Uisce Éireann is new name for Irish Water

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is the new name for Irish Water, Ireland’s public water authority dedicated to helping communities to thrive by delivering water services for Ireland. 

The name change came into effect with the enactment of the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2022 by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien saw Irish Water become Uisce Éireann from December 31st, 2022, and a standalone regulated public water utility on January 1st 2023.

The new brand identity reflects Uisce Éireann’s vision of a sustainable Ireland where water is respected and protected and offers a new opportunity to communicate with the public about the vital services it provides.

Uisce Éireann’s ambition is to create a world class water utility focused on meeting the needs of customers and communities, delivering efficient water services, and supporting housing, economic development and job creation. To achieve this, the organisation is bringing together existing staff with colleagues from Local Authority Water Services to build a truly national organisation with the knowledge, passion and expertise to deliver for communities across Ireland.

The new brand identity features a dynamic “stream” reflecting the flow of water and the circularity of nature, and it re-enforces visually Uisce Éireann’s stated vision for a sustainable Ireland, where water is respected and protected, for the planet and all the lives it supports.

Uisce Éireann operates 716 water treatment plants and 1,057 wastewater treatment plants, manages over 90,000 km of water and sewer pipes, and is investing €5.26 billion in upgrading these assets in the current investment period (2020-2024).

Environmental issues holding up flood scheme

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme was back on the agenda as a matter of priority at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council where Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne favours the building of the new bridge first and it emerged that the OPW has placed the future of the flood relief scheme at the door of Wexford County Council.

TOM ENRIGHT CEO attended Enniscorthy District Council meeting

Cllr Jackser Owens called on the Council to draw down the €50 million for the flood relief and get on with. “It is 13 months since it was rejected,” he added.

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy strayed into Cllr Owens’ territory when asking about an update on the freshwater pearl mussel.

CEO of Wexford County Council Tom Enright told the members that the scheme was rejected last March (2022). The council asked that the bridge be separated from the flood scheme. The new bridge will cost €20-25 million and will have to be built first if the Rafter Bridge is to be demolished!

The flood relief scheme was rejected on environmental grounds and there are fears that could happen again! Mr Enright said the results of a bird survey and freshwater pearl mussel report is expected to be completed next month.

“We (Wexford County Council) take directions from the OPW (Office of Public Works) but I assure you the scheme is a priority for the council,” stated Mr Enright.

Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan expressed her frustration at the time it takes to get it over the line and Cllr Cathal Byrne said the flood relief “is the single biggest issue affecting the town.”

The CEO hopes to be back next month with a timeframe for planning.

The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a bivalve mollusc found in clean, fast-flowing rivers, and occasionally in lakes. It is a highly threatened animal, categorised as critically endangered in Ireland and across Europe. 90% of all freshwater pearl mussels died out across Europe during the twentieth century. Owing to its threatened status and dramatic decline, the freshwater pearl mussel is listed on Annex II and Annex V of the Habitats Directive. SOURCE; National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Incidentally there are 19 SAC (special areas of conservation) in Ireland protecting the freshwater pearl mussel, including the River Barrow and Nore.

Teenager missing from Gorey area

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 15 year old Scarlet Bright who has been missing from the Gorey area of County Wexford since the afternoon of Friday 14th April 2023.

Scarlet is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height with a thin build, red hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, Scarlet was wearing a black jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and white runners.

Anyone with information on Scarlet’s whereabouts is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 0539430690, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Michael Goff enjoys double success

By Dan Walsh

Michael Goff travelled from his base at Clondaw, Ferns, to today’s point-to-point races at Dromahane and teaming up with Waterford-born rider Michael Sweeney he was successful twice at the Cork track.

MICHAEL GOFF… double point-to-point success in Cork today.

First up was newcomer Fortunate Man who scored by two lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and half an hour later claimed the five-year-old maiden race with Double Digits by one length. Both ran in the colours of Caitriona Goff.

Another Wexford winner at Dromahane was newcomer Bellas Bridge, by three-parts of a length under Sean Staples, for the Blackhall Stables Partnership and Paul Pierce, Killurin, in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

There was also point-to-point action in Louth today and a pair of Wexford winners. Colin Bowe saddled up newcomer Tareze who came home one and a half lengths to the good under Bertie Finn in the mares’ four-year-old maiden race. This was the 10th career winner for Bertie Finn from Oulart.

Gorey hotel owner Patrick Redmond tasted success at the Louth fixture when Toss Of A Coin triumphed by nine lengths in the maiden race for five year old geldings. The son of Flemensfirth, Toss Of A Coin, who is for sale, was a 35th career winner for rider James Kenny and is handled by his father, Liam Kenny at Craanford, Gorey.

The buzz is back in Ferns

Very Revd. Paul Mooney, Dean of St. Eden’s Cathedral and Very Rev. Patrick Cushen, P.P., Ferns. blessed the new hives with holy water from nearby St. Mogue’s Well.

By Dan Walsh in Ferns

Three Canadian red giant “Walnut whip” shaped beekeeping units were unveiled in the grounds of St. Edan’s Cathedral, Ferns, yesterday (Saturday) as part of the Ancient Connections initiative between St. Aidan’s in Ferns and St. David’s in Pembrokeshire.

“Bees have linked Wales and Wexford since the 6th century, when it is reported St David gifted a hive of bees to an Irish pupil to keep, after his monastery bees twice followed their favourite monk home to Ireland and had to be brought back”, said the Very Revd Paul Mooney, Dean of St. Edan’s Cathedral. Ferns, who added; “We’re delighted to welcome this striking symbol of the ties between us and to honour the friendship between our own Saint Aidan (Mogue) or Edan, and Saint David of Wales.”

The event was launched in St. Edan’s Cathedral by the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor, who ended his speech with the immortal words; “May the honey from Ferns sweeten your day, And the candle wax light your day.”

The church programme featured a performance of music and song by Melanie O’Reilly, assisted on guitar by David Creevy, and the Chord On Blues Ferns Community Choir led by Mary Moulds.

Margaret Cristopher recited a story telling recollection featuring ‘St Aidan and the Sea Monster’.

Moving outdoors on a pleasant day, the hives were blessed with Holy Water from nearby St. Mogue’s Well, and prayers were jointly recited by Very Revd. Paul Mooney, Dean of St. Eden’s Cathedral and Very Rev. Patrick Cushen, P.P., Ferns.

The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen, T.D. County Arts Officer, Liz Burns and tourism representative Billy Byrne.

Bedwyr Williams said; “I’m interested in objects that invite communities to become active participants to make the artwork whole. St David’s last words were “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” or “Do the little things.” This ethos has guided the development of my proposal, which is founded on the story of St David and St Aidan and steeped in the magic and history of these two intertwined locations.”

Local beekeeper Joe Kelly from Ferns Honey, was on hand to take an question and answer session and he was very busy. Lots of interest in the popularity of bees and the good news is that the beehives at Ferns will be open to the public.

Grand National celebrated in Bannow-Ballymitty

By Dan Walsh

Corach Rambler (8/1) made history at Aintree today with a two and a quarter lengths success in the Grand National, and while it is correctly credited as a Scottish victory from Lucinda Russell’s stables, it is also a major celebration in the Bannow-Ballymitty area of south Co. Wexford.

Corach Rambler, who is named after a well-known local soccer team by the River Corach, was bred by local breeder Paul Hillis, who is a partner with three Scottish enthusiasts in a winning syndicate known as The Rambler and appeared on the winners’ podium after the great race where his excitement was a bit emotional, but palpable.

SEAN FLANAGAN… runner-up in the Aintree Grand National.

Corach Rambler succeeded in the world’s toughest steeplechase to a great reception and wearing the favourites tag, but the runner-up also had a Wexford connection. Vanillier was ridden by Sean Flanagan from Robinstown, New Ross.

Corach Rambler, who has won the long distance chase at the last two Cheltenham Festivals (2022 and 2023), was handled by John Martin Walsh, Scar Stables, Duncormick, and ridden by Sean Staples when winning his point-to-point at Monksgrange on September 27th 2020. He was subsequently sold to Michael Scudamore for £17,000.

This was a Grand National double for trainer Lucinda Russell and Sligo-born jockey Derek Fox. Last time they won the great race was with One For Arthur (14/1) in 2017, who won his point-to-point at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, when owned by Patrick Redmond, Ashtown Park Hotel, Gorey, handled by Liam Kenny at Craanford and ridden by Barry O’Neill, and sold soon after that victory.

The success of Corach Rambler and One For Arthur augurs well for the quality of staying chasers emerging from the breeders and handlers on the point-to-point scene in Co. Wexford.

Talented students won top prizes

By Dan Walsh

Two Wexford students have won top prizes in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.

10-years old Lilia Litwin, a pupil at Gorey Educate Together National School, is a winner in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. She is pictured with her prize-winning work entitled ‘My Self Portrait’ with her mother Magdalena and her father Tomasz. The picture was taken at a function to announce the top winners held in Dublin.

In the 9-11 years age category, first prize was won by 10-years old Lilia Litwin, a pupil at Gorey Educate Together National School, for her artwork entitled ‘My Self Portrait’. Her work is described by Professor Granville as “a self-portrait that captures a sense of the person behind the paint.”

Sarah McLoughlin (age 17), a pupil at Bridgetown College, is a winner in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. She is pictured with her prize-winning work entitled ‘The Points Race’ with her father Stephen and mother Ruth. The picture was taken at a function to announce the top winners held in Dublin.

In the 16-18 years age category, third prize was won by Sarah McLoughlin (age 17), a pupil at Bridgetown College, for her artwork entitled ‘The Points Race’. Her work is described by Final Adjudicator, Professor Gary Granville as “art that uses light and shade to try to express 21st century life through a Rembrandt lens.”

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first competition held in 1955.

This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Wexford and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.

Solo art and design exhibition opens in Gorey

TRISH MIDDLETON. Her first solo exhibition opened in Gorey Library tonight and runs until April 27th.

By Dan Walsh in Gorey Library

A first solo exhibition by Gorey-based artist Trish Middleton using as many sustainably sourced materials as possible opened in Gorey Library tonight (Thursday) and will be available until April 27th.

The official opening was performed by Lisa Byrne, Visual Arts Manager and curator at Presentation Arts Centre in conjunction with Wexford Arts Centre, who congratulated Trish on her first solo exhibition, although she has exhibited many times as part of a group, praised the superb quality of her work and encouraged as many people as possible to drop into the library and view the exhibition.

A graduate from National College of Art and Design in 1997, Trish’s work focuses on nature and using as many raw and natural wools and yarns as is possible. These days, with so much focus on the wellbeing of our environment, she utilises as many sustainably sourced materials as possible, including sourcing raw wool, locally from farmers, and wool ends from factories while utilising handmade dyes. 

Trish Middleton loves art and design. She works in a variety of mediums including oil pastels, acrylic, pencil and collage but it is her love of textiles that always draws her back in. Through dyeing, weaving, stitching, knotting and tufting, she creates not just visual pieces, but also tactile sensory experiences.

It is a lovely exhibition. All are welcome, For more details please contact Gorey Library on 053 9483820.

Plans for 22 CCTV cameras in Enniscorthy

RAFTER STREET, Enniscorthy (File Pic)

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Co. Council proposes to install a new closed circuit television system in Enniscorthy Town Centre to replace the existing CCTV system.

It is proposed to install 22 CCTV cameras at locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Siochana.

A spokesperson for Wexford County Council said; “The purpose of this is to provide a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour, improve public safety, assist emergency services, and assist the Local Authority in the management of public areas for the wellbeing of the town.”

Plans and particulars of the proposed scheme are available for inspection during normal office hours (9am – 5pm) at Enniscorthy Municipal District Office, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 W2V4 and Enniscorthy Library, Lymington Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford or via the Consultation Portal

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed scheme may be made in writing to: Claire Lawless, District Manager, Enniscorthy Municipal District, Market Square, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford or via the Consultation Portal at not later than 4pm on the 2nd May 2023.