Rosslare Europort will experience capacity issues from tomorrow (Sunday) and significant delays are expected once the port reopens.
Protesters have set up a blockade at Kilrane, which is approximately a mile from Rosslare Europort This is in place since early Thursday morning.
Only passenger traffic is currently being permitted to pass through.
For a period yesterday accompanied pharmaceutical freight was permitted through, but that has now stopped also since yesterday afternoon.
There is currently about a mile of a tail back of trucks.
Iarnróid Éireann announced today: “We expect challenges soon, as two ships will arrive tomorrow or early Monday. Once unloaded, we will have no additional capacity.
“We will then have to turn ships back to wait on anchor out from the port or advise to go to an alternative port.
“Once the blockades are lifted, it will take some time to get the port cleared before we can take any more freight in and the port may need to put restrictions on capacity during this time,” stated Iarnród Éireann.
EOIN STAPLES and JAMES NOLAN braved the elements at Wexford races this afternoon to share double success. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford races
Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan and Duncormick jockey Eoin Staples joined forces for a double success at Wexford races today where the ground for the horses was ‘yielding’ but for the punters it was unpleasant with wind, rain and incredible cold conditions.
Le Moulin Rouge (/1 fav.) started the winning double for Nolan/Staples by three lengths in the maiden hurdle. James Nolan, assistant trainer to his brother Paul, was in Aintree said afterwards; “He is a lovely horse and there was no plan beyond today. We’ll see what’s for him. We might be restricted to going left-handed, as he prefers to go that way.”
The Nolan/Staples double was completed in the following race – a handicap hurdle – when Sean Mc (13/2) scored by two lengths. Afterwards, James Nolan said; “I’m delighted for the lads, Dominic Delaney and his family. They are fantastic owners and loyal people. They’ve had horses with us for years and have been a bit unlucky.
“They are Kilkenny people and I’m thrilled for them. It’s their first winner since 2007. He’ll go for something similar now in three or four weeks’ time.”
Top jockey Jack Kennedy, who rode two winners at Aintree on Thursday and returns there again on Saturday to ride in the Aintree Grand National, made the headlines when his foot dropped out of the irons turning into the straight aboard Dunleer Crystal and he clung on dearly for a number of strides before regaining his composure and finished third. The drama is an international attraction on social media.
But Kennedy left the track with a smile on his face when he partnered the JP McManus owned/ Gordon Elliott trained Agameoftwohalves (5/2) to victory in the novice hurdle.
In other news Cleariestown jockey Conor Stone-Walsh, (19), was successful on Will The Wise (9/1) for the Gavin Cromwell stables in the Topham Chase at Aintree run over the famous National fences. The talented teenager won his first race at the Cheltenham Festival last month on Final Orders and the partnership will be reunited in the Aintree Grand National (off at 4pm, Saturday). Final Orders is well priced at 22/1.
Four other Wexford jockeys will ride in the world’s greatest steeplechase; JJ Slevin, Banbridge (40/1), Sean O’Keeffe is on Lucky Watson (33/1), Jordan Gainford, Three Card Brag (50/1) and veteran Sean Flanagan, Gorgeous Tom (22/1). All have chances and good luck to all five jockeys.
At Wexford races today, Ursula Sinnott presented Eddie Scally with an award recognising his six years as Manager of Wexford Racecourse. Also pictured: Michael Murphy, Chairman and Donie O’Brien, Director. (Pic WexfordLocal.com)
Eddie Scally was honoured for his six years as Manager at Wexford races. Chairman Michael Murphy praised his contributions and improvements, while Managing Director Ursula Sinnott presented him with a gift and wished him well. Mr. Scally expressed gratitude for his time at the track.
The M11 Tinnock Roundabout, north lane, Gorey, this evening.
By Dan Walsh
County Wexford Chamber has called for an urgent deescalation of the fuel protests currently causing disruption across the country, warning that the impact is being felt acutely by Wexford businesses, including those with significant logistics and supply chain operations.
County Wexford is a strategically important logistics county, home to many businesses operating large-scale distribution, transport and manufacturing activities. With Rosslare Europort playing a critical role in regional and national trade, continued disruption to fuel supply and transport networks is putting business operations at risk and creating uncertainty for employers and workers alike.
Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, said: “County Wexford has a strong logistics base, with many businesses relying on the efficient movement of goods through road networks and Rosslare Europort. We are already hearing from members whose logistics operations are effectively stalled, with knock-on impacts for production, exports and employment.
“Fuel price pressures are a real and ongoing challenge for businesses, but the problem is being compounded locally by the blockage of national transport routes and disruption to fuel distribution. Prolonged disruption risks damaging business confidence, supply chains, connectivity for shipping line customers and County Wexford’s reputation as a reliable place to do business.”
PAULA ROCHE, CEO County Wexford Chamber.
Ms Roche added that while the right to protest is respected, businesses need certainty. “In a county where logistics, agri-food, manufacturing and export-led companies are central to the local economy, disruption of this scale has a significant impact.”
The concerns raised in County Wexford reflect the picture emerging nationwide, with Chambers Ireland, the national body representing Chambers of Commerce across the country, also urging an immediate end to the disruption.
Chambers Ireland has warned that prolonged disruption to transport networks and fuel depots has seen companies reporting supply delays, reduced consumer activity and difficulties for staff commuting to and from work.
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said; “Our economy relies on the efficient movement of people and goods, and any prolonged impact to this freedom risks undermining business confidence.
“Constructive engagement offers the best path forward. We need to see a shift away from disruption and towards solutions that protect both livelihoods and economic stability.”
County Wexford Chamber echoed this call, stressing that an immediate move towards dialogue and engagement is essential to protect jobs, trade and economic activity across the county.
Wexford racecourse is in excellent condition for Friday’s fixture which consists of seven races – four over hurdles and three steeplechases- and the first race is off at 3.45pm.
GOING: Good to Yielding, Yielding in places. Following 2mm of rain overnight. Possibility of 4-6mm (approx) of rain prior to racing. Racing five yards off innermost Hurdle racing line and four yards in from outermost Chase racing line.
This all-National Hunt fixture is the second of 14 allocated to Bettyville Park, Wexford, and the organisers are hopeful of a good attendance.
€500,000 announced for road safety improvements at Tagoat village.
By Dan Walsh
Cllr Ger Carthy has announced that over €500,000 has been allocated to deliver safety measures including carriageway narrowing and enhanced speed management in Tagoat village.
Cllr Carthy told WexfordLocal.com; I’m delighted to confirm that, following sustained advocacy over a long period, funding has now been secured for significant traffic safety improvements through the village of Tagoat.
CLLR GER CARTHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
“Tagoat has, unfortunately, been the scene of many serious traffic accidents and incidents over the years, and these works are a vital step toward improving safety for all road users,” added Cllr Carthy.
The improvements will benefit the key junctions throughout the village, including those serving Rosslare Strand, Kilmore, and Lady’s Island, making them safer and more accessible for local residents and visitors alike.
Once completed, these works will make a real difference—particularly in reducing traffic speeds along this busy route to and from Rosslare Europort—and will help create a safer environment for everyone in the community.
Preparing for the National Enterprise Awards are (left to right); Liz Hore, Director of Services, Wexford County Council; Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council; Kate Doyle, Founder, Ecokinly, and Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development. (Pic Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
A sustainable startup business from Enniscorthy is set to compete with the country’s best small businesses, having been announced as Wexford’s finalist for the National Enterprise Awards 2026, taking place on June 18th in the Mansion House, Dublin.
EcoKinly, an award-winning business that designs and markets a range of reusable nappies, period products and accessories, will represent the county at the prestigious national competition.
EcoKinly was founded by parent of two Kate Doyle, who was shocked by the scale of waste generated by disposable nappies — with over one million single use nappies sent to landfill or incineration in Ireland every day — as well as the financial burden they place on new parents.
Since establishing the business in 2025, Kate has already achieved significant progress with the EcoKinly brand, including a product with a patent pending. More information is available at http://www.ecokinly.com.
EcoKinly will now compete to represent Wexford at the National Enterprise Awards 2026.
The National Enterprise Awards are hosted annually by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Network, in association with Enterprise Ireland, and celebrate the achievements of small businesses across Ireland.
The competition will culminate on June 18th at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House, where the title of Ireland’s Enterprise of the Year will be awarded.
Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, said: “Wexford’s strong track record at the National Enterprise Awards is a testament to the county’s vibrant and dynamic small business community. In the past, businesses such as Sully and Juno and Professional Hair Labs have secured wins at the National Enterprise Awards. Kate Doyle, with her business EcoKinly, will once again be a formidable contender at the national finals.”
Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, added: “The National Enterprise Awards offer an exceptional platform for ambitious businesses to achieve national recognition. EcoKinly is an impressive earlystage business with an innovative, sustainable product and a clear business plan, and I expect Kate to be a very competitive candidate in this year’s awards.”
The existing Enniscorthy Fire Station on Lymington Road is to be replaced by a new station. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has just announced €3 million in funding for a planned new fire station in Enniscorthy, as part of the State’s largest ever investment in fire and emergency services.
The location of the new fire station is unspecified, but it is believed to build close to the graveyard at Quarry Park. It will be neighbouring the new Tesco Ireland Store, which WexfordLocal.com has learned from a source close to the company has been granted planning permission and should be opening its doors within two years!
With an additional €2.4m approx. in funding approval to support the procurement of a new water tanker, Class B fire appliance, high volume pump capacity, and additional fire service equipment, that brings the total amount allocated to Wexford fire services under the new funding programme to €5.4 million.
It builds on the €4.2m provided to Wexford fire services under the 2021-2025 funding plan which delivered a new fire station at New Ross and significant refurbishment to Gorey Fire Station completed a few weeks ago.
Minister Browne said; “The government is committed to safeguarding communities. It is not enough for us to say how gradedication,re to our fire service personnel for the dedication they exhibit in their work and their commitment to the safety of their community. It is important to show gratitude by providing our firefighters with the modern facilities, appliances, and equipment to ensure they are equipped for the extraordinary work they do, responding to a variety of emergencies.
Minister Browne emphasised: “Fire services are typically the last line of defence in protecting lives, homes and businesses from a myriad of hazards. This investment ensures they have the modern tools, facilities and systems required to meet that responsibility. The new programme responds directly to the evolving nature of fire service response and the need to protect critical national infrastructure.”
A horse died after a fire severely damaged stables in Ballykelly, about 8km south of New Ross, last night (Monday).Several horses were moved to safety.
A spokesperson for Wexford County Fire Service said two units and a water tanker from New Ross and a further unit from Wexford attended the scene at Ballykelly, New Ross, after they were alerted to the fire just before 9pm.
NEW ROSS FIRE STATION (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The spokesperson said: “On arrival, a large hay shed containing straw, hay and agricultural machinery was involved in a substantial fire.
“Firefighters worked long into the night before bringing the blaze under control into early hours of the morning.
“The scene is currently under control of the Gardaí and subject to investigation, therefore we have no further comment at present,” the spokesperson added.
Early investigations suggest that foul play is not suspected.
Uisce Éireann crews have repaired a major burst water main in Great Island affecting customers in Great Island, New Ross and surrounding areas in Co Wexford over the Easter weekend.
Meanwhile, families and businesses the North Wexford coastal area of Donaghmore can look forward to a stronger, more dependable water supply as Uisce Éireann wraps up important upgrade works on the local water network.
As part of this project, over 1.25km of ageing water mains was replaced with modern, resilient pipes. These older pipes had been prone to bursts and leaks, causing supply interruptions and wasting treated drinking water, a precious resource.
Crews will move on to Campile next, with works to replace old and damaged water mains starting in the coming weeks.
Crews will be installing 1.85km of new, modern pipes that will strengthen the local network and reduce disruption to homes and businesses.
The existing pipes were prone to bursts and leaks, leading to supply interruptions and the loss of treated drinking water, a valuable resource we all depend on.
Works on this important water main replacement will take place between Dunbrody Bridge on the R733 and Abbey View via Horeswood on the L4305, as part of Uisce Éireann’s national Leakage Reduction Programme.
MINISTER JAMES BROWNE compliments the Uisce Éireann improvements at Donaghmore and welcomes progress on the Campile waterworks which are about to begin. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD welcomed news of the completion works. “This is positive news for the people of Donaghmore who will benefit from a more reliable water supply through these upgrades to the pipe network. A reliable water supply is fundamental to family and community life. With upgrade works by Uisce Éireann’s to begin in Campile, I’m pleased to see further progress on improvements to Wexford’s water supply in the pipeline.”
Uisce Éireann’s Portfolio Manager Dave Murphy is looking forward to delivering another project for customers in the area. “This essential work is part of a significant investment by Uisce Éireann to improve the water network across the country, prioritising investment where it is needed most, enabling these communities to thrive.
“We would like to thank the local community in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these works.”
The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply.
Shareridge Ltd. is carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann which are expected to be completed by early summer.
Laying a wreath at the ’98 Memorial in Enniscorthy today were Martin Whelan, Master of Ceremonies, Cllr John O’Rourke, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Minister James Browne TD and Cllr Aidan Browne. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
The 110th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy took place this morning beginning with Mass celebrated by Fr. James Cullen in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy. Wreath laying ceremonies at Market Square, the Athenaeum and the Seamus Rafter monument were amongst the highlights.
The Colour Party from Enniscorthy Coy 3rd Batt., Co. Wexford consisting of Capt. Aidan Doyle, Cpl. Gareth Lloyd and Cpl. Francis Harrigan, and St. Colman’s Pipe Band, Ballindaggin, with Pipe Major Jim Byrne lead the parade through Main Street, Pig Market Hill, Wafer Street, and into Market Square, where the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr. Barbara Anne Murphy delivered an address and laid a wreath on the 1798 Memorial.
Cllr Murphy reminded us that: “On Thursday of Easter Week, April 27th, 1916 the leaders of the Easter Rising in Enniscorthy, took control of several important buildings in the town namely, the castle, the courthouse, the railway station and the Athenaeum where which they made their headquarters. On that same day, the Irish tricolour was raised by members of Cumann na mBan over the Athenaeum. The three young women were Una Bolger, Gretta Comerford and Marian Stokes.
Una Bolger, an Oylegate native who later married 1916 leader Robert Brennan holds a singular place in our history as one of only two women who was ever granted membership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
A week later Enniscorthy was the last town to surrender in all of Ireland on Monday, May 1st.”
Judy Heffernan read the 1916 Proclamation, a minutes’ silence was observed, Anthony Nolan played the Last Post and Ballindaggin Pipe Band brought proceedings to a conclusion with Amhrán na bFhiann. The Martina Leacy School of Dancing also made a musical contribution to the occasion.
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy laid a wreath at the Seamus Rafter Memorial. Also in the picture are Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cllr Aidan Browne and Martin Whelan. (Pic WexfordLocal.com)
The attendance included Minister James Browne TD, Johnny Mythen TD, Cllrs Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke and Pat Kehoe and former TD John Browne. Apologies from Senator Cathal Byrne and Cllr Trish Byrne. Martin Whelan was master of ceremonies.
Other participants included INVU (Irish United Nations Veterans), O.N.E. (Organisation of National Ex-Service Men and Women). Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society members, ’98 Le Chéile, students and professors from Georgia Southern University, and Cllr Murphy thanked “my friend Dr. Howard for his dedication to strengthening the Wexford Savannah connection, the Easter Monday Commemoration Committee and the staff of Wexford County Council and “each and every one of you who come to this commemoration every year.”
Cllr Pat Kehoe laid a wreath at the Athenaeum, headquarters of the Irish Volunteers in 1916 marking the 10th anniversary of its renovation, and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy laid a wreath at the Seamus Rafter memorial on Abbey Quay.
WexfordLocal.com 