks like.
“They tell us that a dedicated full – time, on-the-ground, community liaison officer was appointed by them in 2024. The vast majority of residents didn’t know about his existence until March this year. The reality is that this is nothing more than another box–ticking exercise for Regnum as this officer has proved completely out of his depth and unable to answer questions posed to him. We would welcome this officer to a community meeting or to a head-to-head interview with one of our representatives on the radio.
“In their statement, they describe in full their feasibility study which identifies Kilmichael Hill as a suitable site for a wind farm. They fail to mention that the area has been categorised by Wexford County Council’s Wind Energy Strategy as an area unsuitable for further wind farm development.
“There was no public consultation carried out as part of their feasibility study or mentions of the high population in the area. In their statement, they talk about the Community Benefit Fund and potential rates income for the local authority. Amazingly, and of great concern, they show a complete lack of empathy to the overpowering health concerns of local residents by failing to mention them.
“As a group, we have had a lot of interactions with other wind farm groups and there is a common theme developing of insufferable misery where turbines are located close to where people live. Additionally, they fail to mention the issue of sterilisation of land, whereby local people will be unable to get planning permission for homes for their children in the future.
“Regnum’s company slogan is “Building a better world”. In reality, it is a company where the only thing that matters is the bottom line. Why are they repeatedly ringing residents close to the turbines offering them more and more money to buy their silence? We know of one couple where Regnum officials are ringing both the husband and wife on an almost daily basis.”
Michael Murphy’s Redbridge Stables at Duncormick was in winning form at Ballindenisk, Co. Cork, today (Sunday) where they enjoyed a double both ridden by Darragh Higgins.
Newcomer Dan De Champ was a two lengths winner of division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings while Order Another One, in the colours of Warren Ewing, gained a five and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for five-year-old plus mares’ race.
JAMES MURRAY…winner at Cork (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Sean Doyle and Barry O’Neill shared a six lengths success with newcomer Kingside Lady in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.
Mark Scallan, who trains at Cleariestown, saddled newcomer Harzwood who prevailed by six and a half lengths in division two of the four-year-old mares maiden ridden by Luke Murphy from Gorey.
James Kenny from Craanford was amongst the Cork winners too. He saddled Maganey in the colours of Noeleen Kenny with Ferns rider James Murray up and they came home seven lengths to the good in the Winner of One Race.
Gearóid O’Loughlin, who trains at Kiltealy, won division two of the maiden race for five-year-old plus geldings with newcomer Bet Wise. Joey Dunne took the winning mount.
Also point-to-point action at Loughrea, Co. Galway, today (Sunday) where two Wexford winners emerged. Michael Goff won the maiden race for four-year-old mares with Fortunate Miss by ten lengths ridden by Matt Gahan from Ferns and Ballindaggin rider Cormac Byrne won the Open Race confined to novice riders on Hearts and Spades for Ian McCarthy.
Celebrating the success of the Colin Bowe trained Morell River at Wexford races today were Pat Nolan, jockey Sean O’Keeffe, Amy Kelly (groom), Brendan Fitzpatrick (owner) and Brendan Walsh, assistant trainer to Colin Bowe. (Pic; WexfoLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Colin Bowe’s star Kiltealy stables are normally associated with point-to-point success -he has held the trainers’ championship for the past 13 years – but his horses were in winning form at Wexford races today with a double success on the 8-race card.
Morell River (7/1)registered a second career success today, both at Wexford, landing that course’s Forth Mountain Trails Mares Handicap Hurdle for Straffan, Co. Kildare owners Brendan and Mary Fitzpatrick, trainer Colin Bowe and Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe.
The six-year-old mare’s maiden success came in October and today, on seasonal reappearance, was produced from rear to lead at the last to win by one and a half lengths.
O’Keeffe, with his fourth winner in May, said “There was no pressure on, with it being her first run of the season and in fairness to Colin Bowe, he’s a top man to have them ready.”
Bowe’s double with nine-year-old North Of Nashville (9/1) bridged an almost three-year gap between Wexford wins today, landing her second career success for trainer Colin Bowe in the Treo Eile Handicap Chase.
Carrying the colours of Milestone Bloodstock Limited, North Of Nashville’s previous success came at today’s course in September 2023 and today under Ricky Doyle raced prominently and maintained her gallop, to score by nine lengths.
Bowe’s assistant Brendan Walsh said afterwards; “North Of Nashville was a really good winner here a few years ago, she likes it down here and had a nice run the last day over a shorter trip.
“We’ve no fancy plans; we’re just delighted to get another day out of her. She always threatened a lot and hasn’t really delivered but that’s two days out of her now so we’re happy enough.”
Although training in Kildare nowadays, Wexford-born Conor O’Dwyer loves having runners at his ‘local’ track and he saddled the winner of the handicap hurdle, Teenage Kiss (5/1), ridden by his son, five-pound claimer Charlie O’Dwyer for champion owner John P. McManus.
There was also a double for Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead with Workahead (11/8 fav.), (Darragh O’Keeffe) and The Besty Woman (6/4 fav.), ridden by John Gleeson in the INH Flat race. It is interesting to note that that Workahead finished ninth in the 2026 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham won by Lossiemouth!
The next day’s racing at Wexford is Wednesday, May 27th (evening).
One of dozens of signs on the Gorey-Carnew road. This one is at Craanford. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District will consider a motion on the agenda submitted by Cllr Joe Sullivan. It reads as follows;
“This Council of the Gorey / Kilmuckridge Municipal District calls on Regnum Renewables to withdraw their proposal for “Kilmichael Windfarm” in the townlands of Mount Nebo, Craan Upper, Slievebawn, Monaseed Demense and Kilmichael Gorey due to the overwhelming opposition to the project by the residents of the aforementioned areas”
A statement issued to WexfordLocal.com states that Regnum Renewables Developments Ltd (Regnum) is currently at the pre-planning stage of a proposed eight turbine wind farm development at Kilmichael Hill, in addition to a 110kV substation at Glandoran, Co. Wexford. “Subject to planning approval, the project has the potential to generate approximately 55 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity, supporting Ireland’s transition towards a more secure, sustainable and domestically produced energy system. Ireland’s national energy strategy aims to achieve 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
“Given current threats to our energy security and the need for additional generation to support a growing population and economy, renewable energy is central to achieving these objectives.
“Located approximately 5km west of Gorey, Kilmichael was identified as a potentially suitable location for the proposed development following detailed site assessments.
“Regnum recognises the strong local interest in the proposed Kilmichael Wind Farm and welcomes the fact that members of the community will have a range of views and questions regarding the project, as is common with all renewable energy developments of this nature.
“It is important to us that local residents have access to clear, factual and up-to-date information throughout every stage of the process, alongside meaningful opportunities to engage directly with the project team, raise queries and share feedback.
“Through the development phase, Regnum has engaged with local residents, landowners and stakeholders and remains committed to maintaining an open, transparent and constructive dialogue as the project progresses.
“A dedicated full time Community Liaison Officer was appointed to the project in 2024 and, together with the wider project team, remains available to meet with and respond directly to anyone in the local area with an interest in the proposal.
“Regnum first identified Kilmichael as a potentially suitable location for the project in Q1 2023, with initial engagement commencing with local landowners shortly afterwards. Engagement with elected representatives began in June 2024, when meetings were held with all Gorey–Kilmuckridge councillors to present an early outline of the proposal, followed shortly afterwards by engagement with local TDs.
“Wider community engagement commenced in June 2025 through an initial consultation process on the proposed development, following further progression of discussions with landowners regarding the proposed development and completion of a preliminary feasibility assessment.
“As part of this process, the Regnum team conducted door knocks and leaflet drops at 119 properties located approx. 1,200m from each proposed turbine, resulting in direct engagement with 67 property owners.
“A second round of localised community engagement took place in February 2026 following the finalisation of the proposed substation location. During this phase, 121 properties were visited, including those located within a 500m radius of the proposed substation, resulting in 56 direct engagements with local property owners. “Project information leaflets, including contact details for the dedicated project team, were left at all properties where residents were unavailable. Follow-up visits were held with any resident who requested one.
“Regnum has maintained regular engagement with Wexford County Council officials and elected representatives to ensure they remain informed as the project develops.
“Should the project proceed, it will deliver a significant long-term community benefit fund (circa €250,000 per annum) and property rates (circa €700,000 per annum), administered at local level and shaped through community input to ensure it supports the priorities and needs identified by those living closest to the development.
“Regnum encourages anyone with questions or an interest in the project to engage directly with them, by phone on +353 87 233 1340 or via email at kilmichael@regnumrenewables.ie.”
There has been a large entry for the Wexford races on Saturday resulting in one of the races ‘divided’ which creates an eight-race card. The first race has been moved forward and will start at 1.30pm.
The programme now consists of five hurdles, two steeplechases and an INH Flat Race.
The Going is described as “Good to Yielding. (watering). Unsettled forecast, possibility of showers with 2-3mm (approx..) of rain. Hurdle track is 8 yards from innermost racing line and chase track is 4 yards in from outermost racing line.
MOUNTGARRETT BRIDGE linking counties Wexford and Kilkenny is to close for essential remedial works in a few weeks time. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Mountgarrett Bridge
The proposed one-month closure of Mountgarrett Bridge, near New Ross, for essential remedial works was raised at last Monday’s May meeting of Wexford County Council where there were calls for Kilkenny County Council to engage with Wexford County Council to discuss the matter.
Cllr John Dwyer first raised the matter and said that Kilkenny County Council had not consulted with Wexford County Council to discuss the effects on people using this busy bridge.
Cllr Michael Sheehan was critical of Kilkenny County Council’s communications with local residents and stated, “that closure of the bridge will cripple the town of New Ross.”
The matter was again raised at Wednesday’s meeting of New Ross Municipal District Council.
Cllr Sheehan said; “Essential remedial works are planned, and closure of the bridge is proposed but residents claim that nobody knew anything about it.
“The Council has called for works to be postponed until meaningful engagement with officials of both councils take place. Closure of the bridge could result in a one-hour detour for local residents,” he added.
HISTORY; Connecting counties Wexford and Kilkenny and crossing the River Barrow about 3kms from New Ross town Mountgarrett Bridge replaced a wooden bridge of 1794.
The bridge is 64 metres long and was built of reinforced concrete with a 40-foot steel opening section of the Scherzer rolling lift style supplied by John Butler & Co. of Leeds.
Construction began in 1925 and the bridge opened in 1930 at a cost of £22,500. The contractors were Hearne & Co. and Delap & Waller were consulting engineers.
Consultants from both counties had been suggesting a replacement bridge since 1917, but they could not raise the money to construct the bridge.
By 1920, the consultants were advising their councils that the old bridge was in a dangerous condition, and matters came to a head in 1921 when it was destroyed by fire.
The bridge used to open, to allow river vessels to pass through, up until the 1970s when it was struck by a barge. It has not opened since.
The steel rolling bascule bridge (another name for a drawbridge or lifting bridge) is one of only six in Ireland.
The proposed works will maximise the remaining service life of the bridge.
SOUTH MAIN STREET, WEXFORD. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting
Independent Cllr Leonard Kelly sparked off an ‘angry’ reaction after asking “how many shops in Wexford town are vacant” at last Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council.
The debate arose out of people living above shops and the pressure on owners to provide spaces such as parking and wheelie bins.
Cllr Kelly said that Wexford town has excellent coffee shops, but retail is disappointing with shops closing on the Main Street and he wanted “to ensure that the town centre will hold.”
Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh (Labour) told the meeting said the Chief Executive has spoken positively about Wexford and the Main Street.
She continued; “We know about the dereliction. We know about shop closures. There are a huge amount of problems out there and we are looking for solutions. We have a responsibility to speak positively about our town.”
CLLR CATHERINE ‘Biddy’ WALSH
Later in the meeting Cllr Walsh won the full support of the chamber when she proposed a motion, seconded by Cllr Kelly, regarding the number of shops selling vapes in Wexford. The motion read;
“In an effort to mitigate the negative effect of the number of shops selling vape in Wexford, this Council demands the following;
“Call for a change to the 2023 Act where “retailers of tobacco products that are already registered with the HSE have six months to apply for a Licence” to retailers intending to sell tobacco products must first apply and hold a licence.
“That this Council would see a Wexford specific campaign by the HSE on the dangers of vaping and the need to encourage people, particularly youths, away from those products.
“That the next Development Plan will make specific references to the retail offering on specific streets where shops that sell items contrary to public health, vaping and nicotine products, be restricted to pharmacy only instead of general retail.”
It was pointed out during the meeting that sales of vaping products are not illegal.
WexfordLocal.com 