Georgia delegation visits County Wexford

Wexford County Council meets delegation from the State of Georgia, USA. (left to right); Elizabeth Hore, Director of Services, Wexford County Council, Cllr Lisa McDonald, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Governor Brian P. Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council. (Pic; Mary Browne).

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council welcomed Governor Brian P. Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and a high-level delegation from the State of Georgia including Mr. Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Mr. Trip Tollison, President & CEO Savannah Economic Development Authority, and Dr. Kyle Marrero, President Georgia Southern University as part of a successful two-day visit that reaffirmed the strong economic, educational and cultural ties between County Wexford and the State of Georgia.

The visit brought together representatives from government, higher education and industry to celebrate existing partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, research and talent development.

Governor Kemp was welcomed by An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Lisa McDonald and Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe. The programme highlighted the success of TradeBridge, a joint initiative of Wexford County Council and Wexford Enterprise Centre, which connects companies in Ireland and Georgia through trade, investment and partnership opportunities.

Presentations were also delivered by Wexford-based companies Stafford Bonded, Kersia Healthcare and Waters Technologies Ireland Ltd., showcasing the innovation and global reach of businesses operating in the county.

The programme also featured contributions from senior leaders with strong Wexford connections and extensive experience in global industries including representatives from Microsoft Ireland.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Lisa McDonald, said: “This visit has been a wonderful celebration of the friendship and connections that exist between County Wexford and the State of Georgia. It showcased the best of our county, our businesses, our educational partnerships, our heritage and, above all, our people. We are deeply appreciative of Governor Kemp and the delegation for taking the time to visit Wexford and we look forward to strengthening our relationship in the years ahead.” 

A key element of the programme was the delegation’s engagement with Georgia Southern University’s Wexford Campus Initiative. The visit provided an opportunity for leaders from both regions to celebrate the success of the partnership and meet students benefiting from international educational opportunities in Wexford.

The delegation also toured the Adoration Convent student accommodation facility, which supports the university’s growing presence in the county and is expected to be officially opened in early 2027. 

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, said: “It was a great honour to welcome Governor Kemp and the Georgia delegation to County Wexford. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the strengths of our county and to reinforce the relationships that have been built through business, education and people-to-people connections. We look forward to continuing to develop these valuable partnerships into the future.”

During the visit, delegates experienced some of Wexford’s cultural and heritage attractions, including Johnstown Castle, the National Opera House and the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in New Ross. These visits highlighted the county’s unique history, tourism offering and enduring links with the United States.

Motorcyclist in his 50s dies near Wellingtonbridge

By Dan Walsh

A man in his 50s died this afternoon after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a van near Wellingtonbridge in south Wexford.

He has been named locally as Sean (Jack) Cahill, (54), from Caislean an Dinigh, Carrig-on-Bannow.

The collision happened on the R736 at Barrystown between Wellingtonbridge and Carrig-on-Bannow shortly before 3.15pm.

Gardaí and emergency services attended, and the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

The van driver did not need immediate hospital treatment.

The road remains closed to facilitate a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

€1.75m coastal funding for Rosslare Strand and Kilpatrick beaches

Pictured at the announcement of coastal erosion funding at Rosslare Strand today were (left to right); Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, George Lawlor TD, Cllr Frank Staples, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District Council, Verona Murphy TD, Ceann Comhairle Dáil Eireann, Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Senator Cathal Byrne, Cllr Ger Carthy, and Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive Wexford County Council. (Pic; Mary Browne). 

By Dan Walsh

Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, visited Rosslare Strand and Kilpatrick Beaches to announce much needed funding for coastal protection at both beaches.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said The Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed today the approval of €566,666 following an application by Wexford County Council’s for funding under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

“I have been meeting the Boxer on this to push for a resolution. Today with Boxer Moran we announced the funding approval, while the commencement and progression of any works will be announced directly by Wexford County Council.
“Our Council will use the funding to provide rock revetment coastal protection of around 200 metres in length skirting Kelly’s Hotel at an estimated cost of €750,000.

These essential works will be carried out over Winter 2026/2027 and to be completed by Spring 2027. Recent storms together with sea level rise and coastal erosion have seen much sand loss and damage inflicted upon the Blue Flag Beach at Rosslare Strand.

The immediate works will tie in with a longer-term Rosslare Strand Coastal Protection and Flood Relief Scheme which is expected to be completed by 2031. A Public Consultation Day was held by Wexford County Council and the Office of Public Works in Rosslare in August. The Scheme is expected to cost €15 million.

There was also a meeting with members of Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane Environmental Group,” said Minister Browne, who added; “This interim works funding is essential, but we will continue to press hard to get what’s needed done for Wexford.”

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN campaigned for coastal erosion funding for Kilpatrick Beach. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Wexford County Council is also to receive funding of around €1 million for the urgent Coastal Protection works at Kilpatrick Beach in North Wexford.

Welcoming the news local Independent Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “I have been campaigning particularly hard for the last three years with and on behalf of local residents at Kilpatrick for the provision of rock armour and an access road to five properties cut off for a number of years by coastal erosion.”

Cllr Sullivan thanked Minister Moran, Wexford County Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe, and Deputy Chief Executive Eamonn Hore for supporting the North Wexford funding application.

Local residents at Kilpatrick have long campaigned for a coastal protection scheme for the Beach which has been adversely affected by storm surges and coastal erosion in recent years. Access to some residents’ homes is across a tidal beach now making normal life very difficult for these residents.

The work will consist of about 80 metres of rock armour with a 4-metre-wide access track to a number of local properties.

Cllr Lisa Mc Donald, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council welcomed news of the Coastal Protection Funding for Rosslare Strand and Kilpatrick, “The soft sandy coastline of Co. Wexford is one of the most vulnerable in the country to the devastating effects of coastal erosion on local communities.

“These works will bring relief to the weary communities in Rosslare Strand and Kilpatrick that have endured significant coastal erosion close to their homes for many years, and it will help bring stability to these areas,” concluded Cllr McDonald.

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, expressed his gratitude to Minister Moran for the allocation of funding for very urgent coastal protection works at Kilpatrick and Rosslare Strand Beaches.

Cllr Ger Carthy said; “I was delighted to welcome my good friend and Independent Minister Boxer Moran to Ballyhealy this morning to discuss the very serious coastal erosion issues in the area.

“We had a very productive meeting with the Minister and senior officials from Wexford County Council. I was pleased to see the level of engagement and commitment to addressing the immediate concerns.

“I wish to personally thank Minister Moran for making the trip to Kilmore this morning, for his continued support. The work doesn’t stop here. We will continue to push for action and investment to protect Ballyhealy and its community,” concluded Cllr Carthy.

Ivan Yates shares life advice in new book

IVAN YATES signing copies of his latest book, The Game of Life & and How to Win it, at the launch in The Book Centre, Wexford, last night. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at The Book Centre, Wexford

In his new hardback, The Game of Life & How to Win it, Enniscorthy-born Ivan Yates draws on his remarkable career in politics, business and broadcasting to offer a direct guide to success, fulfilment and overcoming setbacks.

The Wexford launch took place last night (Friday) in the Book Centre, Wexford, before a large attendance. In his address, Yates believes that “success isn’t down to luck, it’s about strategy, preparation and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.”

In an excerpt from the book, Ivan states; “Anyone who knows me understands that I am a talker, but over the years and while meeting people from all walks of life, I have trained myself to listen.

“My job as a Fine Gael TD in Enniscorthy provided me with a degree in listening, as people flowed through my door with their problems and concerns.

“It was during the 1980s, and unemployment was at an all-time high. Many local businesses were closing down, leaving people on unemployment benefit with with no prospects of work elsewhere.

“All I could do was listen, nod and commiserate, urge them to avail of all the benefits they were entitled to and send them on their way,” he states.

Yates’ book should be read by anybody with an interest in going through life with its’ do’s and don’ts, and has some interesting quotes like this ones under the heading; What is a true friend?

A good friend is genuinely interested in you as a person, not as a contact or a useful acquaintance; will turn up for the tough times, like illness, difficulty, pain and not just for fun events; and isn’t jealous of your success and achievements in life.

Ivan has dedicated the book to his five grandchildren, Beth, Freya and Mia Stewart, and Sean and Anna Yates, all under seven years old, and writes; “I hope that some fragment of wisdom contained in this book might help them in the decades ahead, when they encounter lives travels.”

Ivan Yates is an Irish broadcaster, author, businessman and Fine Gael politician who represented Wexford constituency in Dáil Éireann from 1981 to 2002.

During his political career, he served as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry from 1994 until 1997, and after leaving politics he became a prominent media figure and businessman.

His previous publication was Full On; A Memoir published in 2014 at a time when he co-presented Newstalk FM’s breakfast show with Chris Donoghue, who presided at last night’s Wexford launch.

The Game of Life and & How to Win it by Ivan Yates, 385 pages, hardback, no illustrations, published by Gill Books, Dublin, €24.99, available at all good bookshops. ISBN 9781804583456.

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.