WexfordLocal.com

No show local politicians’ anger Enniscorthy flood victims

By Dan Walsh at IFA Centre, Enniscorthy

A speaker at a public meeting held in the IFA Centre on Saturday evening expressed concern about the absence of councillors – “It is disgraceful that councillors are not here” – as flood victims, local residents, and business owners advocated for an expedited agreement on a flood relief plan for Enniscorthy, along with the immediate implementation of interim flood mitigation measures.

Around 50 people attended the meeting to seek urgent solutions after recent flooding along Island Road, the quays, and The Promenade caused major damage and financial loss for residents and businesses unable to obtain insurance due to ongoing issues.

Helen Lyons said all deputies and councillors were invited, but only Senator Cathal Byrne, who is a member of the Oireachtas Infrastructure Committee, and Cllr Jackser Owens (Independent) attended. Cllr Owens will raise the issue at Monday’s Wexford County Council meeting to call for immediate action.

Cllr Owens was critical of the absence of his fellow public representatives and drew a round of applause when he quipped; “There are more cups of tea than politicians here tonight!”

The meeting had active audience participation with many suggestions, but residents at risk of flooding feel ignored by absent politicians and authorities, despite public consultations.

There were calls for a new flood defence measures to be in place; a call for flood defences to be omitted from planning in the interest of public safety and security; change the planning system where flood relief is a priority; that the government would indemnify property against flood damage; and there was a suggestion that Island Road houses be demolished – give people new homes somewhere else – and turn the area into a carpark!

The home of Susan Byrne’s mother, Betty, on Island Road was one of those flooded. She posed an interesting question; “I would like to know when they are going to start, because Island Road is Phase 3 and Phase 1 hasn’t even started, hasn’t even gone for planning and, like, how long more is it going to take.”

Enniscorthy-born architect Kevin Tyrrell then joined the top table providing statistics and an outline of where the issue is at present.

He pointed out that Phase 1 is ‘Bridgeworks’ and this phase will include the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, and the construction of the new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. He said there are no plans for barriers or dredging of the water channels etc.

Phase 2 is ‘The Flood Relief’ Works’ and this phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for Enniscorthy town and this includes an update on ecological and project baseline data and preparation of planning documents and submission for planning approval. THERE IS NO MENTION OF ISLAND ROAD so far!

The matter will be raised at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council and the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting on Tuesday week.

Good racing at Ballinaboola

**Barry O’Neill, Colin Bowe and Pat Nolan in family celebration mode after Galatrona won at Ballinaboola today.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Ballinaboola Races

The Wexford Hunt point-to-point survived an early morning precautionary inspection and went ahead in pleasant conditions at Ballinaboola, New Ross, this afternoon.

The opening race was for four-year-old maidens run over two and a half miles where Mister Boum from Ellen Doyle’s Baltimore Stables, near Enniscorthy was impressive when winning by four lengths ridden by Brian Dunleavy. “They went a sensible gallop and he’s for sale now,” said James Doyle afterwards.

Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill struck winning form in the maiden race for five and six-year-old mares with Galatrona scoring by seven lengths.

It was a memorable day for 17 years old novice rider Caitlyn Grant from Mullinavat who registered her first winner on the family-owned David O’Brien trained Occupational Force. Caitlyn rides out at the Colin Bowe stables at Kiltealy.

The maiden race for five-year-old geldings produced a 16 lengths success for Grande J, trained by Nicky Stokes at Fethard, Co. Tipperary, and ridden by Finian Maguire.

There was another Tipperary winner of the maiden race for six-year-old geldings when the Sam Curling trained Kildare D’Irelande ridden by David Doyle took the honours by 12 lengths in the four-runner contest.

Only two contested the Winners Race Unlimited with Hearts And Spades from Ian McCarthy’s yard at Kildangan, Co. Kildare, coming home 10 lengths ahead of Sean Doyle’s Gale Force Jet ridden by Jamie Scallan.

It was a good day’s racing. While access was trickly everything ran smoothly. One fence per circuit was closed and track was riding heavy to soft in places in drying conditions and the fixture was run off safely and efficiently.

Ballinaboola races ‘good to go’

By Dan Walsh

There was a precautionary inspection on Saturday morning at Ballinaboola, near New Ross, ahead of the rescheduled point-to-point. Racing will go ahead.

The Wexford Hunt point-to-point fixture was originally scheduled for Sunday, February 1^st, but was called off after the track was found unfit for racing and the fixture has been rescheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, February 7th.

The card has 76 entries. First race at 1pm.

The going at Ballinaboola was described as ‘heavy, soft in places’, when inspected on Friday afternoon, with IHRB Course Inspector Andrew Doyle, noting that one fence will have to be omitted.
“The second-last fence will be removed tomorrow, resulting in ten fences in the two and a half mile maiden, and 12 fences in the three-mile maidens,” he said.
“The forecast this evening is for a few mms of rain tonight, and it is to be dry thereafter. If we get that forecast, we should be good to go,” concluded Mr. Doyle.

Wexford Sport Active Plan 2025-2030

Pictured at the launch of Sport Active Wexford’s Strategic Plan 2025 –2030 at County Hall were; Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Mary Van Lieshout, Director Participation Ethics Integrity and Research, Sport Ireland, Fran Ronan, Lead of Local Sports Partnership and Cllr. Garry Laffan, Chairperson of Sports Active Wexford’s Steering Committee. (Pic; *Mary Browne*)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has launched Sport Active Wexford’s Strategic Plan 2025 –2030, entitled “A Roadmap to Excellence and Innovation” at County Hall, Wexford County Council, by Cllr Garry Laffan, Chairperson of the Sports Active Wexford’s Steering Committee in the presence of Colleen Devine, Director of Participation with Sport Ireland, Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council, the Steering Committee, local Councillors, District Managers, tutors and community partners.

Cllr Laffan welcomed everybody to the launch and stated; “Our Strategy is built on insights and learning gathered through our previous work and collaboration with our steering committee, stakeholders, and partners.

“It outlines our approach to ensuring people in County Wexford can access opportunities to engage in physical activity at all levels. A great deal of change has occurred since our inception in 2008, reflecting shifts in national and local policy, the priorities of our key partners, and our growth in knowledge and understanding of how we can work and evolve as a partnership to support the people of County Wexford.”

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council gave his full support to the strategy. “I am delighted to support the Sports Active Strategy 2025-2030. The strong, mutually beneficial partnership between Wexford County Council and Sports Active Wexford enables the tailored delivery of opportunities for every resident of County Wexford to engage in sport or physical activity. This inclusive approach ensures that participation is possible for people of all ages, backgrounds, economic circumstances, and abilities.”

Water supply returns to Bridgetown

By Dan Walsh

Water supply is returning to normal levels for Uisce Éireann customers in Bridgetown after the successful repair of a burst water main.

Uisce Éireann quickly crews located and repaired the burst main and water is now returning to impacted customers.

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.

“Uisce Éireann acknowledges the disruption that can be caused by an unplanned outage such as this one and we wish to thank customers in the area for their patience while these repairs were underway,” said Mr Lyng.

Burst water main in Bridgetown

By Dan Walsh

**BRIDGETOWN** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

Uisce Éireann crews are tackling a major burst in Bridgetown to restore water to customers affected today (Thursday).

The unplanned outage may cause supply disruptions to customers and businesses in Bridgetown, Kilmore and Tomhaggard.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.

“We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.”

Repairs are expected to be completed by 5pm today. Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. 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.

To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.

Gorey poet recalls childhood trauma

By Dan Walsh

Regina Redmond from Gorey follows the publication of her first book of poetry Buried Deep is the Child with Warrior Woman Truth Teller which be officially launched by Colm O’Gorman, founder of One in Four and former executive director of Amnesty International Ireland in Gorey Library tonight (Thursday).

The event will be hosted by Hot Press writer Jackie Hayden who lives in the south of the county. He will introduce several guests who will recite a selection of poems from Warrior Woman Truth Teller.

Already confirmed are Regina Redmond herself, her daughter Orla, Clare Williams (Manager, Wexford Rape Crisis Centre), poet and filmmaker Odhran Somers, Carol Boland of Boland Press, and close friend and confidante Anita Carroll.

Music will be provided by Aileen Mythen (former singer with the acclaimed Remedy Club) and Ian Doyle (highly regarded singer-songwriter who recently performed as The Man Whom).

Several poems from Warrior Woman Truth Teller have already been recorded by Regina as part of a separate project, with atmospheric music added by local musicians.

Regina has also expanded her artistic activities to take in painting, and some of her visual works are included in Warrior Woman Truth Teller.

“Buried Deep is the Child was subtitled A Healing Journey, and the title reflects how my writing has helped me deal with trauma suffered during my childhood,” Regina told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “Warrior Woman Truth Teller shows me having become stronger and much more confident about facing my future. I think of my poems as shedding light on the path I’ve taken from deep darkness into the full light of recovery.

“Writing has a therapeutic value for me and publishing them has been enormously liberating. I have also recorded some of these poems for the BandCamp and YouTube platforms, and, since the healing power of music has long been established, adding music is a logical and valuable step for me as I continue onward on my exploratory journey with Warrior Woman Truth Teller,” she concluded.

Warrior Woman Truth Teller is published by Carol Boland of Boland Press and, like Buried Deep is the Child, is expected to resonate deeply with those who love poetry that comes straight from the heart. Her work has also attracted a very positive and appreciative response from others who have suffered childhood trauma.

Bree debaters in the semi-final

**Bree Macra Novice Debating team of Mark Waters, Sarah Byrne and Eddie Casey are heading for the National Semi-Finals in Cork.**

By Dan Walsh

The National Quarter-Finals of the Macra Na Feirme Novice Debating Competitionwere held on Saturday evening in Bree Community Centre, where teams from across the country gathered to compete for a place in the National Semi-Finals.

The local Bree Macra team of Eddie Casey, Mark Waters, and Sarah Byrne, faced strong opposition from Angela Harney, Ciaran McDermot and Katie Doyle of Naas Macra. The teams debated the motion “That stay-at-home parents should be paid a salary.”

Bree Macra took on the role of proposing the motion and delivered a well-structured and compelling argument throughout the contest.

Their confident performance and effective defence of the motion earned them well-deserved victory on the night.

In addition to the team victory, Sarah Byrne was honoured by the judges with the award for Best Debater, recognising her exceptional delivery and engagement during the debate.

The Bree team advances to the National Semi-Finals in Cork on February 7th.

Enniscorthy opens new Family Resource Centre

Pictured at the new Family Resource Centre at Temoleshannon were; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Norma Foley TD, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government and Cllr Aidan Browne.

By Dan Walsh

Minister James Browne, together with Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, has formally announced the designation of Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre as a new Family Resource Centre.

This decision follows several years of advocacy by numerous groups and individuals, including Enniscorthy East Community Development, with significant support from Wexford County Council.

Minister James Browne, who hosted Minister Norma Foley recently to visit Templeshannon’s centre in Enniscorthy said; “I am delighted to announce the establishment of a new Family Resource Centre for Ennsicorthy, based on funding secured as part of the Budget 2026 negotiations.

“A few weeks ago I brought Minister Foley to meet the incredible team in Templeshannon so she could see for herself what they are doing locally and all the initiatives that they provide to families and people in the area.

“I know first-hand the incredible work that Templeshannon Community & Childcare does every single day for families in Enniscorthy. This is a huge step for the brilliant staff and team in Templeshannon,” concluded Minister Browne.

River flood alert in place until Friday

**The River Slaney just under two metres at 5pm this evening with the collapsed wall on Wexford road.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) met again today (Tuesday) as a preparatory measure during the continued period of unsettled weather and high flood risk.

A river flood advisory is currently in place for Wexford until 11am on Friday. River levels in Wexford are currently registering as High and will continue as such for the next few days.

The ground remains saturated and rain continues to fall, combined with high river levels and high tides this this week, leading to potential further flooding in these areas.

Yellow Rainfall Warning expired at 3pm today. Water at the Rafter Bridge measured just under two metres at 5pm this evening. Surface water levels are Elevated in the region so motorists should remain careful.

Heavy rainfall is expected again on Thursday, and rainfall warnings are possible again in Wexford later in the week.

We are in a period of high spring tides. Strong winds and high surge levels may lead to wave overtopping and coastal flooding and the period of High Tide Advisory in the county is in place until 10pm on Thursday.

High tides will further reduce the capacity for river discharge and increase the risk of flooding in low-lying coastal areas during high tide. This means that coastal levels are High for the remainder of the week.

The Wexford County Council Emergency Management Team continues liaise with the NDFEM and critical agencies and to monitor the weather situation, with crews remain on standby across the county as issues arise.