WexfordLocal.com

Deputy Lawlor opens Camera Club exhibition

At the launch of Wexford Camera Club’s exhibition; *In the Moment: Capturing the Fleadh 2024* At Wexford Arts Centre today were; (left to right); George Lawlor TD, who performed the official launch; Bart Bulla, Chair of Wexford Camera Club; Lucy Leonel, photographer and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council and Chair of Wexford Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Arts Centre

George Lawlor TD attended the Wexford Arts Centre today (Saturday) to officially launch the Wexford Camera Club’s exhibition, In the Moment: Capturing the Fleadh 2024. He described it as a group photography exhibition documenting the energy and cultural aspects of the previous year’s Fleadh Cheoil.

Deputy Lawlor, who is also PR and Marketing Chair of the Wexford Fleadh Cheoil Executive, expressed his honour at being in one of Wexford’s most historic buildings and Ireland’s oldest regional art centre. He praised Wexford’s hospitality to Fleadh visitors and announced the launch of Wexford Camera Club’s exhibition, which documents last year’s successful Fleadh Cheoil na h-Éireann.

This exhibition showcases the spirit of the festival through the lens of twelve talented photographers, all members of the Wexford Camera Club. The photographers include Darren Arkins, Bart Bulla, Kevin Cadogan, Miriam Furlong, Aoife Kavanagh, Donna Kehoe, Lucy Leonel, Alan Mahon, Ann McCafferty, Ian Moriarty, John Mullins, and Marie Phelan.

Bart Bulla, Chair of Wexford Camera Club thanked Deputy Lawlor, Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford County Council and Wexford Fleadh Cheoil Executive for supporting the exhibition, wecomed everybody and was impressed by the turnout at the launch.

The attendance at the launch included Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council and Chair of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee; County Arts Officer Liz Burns and members whose work is featured. Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director Wexford Arts Centre acted as master of ceremonies.

The exhibition takes visitors on a visual journey through the event, from lively performances on the Gig Rig, street acts, and authentic pub music sessions to behind-the-scenes moments, honouring the people who made it happen and illustrating the power of music to bring us all together in a shared celebration of art and joy.

Featuring over seventy photographs, the exhibition highlights the diversity of perspectives and the beauty of capturing fleeting, yet powerful, moments in time. It is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Fleadh Cheoil and its role in preserving and promoting Irish musical heritage.

The exhibition runs at Wexford Arts Centre until Wednesday, August 13^th.

The exhibition is supported by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Wexford Arts Centre is supported by the Arts Council and Wexford County Council.

Spike Bridge in Courtown Woods repairs funding

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan is delighted that Spike Bridge has received funding for repairs. He has complimented Coillte and Minister Calleary for their successful efforts. Cllr Sullivan seen here on Spike Bridge last March. (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*).

By Dan Walsh

€35,000 in funding has been allocated for the repair of the damaged Spike Footbridge in Courtown Woods and will also aid trail repairs and general maintenance within the forest recreational area.

Spike Bridge is one of 11 areas in Co. Wexford included in funding announced yesterday (Friday). The others include Ballyfad, Camolin Park, Carrickbyrne, Dunanore (better known as Borodale, near Enniscorthy), Mount Nebo, Oaklands, Park Wood (Bree), Ramsfort Park, Gorey, Tara Hill and Tintern.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced details of €4 million funding the department will provide in 2025 as part of its’ strategic partnership with Coillte.

In addition to supporting the development of new infrastructure projects and the maintenance of existing trails on Coillte lands, this year an additional €1.4 million is being provided towards the ongoing cost of repairing storm damaged trails.

Minister Calleary said; “My department’s strategic partnership with Coillte is a hugely important one for the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland. It is essential to ensuring that Coillte sites are in a position to facilitate millions of visitors each year with high quality trails and facilities.

“Through our current partnership with Coillte, we are providing up to €15 million over five years to maintain and develop Coillte’s trail network and recreation amenities around the country. This funding is also supporting Coillte’s engagement with local communities and recreation groups right across the country,” concluded Minister Calleary.

€5,000 funding for Edermine Rowing Club

**THEY’RE OFF! … Edermine Ferry Rowing Club at the start of the local regatta under Edermine Bridge.** (Pic; *Edermine Ferry Rowing Club*).

By Dan Walsh

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club has received €5,000 and is one of 26 sports clubs chosen to receive funding under this year’s 2025 Texaco Support for Sport initiative.

Founded in 1973, Edermine Ferry Rowing Club is a leading and long-established club in Co. Wexford, known for hosting its annual regatta on the River Slaney at Edermine Bridge near Enniscorthy.

In its fifth year, the scheme is hosted and organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, with judging overseen by former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan.

Congratulating the winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, acknowledged ‘the immense contribution’ that sports clubs make to the heart of community life in Ireland.

“The purpose of our Texaco Support for Sport initiative is to provide an avenue of funding for local sports clubs to help nurture grassroots talent, improve facilities, purchase new equipment or contribute to inclusivity measures which will broaden and enhance their appeal and grow their memberships.”

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club has been congratulated by Rowing Ireland, who are “thrilled to announce that two Rowing Ireland–affiliated clubs have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Texaco Support for Sport fund -Edermine Ferry Rowing Club (Wexford) and Athlunkard Boat Club (Limerick) have each been awarded €5,000 to support their continued development.

“This funding will assist with facility upgrades, new equipment purchases, and initiatives to broaden participation and grow membership,” they added.

Water conservation urged for the Fleadh

By Dan Walsh

With over 600,000 people expected in Wexford for the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Uisce Éireann urges residents and businesses to cut back on water use.

Due to reduced rainfall, high temperatures, and increased demand in recent months, Wexford’s raw water supplies are well below normal, resulting in last week’s Water Conservation Order for Wexford.

With demand expected to surge in the next two weeks, Uisce Éireann urges Wexford residents to conserve water to help maintain essential supplies and support a successful Fleadh for everyone.

**FIONNUALA CALLERY, Regional Technical Operations Manager at Uisce Éireann.**

Fionnuala Callery, Regional Technical Operations Manager for Uisce Éireann, paid tribute to the local population for their efforts to date and asked for continued support over the coming days while the water supply remains under pressure.

“Last year, ahead of the hugely successful Fleadh 2024, Uisce Éireann completed the Mayglass Water Supply Project to ensure resilience to the water supply in South County Wexford. We installated over 3.5km of new water mains taking raw water from two boreholes; located near St Fintan’s Church and at Mulrankin, to Mayglass Water Treatment Plant. This ensured there was an adequate supply for the Fleadh while also enabling further growth in the region,” Ms. Callery told WexfordLocal.com.

“In the first six months of 2025, we repaired 397 leaks across Wexford, resulting in massive savings across the county. Uisce Eireann has also employed the use of specialised detection equipment called Acoustic Noise Loggers to identify the exact locations of the water loss on the underground public network.

“The state-of-the-art technology uses acoustic noise that is more sensitive than the human ear to listen for leaks, with over 1500 of these being deployed across the county- 600 of these in Wexford town. However, conservation is a combined effort. It is important to double down our efforts to reduce demand given the pressures on local supplies.

“Water demand always increases with an influx of tourists and visitors. This year more visitors are expected for the Fleadh as people are set to enjoy a week of traditional music and culture. We are asking people across Wexford to play their part and think about water conservation,” added Ms. Callery.

TG4 returns to Wexford for the Fleadh

**Peadar Ó Goill, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin agus Aoife Ní Thuairisg – Fleadh25 presenters on TG4.** (Pic; Melissa Mannion)

By Dan Walsh

After a record breaking year in 2024, TG4 proudly returns as the official media partner of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, bringing audiences four unforgettable nights of live music from Thursday, 7th to Sunday, 10th August.

This year’s Fleadh25 coverage will be presented by Peadar Ó Goill, Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, and Aoife Ní Thuairisg. The TV broadcast will feature 92 performers across four stages, showcasing exceptional talent from Ireland and around the world including the USA, Australia, Canada, Dubai, Italy, Scotland, Ukraine, and beyond.

Each night at 9.30pm, TG4’s Fleadh TV Village in Wexford will come alive with electrifying performances from top traditional artists, rising stars, international guests, and freshly crowned competition winners, all broadcast live to audiences at home and abroad.

A selection of competitions will also be streamed on TG4.ie from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th. The crowd favourite Senior Céilí Band Competition takes place on Sunday. From live competitions and vibrant stage shows to family friendly Cúla4 content, the Fleadh experience will come to life across TG4, TG4.ie (player) and social platforms @TG4TV and @TradTG4.

Theft from vans reported in Enniscorthy and Gorey

By Dan Walsh

**ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com)*

Gardaí are investigating thefts from three vans that happened overnight between Sunday and Monday.

Two incidents took place at Slaney View Park, Enniscorthy.

A third van was targeted at Clonattin, Gorey.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, or who may have CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from these areas, to come forward.

Anybody with any information, please contact: Enniscorthy Garda Station on (053) 9242580, Gorey Garda Station on (053 9430690 or the Garda Confidential number 1800 666 111.

Extra 50 trains between Wexford and Dublin/Arklow during Fleadh Cheoil

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed over 50 extra train services will again operate this year during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to/from Wexford, allowing more people to attend the country’s leading traditional music festival.

An extra Dublin Connolly to Wexford train will operate each day between Tuesday 5^th and Sunday 10^th August, and an extensive range of shuttle services between Arklow and Wexford, up to a final service at 23:00hrs from Wexford to Arklow each evening.

The additional trains will operate from Tuesday 5^th to Sunday 10^th August, as follows:

Tuesday 5^th to Friday 8^th August

10:34hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
19:00hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
21:35hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
14:40hrs and 17:10hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:40hrs, 16:00hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow

Saturday 9^th August

10:25hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
19:30hrs Wexford to Bray (connection to DART services to Dublin city centre)
21:35hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
14:08hrs, 16:15hrs, 17:10hrs and 18:25hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:05hrs, 14:20hrs, 15:45hrs, 17:25hrs and 23:10hrs Wexford to Arklow

Sunday 10^th August

10:45hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford
19:30hrs Wexford to Bray (connection to DART services to Dublin city centre)
21:35hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly
15:00hrs, 16:08hrs, 17:30hrs and 19:05hrs Arklow to Wexford
13:38hrs, 16:20hrs, 17:40hrs and 23:10hrs Wexford to Arklow

Customers are advised to book rail travel in advance on scheduled and extra train services to/from Wexford throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app, as demand is expected to be high.

Rosslare Europort bus transfers to operate

Between Sunday 3^rd and Sunday 10^th August, most scheduled services between Dublin Connolly and Rosslare Europort will operate between Dublin Connolly and Wexford only, with bus transfer arrangements in place for customers travelling to/from Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.

This is to facilitate the Garda and event organisers event plan, which will see thousands of people on Wexford Quay, through which the railway line runs unprotected.

Arrangements for travel to/from Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort are as follows from Sunday 3^rd to Sunday 10^th August inclusive:

On Sunday 3^rd August, 09:40hrs Rosslare Europort to Dublin Connolly operates as normal
All other scheduled Rosslare Europort to Dublin Connolly services will commence from Wexford. Bus transfers will operate from Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand to Wexford (before 10:00hrs) and to Enniscorthy at all other times. After 10:00hrs, those travelling from Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand to Wexford can avail of TFI LocalLink Route 387 each day.
All scheduled Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort services will operate from Dublin Connolly to Wexford only. Bus transfers will operate from Wexford to Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.

Scheduled Dublin/Gorey and Dublin/Wexford services will operate as normal, with the evening 22:15hrs Gorey to Connolly extended to commence from Wexford at 21:35hrs.

An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson told WexfordLocal.com; “We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of Fleadh attendees travelling by rail, and are pleased to offer those travelling from Dublin, Wicklow and North Wexford a range of additional services. Having worked with event organisers, the NTA and An Garda Síochána, we have also made arrangements to facilitate the activities on Wexford Quay by putting in place bus transfer and TFI Local Link arrangements for those travelling to/from Rosslare.”

Is Lady’s Island really ‘a dead lake’?

**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!

Teenage swimmer saved at Ferrycarrig

By Dan Walsh

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.