School transport system requires a comprehensive review?

A rural school bus. (Pic; Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)

By Dan Walsh

Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has called on Ministers Moynihan and McEntee to stop passing the buck over the ongoing shambles in the school transport system, and to end the chaos, which he says is the worst he has ever seen since he started out as a teacher 35 years ago.

“My office has been inundated with messages from concerned parents about the chaos surrounding school bus transport. We’ve been trying our best to assist them. This issue arises every year, but this year is by far the worst I can recall, and I’ve seen at first-hand how vital school transport is for children with additional needs.

“Parents are telling me about bus services being pulled at the last minute, situations where one child in a family gets a bus place while the other in the school next door does not – forcing the parent to drive behind the bus which has empty seats. It’s ridiculous!

“Parents in Ferns are paying privately—up to €1,300 per year – for their children to attend school in Bunclody, due to the complete absence of a bus route.

FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN TD (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“I’ve sent numerous pieces of correspondence to both Ministers, as well as to Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, but they continue to pass the buck. The Minister for Education claims she’s not responsible. The Minister for Transport says he’s not. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth simply forwards the same information from Bus Éireann that both the parents and I already know—without offering any real solutions.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin asks; “Why are private companies not submitting bids to Bus Éireann, which is contributing to the shortage of buses and drivers?

“The entire school transport system needs to be re-evaluated. No child should be denied access to their school of choice due to a lack of a place on a bus.

“This is government failure of our children at its worst. We must invest more in our school transport systems.”

Wexford TD joins picket lines in schools’ strike

By Dan Walsh

FIONNTÁN Ó SÚLLEABHAIN TD (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

South Wicklow-North Wexford Sinn Féin Deputy Fionntan Ó Súilleabháin, himself a member of the teaching profession, has announced his intention to join the picket lines in support of the school secretaries and caretakers.

Deputy Ó Súilleabháin told WexfordLocal.com; “Over the last two days thousands of school secretaries and caretakers have taken strike action and mobilised in large numbers to demand pension parity, sick leave, bereavement leave -basic rights, and having spent 34 years working with great secretaries and caretakers I am delighted to stand with these staff on the picket lines today”

Deputy Ó Súilleabhain added; “From today, (Monday), the dispute will escalate with pickets at schools across Wexford and Wicklow with the potential for widespread disruption. The failure of the government to try and deal with this issue is reckless in the extreme.  It is time to get the Labour Court to intervene in this dispute and call parties to a hearing.”

65th birthday celebrations planned for Bree Macra 

Members of Bree Macra announced their 65th birthday plans in Hammel’s of Bree some weeks ago. (Pic; Bree Macra)

By Dan Walsh

Established in April 1960, Bree Macra has endured over the decades to become the oldest continuously operating Macra branch in Wexford.  And now is the time to celebrate its 65th birthday and reunite many members, past and present, in celebration.

Described by former Macra and IFA president Joe Healy as “A Bree’d unto themselves” in their book Bree Macra: From Birth to a New Millenium, the club has long been known for its competitive drive and strong community spirit.

Over the years, Bree Macra has achieved notable success: winning the first National Club of the Year and Leinster Club of the Year competitions, as well as numerous All-Ireland trophies, including the 2023 All-Ireland Public Speaking title.

The club’s true treasure is its dedicated members, whose hard work has sustained it for over six decades.  

Bree Macra’s 65th Anniversary Dinner Dance will take place on Saturday, September 13th in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford. The committee would like to invite Bree Macra members, friends, and alumni to celebrate sixty-five years of dedication, laughter, and friendship together.

Tickets are €45, and can be obtained from any of the committee, by contacting club chairperson Sarah Byrne on 087 7009216, or contacting the club on Instagram (@breemacra_) or Facebook (Bree Macra). 

Jetaway Nana is star winner at Wexford

ANNE SINNOTT, Craanford, Gorey, won the ‘Best Dressed’ prize on Ladies Day at Wexford Races this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races

Jockey Eoin Staples from Duncormick thrilled the local crowd with success on Jetaway Nana (2/1 fav.) by one and three quarters of a length in the mares’ maiden hurdle at Wexford Races this evening.

Running in the colours of Mark Hatton, Monalee, Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, the five-year-old bay mare was bred by Irish international soccer star Kevin Doyle and trained in Meath by Cian Collins.

“She came from the Doyle’s and Mark Hatton, who is a friend of Eamonn Doyle, owns her. I think it’s his first horse and it’s his first time to see her run so he picked a good day,” said trainer Collins, who added; “She picked up a €7,500 bonus today as well and it’s a great touch, it adds to the occasion.”

New Ross jockey Sean Flanagan teamed up with Waterford trainer John Flavin to win the handicap chase with Hit The Frame (13/2) in the handicap chase.

The champion team of Paul Townend and Willie Mullins enjoyed an easy 23 lengths victory with You Oughta Know (11/10 fav.) in the novice chase.

It was a memorable day for Cork three-pound claiming jockey John Shinnick who recorded a 59/1 double in the space of one hour winning for Tony Mullins on Paul’s Dream (5/1) and Stone Forest (9/1) for Eoin Doyle.

Today was Ladies Day at Wexford Races. The ‘Best Dressed’ prize was taken away by Anne Sinnott, Craanford, Gorey, while Tina Hemlock from Cork wore the ‘Best Hat’. The event was coordinated by celebrity fashion judge Marietta Doran and the sponsors were New Mood Boutique, Wexford, and Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort, Ballymoney, Co. Wexford.

There are two remaining fixtures for Wexford in 2025, scheduled for Sunday, October 26th and Monday, October 27th, which coincide with the October Bank Holiday.

Ladies Day at Wexford Races

Celebrity fashion expert MARIETTA DORAN and paddock commentator DAN WALSH at sunny Wexford Races in 2019. They are back in the paddock for Ladies Day today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Today (Friday) is Ladies Day at Wexford Races and a large crowd is expected at Bettyville Park for the seven-race card with the first race off at 4.30pm.

Celebrity fashion presenter Marietta Doran will judge the fashion events aided by sponsorship and attractive prizes and everybody is expected to have a great evening.

First race at 4.30pm and the card consists of four hurdles races and three steeplechases. There is a fine entry, and competitive racing will be the order of the evening.

Horse Racing Ireland has informed WexfordLocal.com that the Going will be “Yielding. Good to Yielding in places following watering and 11mm of rain since entries. Forecast is unsettled.”

Retirements and appointments in the Diocese of Ferns

By Dan Walsh

Bishop of Ferns, BISHOP GER NASH. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash has announced changes in the Diocese of Ferns with appointments effective from Monday, September 15th 2025.

The following priests will retire from active Ministry:

Msgr Denis Lennon will retire from his role as Co-PP in Clonard Parish.

Fr Jim Finn will retire from his role as Co-PP in Crossabeg/Ballymurn.

Fr Ray Gahan will retire from his role as Co-PP in Kilaveney.

Fr Lar O’Connor will retire from his role as Co-PP in Bunclody.

Fr Paddy Cushen will retire from his role as Co-PP in Ferns Bunclody Pastoral Area and will remain in Ferns to assist in the Pastoral Area.

Fr Roger O’Neill, Co-PP Cushinstown will become Director of Vocations and Youth Ministry in the Diocese with responsibility for administration in Cushinstown/Newbawn area. He will also be appointed part time Diocesan Secretary. The pastoral care of Cushinstown/Newbawn will be carried out by the priests of the Pastoral area.

Fr Odhrán Furlong, Chaplain at Wexford University Hospital will become Co-PP in the New Ross Pastoral Area, residing in New Ross

Fr Brian Whelan, Co-PP in New Ross will become Co-PP in the Ferns Bunclody Kilrush Pastoral Area, resident in Ferns.

Fr David Murphy, will return from Chaplaincy to the Army to become Co-PP in the Annacurra, Carnew Kilanerin, Pastoral Area, resident in Tinahely

Fr John Byrne Co-PP in the Ferns Bunclody Kilrush Pastoral area will be resident in Bunclody

The pastoral care of the Parishes of Ballymurn/Crossabeg will be carried out by the priests of the Pastoral Area.

Fr Eamon Salmon, recently ordained, will be resident in Wexford Town with responsibility for Chaplaincy at Wexford General Hospital.

The pastoral care of Clonard will be the responsibility of the Wexford Pastoral area with one priest resident in Clonard.

Moderators to the Ferns Bunclody Pastoral area and to the New Ross, Cushinstown, Adamstown, Newbawn Pastoral area will be appointed in the coming weeks.

‘Do Not Swim’ warning at 4 Wexford beaches

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has posted ‘Do Not Swim’ notices at four Wexford beaches, namely Ballyhealy, Ballymoney, Cullenstown and Morriscastle.

The latest sampling conducted as part of the Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality, showed elevated levels of bacteria at the beaches.

Following consultation with the HSE, it is necessary to issue ‘Do Not Swim’ warning notices at the above beaches in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.

Further samples are being taken and results are expected by Sunday, August 31st at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed. 

In addition, the Council’s Environment Water Team are investigating the matter. 

Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beaches to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.

Further updates will be issued through the media and via the Council’s website.

More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on www.beaches.ie

Kennedy Summer School opens in New Ross

By Dan Walsh in New Ross

PRESIDENT JOHN F KENNEDY has his programme for the 2025 Kennedy Summer School in New Ross. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

The annual Kennedy Summer School which is themed ‘ a festival of Irish and American history, culture and politics’ will officially open at 6pm in St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, this evening (Thursday).

Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, will perform the official opening and afterwards engage in “a fireside chat forum” with Eileen Dunne, former RTÉ newsreader and chairperson of the Kennedy Summer School.

Ms. Dunne told WexfordLocal.com that “This year’s programme promises compelling conversations from literature to local journalism to Irish identity at home and abroad” and the organisers are looking forward to welcoming everyone to New Ross this weekend.

The Noel Whelan Interview features Enniscorthy-born writer Colm Tóibín in St. Michael’s Theatre on Friday at 6pm. That’s one event not be be missed!

It comes to a close on Saturday evening at 6pm and will feature a performance by New Ross and District Pipe Band.

A comprehensive programme of events are listed with many well-known speakers taking part and info@kennedysummer school.ie or telephone 051 421255 are useful contacts for tickets. The full programme of events is available for viewing on Facebook.

Rossini is audience choice for the festival

Pictured are Ger Lawlor, Company Secretary, Wexford Festival Trust; Paul Cleary, Chairman, Wexford Festival Trust and Nuala Sheedy, Donor Development Manager, Wexford Festival Opera. (Pic; Pádraig Grant)
By Dan Walsh
Wexford Festival Opera has announced the audience choice winner for the 75th anniversary festival in 2026 and opera lovers from 30 counties around the world have chosen Gioachino Rossini’s L’equivoco stravanante to be one of the main stage operas next year.
This special public vote, a first in the Festival’s history, gave opera lovers the chance to choose a comedic masterpiece for the 75th anniversary festival in 2026. Three operas, all previously performed at the Festival, were up for the vote. Rossini’s L’equivoco stravagante, last performed at the Festival in 1968, received the most votes, securing its spot in the 2026 programme.
The public vote was part of the lead-up to the 75th-anniversary celebrations in 2026 and the voting process was officially verified by the Festival’s Company Secretary. The other two titles considered for the vote were Il barbiere di Siviglia (Giovanni Paisiello, 1782) and Don Gregorio (G. Donizetti, 1826).
Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi will build the 75th festival programme around the theme of ‘The Best of: one for the head, one for the heart, one for fun’, a concept with a long history at the Festival. This phrase is believed to have originated from Wexford Festival opera-goers themselves and was even noted in the Grove Dictionary of Opera. Commenting Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi said: “The 75th anniversary is an incredible milestone and a very special birthday for Wexford, and for our Wexford Festival Opera family all around the world. We were thrilled by the response from our global audience. This was a unique opportunity to involve opera lovers in shaping the 75th-anniversary programme. Rossini’s L’equivoco stravagante is a wonderful choice for our 2026 Festival. We can’t wait to bring this beloved opera back to the stage in a brand new production directed by award-winning director Max Hoehn and designed by Darko Petrovic.”
In the meantime, preparations are in full swing for this year’s 74th Wexford Festival Opera, which starts next month on October 17th. We look forward to seeing you there. The full programme for the 75th Festival, will be unveiled by Rosetta Cucchi during this year’s 74th Wexford Festival Opera, running from October 17th November 1st.

Rosslare will become Ireland’s largest maritime development

An artist’s impression of the future development at Rosslare Europort. (Pic; Corporate Communications at Iarnród Éireann).

By Dan Walsh

Preparations are underway for Rosslare Europort to lodge planning for the largest proposed maritime development in the country after proposals for its Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub receives Marine Area Consent.

Receipt of Marine Area Consent (MAC) from the Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) is a significant regulatory milestone and acts as a gateway to progress to the next stage of the planning process.

The MAC grants Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, the right to occupy a part of the State’s maritime area. It also allows the project to proceed to the next stage of the statutory consenting process with a planning submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála expected in Autumn of this year.

This proposed piece of nationally significant infrastructure will: double the size of the existing Rosslare Europort through the reclamation of approximately 24.5 hectares of land from the sea; provide new port facilities to support the delivery of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy targets; deliver the deepening of the shipping channel and the construction of two new deep-water berths.

A new small boat harbour for local operators be capable of supporting the construction of wind farm projects in the Irish and Celtic seas in the longer term will serve as operational and maintenance base for the offshore wind industry, providing for significant employment and economic development opportunities in the region.

Subject to planning being granted and funding being allocated, it is expected that construction will commence in late 2026 and is anticipated to take approximately two years. 

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort said to WexfordLocal.com; “Granting of the MAC for Rosslare’s ORE plans is a significant milestone in the development of this critical piece of infrastructure which will support the development, growth and long-term operation of the offshore wind industry in Ireland’s Southeast. Delivering this nationally significant infrastructure will support the continued expansion Rosslare Europort, strengthen the local economy, support local employment and deliver on national and EU policy priorities.”

Granting of the MAC comes shortly following confirmation by the European Commission and the Department of Transport that investment in Rosslare’s proposed extension, refurbishment and upgrade of Berth 3 has been supported in the latest EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding allocation.

The application for funding was submitted jointly with the Port of Dunkirk and the total funding allocated to both ports is €19.24m, with Rosslare receiving €17.68m of this allocation, approximately 50% of the estimated costs for detailed design and construction.

Works to be completed to Berth 3 include extension and upgrade to accommodate larger vessels, and key emission-reducing port infrastructure, including berth development and Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) ramps, and onshore power supply.

The ORE Hub and Berth extension will be delivered alongside the ongoing programme of transformation at the Port worth an additional €170 million which, over the last 28 months, has been progressing as the Port continues to operate and grow.

This, the second largest civil construction project in the country, has: more than 2300 construction staff inducted over 1 million construction hours delivered 91,000m2 of new concrete laid for the trailer yards, 4 new buildings, 4 new substations, 3km of new drainage, 5km of new security fencing and over €40m spent with local contractors and a modern border control facility being delivered with the OPW; the first integrated smart port system in Europe providing for a seamless transition between land and sea for passenger and freight customers.

Through partnership, collaboration and innovation with customers, construction partners, community, port colleagues and stakeholders this transformation project is being delivered on budget and ahead of time.

More information on the extensive development Rosslare Europort is available on www.rosslareeuroport.ie.