Exhibition honours the people of Templeshannon

Pictured at the launch of the PhotoVoice exhibition in Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre were (left to right); Kathleen Doran, Declan Cloke, Sarah Kelly and Mary Corrigan. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

The Ground We Carry, a Photovoice project inspired by Dr. Maria Quinlan, was launched today (Thursday) with an exhibition and publication at Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre in Enniscorthy.

Sarah Kelly said the exhibition was about much more than photographs and “is an opportunity to celebrate the people of Templeshannon and recognise the value of local voices, lived experiences and community life.”

Ms. Kelly expressed thanks to Dr. Maria Quinlan, Wexford Local Development, Enniscorthy Community Alliance the Shannon Way Project and, most importantly “local participants who gave their time, shared their experiences and trusted us with their photographs.”

Declan Cloke explained PhotoVoice which he described as “a powerful development tool that allows us to use photography to tell stories of their lives, their surroundings and their communities.

“Every photo in this exhibition represents a personal perspective and together they create stories about identity, connection, history, pride, hope and belonging,” added Mr Cloke.

Kathleen Doran said “everyone in the project is passionate about what is good in our county and passionate about the areas that need attention.

“Participants highlight places of beauty and significance of the area including Vinegar Hill, the Twenty-On Steps, The Heap of Clay, the Grotto, Shannon Chapel, St. Cooraun’s Well and many more,” concluded Ms. Doran.

Mary Corrigan pointed out that “today’s launch is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. She said the photographs celebrate the community “but they also encourage us to continue the conversation.”

“They remind us to value what is good about our community while also recognising where improvements are needed.

“We should not be discriminated against because we live on the east side of the town. This project shows that our people have valuable knowledge, ideas and solutions and when communities are listened to and given opportunities to participate positive change becomes possible,” concluded Ms. Corrigan.

The opening ceremony was attended by Cllr Aidan Browne and Rev, Tom Dalton, Administrator St. Aidan’s parish and concluded with Tim Corrigan singing ‘The Croppy Boy’

Traffic chaos around Gorey street works?

Work is in progress at Esmonde Street, Gorey. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at meetings of Wexford County Council and Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council

Gorey’s €2.5m Esmonde Street regeneration programme is progressing, but concerns remain, with the issue raised at this week’s Wexford County Council and Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meetings.

A new one-way system designed to ease traffic disruption on the busy Gorey street is due to begin next week.

At Tuesday’s Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting, chaired by Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Darragh McDonald, members were told that motorists were frustrated by the temporary traffic lights, which had caused long tailbacks.

At the Gorey Kilmuckridge meeting Cllr Craig Doyle told the meeting; “Starting next week they’re hopefully going to have the one-way system in place but it’s not the one I thought was going to happen.

“It’s going to allow traffic off Main Street, down Esmonde Street and to Courtown, but it means anyone coming from Courtown will have to go out the Coach Road and onto the Arklow Road and into town that way.”

Cllr Doyle welcomed the change and claimed something had to be done. “It has been very bad now in fairness with some people saying it’s like we’re back to pre-bypass levels of traffic in Gorey and the town back then was a disaster,” he added.

Meanwhile at Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan mentioned the traffic disruption while the works were continuing at Esmonde Street and said it was attracting a lot of media posts. “The programme is going forward, the work is welcome and is progressing well,” added Cllr Sullivan.

Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe acknowledged the disruption on Esmonde Street but pointed out that the works also facilitated the laying of a major sewer for Uisce Éireann which was done in tandem with the Council works which is expected to continue until July 2027.

A presentation by Sean Meyler, Senior Executive Engineer at Wexford County Council at the Gorey Kilmuckridge September meeting in 2023 outlined two alternatives; one is to engage with Uisce Éireann and the ESB and carry out the necessary developments on the street, and two, is to repair footpaths and make the street safe which can be done relatively quickly and is more cost effective.

The then Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen favoured working with Uisce Éireann to go ahead with the entire job, get the ESB to put the cables underground, and he felt the work of Uisce Éireann would also alleviate flooding at the railway bridge.

Wexford Water Conservation Order is lifted

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the Water Conservation Order in Wexford is being lifted immediately, two weeks ahead of schedule.

The decision follows increased rainfall and improved water supplies, as well as exceptional efforts by households, businesses, farms and communities across Co. Wexford and beyond to cut water use.

These efforts helped to protect local water supplies during one of the hottest summers and driest July on record.

The nationwide Water Conservation Order was introduced in July following a prolonged period of dry weather and exceptionally high demand, which had placed significant pressure on public water supplies across the country.

The Order had been due to remain in place until the end of September. It is now being lifted from today for all remaining counties.

Uisce Éireann Asset Strategy Senior Manager, Mairead Conlon said: “We want to thank households and communities across Wexford for their support while the Water Conservation Order was in place. By cutting back on non-essential water use, people helped protect local supplies and maintain drinking water for the homes, farms, hospitals, vulnerable customers and essential services that rely on it every day.

“While the Water Conservation Order is ending earlier than planned, we are encouraging everyone to continue using water wisely. The past few months have shown the value of being mindful about how we use water and the positive impact small actions can have when taken together,” said Ms. Conlon, who added “Continued water conservation will help support the recovery of local water sources and ensure water remains available when communities need it most.”

Vinegar Hill visitor experience

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.”

Harp is “the Eiffel Tower of Wexford”

The HARP or ‘the Eiffel Tower of Wexford’. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at 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.  

€18.3m for four Wexford projects

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 called out three times in three days

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.’

Ben Radford named Wexford Chamber President

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 Ger installed Bishop of Ossory

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.

New Ferrybank housing scheme launched in Wexford

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.