News and Sport and Events that matter across County Wexford.
By Dan Walsh
Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Committee will hold an open meeting this evening (Tuesday 23rd January) at 6pm in the Enniscorthy Municipal District Offices, Market Square.
New committee members are needed to help organise the festival and new ideas are welcome.
“We need your support, and we need our community to come on board. Please come along and help make it a great St. Patrick’s Day for Enniscorthy,” said a spokesperson for the committee.
By Dan Walsh
Night-time water restrictions will be in place in Enniscorthy from 11pm tonight (Monday) until 7am tomorrow morning (Tuesday, January 23rd) and these restrictions are essential to maintain a daytime supply following operational difficulties due to the recent cold weather.
With the freezing temperatures in recent days replaced by much milder conditions over the weekend, the rapid thaw has led to a further increase in leaks and bursts throughout the network. Areas particularly affected include: Enniscorthy, Gorey Regional, Wexford town, South Regional, Sow, New Ross, Fardystown. Uisce Éireann appealing to the public to report leaks and help reduce water loss to protect local supplies in Wexford.
The public can help too by checking any property under their responsibility for burst pipes and leaks, and reporting leaks in public areas so that repairs can be prioritised. In particular, people are asked not to leave taps running and fix dripping or leaking taps.
Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald told WexfordLocal.com; “Water is a precious resource that must go through a complex and costly treatment process before it is safe to drink. Our crews are on the ground working to tackle leaks and we are asking the public for their support by preventing avoidable loss of water.”
Report any leaks in the public network to Uisce Éireann’s customer care centre or on water.ie, so that we can prioritise repairs and dispatch crews to carry out critical repairs.
By Dan Walsh
Fethard RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched on Friday morning at 11.11am to assist a broken down 24-ft fishing vessel.
The volunteer crew made their way to Baginbun Head in force 3/4 winds and choppy sea conditions.
After assessing the situation and learning that the boat had suffered a gearbox problem, the Helm of the lifeboat, Thomas Stafford, decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat, with the crew onboard, to the safety of Fethard Harbour.
Speaking after the call out, Volunteer Deputy Launch Authority Pete Barry said; “The crew went to sea, well prepared, with a means to call for assistance. It shows the importance of having the right equipment to call for help when you see someone in trouble on the water or you are in difficulties yourself. The number to dial is 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
By Dan Walsh
Gorey-based Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has become the first candidate to declare his intention to contest the next General Election in the newly created south Wicklow-north Wexford constituency with Arklow and Gorey as the biggest towns and three Dáil Éireann seats to be decided.
The new Wicklow-Wexford constituency announcement has been heavily criticised by locals in Wicklow and Wexford and by public representatives and some TD’s who argue that it is unfair due to the large area that will be represented by three TD’s and there is further anger that Co. Wexford will be divided into ‘north’ and ‘south’ and the effects it will have on Local Authority decisions in both counties and on those who will find themselves representing the electorate in different constituencies!
However, Senator Byrne feels “it can be a positive thing,” and speaking to BreakingNews.ie said; “I think it presents a new opportunity. There are lots of common issues between the people in both Wicklow and Wexford” and he believes “there was a logic to the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission.
“I certainly think for people in Arklow, Gorey, all the villages and rural communities right across the new constituency, there is a new opportunity there. It’s important that we elect representatives that can be effective at national level to raise issues of concern to our communities, and I hope to be one of them,” said Senator Byrne.
Swinging into election mode, Senator Byrne, said; “The reason I’m running is I’ve been involved in organisations in the community all my life and I believe that I understand both the urban and rural needs of the new constituency,” and he added; “My first step is to hopefully secure the nomination of my party to contest that, and if successful, to convince the people of south Wicklow and north Wexford to support me.”
Apparently, Senator Byrne has chosen to focus on the next General Election despite having being nominated by his Fianna Fáil colleagues for the European Elections in June. He wants to focus on the new constituency of Wicklow and Wexford!
“It’s a big area, and as people who live here know, after the last General Election there was no TD elected form the south Wicklow or north Wexford areas. Geography obviously matters, but I think what’s particularly important is that whoever we elect can perform at a national level, being able to enact legislation that makes a difference in the country but to also represent the area effectively.”
“In the case of Arklow, with the wastewater works currently being completed, there is huge potential for that town to grow rapidly now as well,” said Senator Byrne, who added; “Ensuring that we get the matching services for both Gorey and Arklow with that rapid growth is vital. We also must balance that with the needs of a lot of the rural communities and villages like Kilmuckridge, Bunclody, Ferns and Carnew, they will continue to need investment and sustainable rural communities.”
By Dan Walsh
Gardaí in Wexford are seeking information about a serious single-vehicle road traffic collision that occurred in Castlebridge Village, on Saturday.
Shortly after 7pm, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted after a car left the road and struck a wall on the R741 at Castlebridge.
The sole occupant of the car, a 30-year-old male, was seriously injured in the collision. He was taken from the scene by ambulance and is currently receiving treatment at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. No other persons were injured.
Investigating Gardaí appeal to anyone with dash cam footage or who witnessed the collision to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station at 053 9165200 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
By Dan Walsh at Ballycrystal
Weather conditions were atrocious at the Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point fixture at Ballycrystal today, but it didn’t bother local rider Rob James who was thrilled with a treble while a few local handlers also triumphed in the wet and windy conditions that never relented during the six races.
James got his winning streak off to a perfect start on Little Miller in the Aidan Byrne colours handled locally by Robert Tector at Coolbawn, Rathnure in the maiden race for five-year-old mares by one and a half lengths holding off Matthew Flynn O’Connor’s Jewel of Windsor (Brian Lawless up).
Matthew Flynn O’Connor, on whose family land the races were run, and rider Brian Lawless had compensation for the first race runner-up position in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings when Melbourne Shamrock scored by one length.
Donnchadh Doyle’s Monbeg stables, just down the road from the Ballycrystal was in great form with a double success, both ridden by Rob James. Millie Supreme did the business by eight lengths in the maiden race for six year olds and upwards, and Patriotik was first home as only two finishers survived in the maiden race for five-year-old and upwards confined race. An easy 20 lengths were the verdict.
Denis Murphy from Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh, was also on the winners’ list. He saddled Backinaction in the maiden race for geldings aged six years and older and with Jack Hendrick, Mayglass, in the saddle they shared a four lengths victory.
Toni Quail, who is associated with the Colin Bowe stables was given the leg up on Sam Curling’s De Nordener and enjoyed a six lengths success in the Winners of Two race. The Ladies Cup at the Punchestown festival in the Spring is a future target for De Nordener.
Only two races were run before today’s point-to-point at Carrigarostig, Co. Cork, was called off due to severe weather conditions and both prizes were collected by Wexford stables.
Bluey, handled by Billy Codd, Churchtown, Mayglass, and running in the colours of his daughter-in-law, Robyn Codd, was impressive when scoring by 11.5 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. A second career winner for rider Shane Cotter.
Timesareachanging scored by three quarters of a length in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings for the Milestone Bloodstock Ltd team, handled by Colin Bowe and ridden by Bertie Finn, Oulart, who has now lost his five-pound claim.
Barry O’Neill was involved in today’s early action at Ballycrystal ahead of packing his saddle and riding boots and dashing to Thurles racecourse where he enjoyed an eight lengths victory on Ferns Lock (8/15 fav.) for David Christie in the hunter chase.
By Dan Walsh
The Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point fixture takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy (Eircode; Y21 X6X6) with the first race off at 12.30pm.
There are 101 entries for the six races. No further inspections are planned.
The ‘going’ will be testing with wet conditions expected and maximum afternoon temperatures of 12 degrees Celsius forecast.
A reminder has been sent to Wexford schools by three of Ireland’s best-known athletes – World Para Rowing champion, Katie O’Brien and Olympians, sprinters Phil Healy and David Gillick – advising teachers and pupils alike that the search to find ‘Ireland’s fittest school 2024’ has now gone live.
Running until the end of March, the top four schools in Ireland, north and south, will progress to a live ‘grand final’ at which the prize package will include €8,000 worth of sports equipment.
Working with Fyffes, their aim is to find a school whose focus on fitness will replicate the success of previous ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ winners. Schools can register at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie
By Dan Walsh
Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Neale Richmond TD, has announced the annual results for 2023 which showed that Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wexford supported companies created 328 jobs in 2023 with a net job increase of 177.
The net jobs created by LEO Wexford supported clients in 2023 was 177, which considers companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
The new figures show that the LEO Wexford financially supported 235 small businesses in their portfolio across the county these companies in turn employ 1940 people.
Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development said; “The results are a testament to the strength of Wexford’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain and grow their businesses. Wexford is ranked second nationally in terms of net job creation and LEO Wexford have played a significant role in this achievement”.
Wexford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr. John Fleming said; “I am delighted to see Wexford LEO once again achieve outstanding job creation figures and is a leading light nationally. It is heartening to see that over 82% of net new jobs created were outside of Dublin and Wexford made a strong contribution to this figure”.
Tom Enright, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council said; “Wexford is punching well above its weight consistently delivering strong job creation figures for the last 4 years. It is the close working relationship between Local Authorities and Enterprise Ireland that ensures that SMEs get the most appropriate supports in areas of greatest need in a timely manner. The key sectors showing growth are; food, engineering, manufacturing with encouraging figures around Life Sciences and the Green Sector”.
Minister Neale Richmond, T.D., said; “I have been fortunate enough to visit many Local Enterprise Offices and I have seen first-hand the superb quality of their mentorship and supports, and the impact they have on the businesses and entrepreneurs they support.”
The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now financially supporting 38,726 jobs across 7,167 companies. This is the most jobs the Local Enterprise Offices have supported nationally since their inception in 2014.
By Dan Walsh
Uisce Éireann is appealing to the public to report leaks and help reduce water loss. With the freezing temperatures of recent days set to be replaced by much milder conditions at the weekend, the rapid thaw is expected to lead to a further increase in leaks and bursts throughout the network.
The public can help too by checking any property under their responsibility for burst pipes and leaks, and reporting leaks in public areas so that repairs can be prioritised. People are asked not to leave taps running and fix dripping or leaking taps.
Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald told WexfordLocal.com; “Water is a precious resource that must go through a complex and costly treatment process before it is safe to drink. Our crews are on the ground working to tackle leaks and we are asking the public for their support by preventing avoidable loss of water.”
There are several key things that the public can do to help protect water supplies, including:
Find out more at water.ie/businessconserve with advice for a range of industries including hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture and small businesses.
WexfordLocal.com 