WexfordLocal.com

Enniscorthy and Blacktown mark Sister Cities friendship

Pictured at the July meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal Council at the Presentation Centre today. Front row; Mayor Brad Bunting, Blacktown City Council, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and Kevin Poilly, Blacktown. (Back Row); Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Trish Byrne, Cllr Jackser Owens, Donna Wallace (Blacktown), Laura Corvalan (Blacktown) Caiden Bond (Blacktown), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Enniscorthy Municipal District Council signed off on its midsummer report today at July’s meeting in the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, where a visit by a delegation from Blacktown City Council was the highlight.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Kehoe, presiding at his first meeting since election last month, welcomed the delegation to the chamber where they gave a presentation.

The five-person delegation from Blacktown City Council, near Sydney, Australia, was led by Mayor Brad Bunting, who was delighted to be paying his third official visit to Enniscorthy and thanked the Cathaoirleach, councillors and officials for another warm welcome.

Mayor Bunting is accompanied by Kevin Poilly, Manager of Events and Sister Cities; Donna Wallace, Manager of Greenspace Services; and Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors Caiden Bond and Laura Corvalan.

The attendance included Deputy Chief Executive Wexford County Council Eamonn Hore, Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager and Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services.

The visitors will be honoured at a Civic Reception in Enniscorthy Castle on Wednesday evening and are touring Co. Wexford until their departure on Friday.

They will also be treated to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre at Enniscorthy and the battlefield at Vinegar Hill. And there is a tree planting ceremony planned for the Orchard Peace Park at Enniscorthy.

The plan was for the Blacktown delegation to arrive in Enniscorthy for St. Patrick’s Day where it was expected that Mayor Bunting would lead the annual parade, however, the six-day war in Iran forced the closure of airspace and the delegation were advised against using Dubai International Airport for security reasons.

That trip was called off; however, they are here now in heatwave conditions and celebrating the ‘Sister Cities Friendship Agreement’ that they both signed in August 2023 when Cllr John O’Rourke was Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

Wexford hosts midweek racing

By Dan Walsh

Horse racing returns to Bettyville Park in Wexford for two days, tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday, with the track watered ahead of what promises to be great summer racing action.

The Wednesday card consists of seven steeplechases where the going is described as “good” and the first race is off at 2.15pm. The forecast is for dry and warm conditions.

Thursday’s card consists of eight races, seven hurdle races and an INH Flat Race. First race at 4pm and the feature is the hurdle race for lady jockeys at 5.10pm.

Lone sailor rescued off Curracloe

**ROSSLARE HARBOUR RNLI LIFEBOAT** (File Pic; *RNLI/Ciaran Dixon*)

By Dan Walsh

A lone sailor on an 8-metre yacht alerted the Irish Coast Guard that he was in difficulty off Raven Point, Curracloe, on Monday afternoon.

Rosslare Harbour RNLI were in turn tasked by the Coast Guard and the all-weather lifeboat launched at 4.23pm.

When the volunteer crew reached the scene at 4.33pm, they assessed the situation and liaised with the sole occupant. The yacht was taking on water.

Having assessed the situation, it was decided to attach a line and tow the vessel to the safety of Rosslare Harbour arriving there at 5.35pm. The sailor was safe and uninjured.

Weather conditions were good. Reasonable visibility, force 4 north-east wind, slight swell. There was no rain

Rosslare Harbour RNLI Launch Authority, Aidan O’Sullivan, paid tribute to the volunteer crew for an excellent service and outcome.

Aidan also stressed the importance of sailors having the necessary communications equipment on board. And wearing the proper safety equipment. And he reiterated the importance of calling the Irish Coast Guard on 999 or 112 when in difficulty in the water.

Rescue near shipping lane off Hook Head

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI assisted two people yesterday (Sunday) after their 17-foot boat broke down one nautical mile off Hook Head.

The Irish Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew to launch their inshore lifeboat at 11.32am from Slade and proceed to the scene.

Once on scene, the crew observed that while the two onboard were safe and well, the boat having broken down, could not make any safe onward progress.

Due to the vessel’s proximity to a shipping lane and with other vessels in the area, the helm made the decision that the safest course of action was to tow the boat with the two onboard, to the nearest port at Duncannon.

Speaking following the call out, Fethard RNLI Helm John Colfer said; “Due to the potential hazard with other vessels in the area and the nearby shipping lane, the tow was essential and we were happy to help the motorboaters out.

“We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea to always go prepared. Always let someone know where you are going and when you are due back. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity and always carry a means of communication such a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.

“If you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard,” advised Mr Colfer.

Enniscorthy water supply restored

By Dan Walsh

UPDATE, Monday 9 pm; Uisce Éireann has completed repairs to the burst watermain in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas. Water supply is now restoring to affected customers as the network refills.

Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a major burst and restore water supply to customers in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas today (Monday) but repairs should be completed by the afternoon.

The burst occurred overnight, and crews are currently onsite excavating the damaged section of the network and assessing options to bypass the affected area in order to restore water to some customers as quickly as possible while repair works continue.

In a statement to WexfordLocal.com Padraig Lyng, Water Operations Manager, Wexford, said: “Our crews have been working since early this morning to repair the burst and restore water supply to customers as quickly as possible. We understand the inconvenience that a loss of water supply causes for homes, businesses and the wider community in Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, and we thank customers for their patience while these essential repairs are carried out.”

Repairs are currently expected to be completed later today. Typically, it can take two to three hours following repairs for normal water supply to be restored to all customers as the network recharges. Customers at the end of the network or on higher ground may experience a longer restoration time.

New Ross teenager dies following road crash

By Dan Walsh

A teenage girl has died from injuries she sustained in a single car collision at Sheastown, Wellingtonbridge, Co. Wexford at approximately 6.20am on Wednesday, July 8th.

Sophie Caulfield, 14, of Cluain Húighéad, New Ross, died from her injuries on Friday, July 17^th, surrounded by her heartbroken family. She was a student at St. Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross.

Sophie was taken to Wexford General Hospital and later transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin. Three passengers in the car, one teenage boy and two teenage girls, were taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the car, a man in his late teens, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident. He appeared before Carlow District Court on Saturday, July 11th.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

They are particularly asking anyone who was travelling in the Sheastown, Wellingtonbridge area around the time of the collision and who may have camera footage, including dashcam footage, to make it available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Funeral arrangements will be announced on Monday, July 20^th, and the family has requested “everyone to wear bright and colourful clothing to honour Sophie’s life”.

Australian delegation visits County Wexford

Mayor of Blacktown City Council CLLR BRAD BUNTING receieves a presentation from the then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, SENATOR CATHAL BYRNE, on his first visit to Enniscorthy Castle in June 2022. (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

A five-person delegation from Blacktown City Council, near Sydney, Australia, led by Mayor Brad Bunting, will arrive in Enniscorthy today (Sunday) and depart on Friday after daily historical and tourism tours across County Wexford.

Mayor Bunting will lead the delegation, which also includes Kevin Poilly, Manager of Events and Sister Cities; Donna Wallace, Manager of Greenspace Services; and Blacktown City Youth Ambassadors Caiden Bond and Laura Corvalan.

The visitors will be honoured at a Civic Reception in Enniscorthy Castle on Wednesday and will attend Tuesday morning’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre.

Other centres of interest on the visitor’s itinerary includes The Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig, a Walking Tour of Wexford town with Paul Walsh, the GAA Centre of Excellence at Ferns, a Boat Trip from Kilmore Quay to the Saltees, Hook Lighthouse and Dunbrody Famine Ship, New Ross.

HISTORY; In August 2023, the then Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr John O’Rourke hosted a Civic Reception for a visiting delegation from Blacktown City, a suburb of Sydney Australia, held in Enniscorthy Castle, where the highlight featured the signing of a ‘Sister Cities Friendship Agreement.’

Cllr O’Rourke referred to “an immense proud moment on your behalf (Blacktown) and on behalf of the people of Enniscorthy Municipal District to sign this Sister Cities Friendship Agreement which will allow future generations to continue to fly the town flag with pride knowing that friendship is enteral.

Speaking warmly of his previous visit to Ireland and Enniscorthy in 2022, Cllr Brad Bunting complimented the hospitality that the people of Enniscorthy have extended him and his delegation and highlighted the value and importance both he, and the Blacktown City Council, place in building new relationships at a community level with Sister City areas.

Enniscorthy Municipal District Council made plans for visit by a delegation from Blacktown City, Australia, for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, however, it was cancelled.

Due to the six-day Iran War, most regional airspace was closed, and the delegation were advised against using Dubai International Airport for security reasons. The trip was called off and rescheduled for later in 2026.

However, the delegation arrives in Enniscorthy on Sunday evening and will be visiting various tourism attractions across Co. Wexford during the week.

Co. Wexford storm road funds unallocated

By Dan Walsh at July Wexford County Council meeting

“We asked for €20 million, but we are very pleased that Wexford County Council will receive €13.49 million from Minister Darragh O’Brien to support repairs to storm damage caused by Storm Chandra last January,” that was the good news at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council held in County Hall. Cllr Lisa McDonald (Cathaoirleach) was in the chair.

But the bad news is that the councillors will go on their holidays not knowing how much funding is coming to their respective areas, but Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services with responsibility for roads, Eamonn Hore has promised that “it will be fair and distributed proportionally.”

**Taking to the land during the January floods.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Mr Hore said are 146 roads on the list, eleven need to be fully structured, full resurfacing is required on others, and more damage can be addressed by surface dressing.

Councillors called for their districts to be prioritised with Cllr Ger Carthy batting for Rosslare District; Cllr Pat Barden made the case for rural Wexford and the Adamstown area and said; New Ross has the worst roads in Ireland” and Cllr Jackser Owens pointed out that Enniscorthy has 650kms of road but only enough funding to surface 10/12 kms.

Mr Hore then announced the ‘worst roads” and the numbers eligible for the funding; NEW ROSS 49; ROSSLARE 32; ENNISCORTHY 29; WEXFORD 22 and GOREY-KILMUCKRIDGE 14. “The funding has not yet been allocated,” concluded Mr. Hore

Teenagers rescued off Clone Beach

**COURTOWN RNLI were first on the scene and rescued teenagers from Clone Beach earlier this evening.** (File Pic; *RNLI/John Timmons*).

By Dan Walsh

Three teenagers are safe and well after being rescued by Courtown RNLI from the sea off Clone Beach, near Castletown, this evening.

The teenagers entered the beach through the new access point and were paddle boarding when they got into difficulties at around 8pm.

After a call to the Irish Coast Guard, Courtown RNLI’s volunteer crew was launched and quickly reached the teenagers, bringing them safely ashore.

The boys were shaken by the ordeal but were uninjured and did not require medical assistance at the scene.

An Garda Síochána and Coast Guard helicopter R117 from Waterford also attended the scene.

Local Cllr Joe Sullivan who visited the scene, said he was relieved the teenagers were safe and well, praised the emergency services for their swift response, and urged people to take care during beach and sea activities.

Kilpatrick beach and coastal works

**CLLR JOE SULLIVAN at Kilpatrick Beach where new rock armour will fight coastal erosion.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at monthly meeting of Wexford County Council and Kilpatrick Beach

Plans to install 80 metres of rock armour to facilitate the construction of a new entrance or access to existing properties which has been cut off due to coastal erosion at Kilpatrick Beach, Castletown, Gorey, were approved at last Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com Independent Cllr Joe Sullivan, who lives locally, he explained the €1 million plans for the successful passing of a Part 8 Planning and Development Regulations 2001 at this historic area of North Wexford.

“The works shall consist of installing 80 metres of Rock Armour at Kilpatrick Beach to facilitate the construction of a new entrance or access to existing properties that have been cut of due to coastal erosion. Replace existing culvert and realign beach access ramp.

“As the local representative for this area and having worked with all the stakeholders to ensure we arrived at this point I would like to warmly welcome the completion of this part of the project.

“I would like to particularly pay tribute to the two people without whom this project would not be happening. The people I refer to are of course Eamonn Hore Director of Services at Wexford County Council with responsibility for Environment who worked tirelessly to ensure that, plans were drawn, all environmental concerns were addressed and most importantly funding was secured.

“It’s at this point I want to extend a thanks to Kevin “Boxer” Moran Minster of State for Public Expenditure Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation who once the case was made to him by Eamonn Hore came on board and supported the project while committing the funding from his Department.

“I now look forward to this project progressing in a timely manner for the betterment of the local residents’ wider community and the very welcome tourists who visit our beautiful beaches on a regular basis. “The last word must go to the residents of the houses who have had to endure hardship accessing their properties for a number of years. Your wait is nearly over and your persistence lobbying and patience is acknowledged, concluded Cllr Sullivan.

HISTORY; While visiting Kilpatrick Beach Cllr Sullivan brought me to see St Patrick’s Well – Toberpatrick -which is still venerated. According to On Our Own Ground – County Wexford Parish by Parish, Volume 1, by Edward Culleton (published by Wexford County Council Public Library Service in 2013), page 168 reads;

“In the Millennium Year of 2000, the community of Castletown restored the easily accessed site (the well) for use. The pure spring water which emerges from under the shale outcrop contains no sea water, unlike other springs in the area.”