CLLR FRANK STAPLES Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District.
By Dan Walsh
Cllr Frank Staples was elected Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District at the annual meeting held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Wexford, on Friday morning.
Cllr Staples was elected having been proposed by Cllr Lisa McDonald and seconded by Cllr Jim Codd. Cllr Staples thanked his fellow councillors and officials and said he was honoured to accept the role and is eagerly looking forward to bringing great things to Rosslare District over the next year.
As someone who has spoken publicly about his own battles with depression, Cllr Staples is determined to fight for the provision of services for Wexford people suffering from mental health issues and that is his key priority over the next year as Cathaoirleach of the 5-seat Rosslare Municipal District.
Cllr Staples has lived and farmed in the parish of Ballymore/Mayglass all his life and has been a member of Fine Gael since 1982. He is a former Mayor of Wexford, and this is his second time serving as Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District.
The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach was bestowed on Cllr Ger Carthy whose nomination was proposed by Cllr Lisa McDonald and seconded by Cllr Frank Staples.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy recalled the events of the past year, a mixture of achievement and challenges, and sincerely thanked his fellow councillors and the district officials for their support at all times. “We are all here to work for the good people of Rosslare District,” concluded Cllr Carthy.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN on his last day as a member of the Fianna Fail Party in the Council Chamber today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the annual meeting of Wexford County Council on Friday
“I must make a very hard decision. Whether it be for better or worse, to resign from the Fianna Fáil Party and remain in the Council for the remainder of this term as an Independent councillor working for the people of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, not a decision I took lightly but one that was forced on me”; that was the shock announcement made at Friday’s annual meeting of Wexford County Council held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Wexford, by outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan.
The meeting was aware that Cllr Sullivan would make a serious announcement, but the members and officials were unsure what it was? But Cllr Sullivan told the members that he had shared his details with local media outlets.
Cllr Sullivan concluded his Cathaoirleach duties with dignity today, gathered his papers and briefcase, walked to the rear of the chamber and took up a new position on the Independent benches.
WexfordLocal.com received a press release with the heading; “I will now outline in more detail my reasons for resigning from Fianna Fail, signed Cllr Joe Sullivan. Here it goes;
1) At the July 2025 meeting of Wexford County Council, Cllr Jim Codd brought a motion calling for the retention of the Triple Lock. I was in total agreement with the motion. If I might quote Micheál Martin, An Taoiseach, from February 2020 as stating the “The Triple Lock is at the core of our Neutrality”. It would appear now that Fianna Fail have changed their policy on this matter and their programme for government states that they wish to reform the Triple Lock, but in my opinion, they intend to do away with it.
“I would ask for a referendum on the matter as it should be a matter for the people of Ireland of how our military are deployed. One can refer to the referendum of the Nice Treaty 2001 and look at the Seville Declarations of 2002 which solidify Ireland triple lock resulting in the referendum being passed in the second time of asking in 2002.
“As with the Nice Treaty in 2001, the Lisbon Treaty was rejected in 2008 and was only passed in 2009 with legal guarantees that Ireland’s neutrality was guaranteed. I believe that Ireland neutrality and the Triple Lock are joined and that neither can be altered without the consent of the Irish people via a referendum.
“The case of the UN Security Council Veto has been made but there is a UN General Assembly whereby Irish troops can be deployed on peacekeeping missions. Wexford Fianna Fáil councillors voted against the motion and as I had the casting vote the motion was carried.
2) At the special Presidential Council meeting of September 19th 2025, the Fianna Fáil councillors voted not to permit Wexford County Council to nominate a candidate for the forthcoming Presidential Election. I was totally at variance with this decision as I believe that the facility of nominating a presidential candidate is one of the very few powers County Councillors have and with the subsequent shambolic performance of Fianna Fáil where their candidate withdrew from the contest vindicated my position and highlighted the ineptness of the Fianna Fáil councillors on Wexford County Council and their inability to read the political mood as it was unfolding and indeed did feed into one of the greatest political embarrassments ever to befall the State owing to Fianna Fáil ineptness at all levels right up to the top, who later acknowledged that the whole affair was a complete shambles!
3) Mercusor: Early January 2026 saw the signing of the Mercusor Deal on a vote of EU countries of 21 For and 5 Against with one abstention. Ireland did vote against the deal for fears over the beef industry. The decision to vote against the deal was only taken at the last minute as the Irish Beef Industry and general Agricultural Sector brought as much pressure as possible to bear on the Irish Government. In the European Parliament, three Irish MEP’s voted to support the deal; notably, all three are urban based, two government MEP’s and one Labour.
“As Wexford is a county steeped in agriculture and produces unquestionably the best food in Ireland and indeed the world, I, as Chairman of Wexford County Council was happy and glad to stand with the agricultural sector in opposition to Mercusor and agree with the farmers in their concerns around the quality of produce coming into Ireland; the EU from the countries and the standards that they were expected to meet not being as high as the produce produced in Ireland and the EU. The Fianna Fáil Councillors were less than enthusiastic in supporting the farmers on this issue, more inclined to seek direction from HQ rather than stand with their own people.
4) January February 2026 also saw the Bord Bia Larry Murrin controversy raise its head when a company attached to Mr Murrin’s business was found to be allegedly importing some beef from Brazil while Mr Murrin, as Chairman of Bord Bia was holding Irish farmers to the highest standard in their production of beef and other food products. Wexford IFA was very prominent in the 36-day protest inside and outside the Bord Bia Headquarters in Dublin. Again, Wexford Fianna Fáil Councillors failed to support the beef producers and call for Mr Murrin to resign.
5) Fuel Protest. During February and March 2026, as a result of the USA-Iran war in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the price of fuel went up considerably bringing out hauliers, farmers and contractors onto the roads to protest. Co Wexford was no different to any other county due the impact of rising fuel costs and significant protests took place in the county, the biggest being at Rosslare Europort.
“At Wexford County Council meeting of March 13th 2026, a deputation was in attendance of the fuel protestors. Their presence at the meeting was hotly contested by some members of the council who directed their ire at me. I had sympathy with the protestors and was supportive of them. Some councillors said they felt intimidated and threatened by the presence of the protestors in the chamber.
“I saw or heard nothing that warranted asking them to leave the meeting. I came in for a torrent of abuse from councillors during the meeting, being called a “disgrace” by one councillor, while another councillor saw fit to go on local radio and muse over whether a vote of no confidence be called in my chairmanship as well as describing the meeting as a fiasco and chaotic.
“This councillor subsequently brought a motion to the next council meeting on May 11th, 2026, calling on members and I to up our standards. This councillor also called on me to reflect on my position at the meeting. I felt hurt, let down and my chairmanship undermined by this member. I got absolutely no support whatsoever from Fianna Fáil councillors, in fact one learned councillor chipped in to offer his support to my detractors.
“As can be seen from the above examples, I can no longer stay in the Fianna Fail Party as there is no forum to discuss my issues nor do I have the support from my two district Cllrs Breen or Kenny or my Party TD, Malcolm Byrne”.: Thank you. Joe Sullivan Cllr.
CLLR LISA McDONALD was elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at today’s annual meeting. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the annual meeting of Wexford County Council
Long serving Cllr Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fáil) has been elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual meeting held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Wexford, on Friday afternoon.
Cllr McDonald, proposed by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy (Fianna Fail) and seconded by Cllr Ger Carthy (Independent) defeated Cllr Pat Barden (Independent) proposed by Cllr Paddy Kavanagh (Independent) and seconded by Cllr Tom Forde (Sinn Fein), 22 votes to 12.
A native of Piercestown living in Murrintown, Cllr Lisa McDonald runs a solicitors practice in Wexford town and was first elected to Wexford County Council in 2004.
She contested the 2007 General Election receiving 6,400 first preference votes. She served in Seanad Éireann from 2007 to 2011 after which she took a sabbatical from politics to build her business and rear her young children.
She was co-opted to Wexford County Council in July 2016 and has been re-elected every time since.
Cllr McDonald thanked her “wonderful group of supporters” and said she was “absolutely delighted” at becoming Cathaoirleach.
Cllr McDonald named a number of her priorities but outlined that “delivery matters – people want action and not words – our strength is in our communities. “I will promote Wexford as the best place to work rest and play, and we have to work and challenge to deliver,” concluded Cllr McDonald.
Cllr Bridín Murphy (Fine Gael) proposed by Cllr Trish Byrne (Fine Gael) and seconded by Cllr John Fleming, a Fianna Fail ‘neighbour and friend’ was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach. Cllr Murphy defeated Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien (Sinn Fein) proposed by Cllr Jim Codd (Independent) and seconded by Cllr John Dwyer (Independent); 20 votes to 13.
It was pointed out that this is the first time ever that the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirlech are both women and with Cllr Mary Farrell elected in Gorey Kilmuckridge District the Women’s Coalition are celebrating a victory and Cllr Murphy concluded; “We are deeply honoured.”
Incidentally, Cllr McDonald is only the fourth woman to hold the position of Cathaoirleach – others were the late Anna Fenlon, Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.
Tributes were paid by fellow councillors and officials.
Attendance at the meeting included Minister James Browne TD, Deputies George Lawlor, Malcolm Byrne and Brian Brennan (via zoom), Senator Cathal Byrne, former TDs Tony Dempsey and Hugh Byrne, former Cllr Willie Kavanagh, Cllr McDonald’s husband Richard Simpson, their children -Cormac and Caragh – parents Eddie and Marjorie McDonald, friends, neighbours and supporters.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan said he was elected on June 23rd, 2025; “It was a position I enjoyed and discharged with the best of my ability” and then he went on to highlight events that made the term memorable for him.
Like, Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann which took place in Wexford over the first week of August 2025 was very successful and a credit to Wexford County Council for their level of organisation and Wexford Festival Opera 2025.
Other highlights included securing of lands at Ballynagee, Wexford, for the provision of a third level campus and other educational facilities. The ongoing development of Rosslare Europort progress being made with the Oylegate to Rosslare Motorway and the Kennedy Summer School that attracted the very best in Irish and international political, arts, sporting and cultural figures to New Ross to give their views across a whole series of issues affecting modern Ireland and the World.
“In March 2026, I was happy and honoured to lead the Wexford Delegation to Savannah, Georgia to celebrate St Patricks Day with the Wexford diaspora there,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “These are just some of the highlights of a busy and fulfilling term of office. I would like to pay tribute to the executive of Wexford County Council who guided me through the role of Cathaoirleach.
He thanked Eamonn Hore: Director of Services for Roads and Environment; Carolyne Godkin: Director of Services for Housing; Liz Hore: Director of Services for Planning, Senior planner, Diarmuid Houston and Lynda Lacey: Director of Finance who oversees a budget for 2026 of €183.7 million and Alan Quirke: Director of Services for Special Projects and HR is the newest member of the executive and is making his mark in the delivery of special projects countywide. Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe and County Secretary, Michael Drea were also acknowledged.
“In conclusion, I would like to thank my fellow councillors. It would be remiss of me not to mention the challenges to my position and authority”, said Cllr Sullivan who concluded; “Thanks again to those who supported me and made the position of Cathaoirleach enjoyable and fulfilling and I was honoured to serve the people of Wexford for the past year.”
CLLR PAT KEHOE is elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the annual meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District
There are 173 names listed as serving Enniscorthy town and district since 1855, however, this morning at the annual meeting in the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, Cllr Pat Kehoe became the first ‘Kehoe’ to get his name on the board when he was elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
Nominated by Cllr Trish Byrne who described Cllr Kehoe as “hard working, committed, approachable and works well with everyone” and seconded by Cllr Aidan Browne, who remarked “it’s a great day for Marshalstown” Cllr Kehoe received the chains of office from outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy who wished him well in his new role.
Married to Elaine and parents of four children – Orlagh, Caoimhe, Michael and Darragh, who is in Vancouver – Cllr Kehoe was supported by his family in chamber including his sister, Helen Roban. Senator Cathal Byrne was also present.
The Fine Gael councillor from Marshalstown, who was successful in holding the Fine Gael seat previously held by Kathleen Codd-Nolan at the Local Elections two years ago said it was a huge honour and he looked forward to working with his fellow councillors and officials for the good of the town, and not forgetting the district which stretches from Clonegal to Galbally.
Housing in the Milehouse area of Enniscorthy and the Flood Relief plans are amongst Cllr Kehoe’s priorities. He will also seek to create a more connected link between the Milehouse to the Esmonde Road/Drumgoold areas of Enniscorthy calling for a new bus service to be introduced.
The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach goes to Independent Cllr John O’Rourke. He was nominated by Cllr Jackser Owens and seconded by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy listed a long number of projects completed or planned for the town and district.
She thanked a long list of people including the Press, staff at the Presentation Centre, Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Kehoe, fellow councillors for their co-operation and courtesy, Barbara Nolan, Lisa Moore and Claire Lawless in the Enniscorthy office and Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe.
Many tributes were paid to Cllr Murphy. Cllr Kehoe said; “she set the bar and was devoted to the position”; Cllr Owens and Browne agreed “she did a great job” and Cllr O’Rourke went even further in her praise. “You did a fantastic job,” he stated. Cllr Byrne said it was her first year and she acknowledged “the great support given.”
Director of Services Caroline Godkin said Cllr Murphy was “an excellent chair and very experienced” and acknowledged there were “some highs and some challenges, as always.”
Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 50-year-old Paul Woods, who is reported missing from a hiking holiday in Kilbora, Camolin, Co. Wexford, since Wednesday.
Paul was headed to hike the Blackstairs Mountain. He was last seen on Tuesday 23rd June 2026 at 9.30 am in the Kilbora, Camolin area in his KIA Stonic, Black, REG-LJI789.
PAUL WOODS
Paul is described as being approximately 6 foot 3 inches in height, slim build, with dark short hair.
When last seen, he was wearing a blue T-shirt, black/grey trousers, hiking boots and a rucksack.
Gardaí and Paul’s family are seriously concerned for his safety.
Anyone with information on Paul’s whereabouts is asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 924 2580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Laying wreaths at the new World War II plaque were Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Brian Wickham, RNLI, Cllr Ger Carthy, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Jim Codd and Cllr Frank Staples. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Rosslare Harbour
The beautiful Cliff Walk overlooking the beach at Rosslare Harbour with the Tuskar Rock as the perfect maritime backdrop was soaking in the highest temperatures this evening for the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque jointly performed by Cathaoirleach of Rosslare District, Cllr Ger Carthy and the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan.
The pleasant occasion marked the 85th anniversary of an event during World War II (December 3rd, 1941), when a floating mine struck Tuskar Rock Lighthouse, exploded and injured two of the ‘keepers, Paddy Scanlon and William Cahill.
The crew of the Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat – Murt O’Rourke (Coxwain), Richard Walsh, Paddy Wickham. Jack Wickham, Jim Walsh and Bert Moncas – immediately set to sea.
They ferried the injured men to shore but the uninjured ‘keeper, Peter Roddy refused to leave his post so Jack Wickham volunteers to stay with him.
Cllr Ger Carthy gave a resumé of events from that tragic occasion and concluded with the words; “We remember all those brave men and ‘keeper Paddy Scanlon who died that night from his injuries.”
Cllr Joe Sullivan told the large attendance that; “This story is part of Wexford’s history – one of courage, resilience and community. It reminds us of the quiet service carried out every day, often unseen but never without value.
“Today’s unveiling ensures that these men are not forgotten. As a Council, we are proud to support the preservation of this important legacy. May we honour their memory through the values they showed – duty, courage, and care for one another, concluded Cllr Sullivan, who was performing his last public function as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council with the annual meeting taking place tomorrow (Friday).
Commemorative scrolls were presented to the families of Patrick Scanlon, William Cahill, Peter Roddy, Murt O’Rourke, Richard Walsh, Patrick Wickham, Jack Wickham, Jim Walsh and Bert Moncas. Wreaths were laid at the new plaque.
Acting Rosslare District Manager Edwina Colfer acted as master of ceremonies.
Her Worship, Mayor of Wexford CLLR VICKY BARRON. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Council Chamber, Wexford
Many people in attendance at the election of Mayor of Wexford held in the Council Chamber, Wexford, on Tuesday evening, were impressed by the positive and ambitious future view of Wexford pledged by the Mayor Vicky Barron in her opening speech.
WexfordLocal.com publishes the full speech in the hope that people with influence will read it and throw in their support and investment behind Mayor Barron’s ambitions for a better Wexford for all.
“Is é le bród agus buíochas mhór, go humhal ‘s go híseal, a sheasaim os bhur gcomhair inniu chun glacadh le hoifig Mhéara Loch Garman ónár gCathaoirleach agus iarmhéara, Garry Laffan. Go raibh maith agat a Garry as do chineáltas, do fhoighne agus do chothroime agus tú ag comhlíonadh do dhualgas le bliain anuas.
“Is é seo ceann de na honóirí is mó i mo shaol, gur dtoghfadh mo chomhchomhairleoirí mé, agus gabhaim buíochas ó chroí libh as an muinín atá agaibh asam.
“It is with immense pride, gratitude, and humility that I stand before you today to accept the office of Mayor of Wexford from our outgoing Cathaoirleach and Mayor, Garry Laffan. Thank you Garry for your kindess, your patience and fairness in how you carried out your duties over the last year.
“To be elected by my fellow councillors to serve as Mayor is one of the greatest honours of my life. I thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
“I pledge to serve this county and its people with dedication, integrity, and compassion. I pledge to honour the role, and all it entails. The privilege of wearing these robes, the wearing of the mayoral chains which hold the names of those who have gone before us, the civic duties which honour both our town and its people, will all be undertaken with humbleness and gratitude. “Thank you most sincerely to my wonderful Labour Party colleague, Catherine Walshe for her friendship and for the wonderful role model she is, having already served as Mayor of our District of Wexford.
“Today is also a significant moment for another reason. As one of the few women to hold this office, I am acutely aware of the women who came before me — women who challenged barriers, demanded equality, and created opportunities for future generations. “This moment belongs not only to me but to every woman who has ever been told that leadership was not for her. It’s for every woman watching in who has been told not to run for office. For those who think politics isn’t for them. Politics is for you. It must be shaped by you.
“My journey into public life has always been shaped by a belief in fairness and opportunity. As an educator, I have spent my career witnessing the transformative power of education. I have seen how strong communities, good schools, supportive families, and public services can change lives. I have also seen the challenges faced by many families and communities and the inequalities that still exist.
These experiences have shaped my politics and my values. I believe in a society where every child has the chance to thrive, where older people are respected and supported, where workers are treated fairly, where women are equal, where consent is always sought and never assumed, where diversity is welcomed, and where nobody is left behind. As Mayor, I will strive to be a voice for those values.
“I want to be a Mayor who listens. A Mayor who is visible in all communities across our district. A Mayor who celebrates what makes Wexford special while never being afraid to speak up for those whose voices are too often unheard.
“Wexford is a district with enormous strengths. We are rich in culture, heritage, creativity, and community spirit. We are home to people who volunteer their time, support their neighbours, build local businesses, coach young people, care for loved ones, and quietly make our communities stronger every day. They are the real heart of Wexford.
“The challenges before us are significant. We need more affordable housing. We need stronger public services. We need vibrant town centres, sustainable development, quality jobs, and action on climate change. We need to ensure that economic progress benefits everyone, not just a few. But I am optimistic.
“I believe that when people work together, when communities are empowered, and when leadership is guided by fairness and inclusion, there is very little that cannot be achieved. As Mayor, I want to focus on building a vibrant, thriving and ambitious Wexford.
“I want Wexford to be recognised as a district where enterprise is encouraged, where innovation is supported, and where businesses of all sizes can flourish. From our indigenous enterprises and family businesses to new start-ups and international investors, economic growth must remain at the heart of our vision for the future.
“A vibrant county needs vibrant town centres. Dereliction and vacancy have a real impact on community confidence and economic activity. We cannot accept empty buildings and neglected streetscapes as inevitable. We must be ambitious in tackling dereliction, supporting regeneration, and bringing life back into our towns and villages. Every vacant building represents an opportunity—for housing, for business, for community use, and for renewal.
“One of my key priorities during my term as Mayor will be the establishment of a Mayor’s Forum for Wexford. This forum will bring together representatives from business, education, tourism, community organisations, the arts, agriculture, local government, and young people. Too often, people work in silos despite sharing the same goals.
“The Mayor’s Forum will create a space where stakeholders can come together, identify challenges, share ideas, and develop practical solutions for the future of Wexford.
“As I begin my term as Mayor, I do so with optimism and enthusiasm. I believe in Wexford. I believe in the talent of our people. Wexford people are creative. I believe in the strength of our communities. And I believe that by working together, we can create a county that is more prosperous, more vibrant, and more inclusive for everyone.
“Let this be a year of ambition. A year of partnership. A year of renewal. And a year in which we continue building a Wexford that future generations will be proud to call home.
Thank you for this extraordinary honour. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.”
Otherworlds Committee: Ken Kavanagh, Wally O’ Neill, Aoife Kavanagh, Jack Smyth, Shane Hurley, Steve Barnes and JJ Bird. (Missing from photo; Pippa Kinneen, Susana Silva, Siobhan Mahon, Jimmy Kavanagh, Dylan Delaney, Jamie Murphy, Paul Maloney, Steve Huenneke, Joe Byrne, Steph Byrne, John Michael Murphy and Alice Kavanagh.
By Dan Walsh
This weekend, Wexford will play host to the inaugural Otherworlds Festival, a brand-new celebration of science fiction, fantasy, horror, folklore, gaming and all things imaginative.
Over four days, from Thursday to Sunday, venues across Wexford Town will come alive with talks, workshops, screenings, panels, live performances, games and community events featuring some of Ireland’s most exciting writers, artists and creators.
The committee are especially delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed authors Eoin Colfer and Stuart Neville, and acclaimed graphic novel artists Ben Hennessy and Paul Bolger, as part of the festival programme.
Otherworlds was born out of the simple idea that stories matter. Science fiction, fantasy and horror allow us to imagine different futures, confront our fears, explore big ideas and, above all, bring people together.
“We wanted to create a festival that celebrates not only established creators, but also the incredible community of readers, gamers, cosplayers, artists and dreamers that exists here in Wexford and across Ireland.
“We were also keen to highlight the many quirky and interesting small businesses and communities which Wexford town plays host to. Wexford has always been a town rich in culture and creativity, and Otherworlds adds something unique to that landscape. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of speculative fiction or simply curious about exploring new worlds, there is something in the programme for everyone.
We would encourage people to come along, try something new, meet fellow enthusiasts and join us as we open the doors to Otherworlds for the very first time.
Full schedules of events can be found by searching Otherworlds Science-fiction festival on facebook or instagram.
CLLR JOHN FLEMING elected Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District for the third time today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at The Tholsol, New Ross
Fianna Fail’s Cllr John Fleming from Palace West, Clonroche, this afternoon became Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District for the third time at the annual meeting in The Tholsol, New Ross.
Proposed by Cllr Pat Barden and seconded by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cllr Fleming assumed the Chair he previously held in 2018/’19 and 2019/2020 and said he was “delighted and honoured”, is looking forward to working with members and staff, “and I’ll carry out my demands. No problem”
Well-known in handball and GAA Cllr Fleming was first elected at the Local Elections in 2014, has retained his seat in all election’s since, and was Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council during the 2023-’24 season.
Tributes followed. Cllr Bridín Murphy said she was delighted for Cllr Fleming; “We come from the same parish. We are a team here. I wish you well and is always here to support you,” added Cllr Murphy.
In his praise, Cllr Michael Sheehan predicted that “the year ahead will be very exciting.” Cllr Pat Barden said projects in the town are moving in the right direction but offered his backing support for projects outside the town and in the districts.
Cllr John Dwyer called on the Cathaoirleach saying; “We need affordable housing in New Ross. Can you make that a priority? I believe you have the passion to do it.”
Cllr Bridín Murphy proposed Cllr Michael Sheehan for the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach; Cllr John Dwyer seconded the nomination. It was pointed out that Cllrs Sheehan and Dwyer are the longest serving members having been elected to the defunct New Ross Town Council.
“I would like to thank the officials for what was a great year in terms of activity,” commenced outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr John Dwyer.
In a light-hearted remark Cllr Dwyer said he would also like to thank the members “for behaving themselves” (laughter) and said he tried to be fair when members came in multiple times on the same issue! That said, “I thank all the members for their co-operation during the year and, indeed, the officials,” said Cllr Dwyer.
Cllr Michael Sheehan congratulated Cllr Dwyer saying, “you were immensely fair, treated all with dignity and respect and you were passionate about the town and district.”
“Extremely fair” were the words of Cllr Marty Murphy, while Cllr Pat Barden said Cllr Dwyer was “very fair, very genuine, 100%, and you did a brilliant job.”
Cllr Bridín Murphy mentioned “the legend that is John Dwyer. You are incredibly passionate about what you do. An absolute gentleman that cares for everything.”
Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr John Fleming said; “it was a great positive year for the Council and we worked well together.”
There were also tributes from District Manager Alan Fitzhenry and Director of Services Eamonn Hore. Mr Fitzhenry gave a resumé of projects undertaken during the year, while Mr. Hore pointed out that “it is the little things that matter and a lot of good things have started for the year ahead.”
Uisce Éireann crews are responding to a water outage impacting Campile, Great Island and surrounding areas following a burst on a trunk watermain.
To support customers, a water tanker will be in place in Campile village today, with additional water available via IBCs at Horeswood Church and at the local GAA pitch. Customers are advised that water from tankers and static tanks should be boiled before consumption as a precaution.
Following works yesterday to connect a new watermain serving Great Island, supply was initially restored. However, a burst occurred at approximately 8pm last night, and the water supply was subsequently turned off to protect the network, impacting customers in Campile, Great Island, Horeswood and parts of Burkestown.”
Efforts were made overnight to begin refilling the reservoir. Crews are on site today (Wednesday) to locate and repair the burst, with repairs expected to be completed by approximately 4pm today. Uisce Éireann’s Water Operations Manager for Wexford,
Padraig Lyng, acknowledged the disruption to homes and businesses: “We understand the significant impact this unplanned outage is having on the communities of Campile, Great Island, Horeswood and surrounding areas. Our crews are working to restore supply as quickly and as safely as possible.
“Our priority today is to locate and repair the burst. We thank the community for their continued patience while these essential works are carried out,” stated Mr. Lyng.
Customers may continue to experience low pressure or outages until repairs are completed and the network refills. Typically, it can take a number of hours following repairs for normal supply to return to all customers, particularly for those at the end of the network or on higher ground.
