“AI is the technology that is going to change everything,”

Pictured at the County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit were (l-r): Dan Barry, Regional Director, Southern Region, Enterprise Ireland; MC Ciara Doherty; Catherine Doyle, General Manager, Microsoft Ireland; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; Ed Murphy, President, County Wexford Chamber; Professor Veronica Campbell, President, South East Technological University; Eamonn Sinnott, former General Manager, Intel Ireland; and Geraldine Heavey, Executive Director, Enterprise Services, ESB.

By Dan Walsh

The County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit, held at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Monday was a remarkable success, bringing together business leaders and innovators from across the region.

The event, hosted by broadcaster and barrister Ciara Doherty, featured a fireside chat with Catherine Doyle, General Manager of Microsoft Ireland, who captivated the audience with her insights on Strategic Leadership in an AI Environment. “AI is the technology that is going to change everything,” Doyle emphasised, highlighting the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and responsible innovation in leadership.

The summit provided attendees with actionable strategies for business growth and leadership development. “We were privileged to hear from Catherine Doyle, who shared powerful perspectives on how AI is reshaping leadership and business,” said Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber.

Other notable speakers included Professor Veronica Campbell, President of South East Technological University; Geraldine Heavey, Executive Director of Enterprise Services at ESB; Eamonn Sinnott, Former General Manager of Intel Ireland; Dan Barry, Regional Director for the Southern Region at Enterprise Ireland; Joanne Somers, Managing Director of Johnsons Celtic Linen; Chris Parle, Commercial Director of Midland Tyre Services; Sarah Tenanty, Financial Operations Lead at Zurich Insurance; and Leanne Davey, Senior Director of Clinical Product Solutions at Waters Technologies.

The Showcase Spotlight celebrated local success stories from Kent Stainless, highlighting how small projects opened doors to global opportunities in the UK, US, and Qatar, and Stafford Irish Spirits, emphasising import substitution, supporting local suppliers. Aisling O’Connor, Network Manager of County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, outlined how funded training is available to upskill employees across a range of areas.

“This summit was a fantastic opportunity to connect and learn from leaders who are shaping the future of our business community,” added Ms. Roche.

The interactive panels, networking opportunities, and insights were designed to inspire and equip attendees with strategies for growth and leadership in a rapidly changing business environment.

The event was generously supported by ESB and County Wexford Chamber Skillnet, ensuring its success and impact on the local business community.

145,980 cigarettes seized at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Revenue Officers in Rosslare Europort seized 145,980 cigarettes.

The cigarettes, branded L&M Blue Label, Marlboro, and Parliament, have a retail value of over €131,710 representing a potential loss to the exchequer of more than €104,120.

The cigarettes were discovered when, as a result of routine profiling, an accompanied freight unit that had disembarked a ferry from France was stopped and searched. The truck and trailer were also seized.

A man in his 60’s was questioned and investigations are ongoing.

This seizure is part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.

If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on Confidential Phone Number 1800 295 295.

A Berry good day at lovely Lingstown

Darragh Berry (left) and Josh Berry (right) shared a double at Lingstown today. They are pictured here after the victory of Elderflower Tonic in the maiden race for four-year-old mares with the Run For Fun Partnership whose colours were worn. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Lingstown races

Uncle and nephew, handler Darragh Berry and rider Josh Berry were in great form in the winter sunshine at their local track at Lingstown today where they joined forces and shared a double success. Rider Barry Stone also had a double.

The Berrys got on the scoresheet in the first race – the maiden race for four-year-old mares – when Elderflower Tonic running in the Run for Fun Partnership colours slipped the field and came home ten lengths clear.

Rider Josh Berry rode his first career double aboard Expensive Emotion in the maiden race for five-year-old mares by three lengths. Handler Darragh was delighted with a double on the day and confirmed that Expensive Emotion is going to the sales.

The maiden race for four-year-old geldings was divided. A Sight To Sea scored by six lengths for Killurin handler Paul Martin Pierce in division two. Luke Murphy was the winning rider.

Division One provided Barry Stone with his 70th career winner when partnering Blue To You for Robert Tector, Coolbawn Stables, Rathnure. The Cleariestown rider, who only returned from injury the week before, enjoyed his 71st winner on Doujadou for Benny Walsh in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings. This one was super easy – 24 lengths the verdict.

Gordon Elliott put up Barry O’Neill on Chemical Energy, who became a hot favourite with strong punter support, and they were rewarded in a six lengths victory in the Open Lightweight Race over the redesigned Banks Course where one of the obstacles had to be omitted due to the low-lying sun!

The final race of the day – maiden race for six-years-old and upwards – went to Jigsaw Juke, owned and trained by Jim O’Neill, Ballindaggin. The verdict was one length, and the winning rider was Alan Harney.

There was also point-to-point action at Moig, Co. Cork today and one popular Wexford winner. Runner-up on his first outing, Mcelhattan in the colours of Billy Bates and trained by Mark Scallan in Cleariestown was the four and a half lengths winner of the four-year-old maiden race.

Next Sunday’s fixture is the Carlow Farmers Hunt races at Borris House, Co. Carlow. Entries close on Tuesday.

Water supply issues in parts of Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to restore water supply to customers in parts of Wexford Town this morning (Sunday), following an operational issue at Newtown Water Treatment Plant.

As a result, customers in Whitemill, Townparks, Ard Charman, Barntown, Clonard, Taghmon, and surrounding areas of Wexford Town may experience a supply disruption over the course of today (Sunday).

To support impacted customers alternative water are available at the following locations:

  • Clonard Church/Community Centre
  • St. Joseph’s Community Centre
  • Ard Charman housing estate
  • Coolcotts Community Centre
  • Clonard village
  • Cluain Dara housing estate

Customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from these alternative water supplies and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.   

“I understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue to restore supply. The plant is back in operation this morning, however, it will take several hours for the reservoirs to replenish and for the network to recharge.

“Typically, it takes a number of hours for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.”

Gorey shines with festive Christmas lights

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council CLLR JOE SULLIVAN was in his native Gorey last night for the Big Switch-On. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

Christmas is officially launched in North Wexford. The Big Christmas Switch-On illuminated Gorey last evening with an estimated 10,000 packing Main Steet for the seasonal family event with a guest appearance by Santa Claus ably assisted by Mrs Claus.

Some said it was the largest crowd ever seen at a ‘Switch-On’ and certainly the crowds were massive, and it took Santa a long time to complete his journey along the Main Street to the main stage.

After a short interview with master of ceremonies Dave Redmond Santa kept in tune with the countdown and switch on the Christmas lights to a loud cheer. Mrs Claus was always by his side!

Amongst the VIPs present were Deputies Brian Brennan, Malcolm Byrne and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllrs Nicky Boland, Darragh McDonald and Craig Doyle, Anita McLoughlin, District Manager Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Liz Hore, Director of Services.

Lots of special events in Gorey in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas. They have the ‘Most Festive Business Competition’ inviting businesses to showcase the magic of Christmas and Gorey’s fantastic shopping, food and hospitality.

There is a call out to all choirs to sing on the weekends with slots outside Partridges and The Book Café. There is also a new post box for sending that all important mail to Santa. Post early and post often is the message!

We hear that the Christmas trees will be erected in Gorey town on Tuesday… look out for that attraction.

Christmas free parking will be available in Gorey public car parks only from 11am Saturdays, November 29th, 6th, 13th and 20th December. And on Monday to Wednesday, December 22nd to 24th, inclusive.

And don’t forget many businesses in Gorey will be decorating their windows, putting on special offers and inviting regular customers (and new one’s are welcome too!) to celebrate everything that is magical at Christmas time.

All roads lead to Lingstown on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The Killinick Harriers point-to-point takes place at Lingstown, Tomhaggard, tomorrow (Sunday) with a six-race card, however there may be ‘divides’ as a large entry has been received – 122! First race at 12.30pm.

The going is described as ‘yielding, good to yielding in places.’ The weather forecast is promising ‘a mostly cloudy’ afternoon and 9 degrees – so bring a strong coat!

MICHAEL GOFF saddled his 100th winner. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Highlight tomorrow will be the Banks Race, which has a good entry with strong raiders like Gordon Elliott, Enda Bolger, Stuart Crawford, Peter Flood, Sam Curling and Ian McCarthy taking on the locals like Colin Bowe, Denis Murphy, Richard O’Keeffe, John Patrick Walsh and Sean Doyle.

Michael Goff who trains at Clondaw, Ferns, saddled his 100th career point-to-point winner at Kirkistown, Co. Down, this afternoon when Locker Boum scored a runaway 18 lengths victory in the maiden race for four-year-olds. Now in his 13th season as a handler, Goff’s milestone victory was a fifth career winner for Gorey rider Matt Gahan, (19).

Runner-up was Colin Bowe’s Go Down Rockin, ridden by Barry O’Neill, who enjoyed a winner on the day – Walk The Hall for Tom Dreaper.

Racing in Boulta, Co. Cork today (Saturday) and success for Eamonn Doyle with newcomer Maxios Des Champs ridden by Rob James by one and a quarter lengths in the maiden race for four-year-old mares.

€700,000 for Our Lady’s Island lake project

By Dan Walsh

MINISTER for Housing, Local Government and Heritage JAMES BROWN TD

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD visited Our Lady’s Island this morning where he announced €700,000 in funding to support Wexford County Council’s coordinating role in restoring the ecological condition of the lake.

Minister Browne was joined by the Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Cllr Ger Carthy, Cathaoirleach Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and other elected members including Cllr Frank Staples and officials from Wexford County Council, LAWPRO, NPWS, Teagasc and representatives from Farming for Water EIP and the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) – all who are advancing plans to holistically address the deterioration of the saline lagoon’s water quality and ecology.

The tranche of €700,000 in funding to Wexford County Council will support the development of a Water Quality Management Plan for Our Lady’s Island and help to project manage their continued coordination of the holistic approach required to improve Our Lady’s Island, with measures required to address excess nutrients from agriculture, domestic waste water treatment plants (septic tanks) and urban waste water treatment plant(s) entering the lake.

This requires very close engagement between Wexford County Council, LAWPRO, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory (ASSAP), the Farming for Water EIP and Uisce Éireann.

This combined response will harness the combined strength and expertise of these organisations and their staff to put in place actions to improve the lake’s condition.

Water supply restored in Wexford town

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews restored water supply last night to customers in Wexford Town following an issue on the raw water main serving the Newtown Water Treatment Plant.

Although normal production has resumed it can take some time for normal water supply to return as the network reservoirs refill and even longer for customers on high ground or at the end of the line. Customers are being asked to be mindful of their water usage and to allow supply to catch up with demand.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng said; “We apologise for any inconvenience that the unplanned interruption to supply caused and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while crews worked to bring the water treatment plant back into full production.”

Enniscorthy Flood Relief scheme is refused… what happens next?

A last chance to save Seamus Rafter Bridge over the River Slaney (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

There is a Public Consultation Day on Wednesday, November 26th, 3pm to 8pm at Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, where Wexford County Council with the support of the Office of Public Works (OPW) is preparing the development of a Flood Relief Scheme for Enniscorthy.

There is so much misinformation in the public domain in recent times that it is important that the people of Enniscorthy come along and have their say!

The Flood Relief Scheme is important, but it is neither a political mouthpiece nor an opportunity to cash in on available funding, but an outcome that will make Enniscorthy a better town to pass through or visit, and, in fairness traffic management between both bridges at the moment runs smoothly and without delay on a daily basis!

Future plans are as follows; Phase 1 The removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge and the provision of a new pedestrian bridge in its place? Back to the old days of one stone bridge carrying all the traffic and it will have to be reversed into two-way traffic again! The works phase will be chaotic for town traffic!

My personal suggestion, and readers can comment freely on my view, is that the Seamus Rafter Bridge remains where it is, make it a raised single span from east to west, and the hilly advantage on either side be used to best advantage. My suggestion has nothing to do with funding but maintaining the the town centre character in line with its traditional and historic past because that’s the future of market towns in rural Ireland.

READ MORE… Why was the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme refused? Here is the full report first published on WexfordLocal.com on March 4th 2022. It is reported in full… no edits!

Enniscorthy Flood Relief scheme is refused

By Dan Walsh

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath T.D, today (Friday), based on the advice of environmental consultants and officials, has decided to refuse the River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Defence Scheme, submitted by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

This decision is based on a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed scheme which concluded that the scheme would have considerable adverse impact on the environment.

This decision was taken based on an extensive procedure which involved the engagement of environmental consultants, public consultation and engagement with other relevant bodies including the OPW, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage/National Parks and Wildlife Services.

The OPW have been informed of the Minister’s decision to refuse the scheme. The OPW will now have to assess options available to mitigate the environmental issues identified in this process.

Speaking on the decision, Minister McGrath said; “This Government is committed to developing policy responses to mitigate the effects of climate change and to protect the health and safety of residents and the local economy. Very significant funds of €1.3bn have been set aside under the National Development Plan to achieve this aim.

The River Slaney in flood at Enniscorthy on Christmas Day 2021. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“It is, however, incumbent upon me, as the authority charged with confirming these schemes, to ensure that the environmental impact is acceptable under law. Flood relief schemes are very complex with multi-layered considerations arising from primary legislation, regulations, EU Directives and increasing case law both domestically from the High Court and Supreme Court and internationally from the European Court of Justice in this area.

“I can assure you that this is not a decision which was taken lightly. There has, in recent years, been a very significant increase in Judicial Reviews and other legal challenges to a range of infrastructure development projects arising from increased cross-cutting environmental legislation.

“I am also acutely aware of the time-frames involved in bringing these schemes about. It is in everyone’s interests that this decision is made now, so that the OPW can proceed to consider the matters at hand and assess options available to mitigate the environmental issues identified in this process,” concluded Minister McGrath.

The River Slaney (Enniscorthy) Flood Defence Scheme, was submitted by the Office of Public Works in April 2020.

A public consultation was held in 2020. Additional information was sought from OPW towards the end of 2020 and this was submitted in April 2021.

Following discussions with the consultants and with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, it was deemed that the environmental impact of the scheme was such that the scheme should be refused under section 7E(b) of the Arterial Drainage Act.

Carrigmannon Bridge needs funding

CARRIGMANNON BRIDGE near Killurin is set to receive Council funding. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

CLLR GARRY LAFFAN (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

For almost two centuries since 1844 Carrigmannon Bridge has facilitated road traffic from the days of the horse and cart to the modern era of electric cars and large trucks and its importance was raised at the November meeting of Wexford County Council.

During a debate on roads, Cllr Garry Laffan told the meeting that Carrigmannon Bridge was one of the highest bridges in the country and “needs funding and attention.”

There was a positive response from Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Roads Services, Eamonn Hore, who replied; “This is a lovely bridge, and we’ll get some funding for that!”

HISTORY and HERITAGE; On the R30 from Wexford towards Killurin, near the Glynn-Barntown GAA Club, a sharp 90-degree bend with stone walls conceals a sheer drop of over 120 feet to the Ballyvolleen waters below. This is Carrigmannon Bridge.

Built during the Famine years and at its time, it would have been one of the highest bridges in the country, the bridge was designed by James Barry Farrell, (1810-1893) born in Bristol in 1810 and in 1840 he took the position as the County Surveyor for County Wexford.

In the construction of this bridge, J. B. Farrell thankfully, had an impressive foresight and working with Mr Thomas Willis (builder), conspired to make the structure wide enough to carry two lanes of motorised traffic.

The magnificent Carrigmannon Bridge which is at the end of the Carrigmannon Woods leading from Glynn is a stone structure having three arches each of 50 feet span.

The structure spans a deep ravine along what was once known as the ‘Carlow road,’ reaching a central height of 120 feet. This was an impressive engineering feat for its era and continues to stand as a striking testament to skilled craftsmanship.

Mr Farrell, subsequently designed similar and even higher bridges at Corbally Bridge on the Enniscorthy to Oulart Road and Ballinatray Bridge near Courtown, to name but a few.

In 1856, Mr. Farrell designed and erected a newer bridge across the River Slaney in Wexford Town, which took the place of the old toll bridge. Bridges were not his only design creations; Mr Farrell was also involved in the design of St Senan’s Hospital (1860’s), near Enniscorthy.