WexfordLocal.com

Irish Water focus on local news

Irish Water customers can now avail of quick access to relevant information on their water supply, based on where they live, thanks to the rollout of a newly designed Irish Water website.

The changes will allow people around the country to immediately see what works and projects are ongoing in their locality by setting their location at www.water.ie.

This is already proving helpful for customers experiencing issues such as water outages. A quick look at the Irish Water website immediately tells them what the issue is, the areas affected and when it will be rectified. With over 900,000 users on the site ever year, this revamp will ensure water.ie continues to provide an essential public service.

**YVONNE HARRIS Head of Customer Operations at Irish Water.**

Head of Customer Operations with Irish Water Yvonne Harris told WexfordLocal.com; “We have upgraded our website so it is more user-friendly. We talked to our customers, we listened to their feedback and made changes to better improve the user experience for all.

“We are now keeping our customers informed, in real time, about any issues that may be impacting their water supply as well as updates on significant projects, leakage works and water quality.

“Now, instead of Wexford residents seeing news for Dublin, or Cork residents seeing information on outages in Wexford, they see local news, supply updates, and information on water quality and projects. And it is one ‘click’ to turn it off and return to a national view. In addition, a mobile-first design caters to most visitors who use mobiles to access water.ie.”

Irish Water is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and encourage customers to engage with them through the website www.water.ie, Twitter channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Welcome for Bishop-elect Ger Nash

By Dan Walsh

WexfordLocal.com has learned that Bishop-elect Msgr Ger Nash will be installed as Bishop of Ferns on Sunday, September 5th in St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy. Further details to follow closer to the time.

**Bishop-elect MSGR GER NASH celebrating Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Bride St, Wexford this week. (Pic; Wexford Parish Newsletter)**

Msgr Nash who is the new parish priest of Wexford town was in The Church of the Assumption Bride St. celebrating 8am Mass on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week and met with some of the parishioners.

Msgr. Nash’s Episcopal appointment by His Holiness, Pope Francis, was announced by his predecessor Bishop Denis Brennan on the Feast of the Sacred Heart (Friday, June 11^th). Mass was celebrated at St Aidan’s Cathedral Enniscorthy at 12 noon to celebrate the announcement.

“I am privileged to be chosen by Pope Francis to lead this historic Diocese and I feel very humbled,” said Msgr. Nash, who was a priest in the Clare Diocese of Killaloe.

Actor’s Nightmare in Gorey Little Theatre

By Dan Walsh

American playwright Christopher Durang (born in New Jersey, 1949) is known for his works of outrageous and often absurd comedy and Gorey Little Theatre draws back the curtains for a 45-minute play by Durang titled The Actor’s Nightmare directed by Stephen Acton.

It happens every Wednesday and Friday during the month of July with an 8.30pm start. The play is supported by a short piece called Mrs Sorken also the creation of Christopher Durang.

Seating is limited to 50 under Covid-19 pandemic regulations and a come first served system will be in operation and tickets are booked through Gr8events.ie.

The Actor’s Nightmare is a short comic play that involves an accountant named George Spelvin, who is mistaken for an actor’s understudy and forced to perform in a play for which he does not know any of the lines.

**FIN BRENNAN who plays the Executioner in The Actor’s Nightmare and LOUISE FORDE, Artistic Director, at Gorey Little Theatre.**

The play was inspired by dreams actors and performers often have in which they are about to go onstage and cannot remember their lines or rehearsal instructions. Durang himself had an actor’s nightmare after performing in this play in which he could not remember any lines, could not find his script and when he did find the script it was gibberish to him.

The Gorey cast features; GEORGE (Ronan Byrne); MEG (Paula Acton); SARAH SIDDONS (Karen Dunbar); DAME ELLEN TERRY (Amanda Sheil); MARY ANDERSON (Jacqui Whelan); SUSAN BARSTOW (Joan Duignan); HENRY IRVING (Michael Stokes) and EXCUTIONER (Fin Brennan). The play is directed by Stephen Acton.

Close finishes at Bettyville Park

By Dan Walsh

Tight finishes were a feature of this evening’s seven-race card run in summer conditions at Bettyville Park this evening. No local winners though.

The opening two and a half mile hurdle was a thriller with Mr Caplan (4/1), trained by Denise Foster and ridden by Keith Donoghue, holding off Quirt Evans and Wexford jockey Sean Flanagan by a short head. At the end of the Flood Ironworks Handicap Hurdle Getaway Queen (9/2) ridden by Shane Fitzgerald scored ‘a head’ verdict over the JP McManus runner General Moriviere.

Colin Bowe’s John Adams (Toni Quail) went close to supplying a Wexford trained winner in the three-mile Cullens Mills Ballymurn Maiden Hurdle only to be deprived of victory by Bardenstown Lad (10/3) trained by John C. McConnell in Meath and ridden by Simon Torrens. The verdict was one and a quarter lengths.

There were three chases on the card. The two-mile beginners’ chase was won by Raya Time, by five lengths, for Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore.

The two and a half miles beginners chase were won by 20/1 shot Friary Rock from the Tipperary stables of Mouse Morris and a four lengths victory in the hands of Philip Enright.

The renowned green and gold hoops of JP McManus were first past the line as Top Moon (10/3 fav.) scored by two and a half lengths in the handicap chase for trainer Joseph O’Brien, Carrick-on-Suir and jockey Mark Walsh.

Gavin Cromwell saddled the winner of the bumper, Presentingnewyork (3/1) ridden by veteran amateur Derek O’Connor, who scored by one and three-quarter lengths.

McCabes Pharmacy 40 years in business

Television personality and mum-to-be Síle Seoige was on hand to meet the newest addition to McCabes, as the family-owned pharmacy unveiled its Digital Prescription Service, Easy Script. The “new arrival” is the first web based digital prescription service in Ireland, and it comes as McCabes Pharmacy celebrates 40 years in business this year.

At the launch in McCabes Pharmacy, Gorey, Síle Seoige was joined by store pharmacist Colin Ryan for a demo of the new service. With Easy Script, customers can order their prescription instantly and collect from their nearest pharmacy in three simple steps:

Mum-to-be Síle Seoige launching the newest addition to McCabes, a Digital Prescription Service called Easy Script, at McCabes in Gorey as the family-owned pharmacy celebrates 40 years in business this year. Photography by Conor McCabe/Conor McCabe Photography, 085 7057255.

McCabes Managing Director, Sharen McCabe, explains: “McCabes Easy Script gives customers a new way to manage their medication needs from home. We know from talking to busy parents and time-pressed family carers, that they want certainty about when their prescription will be ready to collect. We see so many customers who have limited time in their day to run errands while juggling other commitments at home. With no need to wait in store, we hope that Easy Script will meet a real need in a very innovative way.”

Síle Seoige said; “Easy Script from McCabes will be such a time saver for young families, mine included, and with another baby on the way life is about to get a whole lot busier! Just knowing I’ll get a text when a prescription is ready to collect really helps to work around my commitments in the day, and that makes family life a lot easier. It’s great to see Irish brands like McCabes making it easy for customers to continue supporting local when online.”

McCabes has led the way on innovation since the family-run business first opened its doors in 1981. For the past four decades, the brand has continued to adapt as customer needs evolved. Easy Script is the latest in a growing list of market firsts for the innovative Irish family brand. In the past year, McCabes has also been first to introduce the Morning After Pill using a pay online, click and collect-in store service.

To mark the 40th anniversary, customers can avail of promotions throughout July across all 27 McCabes Pharmacy stores nationwide and online, including giveaways on social media and for a limited time (July 1^st-4^th) a discount on premium brands with 15% off Lancôme, Clarins, and designer fragrances. For more details see: www.mccabespharmacy.com

Body found on Gorey’s Fort Road

Gardai are carrying out an investigation following the discovery of a man’s body on the side of the road at 3.45am today after Gardai in Gorey were called to the Fort Road area in the town.

The man in his mid-20s was pronounced dead at the scene, however a cause of death has not yet been established. It is understood that the deceased is a non-Irish national.

The scene has been cordoned off and the body remains on the Fort Road, pending a full technical examination, with a file prepared for the Coroner’s Court

Anyone with further information is asked to contact Gorey Garda Station on 053 9430690 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Conservation plan for Fethard Castle

By Dan Walsh

Great excitement in Fethard after Wexford County Council have secured funding under the Community Monuments Fund of €70,000 for Fethard Castle.

The core objective of the Community Monuments Fund is to support the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites.

Chairman of Fethard Community Development Association, Richard Finn told WexfordLocal.com about recent developments in the village and outlined that a 5-Year Plan has been agreed and the main proposed improvements include works on Fethard Castle and extending the Walking Trails. Development on the old burned-out RIC Barracks in the village is also a high priority.

“This is really significant news for Fethard-on-Sea,” said Mr Finn, who added; “Many thanks to all at Wexford County Council especially Diarmuid Houston, Catherine McLoughlin and the outgoing Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, New Ross District Cllr Michael Whelan.”

**Some of the team at Fethard Community Development Association in the grounds of Fethard Castle – Sinead Kidd (Secretary), Richard Finn (Chairman) and Anne Wall (Committee).**

Fethard is dependant on tourism and the good news is that despite some limited activity because of Covid-19 the village and district is faring well with staycationers enjoying the facilities. The weather is particularly helpful with temperatures reached 24 degrees Celsius yesterday (Tuesday) and warm weather forecast for the rest of the week. “The motor homes vacation is really strong this summer and we are delighted to welcome all visitors to the area,” concluded Mr. Finn.

Richard King (Chairman), Sinead Kidd (Secretary) and Anne Wall (committee) from Fethard Community Development Association are guests with Dan Walsh on Mid-Week Voices on South East Radio this evening (Wednesday) at 8pm.

Irish Water appeal to conserve water at home, in the shop and on the farm in July and August

By Dan Walsh

Irish Water is predicting an increase in domestic and commercial demand for water over the coming months and customers are asked to take some simple measures to conserve water in their homes, their businesses and on their farms.

**Irish Water appeal to conserve water at home, in the shop and on the farm in July and August**

Tom Cuddy, Irish Water’s Head of Asset Operations, told WexfordLocal.com said: “We would like to wish the Irish public well as they enjoy some well-deserved staycations this summer. We are also asking the public to take note of their water usage and conserve where possible.

“Conserving water is something that we should be doing all year round, not just when supplies come under pressure due to drought conditions and seasonal increases in demand. As demand increase, we are appealing to the public to redouble their efforts in conserving water in the home, in the garden, at work and on the farm, especially during the busy months of July and August when staycations will be at a peak and demand is expected to soar.

“This applies particularly to tourist hotspots in popular coastal regions and tourist destinations throughout the country of which we are lucky to have so many and where large influxes of visitors are expected.

“As rivers, lakes and groundwater levels reduce through the summer and autumn period, there is less water available for supply, while at the same time the warmer weather gives rise to increased water demands for domestic, agricultural and leisure uses.

“There are lots of helpful tips for conserving water on water.ie but the key things are to leave the hose and the pressure washer in the shed; don’t use paddling pools; reuse household water for the garden; and take shorter showers. Safeguarding the supply of water is essential currently when handwashing and hygiene is of critical importance. We are calling on everyone to play their part.”

With the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public are reminded to adhere to public health and HSE advice, and handwashing and hygiene remain critically important.

Small changes can have lasting results. For example:

– Take a shorter shower and save up to 10 litres of water per minute

– Fix dripping taps or leaking toilets in your home

– When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to 6 litres of water per minute

– Save and reuse water collected from baths, showers, and hand basins in the garden

– Avoid using paddling pools

– In the garden use a rose head watering can instead of a hose and aim for the roots

– If you need to wash your car, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose

– Report any leaks to Irish Water at 1800 278 278.

Further water conservation information is available on the Irish Water website www.water.ie/conservation

Cllr Barbara-Anne is “First Citizen of Co. Wexford”

By Dan Walsh

“It is an honour and a privilege for me to be elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and what is truly remarkable I’m only the third woman to achieve this honour in 120 years,”; the opening words of Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy in her acceptance speech following her election as Cathaoirleach at today’s annual general meeting.

**CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council 2021-2022**

Bunclody-based Fianna Fáil member Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was nominated for the Chair by Cllr Lisa McDonald and seconded by Cllr Pip Breen. Cllr John Hegarty (Fine Gael) nominated Cllr Anthony Donohoe and Cllr Cathal Byrne seconded.

Cllr Murphy was elected with 21 votes; Cllr Donohoe 9; and three abstentions (Cllrs Tom Forde, Davy Hynes and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin).

Cllr Murphy received congratulations from fellow members and CEO Tom Enright and outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carty, who also received warm compliments for his chairmanship “during the most difficult year when he became the first Cathaoirleach in the history of the Council never to chair a live meeting due to Covid-19” handed over the chains of power to the new incumbent and wished her well.

Cllr Murphy is outgoing Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District and she previously led Enniscorthy immediately after the town councils were abolished in the 2014-’15 term!

Barbara-Anne is the youngest daughter of Rory (and Nancy) Murphy who served on Wexford County Council since 1967 and on her father’s death, she was co-opted to his seat on Wexford County Council in 2004. She was unsuccessful in the 2009 Local Elections but was returned successfully in 2014 and 2019.

Contention for Leas-Cathaoirleach was between Cllr Anthony Connick (Independent), nominated by Cllr Ger Carthy and seconded by Cllr Mary Farrell, and Cllr Frank Staples, nominated by Cllr Bridín Murphy and seconded by Cllr Jim Moore.

Cllr Connick defeated Cllr Staples, 23 votes to 9, and the chains were handed over by outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Laffan, who earlier in the day had been elected Mayor of Wexford for the next year.

Cllr Anthony Connick, who was first elected to New Ross Town Council in 2009, said he was “honoured and privileged” to accept the post, he thanked his fellow councillors and promised to do his best during his term.

Cllr Garry Laffan is new Mayor of Wexford

By Dan Walsh

The newly elected Mayor of Wexford is Cllr Garry Laffan (Fianna Fail) who was “honoured and privileged” to be elevated to the historic position at the annual general meeting of Wexford Borough and Municipal District Council held this morning.

From Glynn, Mayor Laffan is an All-Ireland hurling medal holder with the victorious 1996 Wexford team and a former member of the Defence Forces who was first elected to Wexford County Council in 2019.

He served as Leas-Cathaoirleach on the outgoing Wexford County Council team led by Cllr Ger Carthy (Independent)

Mayor Laffan replaces Cllr Leonard Kelly, (Independent) who proposed Cllr Laffan and speaking at his departure reflected on his term as Mayor of Wexford. “It has been an honour to lead this wonderful town and district during the strangest of strange twelve months, for all of us,” and he added; “While my time as Mayor is at an end, I have three more years as County Councillor. A time in which I intend to be as relentless as I have in the last 12 months in ensuring our community is a great place for all of us.”

Cllr John Hegarty (Fine Gael) is Deputy Mayor.