Uisce Éireann is requesting that residents and businesses in Wexford conserve water. Due to increased water consumption, supplies in several areas of Wexford are currently under significant pressure.
Levels in many water sources are significantly lower than normal for this time of year and this coupled with an increase in demand has put pressure on supplies. As a result, customers are being asked to be mindful of their usage to allow supply to catch up with demand and allow reservoirs to replenish fully.
Uisce Éireann is closely monitoring all water supplies across the county and is implementing measures as required to maintain supply.
Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Wexford, told WexfordLocal.com; “We are continuing to monitor the raw water levels of many supplies across the county. Water demand is remaining higher than normal across Wexford in recent days.
“We’re asking customers across the county to conserve water to give supplies time to recover. Even small changes in how we use water can make a big difference, helping to improve the supply for everyone.
“We’re committed to ensuring a reliable water supply throughout the summer months for all our customers and the support of our customers in conserving water is an important element to achieve this.
“If everyone in Wexford takes a few simple steps to reduce water use at home, in the garden, and at work, we can make our water go further and help maintain a regular supply for all,” stated Mr Lyng.
Low raw water levels may cause a change in odour or taste of the water, or in some cases cause discoloration. We ask customers who have any issues or concerns to contact the customer care team on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact on X @IWCare . More information on water conservation can be found at https://www.water.ie/conservation/
A VIEW FROM MARKET SQUARE;Murphy Floods Car Park opens up the centre of town and the most recent addition – Dunnes Stores opened by television personality Gay Byrne in 2006 – is showcased like never before while the view of Vinegar Hill is breathtaking. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
Work on the 37 car parking spaces at Enniscorthy’s newest set down space, nostalgically named Murphy Floods Car Park, is nearing a conclusion and the first paying vehicles should be using the Barrack Street entrance in about two weeks!
Engineer Neville Shaw gave an update on the revised car park facilities linking up with Market Square via a steep set of steps at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre. New Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy presided.
District Manager Claire Lawless suggested that it be called Barrack Street Car Park, but some members had a meltdown at the notion that it be called anything other than Murphy Floods Car Park!
Cllr Jackser Owens praised “the fantastic facilities” and stated it “will always be Murphy Floods Car Park” in memory of generations past who had the joys of their youth created into precious memories at Murphy Flood’s Hotel, which was only a small portion of the area seconded for a car park!
Cllr Aidan Browne didn’t understand why it should be called Barrack Street but complemented the Council on the work. Ms. Lawless said the entrance is off Barrack Street, but they were all too young to remember that it was called Barrack Street since the 1840 map of Enniscorthy was first published!
Anyway, it is to be called Murphy Floods Car Park although unfamiliar modern car users will need to have the Eircode for Barrack Street to find the entrance!
Cllr Owens was back in again to say that the work will ensure “no more flooding on Market Square” and he also lamented that there are no plans for a toilet in Murphy Floods Car Park. Cllr Owens reckons that when the car door is opened “the need to go” kicks in!
Cllr John O’Rourke suggested moving the Saturday Farmer’s Market into the new car park as it could increase footfall in the centre of the town even though such a move would reduce the number of car parking spaces?
Cllr O’Rourke said that Enniscorthy is a market town, there is wheelchair access and a weekly market would create an ambience in the centre of the town.
Gorey Market House Festival kicked off on the Main Street this evening. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walshat Gorey Market House Festival
The music is playing from the big stage on the Main Street, Gorey, tonight, as the 2025 Market House Festival gets into the rhythm and a large crowd is present. There was no formal opening ceremony, it was straight into the music.
Live music, arts and family fun are the main ingredients set to ignite Gorey where the Market House Festival takes precedence this weekend.
Philip Knight, Gorey Kilmuckridge District Manager said “We’re incredibly excited to see the Gorey Market House Festival return. It’s a wonderful celebration of local music, culture and community spirit, right here in the heart of Gorey. Events like this are what makes Gorey such a vibrant and welcoming place to live and visit.’
Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District told WexfordLocal.com; “The Gorey Market House Festival is a real highlight of the summer for families and visitors alike. It brings people together, supports local businesses and showcases the wonderful talent we have in our area.”
Visitors can expect a jam packed schedule of entertainment and events, including free live music on the Main Street with artists including The Swift Show (Taylor Swift Tribute), Live Forever (Oasis Tribute), Fairytale of The Pogues (Pogues Tribute), Dabilla, The Mafia Cats, Fusion and Josh Quinn to name a few.
The Gorey Market House Festival has always been about the community and so there is the return of The Family Fun Day in Gorey Town Park on Saturday from 12pm, A Street Market on Gorey Main Street on Sunday from 10am, The Superhero Fun Run in Gorey Town Park on Sunday from 10am and the annual Making Music Busking Competition on Saturday.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan headed proceedings at the Civic Reception accorded the 2025 FAI Oscar Traynor Cup champions from Wexford with their management, background team and Council officials at Enniscorthy Castle tonight. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Castle
A Civic Reception marking Wexford Football League team’s historic victory in the 2025 FAI Oscar Traynor Cup was held in Enniscorthy Castle tonight with proceedings headed by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan.
Under Manager Willie Peare it was only the second time in history that Wexford have won the Oscar Traynor Cup with the previous success coming 15 years ago in 2010 under the stewardship of John Godkin. Wexford beat Limerick in extra time to secure honours for 2024-’25.
Cllr Joe Sullivan said that Civic Receptions are awarded in recognition of a significant and momentous achievement by an individual/group or organisation at national level or international level.
“It is an honour to attend Enniscorthy Castle this evening as the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council as we celebrate an incredible achievement by Wexford Football League team winning the Pat Whitty Leinster Cup and our proud winners of the FAI Oscar Traynor Cup 2025,” said Cllr Sullivan, who added; “Your victory is more than a win on the pitch – it is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork and belief.”
“Wexford County Council are delighted to mark this victory with a Civic Reception in your honour. The reception shows how proud we are of the team, the Manager and coaches and all those involved in bringing about this great sporting victory. We wish you continued success as a team and hope you enjoy this special occasion. You’ve made your county proud,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council said the call to give the Wexford Football League champions a Civic Reception came from Enniscorthy District members and she added to the congratulations and good wishes.
Manager Willie Peare said they were deeply honoured by the Civic Reception and from the players, management and the background team, family, friends and supporters expressed gratitude for the occasion.
There was also an appreciation expressed by Denis Hennessy from the Wexford Football League.
The attendance included Cllrs Aidan Browne, John O’Rourke, Jackser Owens and Pat Kehoe. Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services Wexford County Council, and Wexford Football League representatives; Denis Hennessy (Chairperson), Padraig Whitty (Fixtures Secretary) and Nicky Murphy (Committee Member). Claire Lawless, District Manager of Enniscorthy Municipal District with Wexford County Council acted as master of ceremonies. The presentation of scrolls were presented by Cllr Joe Sullivan and Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy.
Each member of the team received a commemorative civic scroll as a symbol of appreciation from the people of Wexford for their dedication and success; Raphael Abidoyle, Paul Brennan, Ryan Busher, Sean Allen, Conor Casserly, Niall Connolly, Gary Delaney, Evan Farrell, Luke Greene, Todd Hynes, Robbie Kane, Stephen Kinsella, Jason McGuire, Reece Murphy, Glen O’Brien, John Peare, Eoin Rhodes, Alan Rhodes, Ian Sinnott and Ethan Vickers.
The Management Team were presented with a commemorative civic scroll for their dedication and commitment to the team; Willie Peare (Manager), Mark Ross (Head Coach), Gavin Griffith (Goalkeeper Coach), Conn Mooney (Assistant Manager), Nick Finn (Coach), Billie Byrne (Logistics) and Ivan Lynch (Physio).
The Arts Council receive over €140 million in state funding but some comedians, showbands, drama societies, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Fleadh groups are not eligible to apply for funding, said a Fine Gael TD.
Deputy Brian Brennan, TD for Wicklow-Wexford, has voiced his strong opposition to the current exclusion of certain artists and is calling for a widening of guidelines on who can receive funding.
Speaking at the Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Deputy Brennan asked why this current exclusion policy exists: “There is good work currently being done providing funding for some sectors and I encourage continued support for artists at a grassroots level.
BRIAN BRENNAN TD
“The Arts Council funding aims to generate high quality experiences for the public to engage, develop talent and a programme to provide services that support the work of artists.
“With this in mind, we need to know how organisations such as the Fleadh Ceoil and talented people such as comedians are not included?
“To me, a comedian getting up on a stage is a really difficult profession and a wonderful art form. They should have the same opportunity to access funding.
“My colleague, Minister Patrick O’Donovan emphasised that the Government had provided direct financial support for the Fleadh Cheoil, but he did clarify that this was not coming from the Arts Council. The Minister also said that he believes that the Arts Council should be as inclusive as possible in terms of its support for all Art forms.
“The Arts Council must ensure that all artists are treated with the respect they deserve by broadening its interpretation of art and ensuring more artists receive funding opportunities and resources”, concluded Deputy Brennan.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, representatives of community organisations and members of the community at the launch of The Shannon Way at Armstrong’s Range, Enniscorthy, this evening. (Pic;WexfordLocal.com).
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, accepted an invitation from Enniscorthy Community Alliance and performed the official launch of TheShannon Way Project at the green on Armstrong’s Range, Enniscorthy, this evening.
TheShannon Way Project is a dynamic community-led effort to rejuvenate Enniscorthy East through environmental and public space improvements.
The initiative will create a vibrant “clean and greener mile” from Railway Square to Drumgoold, encouraging residents to reclaim and enjoy public walkways, laneways, and green areas.
The theme of TheShannon Way Project is ‘clean streets are safer streets’.
Cllr Murphy complimented the community initiative and the groups involved and wished them well with the project.
Other speakers included Billy Murphy, Chair of Enniscorthy Community Alliance, John Jude Murphy, Enniscorthy Community Alliance and Seamus Whitney, Chair Enniscorthy EastCommunity Development Group. Cllr John O’Rourke and District Manager, Claire Lawless, represented Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
A tree was planted on the green at Armstrong’s Range which is an area where the community can come together to relax and converse.
The Shannon Way initiative has been made possible through generous funding from the Department of Justice’s Community Safety Initiative Fund. The project is being led by Enniscorthy Community Alliance, with strong support from partners including Enniscorthy Municipal District, Wexford County Council, Enniscorthy East Community Development Group and Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers.
A number of plans are in the pipeline including the development of a Shannon Heritage Trail and the group has taken charge of the Captain Wafer Community Hall.
Enniscorthy Community Alliance will also engage with the schools to participate in the project during the next school term.
ANITA McLOUGHLIN and PHILIP KNIGHT exchange greetings as Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District gets a new District Manager. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge District Council meeting
Philip Knight, Gorey Kilmuckridge District Manager for over four years, delivered his final report at Tuesday’s monthly meeting held in the Civic Centre, Gorey, where members offered high praise and paid glowing tributes.
Mr Knight’s replacement, Anita McLoughlin, who started her local authority career in New Ross in 1999, also attended the meeting and was accorded a warm reception by all the members.
Cllr Donal Kenny, Cathaoirleach, presided, and led the tributes to Philip Knight and thanked him for his good work in Gorey and wished him the best of luck going forward as he heads back to Wexford County Council headquarters.
Cllr Mary Farrell thanked Philip Knight for the last four years. “I enjoyed working with you and I welcome the new District Manager. I wish both of you the best of luck.”
Cllr Darragh McDonald described Philip as “always very helpful”. Cllr Oliver Walsh described him as “a joy to work with and welcome to Gorey Kilmuckridge district Anita.” Cllr Anthony Donohoe said Philip was “a gentleman, always contactable and approachable” and he offered a welcome to Anita.
Cllr Pip Breen said Philip “blended in well and adapted well” and he thanked him for “all the good work he did.” He welcomed Anita as the new District Manager starting in September.
Cllr Joe Sullivan wished Philip all the best. “It was a very short four years”, Cllr Sullivan, observed, and to Anita, whom he worked with on the housing SPC, he said simply; “Welcome to Gorey.”
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh thanked Philip for his “courtesy and help” and wished him well in his new venture. He also welcomed Anita. “Thanks for everything,” was the response from Cllr Craig Doyle.
Director of Services, Liz Hore said; “Philip Knight is an absolute gentleman and the staff appreciated him.” She also wished Philip well and wished long serving staff administrator Liz Stanley all the best of luck. Ms. Stanley wasn’t present, but is taking retirement.
In reply, Philip Knight thanked all the members for their kind wishes and stated that he “made some good friends here” and he said that “the members were fantastic to work with.”
Anita McLoughlin stated she began her career in New Ross, has recently worked in housing, and described herself as hardworking. She expressed excitement about her new role in the Gorey Kilmuckridge district.
COURTOWN RNLI towing an inflatable on Monday evening. (Pic; RNLI/John Timmons)
By Dan Walsh
Monday was a busy day for Courtown RNLI. They rescued father and son paddleboarders in strong offshore winds and later the same day recovered an inflatable towable following 112 /999 calls to the Coast Guard.
A member of the public spotted two paddleboarders clinging to a buoy in strong offshore winds just off Ardamine beach and the crew of three volunteers launched at 1pm in gusty offshore conditions and were quickly on the scene.
They located the father and son paddleboarders clinging to a buoy and feeling cold and exhausted. They were taken ashore where anxious family members were waiting.
The paddleboarders were part of a family group visiting from Spain and thanked Courtown RNLI volunteers for responding so quickly.
Courtown Lifeboat helm Yvette Deacon said; “They were lucky to come across the buoy. The wind was blowing them out to sea very quickly. Before going on the water, always check the weather, make sure you have the correct equipment and always call 112/999 as soon as possible and ask for the Coast Guard if you think somebody is in trouble.’
Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat returned to station at 2pm and later the same day launched following another call to the Coast Guard after a member of the public spotted a large Inflatable Towable being blown out to sea very rapidly. It was unclear if there were any people on the inflatable.
Courtown RNLI Inshore Lifeboat Frank, launched at 6.30pm and was quickly on scene where it was established that there was nobody on board the inflatable. It appeared to have been blown off Ardamine beach and was quickly blown out to sea in the strong and gusty offshore wind. They took the inflatable under tow and returned to the harbour at 7pm.
Courtown Lifeboat helm Brian McEvoy said; “You have to be very careful with inflatables in offshore winds, you can be blown out to sea much more quickly than you think. The member of the public did the right thing, if in doubt call 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
A quiet Monday evening in The Ballagh (Ballaghkeen) village. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
NEWS UPDATE. By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting (Tuesday).
The proposed Safe Route To Schools programme for Kiltealy was on the agenda at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre, but members voted 3-2 to hold the meeting ‘in committee’
Cllr Pat Kehoe (Fine Gael) proposed that the discussion be held ‘in committee’ and his call was seconded by Cllr Aidan Browne (Fianna Fáil). Independent Cllrs John O’Rourke and Cllr Jackser Owens were against the proposal and asked that the Press be allowed to stay present.
CathaoirleachCllr Barbara-Anne Murphy put the matter to a vote and it resulted – 3 in favour and 2 against – when Cllr Trish Byrne (Fine Gael) supported Cllrs Kehoe and Browne. Cllrs O’Rourke and Owens voted against holding the item ‘in committee’. The Press duly left the meeting.
By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting(Monday).
Strong public opposition has emerged against the Safe Route To Schools programme in Ballaghkeen and Kiltealy, with Wexford County Council elected members mainly concerned about insufficient consultation. However, a Council official has denied the allegations.
The matter was confronted at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council with new Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan directing proceedings at the Council Chamber in County Hall.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh reported that at a ‘public’ meeting in The Ballagh last Friday, attendees voted to reject the project. He claimed there was no consultation, including with himself.
Cllr Kavanagh stated that he personally held no objection to the Safe Route To Schools programme and added that safety aspects in the village were long overdue and stated that there was a need to slow down the traffic through The Ballagh village.
Apparently consultation was made with the Principal and School Board of Management,the parish priest and some business interests, but progress updates appears to have been lost along the way.
It is reported that 65% at last Friday’s meeting voted against the project which is estimated to cost €200,000 and details were posted in the local church and other public areas, but detail maps were either miniature or not made available at all.
Cllr Oliver Walsh told the meeting that a meeting was held with the hauliers, but stated “it was not an official meeting”.
But Deputy Chief Executive Eamonn Hore disagreed and read out a list of meetings with various interests and declared that there were 11 meetings with hauliers and individuals and the matter was presented at the June meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge District Council where it was approved by members!
Mr Hore said he was “not too sure about lack of consultation”, but expressed confidence that the project will go ahead! He added that there is ample parking at the church, crèche area and outside the graveyard, but admitted that the sidelines of the school was a disaster.
Cllr Pip Breen said that it is essential that this project goes ahead. He had been in contact with the hauliers and claimed that the first meeting in The Ballagh were supplied with copies of the plan.
Cllr Vicky Barron referred to the SRTS projects outside schools in Adamstown and Caroreigh and described them as “a blessing.” Cllr Barron suggested that by way of compromise bring people from these areas to a meeting and hear their stories.
Cllr Jackser Owens added his full support for the SRTS but informed the meeting that 525 names had registered their opposition to the project in the village of Kiltealy. The argument about ‘not consulted’ were again uttered by Cllr Owens.
WexfordLocal.com is informed that the Kiltealy situation will be raised at today’s (Tuesday’s) meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and a political headache is facing some of the members! The Kiltealy Safe Route To Schools programme has not yet been financially costed as it is in the preliminary stages, but it is expected to be in excess of €200,000.
The Ballaghkeen project will be discussed today (Tuesday) by members at the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, but I can’t tell readers anything about that because it is held ‘in committee’ and the Press is not allowed in!
Uisce Éireann is appealing to everyone in Wexford to be mindful of their use of water.
Following an increase in water usage by households and businesses, customers are being asked to be mindful of their usage, allow supply to catch up with demand and enable reservoirs to replenish fully. Uisce Éireann is closely monitoring all water supplies across the county and is implementing measures such as tankering to reservoirs, nighttime restrictions, and pressure management.
Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Wexford, said; “Water demand has noticeably increased across Wexford in recent days. We’re asking customers across the county to conserve water and give supplies time to recover. Even small changes in how we use water can make a big difference, helping to improve the supply for everyone.
“We’re doing everything we can to protect and maintain water supplies throughout the summer, but we also need the public’s support. If everyone in Wexford takes a few simple steps to reduce water use at home, in the garden, and at work, we can make our water go further and help maintain a regular supply for all.”
For more simple ways to conserve water, check out the Uisce Éireann conservation calculator (www.water.ie/calculator), which can help people work out how much water they are currently using and how they can conserve even more.
WexfordLocal.com 