Rain and wind warning from Friday morning

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council’s Severe Weather Preparedness Team met this evening, following a meeting of the National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), in advance of Friday’s Orange Weather Warning.

A Yellow Level Rain and Wind Warning will come into effect for County Wexford from 11am on Friday, November 14th, this will escalate to an Orange Warning for Rain from 2pm on Friday until 11am Saturday morning with strong gusts expected throughout the county.

There is a significant risk of surface flooding across the county on Friday evening, overnight and into Saturday morning, after which, the effects are expected to lessen.

The most intensive rainfall is expected on the eastern coast of the county from Rosslare to Gorey with flooding expected at various locations.  The road at Edermine and Killurin is expected to flood early Saturday morning so drivers should avoid these areas.

Roads crews have been clearing gullies and vulnerable locations across the county in preparation for the upcoming rainfall.

Wexford County Council teams are experienced in handling difficult weather conditions and are well prepared to respond across the county for tomorrow and Saturday’s conditions.

“We advise road users to be extremely vigilant during and immediately after the weather warning – expect the unexpected on the roads themselves and from falling debris,” stated Wexford County Council Communications Department.

In the case of an Emergency, the Wexford County Council Out of Hours Emergency number is 053 9196000.

Bloody summer of 1798 inspires new book

Pictured at the launch of James Quinn’s book, Bloody Summer; A New History of the 1798 Rebellion were (left to right); Noelle Moran and Caitlín O’Neill of UCD Press; Dr Kevin Whelan who performed the launch; and Maura Bell, Manager National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy Castle and Vinegar Hill. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com) 

By Dan Walsh at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy

Historian James Quinn’s new book, Bloody Summer: A New History of the 1798 Rebellion, was officially launched by Dr. Kevin Whelan in a pleasant ceremony at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy, this evening.

Unfortunately, the author has health issues and could not attend, however, his latest work was given a warm introduction by Dr. Whelan.

Dr. Whelan said; “We’re particularly excited to bring Bloody Summer to Enniscorthy because Quinn’s perspective offers a significant contribution to our understanding of the role of County Wexford in the rebellion and further expands upon the legacy of this seismic event.

“The National 1798 Rebellion Centre itself was made a permanent exhibition due to prominent local interest – it was established in 1998 through a massive community effort.

“Like the Centre, Bloody Summer recognises how we still live with the ideological and practical consequences of the rebellion today.

“This new history offers a fresh and comprehensive exploration of 1798 as a year of unrest and highlights how the bloody climax of a decade of radicalism and reaction saw the emergence of new forms of militant republicanism and popular loyalism that strongly influenced the course of Irish history.

James Quinn is a historian who has written widely on 18th and 19th century Ireland, particularly in the areas of biography and historiography. He was formerly Managing Editor of the Royal Irish Academy’s Dictionary of Irish Biography and wrote many of its most important entries relating to the 1798 Rebellion. His other books with UCD Press include Young Ireland and the Writing of Irish History(2015) and John Mitchel(2008).

“Bloody Summer is a fresh and comprehensive exploration of the rebellion that seeks to answer the question of not just what happened in 1798, but why it happened, and demonstrates a new, compelling account of this seismic event in Irish history,” concluded Dr Whelan. 

The master of ceremonies for the launch was Maura Bell, new Manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill, who welcomed the attendance and complimented James Quinn on holding the launch in Enniscorthy which is best known for the 1798 Rebellion.

Bloody Summer: A New History of the 1798 Rebellion by James Quinn, 150 pages, on sale at Easons, Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Enniscorthy or online at ucdpress.ie. ISBN: 9781068502347.

Water repairs in Carrig-on-Bannow

By Dan Walsh

Repairs are expected to be completed by 5pm today (Thursday).

Crews from Uisce Éireann are currently repairing a major water main burst in Carrick, County Wexford, with the aim of restoring water service to customers who have been impacted.  

The burst is affecting the water supply to residential and commercial properties in Carrick, Bannow, and the surrounding areas of south Wexford.  
 
Alternative Water Supplies ae available in Carrick village. Customers are advised to bring their own containers and to boil the water before use as a precaution
   

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 (Thursday).

“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,” concluded Mr. Lyng.  

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. 

Water supply returning to Wellingtonbridge

By Dan Walsh

Water supply services in Wellingtonbridge and adjacent areas have been restored following the successful completion of repairs to the local network by Uisce Éireann crews.  

Essential upgrade works resulted in an interruption to the water supply for customers in Wellingtonbridge, Carrig, Bannow, Duncormick and surrounding areas. Uisce Éireann crews worked to carry out repairs and supply is now returning to impacted customers.

Following repairs, it typically takes two to three hours 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 on higher ground or at the end of the network. 

Padraig Lyng of Uisce Éireann thanked affected customers for their co-operation while repairs were underway. “Uisce Éireann acknowledges the inconvenience caused by interruption to the water supply and thanks customers for their patience and co-operation while these works were carried out,” said Mr. Lyng.

Major upgrade at Gorey Rail Station.

Gorey Railway Station. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann acknowledges the granting of planning permission by Wexford County Council for a significant accessibility enhancement at Gorey Railway Station.

The works include:

  • The provision of a new footbridge over the railway, which will feature two 13-person lifts.
  • Platform extension to accommodate the new footbridge.
  • Provision of a new waiting shelter on Platform 2.
  • Amendments to car parking spaces
  • Upgrade of station lighting adjacent to the station building and new footbridge.
  • Improvements to accessible wayfinding signage and installation of tactile signage; including a tactile map at the station entrance.
  • Provision of help points and induction loops, connecting to the existing public address system.

Funded by the National Transport Authority, an integral element of Iarnród Éireann’s ongoing investment programme is to continuously improve accessibility of its stations and services.

Subject to funding allocation it is expected that construction will commence by Autumn 2026 and the construction period will be one year.

Programme Manager for Iarnród Éireann’s Accessibility Programme, Colin Grimes told WexfordLocal.com; “It is great to see another project starting to provide even greater accessibility to our customers at Gorey. I and my team are working all over the network to improve accessibility and make our services easier to access for all.”

Water supply disruption at Wellingtonbridge

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is working to restore water supply in Wellingtonbridge and nearby areas after essential upgrades caused an unexpected outage.  

Alternative water supplies are in place at Rosegarland, Ballyowen, Rosspile. Customers are advised to bring their own containers and to boil the water before use as a precaution.

Repair works to restore full supply will result in further supply disruption for customers in Wellingtonbridge, Carrig, Bannow, Duncormick and surrounding areas today (Wednesday) between 8am and 4pm. 

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng said; “We understand the inconvenience caused by an interruption to the water supply. Every effort will be made to limit the impact of these essential works, and we would like to thank the community in advance for their patience and co-operation.

“Following the completion of the works, it can take two to three hours for normal water supply to return to customers as water refills the network, particularly for those properties on higher ground or at the end of the network,” concluded Mr. Lyng.

Gorey mother dies in Dominican Republic

By Dan Walsh

A mother of three who worked as a hairdresser lost her life in a tragic road accident while she was at a wedding in the Dominican Republic.
She has been named as Claire Cullen, from Riverchapel, Gorey, and is being remembered as a kind, talented hairdresser and devoted mother of three.

CLAIRE CULLEN


She is known locally as an accomplished hairdresser with her own home salon called Eden Hair Design.
Claire will be sadly missed by her husband Ronan, her three children and her extended family and friends.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to her family.
Paying tribute on Facebook, Ronan explained that he would be stepping back from his successful flooring business to spend time with his family during this challenging time.
“My beautiful wife Claire was tragically killed in an accident. We’re all devastated and trying to come to terms with it. She was my everything and I adored everything about her,” he said.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Claire Cullen (née O’Brien) , 46 Dune Haven, Riverchapel, Courtown, Gorey, Wexford, who died tragically following an accident in the Dominican Republic. Dearly beloved wife of Ronan and loving mother of Rory, Liam and stepson Christian. Loving daughter of Paul and his partner Nuala, sister Rebecca, brothers Paul and Jack and mother Jackie. Deeply regretted by her loving Husband, Sons, Father, Sister and Brothers, Mother, Aunts and Uncles, Loving Parents-in-Law Helen and Don, Sisters-in-Law Erika, Ciara, Jenny, Helen, Aiala, Fiona and Tracey, Brothers-in-Law Ciaran, Eoin, Niall, Joey and Dave, Her adoring Nieces and Nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of much-loved friends.

May She Rest In Peace.

€23.7m to build 60 homes in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has been awarded funding approval of €23.7 million for 60 homes at a 3.5-acre greenfield site in Killeens on the outskirts of Wexford town.

The name of the development is An Roschoill, named after a copse or ‘a small group of trees.’

A high-quality streetscape has been developed, with 3 storey houses facing Min Ryan Park, forming a built edge to the park. Sustainable Urban Drainage systems will be used throughout the site, to reduce the impact of surface water and increase biodiversity.

Speaking at the announcement Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan commented; “This is a very significant investment in Housing in County Wexford.  I look forward to this and more projects like it and the positive impact it will have on families in the county.”

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said; “This landmark scheme represents a significant drive forward in housing delivery in Wexford. These 60 homes will be extremely energy efficient, high quality and will create a sustainable community on this important site. Min Ryan Park is a key amenity and this development will strengthen and enhance the built environment surrounding the park.”

JAMES BROWNE TD. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said “We are now delivering social and affordable homes at a scale not seen since the 1970’s, but supply is key. That’s why I am ensuring that this Government is investing record money to ensure local authorities like Wexford County Council have the resources to build the new social and affordable homes we need locally.

“This project in the wonderful local area in Killeens is exactly the kind of development we want to see happening across the country – high-quality local authority new build homes. I commend Wexford County Council for their work on it, and I’m delighted that this significant government funding can now help to make these homes a reality,” concluded Minister Browne.  

This is the largest ever investment by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under the SHIP (Social Housing Investment Programme) scheme in County Wexford.

This pilot social housing scheme uses an innovative high-density, low-rise typology in line with the governments’ Sustainable and Compact Settlement guidelines.  It will deliver a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bed units, creating a sustainable community and high quality, energy efficient homes.

All of the properties have own door access and 20% of the units are adaptable lifetime homes. The development will comprise 12 x 1 bed units, 24 x 2 bed units, and 24 x 3 bed units.

The project has been designed by Shay Cleary Architects and Cullen Payne Architects.

Lone sailor rescued off Kilmore Quay

KILMORE QUAY RNLI LIFEBOAT launches and takes to the sea. (File Pic; RNLI/Dave Moloney)

By Dan Walsh

Kilmore Quay RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat launched early today on Monday morning to assist a lone sailor aboard a 12-metre yacht experiencing engine failure.

At the request of the Coast Guard, the volunteer crew launched at 3.21 am to assist a lone sailor when his yacht experienced engine failure approximately nine nautical miles south-east of Kilmore Quay.

The lifeboat arrived on scene at 3.54 am. Sea conditions at the time were described as moderate. Weather conditions were good, cloudy with westerly wind Force 5 to 6.

Having checked the person on board was safe and well, it was decided that the safest course of action was to establish a tow to bring the yacht back to the nearby harbour at Kilmore Quay arriving at 05.47 am.

Speaking following the call out, Eddie Byrne, Kilmore Quay RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said; “We would like to commend the sailor for raising the alarm when they knew they were in difficulty. It is always the right thing to do, and we wish them well on their onward journey.”

Remembrance Day in Gorey

Pictured at the Remembrance Day Service in Christ Church, Gorey, on Sunday were (left to right); Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, Melanie O’Reilly, Honorary Consul, French Embassy, for Wexford, Verona Murphy TD, and Ceann Comhairle Dáil Éireann, and Cllr Darragh McDonald, Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

By Dan Walsh

The annual Remembrance Day Service took place in Christ Church, Gorey, yesterday (Sunday) conducted by The Venerable Mark Hayden, Rector of Gorey Group of Parishes.

Music was provided by the Arklow Shipping Silver Band and St. Michael’s Pipe Band, Gorey.

The attendance included Superintendent David O’Sullivan, Sergeant Evelyn Redden and Inspector Darragh Jennings from An Garda Siochána, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, Barry Brennan TD, Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen and Cllr Darragh McDonald, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and representing the French Embassy this year, Wexford-based Honorary Consul, Melanie O’Reilly.

There was representation from the IUNVA (Irish United Nations Veterans Association) Post 3, Gorey, NWSPCA (North Wexford Society for the Protection of Animals), and large support from the public. The church was packed for the ceremonial occasion.

‘They shall not grow old as we grow old: age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them…. When you go home, tell them of us and say; for your tomorrow, we gave our today.’