The Medieval-themed playground at Ferns Community Park has experienced repeated acts of vandalism for months, frustrating local residents.
The Medieval themed playground at Ferns Community Park.
After 9pm on Friday, the latest damage occurred that left the slide from the turret unsafe and unusable.
In a post on social media, Ferns Tidy Towns condemns the latest anti-social behaviour. “Over the last couple of months the Medieval themed playground in the community park has been repaired time and time again to enable the children of the community to enjoy playing in the outdoors. It’s very disappointing to visit it again and discover the vandalism done to the slide leading from the turret.
“Those responsible should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. Not alone have you damaged community property you’ve left a children’s play area in a dangerous condition. If anyone witnessed this vandalism please get in touch, they added.
And with a word of caution, they said; “If you’re visiting the area with your children please ensure they keep away from the area until we have the slide removed.”
It may be of little consolation for the people of Ferns, but vandalism in playgrounds and public areas is on the increase and the presence of CCTV cameras and signage appear to be worthless! Let your local public representative know how you feel on the matter?
LADY’S ISLAND seen here from Rostoonstown beach with the Carne windmills in the background. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Rostoonstown Beach
An ecology and restoration report describes Lady’s Island as “a dead lake” in relation to the water quality and, in particular, agricultural water pollution. And this idyllic part of south Wexford famous for its around-the-lake pilgrimages is getting much media attention.
Lady’s Island Lake is being described as “a lagoon of enormous ecological, historical and spiritual significance.” It is also labelled “one of the most polluted lagoons in the Republic of Ireland.”
Lady’s Island Lake is a highly legally-protected waterbody, designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), with the largest mixed tern colony in Ireland. It hosts internationally important populations of Sandwich Tern and Roseate Tern, and nationally important populations of Common Tern and Arctic Tern.
The site formerly supported internationally important numbers of wintering waterfowl, but in recent years numbers have declined drastically, possibly due to a decline in the abundance of their main food source, the bottom growing (benthic) Ruppia plant species.
In the 1980s, prior to being polluted, the clear water of the lagoon, allowed for a well-developed benthic sward of widgeon grass (Ruppia sp.) which grew on the lake bed.
But since the 1980s, the lagoon has switched to a waterbody dominated by plankton (largely cyanobacteria), with the die off of benthic, bottom growing species on foot of increasing pollution and poor water transparency.
The lagoon is also protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its status as a coastal lagoon. This places a legal obligation on the State to return this habitat to Favourable Conservation status, which includes specific targets for water quality, outlined in the conservation objectives for the site.
The site is also protected under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), which requires the water quality to be at ‘good status’ by 2027 at the latest. The lake is currently at ‘poor’ status.
In spite of what should be strong legal protections, the lagoon has undergone a significant ecological deterioration, primarily on foot of agricultural nitrate pollution, with a loss of its characteristic benthic, bottom growing plant species, and a switch to algae and cyanbacteria, with concomitant impacts on bird species and other ecology.
Lady’s Island Lake is indicative of a much wider nitrogen pollution problem, and could be a useful case study for the Irish Government to demonstrate the ambition which they claim to have when it comes to addressing agricultural water pollution. However, in order to do that, they will have to look beyond the current ineffective regulations and measures, and implement some far-reaching changes in how the land in the catchment is managed.
No doubt the saga will ramble on. Viewing the lake from Rostoonstown beach today I didn’t see much more than clear water and locals were reminding me of the days when channels were cut into the sea and the lake mixed the fresh water with the salty sea!
On Friday afternoon, Wexford RNLI assisted a teenager who had become stranded due to the rising tide while swimming to a raft at Ferrycarrig.
An individual onshore notified the Irish Coast Guard after the teenager recognised his limited swimming ability and determined that returning from the raft would be unsafe.
The Coast Guard notified Wexford RNLI at 4.57pm, and the crew reached Ferrycarrig 20 minutes later. They rescued the teenager and brought him safely to shore.
After the rescue, Helm Ger Doran emphasised water safety: “This shows the importance of calling the Coast Guard on 112 or 999 if someone is in trouble on or near the water,” he said.
It may seem like a long way off, but the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee has announced the fixtures list for the so-called Autumn 2025 point-to-point calendar which runs from October until December.
The list includes;
Sunday, October 19th; Shillelagh & District at Fairwood, Tinahely.
Saturday, October 25th; Island Hunt at Peppards castle, Kilmuckridge.
Sunday, November 9th; Wexford Hunt at Knockmullen House, New Ross.
Sunday, November 16th; Wicklow Hunt at Fairwood, Tinahely.
Sunday, November 23rd; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard.
Sunday, November 30th; Carlow Farmers at Borris House, Co. Carlow.
Sunday, December 7th; Ballinagore Harriers at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.
Pictured during the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee visit to Rosslare Europort were (left to right): Maciej Wąsik MEP (Poland), Nina Carberry MEP (Ireland), Asger Christensen MEP (Denmark), Siegbert Droese MEP (Germany), Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP (Ireland), Glenn Carr (Commercial Director, Rosslare Europort), Dariusz Joński MEP (Poland), Annamaria Vicsek MEP (Hungary), Paula Roche (CEO, County Wexford Chamber), and Conor Robinson (President, County Wexford Chamber).
By Dan Walsh
This week, County Wexford hosted the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee (TRAN) for discussions on transport infrastructure and offshore renewable energy in Ireland and Europe.
The visit on Tuesday was hosted by County Wexford Chamber and spanned several strategic sites across Rosslare and Wexford Town.
The delegation was led by Chair Dariusz Joński MEP and included Members of the European Parliament from Ireland (Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Nina Carberry), Poland (Dariusz Joński and Maciej Wąsik), Hungary (Annamaria Vicsek), Germany (Siegbert Droese), and Denmark (Asger Christensen). The visit was further supported by George Lawlor TD, Senator Cathal Byrne, and the Cathaoirligh and Leas-Cathaoirligh of Municipal Districts from across County Wexford.
The visit began with a private tour of Roche Logistics Group in Rosslare, hosted by Managing Director Damien Roche, with opening remarks from Dariusz Joński MEP, chairperson of TRAN.
At Rosslare Europort, Irish Rail’s Director of Commercial Business Units, Glenn Carr, and his team outlined the port’s impressive transformation to date, clearly demonstrating the impact of the €150 million received through the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).
Mr Carr also shared ambitious plans for a further €220 million investment from the Irish Government, which would enable the development of a dedicated Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) hub. This is a critical asset in meeting Ireland’s target of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving 5GW of offshore wind capacity.
Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Roads & Transport at Wexford County Council, highlighted the Government’s ongoing investment in the region’s strategic road network:
€400 million investment delivered the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy bypass in 2019
€230 million funded the New Ross bypass, opened in 2020
Wexford County Council is confident of securing a further €400–500 million from the €200 billion National Development Plan to complete the critical N11/N25 Oilgate to Rosslare Harbour bypass – vital for the long-term success of Rosslare Europort and for strengthening the broader transport and logistics network.
The event was also addressed by Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, and Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council. The session also included an open floor Q&A led by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP, inviting dialogue between European delegates and Irish stakeholders.
The event was supported by over 60 industry representatives, including Irish Rail, MARA, Irish Road Haulage Association, Irish Farmers’ Association, DFDS, Brittany Ferries, Roche Freight, Nolan Transport, Perennial Freight, Breen Transport, Baku GLS, DPD, Danone, Sulzer, Wexford Bus, Midland Tyre Services, CustomsAgent.ie, Waterford Airport, and Waterford Port.
The day concluded with a networking lunch at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, where guests enjoyed a showcase of local food excellence from Mór Taste, Slaney Farms, Zaeire Artisan Chocolates, Killowen Farm, Wexford Home Preserves, and Greenhill Fruit Farm.
Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber,told WexfordLocal.com: “This visit was a powerful moment for County Wexford, reflecting our region’s importance to Europe’s transport and sustainability goals. From EU funding through BAR to national investment in infrastructure, we are seeing real results. We were honoured to welcome the European Parliament’s Transport & Tourism Committee and show the potential Wexford has to offer,” concluded Ms. Roche.
Opening the Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field were Cllr Mary Farrell, Joanne O’Connor and Karen Loughran. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field
After last year’s successful event, which drew thousands of visitors from all over Ireland, Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field officially opened at a ceremony in the village this evening (Friday).
Joanne O’Connor and Karen Loughran performed the opening ceremony, sharing their experiences and praising the role of the HOPE Cancer Support Centre in their rehabilitation and after-care. They asked people to consider making donations.
Cllr Mary Farrell, who also acted as master of ceremonies, saidthe project has grown into something far beyond a fundraiser. “Looking back on last year and speaking to the volunteers, the overwhelming feedback was that visiting the sunflower field was a cathartic experience creating a feel-good factor that became contagious,” Cllr Farrell told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “We welcomed visitors from Donegal, Galway, Cork, and beyond, all happy to support our cause and take away a sunflower as a symbol of hope.”
Cllr Farrell paid tribute to all who contributed to this year’s Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field and called for continued support for the HOPE Cancer Support Centre at Enniscorthy.
Event organiser and volunteer, Anne Marie Hammel stated that “we thank the committee for thinking of us, the event is a great success and we wish everybody associated with the Sunflower Field the best of luck.”
This year’s field has been lovingly tended since January and has flourished under the recent sunny weather, bringing an earlier-than-expected bloom and plenty of colour to Kilmuckridge.
The field is located behind Hammel’s Centra in the village, and visitors are warmly invited to stop by, pick a sunflower, and make a donation as a token of appreciation. All proceeds will go directly to The Hope Cancer Support Centre, which provides invaluable services to those affected by cancer and local community groups.
The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is a community-driven project, inspired and supported by families who have been touched by cancer. It is a place of reflection, positivity, and togetherness—where every sunflower picked helps make a difference.
PAUL NOLAN (trainer) JORDAN GAINFORD (jockey) and JIM COFFEY (owner) smiling for the camera following Tequila Talkin’s success at Wexford races yesterday evening. (PIc; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
It was day two at Bettyville Park yesterday evening (Thursday) with a marathon eight-race card, a family fun day and a brilliant family attendance in the best of midsummer enjoyment and the locals clinched the winning spirit.
Paul Nolan is always a local favourite with a fine Wexford following and he supplied the six lengths winner of the mares’ maiden hurdle with Tequila Talkin’ (7/2) ridden by Jordan Gainford. Sean Flanagan finished third on Colin Bowe’s October Hill.
Caim jockey JJ Slevin impressed the locals on Claude (11/4) for the Joseph O’Brien stable, winning by three lengths in the maiden race for colts and geldings.
Conor Stone-Walsh was in the winners’ enclosure following the handicap hurdle. Small Town Hero (9/2) was his successful mount. Taghmon jockey Sean O’Keeffe filled the runner-up spot on Close Enough.
Waterford’s Declan Queally won on the interestingly named Tackletommywoowoo (11/4) owned by the Gwanyaboya Syndicate in the handicap hurdle and jockey Philip Enright had a double – Chosen Shant (10/3) and Dontdooddson (25/1).
It was a good day for lady jockeys. Caoimhe O’Brien from Garrison, Co. Meath, rode her first winner on Hey Babbs (8/1) in the Ladies handicap hurdle and Georgie Benson won the INH Flat Race on Governors Rock (6/1).
Managing Director Ursula Sinnott thanked “all our valued customers for coming to the Races this evening and she added; “We hope you will join us again for our two evening race meetings during Fleadh Cheoil nah Éireann in Wexford on Wednesday, August 6th and Friday, August 8th.”
WilliamBarker Bridge over the River Slaney at Enniscorthy (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
Overnight water restrictions will be in place tonight (Thursday) for Uisce Éireann customers in Enniscorthy.
Restrictions will be in place from 11pm tonight until 6am on Friday morning.
The restrictions are necessary as a result of a burst water main in Enniscorthy, but the supply interruption coupled with high demand on the network has left reservoir levels critically low.
Typically, it takes two to three hours for normal supply to restore to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.
Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Wexford has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore supply to normal levels.
“We understand the impact of overnight restrictions, but these measures are necessary to ensure continuous daytime supply for homes and businesses while we allow the reservoir levels time to recover” said Mr Lyng.
Uisce Éireann has confirmed that a Water Conservation Order — commonly known as a hosepipe ban — will come into effect across County Wexford from Saturday, July 26th until September 16th.
The Water Conservation Order has been issued in a bid to safeguard the water supply for essential purposes. These restrictions include the use of garden hoses and other non-essential water uses.
The implementation of this Order follows a long period of dry weather combined with high demand, now placing severe pressure on water supplies across the county.
It is essential that a Water Conservation Order is introduced to reduce the potential of restrictions and outages over the coming weeks and months.
Rainfall in Wexford during May, June, and July this year to date has been significantly below average when compared to long-term rainfall records. A total of 130.8mm of rainfall was measured at the Johnstown Castle, weather station during this period, compared to an average of 219.6mm for the same months in previous years — just over 40% less rainfall recorded locally.
FIONNUALA CALLERY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Water at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “Uisce Éireann’s top priority is to safeguard water supplies for homes, businesses, and essential services. While it may often feel like Ireland receives plenty of rain, the data shows the past 12 months have been unseasonably warm and dry. As a result, water sources across Wexford have not had their usual seasonal recharge, and we are now heading into the height of summer with lower-than-average water levels.
“Although some rainfall is expected, it will not be sufficient to make a meaningful impact on the already low water levels,” said Ms. Callery, who added; “In response, we have ramped up efforts in leakage detection, pipe repair, and overall network management.
“We will continue to monitor water consumption while the Order remains in place. Protecting our water supply is essential if we are to avoid more severe restrictions or supply interruptions in the weeks and months ahead.
“The key message is to leave the hose and pressure washer in the shed. We are calling on everyone to do their part so we can maintain a sustainable water supply throughout the summer,” Ms. Callery added.
The Conservation Order prohibits the use of garden hosepipes and other non-essential uses of water by domestic users, as well as commercial premises for non-commercial activities — such as watering gardens attached to a business premises.
Members of the public can report leaks in the public water network 24/7 by calling 1800 278 278 or visiting water.ie.
DO NOT SWIM notices have been posted at five Wexford beaches – Ballymoney North, Carne, Morriscastle, Rosslare Harbour and St. Helens beaches.
The latest sampling conducted as part of Wexford County 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 have been taken and results are expected next Saturday at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed. In addition, the Council’s Environmental Technical Team are investigating the matter.
Bathing water quality results for 19 Wexford beaches sampled over the 2025 to date bathing season, have been mainly excellent as published on the EPA operated website www.Beaches.ie
Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beach to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.
More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on www.beaches.ie
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