Enniscorthy quays and bridges reopened

Iarnród Éireann crews clearing the debris from the railway bridge which was completely submerged in the flood waters and train services between Rosslare Harbour and Bray were facilitated by bus for two days. Enniscorthy railway station was completely underwater. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Traffic is travelling through Enniscorthy again tonight. Both bridges and the quays have been cleaned up and declared safe for normal traffic to resume following the worst floods in the town for three decades.

However, there is no immediate guarantee. A Status Yellow Rain warning for Wexford is now in place for Thursday and there is still some uncertainty around Friday’s weather in the county, but Council teams remain vigilant during this unsettled period and will continue to monitor river levels and respond as required to the ongoing weather situation.

The Status Yellow rain warning is for Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford and is valid from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday.

Met Éireann predict further heavy rain and showers falling on saturated ground, combined with high river levels, may cause localised flooding, river flooding and difficult travelling conditions.
The River Slaney levels receded quite rapidly this morning and crews spent all day returning the roads to full fitness in a smooth operation that was overseen by Wexford County Council engineers and aided by dry weather conditions.

Overnight the sheer force of the water caused the wall on the Wexford side of the river to collapse and disappear into the flood waters. A temporary wall has been erected for public safety.

Enniscorthy town and Bunclody are entering into the recovery period as flood waters subside, with council crews, home and business owners assessing damage and continuing to make repairs to affected areas.

Community Support Centres are opened in Enniscorthy and Bunclody to support impacted homeowners with access to charging, hot water and showers.   

The locations are Rapparees Starlights GAA Club, Bellefield, Enniscorthy, St Aidan’s Hall, Irish Street, Bunclody, and Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre.

The Department of Social Protection operated clinics to support impacted households through the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme (HAS) today in Enniscorthy and Bunclody.  

By phone/email for impacted households: 0818 60 70 80 or HAS@DSP.IE

While the nation focus is on the welfare of Enniscorthy households and business premises the flooding is also extensive in other parts of the region.

Edermine bridge road is heavily flooded. This is a usual flooding spot and can be affected by heavy rain and tidal conditions.

The River Slaney caused unprecedented flooding on Ryland Road in Bunclody on the N80. A big clean up by the residents aided by the Council crews took place and the route into Carlow has reopened.

Severe flooding was observed in Clohamon and fields were extensively flooded at Scarawalsh in the vicinity of the old bridge. Both are on the River Slaney.

Hundreds of hectares of land are under water along the River Bann between Camolin, along by Ferns and down to Scarawalsh where the tributary joins the River Slaney.

RTÉ News is reporting that the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran will visit Enniscorthy tomorrow (Thursday). He has visited the town many times regards the flooding, makes a good photo shoot and nothing is progressed and, of course, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin was also in Enniscorthy last week.

Councillor backs IFA protest

By Dan Walsh

A Wexford councillor supports the Irish Farmers Association’s protest calling for An Bord Bia Chairman Larry Murrin to step down.

Chairman of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan told WexfordLocal.com; “I am acutely aware of the challenges facing the Irish Agricultural Sector across Beef, Dairy and Tillage. I am also aware that some of the best food in the World is produced in County Wexford. 

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

“Bord Bia’s mission is ” to drive the commercial success of a world class Irish food drink and horticulture industry by providing market insights and partnering with the industry.

“Their core purpose is to bring Irelands high quality produce to the world while enabling the growth and sustainability of producers”.

Cllr Sullivan said; “I am satisfied that the Chairman of Bord Bia has not lived up to these principles and by having any connection with the importation of Brazilian Beef however tenuous. While it may only form 1% or less of whatever product it’s found its way into it is still too much.

“I would therefore call on the Bord Bia Chairman Mr Larry Murrin to step aside as I believe he has lost the confidence of the Irish Agricultural Community particularly the Beef Producers, stated Cllr Sullivan who added; “I would also like to say as Chairman of Bord Bia 100% commitment to Irish Produce is required not 99%.”

Enniscorthy flooding the worst in decades

The scene at the flooded William Barker bridge over the River Slaney at Enniscorthy today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy is on high alert tonight after the River Slaney burst its banks with both bridges closed to traffic and many business premises under water.

Schools will remain closed on Wednesday. Irish Rail services are suspended as Enniscorthy resembles a canal and bus services have been transferred. Please contact your transport company for more details!

The town succumbed to many days of rainfall and 30mm falling on Monday night alone and has flooded the quays, Templeshannon and Island Road. Otherwise, it is business as usual in the town with traffic restrictions in place.

Wexford County Council crews will remain on duty tonight ensuring safety measures are adhered to. The floods have been described as ‘severe’ and the worst seen in the town in about 30 years.

More bad news indicates that there is plenty more rain to fall and experts say that Enniscorthy could be under flooding for several days to come!

The alarm was raised shortly after 3am on Tuesday morning when both bridges were closed to traffic. Sandbags were distributed throughout the day as the speed of the water increased and the levels were much greater.

Assistance was provided to the residents of Island Road and all are safe tonight.

A family including a newly born baby were successfully rescued from their home on Templeshannon Quay.

Slaney Search and Rescue had a busy day and ferried people across Templeshannon which proved popular.

This afternoon a number of families were rescued from their homes at Riverview Court by Enniscorthy Fire Service and Civil Defence as the flood waters advanced and trapped them in their homes.

This evening crowds gathered in Abbey Square and Slaney Place to view the scene as wheelie bins, beer barrels, street furniture, tractor tyres and logs were swept away by the fast-flowing water.

While concerns were raised about the Seamus Rafter Bridge where “the water flows over the bridge” it was noted tonight that the old stone bridge is within inches of getting blocked!

There is also extensive flooding on the N80 at Ryland Road in Bunclody. The road is closed to traffic for the foreseeable future.

The only shred of good news emanating from today’s flooding events is that the weather has been calm and there are no reports of power cuts.

Major floods hit Enniscorthy again

Members of Slaney Search and Rescue ferrying people through Templeshannon floods this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

The River Slaney in Enniscorthy has burst its banks with both bridges closed to traffic and many business premises under water this afternoon.

Wexford County Council and Slaney Search and Rescue volunteers were on alert from 3am as heavy rainfall caused the river to burst its banks.

Residents on Island Road have been assisted while people are being ferried through Templeshannon by boat courtesy of Slaney Search and Rescue volunteers.

Sandbags have been provided and a parked car has become completely submerged at Abbey Quay.

The operation has been working well with the immediate emphasis on safety. Many Council workers and engineers are observing the situation on the ground with the support of An Garda Siochana.

Roads into the town are closed. Schools have been closed. And BREAKING NEWS schools will be closed again tomorrow (Wednesday). Rail services have been suspended.

However, it must be said that Enniscorthy is open for business with the flooding only affecting riverside premises and services, although diversions may be necessary.

Flooding is also affecting other areas including Edermine, the Irish National Heritage Park, Bunclody, Clohamon, Blackwater, Castlebridge and the Ahare River at Castletown is completely impassable.

A Status Yellow rain warning is in effect for Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow and Waterford until 11pm.

The entire country also remains under a Status Yellow wind warning until the same time as Storm Chandra passes over the country.

Enniscorthy roads budget runs out early…

ENNISCORTHY COUNCIL OFFICES (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

At the January Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting, councillors were surprised by the roads budget and its distance coverage.

The meeting was informed that the roads budget for the district is €2.1 million and that covered a mere 13 kilometres last year!

In 2026, due to higher material costs, the unchanged budget covers just 12 kilometres!

Members informed the engineer about district roads needing repairs and new potholes appearing, but this was prior to heavy rains and Storm Chandra’s challenges.

Cllr Jackser Owens raised concerns about flooding on Island Road and urged for sandbags to be provided to properties along the River Slaney.

Since the meeting things have got worse in and around the town. A small pothole has emerged on the right-hand lane as we drive onto the William Barker bridge. It was noticed today and won’t heal itself.

There is a serious surface deterioration on Lymington Road (some call it Parnell Road) which leads onto Duffry Street (some call it Pig Market Hill) and joins with the top of Wafer Street where an unknown amount of money was spent on footpaths late last year.

A well-known blocked gully is located on Mill Park Road at the intersection with The Folly; it has been created by the mechanical sweeper and, during periods of heavy flow, can cause significant splashing onto pedestrians. It has been there for years now despite complaints from the locals.

Wexford facing road infrastructure challenge?

By Dan Walsh

Many rural roads throughout County Wexford have been adversely impacted by the unusually wet weather. According to Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, their condition is deteriorating rapidly. “The roads are deteriorating before our eyes,” he declared.

Due to limited funding, it seems unlikely that any significant improvements will be made any time soon.

Teachta Ó Súilleabháin told WexfordLocal.com that “County Wexford alone faces a funding deficit of €190 million for rural roads. This situation is completely unacceptable.”

“Wexford County Council has worked tirelessly to stretch the minimal budget received each year to complete desperately needed works. However, it is not solely the responsibility of local authorities to fund our annual roads budget.

FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN TD

“I want to acknowledge and commend the Directors of Services in both Wexford and Wicklow County Councils, along with our district engineers, for their professionalism and dedication. Unfortunately, their efforts can only bring us so far.

“Our roads are rapidly deteriorating, causing significant disruption for road users and presenting serious road safety risks across our counties.

“I am calling on the Minister to allocate the 2026 roads funding based on road condition, rather than the existing model, which allocates funding per kilometre. If such a change is not possible currently, then I am requesting that the Minister provide additional emergency funding in Budget 2026 to address the roads that are now crumbling and, in some locations, becoming almost impassable.

“It is deeply unfair that motorists are being burdened with rising vehicle maintenance costs as a direct result of inadequate road surfaces.

“I am therefore renewing my call on the Minister to provide the necessary funding to help us respond to what has become a genuine roads emergency,” concluded Teachta Ó Súileabháin.

Derelict and vacant property in the news

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has issued its five-year retrospective infographic on Derelict and Vacant Property within County Wexford.

The Planning Department is responsible for dealing with derelict property within the county in accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990.

This Act allows the council to enforce the remediation of such sites by serving notices directing owners to clean up the sites, prosecute owners who do not comply with notices served and make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) if the property continues to remain derelict.

BARRACK STREET, Enniscorthy, since demolished. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

A total of 386 inspections took place on derelict or vacant property in 2025 with 136 formal notices under the Derelict Sites Act issued during this period.

The Infographic details the Derelict Sites Process and explains the various notices served under the Act.

During 2025, 300 open files were under investigation, 66 new derelict files were opened, and 42 files were closed.

Derelict Site Levies amounting to €325,850 were issue to 29 property owners during 2025. At the end of 2025, 149 properties are now officially on the Derelict Site Register.

Over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, the number of properties on the Derelict Site Register in Wexford County Council increased from 54 in 2021 to 149 in 2025.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan commented, “I acknowledge the good work being done here by the Derelict Sites Team in Wexford County Council. The figures showing the increase in activity over the five-year period demonstrates a real focus on dereliction and property vacancy in our towns and villages and throughout our rural communities”

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe added; “Wexford County Council will continue to resource and act forcibly on dereliction throughout our county by utilising the Derelict Sites Act and where necessary, using our powers to CPO property where owners refuse to resolve dereliction and vacancy.”

Two Wexford winners this weekend

By Dan Walsh

JAMIE SCALLAN had a winner at Lismore today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Despite the heavy going and wet conditions all three scheduled point-to-point fixtures this weekend survived and racing went ahead, although it was a quiet one for the Wexford raiders with only two victories.

Kieran Roche who trains at Adamstown is having his most successful season to date and saddled his 15th training career winner when Be Useful, in the Michael Kenny colours, came home six lengths to the good in the mares maiden race for five-year-olds at Lismore, Co. Waterford today (Sunday).

The winning rider was Jamie Scallan with Colin Bowe’s Push Push (Barry O’Neill up) taking the runner-up spot.

Blackwater handler Grace Kelly celebrated her first point-to-point win at Tyrella, Co. Down, yesterday Saturday), with Another Classic taking the maiden race for five-year-old geldings by three and a half lengths.

Ridden by Shane Cotter, Another Classic was running in the colours of the Bridge Stables Partnership comprising of Larry Kelly, Colm Hearne and Mickey Sweeney and she is for sale.

Barry O’Neill had a winner at Tyrella too! West of Idaho for David Christie by one and a quarter lengths in the maiden race for geldings six-year-old plus.

Next Sunday, February 1st the Wexford Hunt races at Ballinaboola, New Ross, takes place with the first four-year-old race of the year on the card. First race at 1pm.  

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Nash to new role

BISHOP GER NASH

By Dan Walsh

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Montemayor, has informed Bishop Ger Nash that Pope Leo XIV has appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory, to take effect today (Sunday, January 25th) when Bishop Niall Coll is installed as Bishop of Raphoe.

In a statement to WexfordLocal.com, Bishop Nash said that this new role will be in addition to his current position as Bishop of Ferns.

“I thank Pope Leo for the trust and faith he has placed in me with this appointment, and I resolve to carry out my pastoral and administrative duties in both dioceses to the best of my ability.

“I very much look forward to working with the priests, diocesan staff and the people of the Diocese of Ossory. I know that there has been much change in the diocese over a short number of years but am confident that we can all work well together to build on the proud traditions of that diocese.

“I am very conscious that this appointment also affects the Diocese of Ferns. I thoroughly enjoy my work and role as Bishop of Ferns and will continue to do so. I consider it a great privilege to be part of that diocese and have always felt a warm and genuine welcome. “However, with this extra responsibility, I will not have the same time to devote to every aspect of my life and work in Ferns. I am very confident, though, that we have good strong systems in place in Ferns, a wonderful body of clergy, hardworking diocesan staff and no shortage of people willing to step up to the mark when called upon.

In conclusion, Bishop Nash said; “May we all continue to pray for each other and our dioceses, that God will continue to bless us with the abilities to spread his word, to proclaim his kingdom and to live in his peace.”

Tributes to accomplished horse breeder

DR JACK MURPHY (Pic; Sean Curtin Press 22)

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Dr Jack Murphy, Ballymacar, New Ross, who was a distinguished equine business lecturer and accomplished sport horse breeder.

Dr Murphy suffered a fatal medical emergency while driving at Maudlins Lower, near New Ross last Tuesday and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was aged 67.

A native of Donanore, Enniscorthy, Jack was a member of Bree Hunt Club in his early days. He was also a playing member of Enniscorthy Rugby Club.

He was appointed by the Minister for Agriculture to the Irish Horse Board in 2013 and progressed from Director to Chairman from 2017 to 2021. He continued to be a Director from 2021 until his passing.

He was also a lecturer in the School of Business at Maynooth University where he taught on the BBS Equine Business programme.

He built Dolmen Sport Horses at New Ross into a recognisable name in sport horse breeding and together with his wife, Dr. Karen Hennessy and children, Molly and Hannah, the Dolmen prefix became associated with athletic, marketable horses.

Paying tribute, the Irish Horse Board said; “Jack leaves a legacy that will endure the policies he helped shape, the horses he bred, the people he mentored. The sport industry has lost a committed director, a thoughtful educator and a dedicated breeder.”

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Jack (Dr.) Murphy, ‘Dolmen Lodge’, Ballymacar,    New Ross and formerly of Donanore, Enniscorthy.

Jack is predeceased by his beloved father Simon.

Deeply regretted by his loving wife Karen (Hennessy), daughters Emma, Lorna, Molly and Hannah, his mother Mary, sisters Mary and Anne, brothers Danny, Jimmy, Simon and Stephen, grandchildren Darragh, Zoe and Ruairí, son-in-law Conor, also Catherine, sisters-in-law, brothers- in-law and mother-in-law Helen, relatives and a large circle of friends.

May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.

Reposing in Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy (Y21 H3K5) on Sunday (January 25th) from 12 noon concluding at 7 o’clock.

Funeral arriving to St. Mary’s Church, Cushinstown on Monday (January 26th) for Funeral Mass at 11 o’clock. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.