Sinn Féin’s Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, for Wicklow–Wexford, has called on the Minister for Health and the HSE to urgently provide clarity for newly qualified paramedics in the National Ambulance Service, following reports that around 80 have been told they must reapply to retain their jobs.
Speaking today, Teachta Ó Súilleabháin said; “Last week, my office was contacted by newly qualified paramedics who are local within my constituency after receiving an email about changes to their permanent positions. It is simply unacceptable that they are being forced to reapply for the very jobs they are already doing. This makes absolutely no sense.
“These are highly trained, newly qualified paramedics who have completed their education and training and are already serving on the frontline of our healthcare system.
“This decision is not just unfair to these paramedics and their families — it also risks further undermining retention and morale at a time when morale is already on the floor in our ambulance service, and when paramedics are potentially facing strike action.”
“I have contacted the Minister for Health directly about this worrying situation. The Minister and the HSE must step in immediately to reverse this decision.
“These students need to be provided with certainty and be assured that permanent jobs will be offered to those currently in post.
“Paramedics deserve respect, stability, and a proper career pathway. And the public deserves a fully staffed and safe National Ambulance Service.”
Revenue officers seized approximately nine million cigarettes at Rosslare Europort on Sunday. The seizure was made following routine risk profiling.
The contraband was uncovered during an examination of an accompanied freight unit which had disembarked a ferry from Dunkerque, France. The truck and trailer were also seized.
The smuggled cigarettes branded ‘Richmond King Size’, have an estimated value of over €8 million and represent a potential loss to the exchequer of more than €6.4 million.
A man in his 40s was questioned in relation to the seizure. Investigations are ongoing.
These routine operations are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.
If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.
CLLR AOIFE ROSE O’BRIEN is working tirelessly with the 36 families affected by termination notices this weekend to help answer their questions and support them in disputing the served notices and ultimately help them prevent this nightmare.” (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh in Bridgetown
Last Friday, 36 families in Hazelwood Estate, Bridgetown, south Wexford, were given notices ending their tenancies because the landlord plans to sell the properties.
Speaking to WexfordLocal.com this afternoon, Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien said; “It is utterly devastating to see a mass eviction taking place in my home village of Bridgetown. I have been working tirelessly with the 36 families affected this weekend to help answer their questions and support them in disputing the served notices and ultimately help them prevent this nightmare.”
“Behind those 36 doors are families who are integrated into our community: children attending local schools, youths representing our local teams and adults working in our local establishments.
“Those families do not deserve to have their lives ripped to shreds and turned upside down, at no fault of their own.”
“At this time, I have been advised that these notices are unlawful. In the coming days the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board) will be in touch with the residents following the disputes we registered today, to investigate this. We live in hope that this decision can be reversed.”
“I have called for an emergency district meeting which will take place on Wednesday morning to thoroughly discuss what options can be made available from Wexford County Council,” concluded Cllr O’Brien.
Labour TD for Wexford, George Lawlor says uncertainty remains: “There’s 36 of them have received notices of termination issued by one individual landlord.
“I think the government must immediately intervene in this scenario, because here we have a situation where 36 families are now left without a home or will be left without a home when their notice runs out.”
A Department of Housing spokesperson confirmed Minister for Housing James Browne has been in contact with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) over the weekend in relation to the matter. Browne understands the RTB is directly engaging with Wexford County Council to ensure the tenants’ rights are protected.
It is understood properties are owned by a developer, Patchflow Ltd, which has been contacted for comment.
An emergency information meeting is to be held by Wexford County Council on Monday.
The Department spokesperson also said under Section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord must state a reason for termination in any “Part 4 tenancy termination notice served”. They added the termination will not be valid unless copied to the RTB and the stated reason must comply with regulatory guidelines.
The tenants received the notices ahead of the Government’s new rental rules, which came into effect today (Sunday).
Under the new rules, landlords will have to keep rent-price increases capped at 2 per cent, or the rate of inflation, annually. However, in the cases of new tenancies, owners can reset it to the market rate with no limit.
Tenancies started after Sunday will have a minimum duration of six years and there will also be more stringent grounds for eviction.
Three wins for Donnchadh Doyle and doubles each for riders Barry O’Neill and Brian Lawless summed up a winning weekend for Wexford point-to-point raiders at three different tracks.
Conditions were difficult at Borris House where the Carlow Farmers fixture took place today (Sunday) with two races divided due to a large entry and an 8-race card.
The opening race was the maiden race for four-year-old mares and an eight lengths victory for newcomer Personal Space handled by Garrett Murphy at Ballymitty, who is enjoying a very successful season, and ridden by Shane O’Rourke from Foulksmills. 65th career point-to-point win for O’Rourke.
Brian Lawless had his second success of the weekend at Borris aboard Ballycrystal Boy, in the Abbie O’Connor colours, scoring by two lengths in division two of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings. This was the 100th point-to-point winner for the Wicklow rider.
Barry O’Neill and Colin Bowe took the honours in the mares Winner of Two race with Dedudesfromhouston by eight lengths.
DONNCHADH DOYLE trained three winners this weekend.
Donnchadh Doyle’s Borris success came in the first division of the maiden race for five-year-old geldings when Little Patience in the Monbeg Syndicate colours came home six lengths to the good under Rob James.
Donnchadh Doyle also saddled newcomer The Gift Shop in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings at Ballycahane, Co. Limerick today (Sunday) and the result was a 12 lengths victory with Alan Harney in the saddle.
Donnchadh Doyle saddled his third the winner of the weekend at Farmacaffley, Co. Armagh, yesterday (Saturday) in the maiden race for four-year-olds; newcomer Blue Rebel ridden by Brian Lawless. The winner now heads for the sales.
Donnchadh Doyle has now trained 320 career point-to-point winners.
Record breaker Winged Leader won his 40th race for Fermanagh handler David Christie ridden by Barry O’Neill yesterday ay Farmacaffley.
An impressive entry of 130 should create a busy day at the Borris House point-to-point tomorrow (Sunday). First race at 1pm.
Latest ground information is ‘yielding to soft, soft in places.’
At Farmacaffley, Co. Armagh, today (Saturday), Donnchadh Doyle saddled the winner of the maiden race for four-year-olds; newcomer Blue Rebel ridden by Brian Lawless. The winner now heads for the sales.
Record breaker Winged Leader won his 40th race for Fermanagh handler David Christie ridden by Barry O’Neill.
Wexford’s Derek Kent will succeed Jarlath Burns to become the 42nd Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael (President of the Gaelic Athletic Association) after delegates voted in the opening session of the 2026 GAA Congress in Dublin tonight.
DEREK KENT becomes President of the GAA in 2027.
Mr. Kent will assume the role of Uachtarán when Burns’ term comes to an end in February 2027, from which point on the Taghmon-Camross clubman will lead the GAA.
The election took place tonight. Total Votes was 277. No spoiled votes. Quota 139. Result; Derek Kent (Wexford) 169 votes; Ger Ryan (Tipperary) 76 votes; John Murphy (Sligo) 32 votes.
Derek Kent is a member of Taghmon-Camross GAA and served as Chair of Wexford GAA County Board from 2017 to 2020 and has been Chair of the Leinster Council since 2023. He chaired the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) for three years during Larry McCarthy’s presidency.
“I want to engage with our volunteers and our memberships, home and abroad. I want to listen to the concerns and the direction the GAA is heading towards. I also want to ensure the GAA remains the focal point of the community in all our parishes,” said Mr. Kent prior to his nomination for the Presidency.
Bree is the Macra Na Feirme National Novice Debating champions. Pictured (left to right); Eddie Casey, Sarah Byrne, Josephine O’Neill, National President of Macra, and Mark Waters.
By Dan Walsh
Bree Macra are 2026 champions following the National Finals of the Macra na Feirme Novice Debating Competition, held on Saturday at the Ormonde Hotel in Kilkenny.
Representing Bree in the Novice category were Eddie Casey, Mark Waters, and Sarah Byrne, who faced strong opposition from Portlaoise Macra.
The final saw the teams tackle the motion: “Mobile phones should be illegal for those under the age of 16.” Bree Macra took the position opposing the motion and delivered a compelling, well-structured, and engaging argument throughout, which ultimately secured them the title of 2026 Novice Debating Champions.
The evening held further success for Bree when Sarah Byrne was once again recognised by the judging panel, receiving the Best Debater Award for the second time in this year’s competition series. Her strong delivery and persuasive reasoning impressed both judges and audience alike.
This latest win adds to Bree Macra’s proud debating history. The club previously claimed senior debating titles in 1986 and 2019 and were runners-up in the novice competition in 2023.
The victorious team extended heartfelt thanks to their dedicated coaches, James Byrne and PJ Darcy, whose guidance and experience were central to the team’s preparation and success.
During the February meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, members expressed concern regarding the issue of coastal erosion and advocated for appropriate measures to address the matter.
Enda Brennan, the Executive Engineer responsible for Environmental matters, was reminded by members about the damage at Kiltennel and the importance of beach nourishment, as well as potential erosion affecting properties managed by Coilte, the OPW, and Courtown Golf Club. Recent severe storms have further exacerbated the situation in this area.
Kiltennel beach today (Thursday). The exit of the Burrow River is totaly blocked by a mountain of sand. The established rock armour has been penetrated by the sea and the storms attack on the beach continues unprotected. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The coastline north of the Burrow River entrance has been eroded by the sea, leaving the rock armour stranded several metres from the beach and no longer serving its intended purpose.
Cllrs Pip Breen, Mary Farrell and Oliver Walsh all addressed issues of coastal erosion in their areas. Problems at Cahore, Old Bawn, Ballyconnigar, and Ballinamona beaches are also being assessed by Wexford County Council. Mr. Brennan will provide an update and report at the next meeting.
Meanwhile in Dáil Éireann Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow-Wexford constituency Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, highlighted concerns in Leinster House, noting that along Cahore, Glascarrig, Courtown, Castletown, Arklow and right up to Brittas Bay, the coastline is disappearing at an alarming rate. With changing weather patterns and more frequent storms, erosion is becoming a major issue that requires urgent action to protect our coastline.
Teachta Ó Súilleabháin said; “The beautiful and historic Courtown Woods have lost an area equivalent to 18 football pitches in recent decades. The Kiltennel walking trail is being swept away, and the Arklow walking trail up to Brittas is being devastated. These coastal walks are hugely important for health and well-being, and they are being absolutely destroyed.
“With climate change accelerating the problem, coastal communities are genuinely worried about the future of their homes.
Further north towards Dublin, reports have highlighted how erosion could affect rail infrastructure raising additional concerns about potential impacts on towns such as Arklow and Gorey.”
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin asked what measures the Government is taking to address these issues. He noted, however, that while reports are welcome, action is urgently needed. “Coastal erosion is not a new problem, and just like the flooding we have seen during recent storms, the Government needs to be proactive as well as reactive.
“Major investment is required now to slow the devastation occurring along our coastlines,” concluded Teachta Ó Súilleabháin.
Pictured at the launch of the Garda Youth Awards 2026 in the Wexford County Council Chambers on Wednesday were back row (l to r)- Garda David Fitzgerald (Junior Officer, Wexford Garda Station), Dymphna O’Connor (Head of Community, Wexford County Council), Garda Sgt David Ferriter, Garda Inspector Liam Kavanagh (New Ross Garda Station), Garda Sgt Laura Biolger, Garda Inspector Graham Rowley. Front row (l to r)- Carolyne Godkin (Director of Services, Wexford County Council), Superintendent David O’Sullivan (Wexford Wicklow Division), Superintendent Jarlath Duffy (Wexford Division), and Eddie Taaffe (Chief Executive, Wexford County Council). Photo: Jim Campbell
By Dan Walsh
An Garda Sίochána and Wexford County Council have launched the Annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2026.
The launch of these annual awards is to acknowledge the achievements of young people who are making a difference in their own lives and in their communities within the Wexford Garda Division and acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “Wexford County Council enjoys a strong working relationship with An Garda Siochána. These awards offer an opportunity to strengthen our interagency cooperation further towards the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford.
Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station said; “I am pleased to announce the launch the Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2026, an important chance to recognise the outstanding contributions of young people across every corner of County Wexford. These awards are a celebration of the energy, creativity and the impact that young people bring to our community. These awards recognise everyday heroes who lead by example, show resilience and make our county a better place for everyone.”
Awards will be presented in four categories:
Individual Award; Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Group Award; Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Special Achievement Award; Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.
Community Safety Award; Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.
Anyone can nominate a young person between the ages of 13 and 21 for an award. Nominations will be completed through an online process; this is available through the following link: Garda Youth Awards 2026 | Wexford County Council
Details of this process will be distributed to schools, youth groups and voluntary organisations right across Wexford in the coming days and will also be available upon request from your local Garda Station, the closing date for nominations will be Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 4pm. A Judging Panel will decide upon the Divisional Winners, the Judging Panel will also nominate an individual/group to represent Wexford for consideration at the National Garda Youth Awards. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 18th May 2026.
If anyone requires further information, they can contact the Superintendent’s Office at WW.WexfordSouth.CE@Garda.ie, 053 9165280 or through their local Garda Station.
Water supply is returning to Uisce Éireann customers in Enniscorthy after the successful repair of a burst water main in the Templeshannon area.
Uisce Éireann crews located the burst late last night before carrying out repairs and water is now returning to impacted customers.
River Slaney at Enniscorthy (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
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. Customers are also being asked to be mindful of their water usage and to allow supply to catch up with demand.
Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked affected customers for their understanding while these repair works were being carried out. “We understand the impact an unplanned interruption to the water supply can have on homes and businesses and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
WexfordLocal.com 