Rosemary Hartigan retiring from Wexford Arts Centre Board after nine years service with Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director, and new Board member Brendan Howlin at Wexford Arts Centre.
By Dan Walsh
Long serving Teachta Dáil member, former Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin has been appointed Chair of the Wexford Arts Centre Board.
Mr Howlin replaces Rosemary Hartigan who has retired from the Board of Wexford Arts Centre after nine years’ service.
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Hartigan has been a supportive presence—working collaboratively with Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director, staff, fellow board members, artists, and community stakeholders to help guide the centre through an exciting and transformative decade including thecelebration of Wexford Arts Centre’s 50th anniversary as the oldest regional arts centre in Ireland. In her final address to the Board, Ms. Hartigan acknowledged the valuable contributions of past and present board members, the dedicated staff team, artists, volunteers, funders, and wider community partners who have worked alongside her and the Centre over the years to ensure its success and resilience. The Board and Executive Director thanked Ms. Hartigan for her dedication and passion for guiding Wexford Arts Centre on a sustainable path during her tenure on the board.
Wexford Arts Centre is delighted to welcome Brendan Howlin as the newly appointed Chair of the Board. A proud Wexford native and lifelong supporter of the arts, the former Minister brings with him a distinguished record of public service, having served as a government minister across several portfolios.
His deep appreciation for culture and belief, promote participation, and nurture artistic excellence throughout Wexford and the wider Southeast region.in the transformative power of the arts will be a guiding force with his wealth of experience in governance and public policy, and his strong local ties, Brendan’s leadership will support the Centre’s ongoing
Pictured at the Enniscorthy International Forum are (left to right), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chief Executive, James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Cllr Aidan Browne and Michael Bennett.
The Enniscorthy International Forum (EIF) hosted its annual summit in Enniscorthy recently. The theme of the summit, Bridges to a Sustainable Future: Innovation as a Critical Imperative in Troubled Times, reflected the contributions needed from buildings, the built environment, and energy to deliveron the challenges of sustainability and climate change.
“The primary theme of the summit reflects that there are many bridges that must be crossed” noted Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chief Executive of Enniscorthy International Forum, “if the world is to attain sustainability. We must address education, policy, industry culture, dissemination/deployment, and coherence with the natural environment.
“As noted by participants, the path to net zero runs straight through our homes and neighbourhoods. Today was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when ambition and delivery go hand in hand,” said Cllr Murphy who is the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
Notable speakers and participants included James Browne TD, Housing Minister of Ireland, Tatiana Molcean, United Nations Under-Secretary General, Andrew McAllister, Commissioner, California Energy Commission, Ruth Zugman do Coutto, Dep, Director Climate Change Division, UN Environment Programme, Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner, Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law, & Consumer Protection, Darcie Houck, Commissioner, California Public Utilities Commission and James Gannon, Chairperson at Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Minister James Browne noted that buildings account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so decarbonising the built environment is one of the most urgent and impactful climate challenges we face.
“Ireland aims to build 300,000 new homes by 2030 and the government is pulling every lever to meet this bold target. All new homes will aim for zero emissions and an A energy rating, cutting emissions and energy use from day one.
“Building energy-efficient, low-carbon homes isn’t just about climate action; it cuts bills, improves health, and helps eliminate fuel poverty, with technologies like heat pumps and solar panels becoming standard,” concluded Minister Browne.
The 2025 Buildings Action Coalition summit explored the need to be comprehensive in the approach to buildings and the built environment, observed that fixing the built environment in a small corner of the world is insufficient, that we need to have global impact, and recognised that we are 40 years late in addressing the issues of climate and sustainability – it is necessary to do everything everywhere all at once.
Enniscorthy International Forum, located in County Wexford was established to support the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda, focusing on Buildings and the Built Environment, Energy, Diplomacy, Health, and Education.
Pictured at the Ballyhogue Community Hub public information event; (left to right), Bill Walsh, Ballyhogue Development Group, Cllr Trish Byrne, John V. Carr, Secretary, Ballyhogue Development Group and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager. (Pic; Wexford Local.com)
Dan Walsh at Ballyhogue
Plans to convert the former Post Office in Ballyhogue village into a multi-purpose facility that will offer a wide range of facilities and services for all ages was unveiled at a Public Information event held in Ballyhogue National School today.
Wexford County Council successfully secured the old vacant Past Office/Shop for the community and a Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2025 seeking €300,000 grant for ‘Ballyhogue Stores’ and the former Ballyhogue Post Office has already been submitted to the Department of Rural & Community Development.
John V. Carr, Secretary of Ballyhogue Development Group told WexfordLocal.com today about the purpose of the Information Event; “We’d like to hear the community’s views on hat is needed in the proposed Community Hub and people’s vision for the future.”
Potential activities within the Community Hub include preschool and early learning, mother and toddler groups, youth groups, men’s and women’s support groups, meeting rooms and enterprise hubs, and with possible phased development depending on costs; school use and adult classes, community café and shop and community garden.
Cllr Trish Byrne, who is a member of the Board of Ballyhogue National School was present at the information event and promised her full support in co-operation with Senator Cathal Byrne. Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager was also present and supportive of the proposals.
There was curious interest from the community at the two-hour information event, plenty of detailed information was available and the need for local and national support, grants and the challenge of fundraising were brought to public attention.
Ballyhogue Development Group was set up six years ago by local residents with a mission “to protect, preserve, and grow Ballyhogue for future generations.”
BALLAGHKEENE NATIONAL SCHOOL on the R744. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District monthly meeting
Ballaghkeene, or The Ballagh as it is commonly known, is to benefit from a €200,000 investment under the Active Travel Routes to School scheme following approval at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.
As part of the works Wexford County Council proposes to undertake “construction of new footpaths and pedestrian crossings on the R744 in Ballaghkeene village” with “pedestrian crossings, traffic calming to reduce speed through the village, public lighting, place making, including landscaping and street furniture, in front of Ballaghakeene National School and extending to the village centre”.
Cllr Oliver Walsh said the scheme had been met with some reservations by those in the haulage business with one local trader particularly concerned about the proposed narrowing on the regional R774 which passes through the village.
Cllr Walsh believes that the works would improve traffic management in the area and make life safer for all road users.
There was support from Cllr Mary Farrell who said the safe routes to school project is now ready to commence and will benefit Ballaghkeene for years to come.
Cllr Joe Sullivan was also supportive. “Children are the greatest asset of the state and getting them to and from school safely is a priority,” he added.
There had been 24 submissions made to the council regarding the impact of the works and concerns raised by residents and the hauliers.
Cllr Pip Breen said those who had objected to the scheme were “on board now” and recommended that the project be approved.
The Council fully backed the proposal and both Cllr Breen and Cllr Donal Kenny acknowledged the support of Active Travel.
Having fun at Gorey Market House Festival. (Pic; Louise Sarah Photography).
By Dan Walsh
Gorey is preparing for exciting summer celebrations as plans are announced for the Gorey Market House Festival 2025 which takes place Friday to Sunday, July 18th-20th, promising three unforgettable days of live music, arts and family fun.
The festival promises an electric mix of local talent and headline acts, family friendlyevents, a street market plus the return of the annual Making Music Busking Competition – all set against the vibrant, welcoming backdrop of Gorey’s bustling town centre.
Philip Knight, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Manager said; “We’re incredibly excited to see the Gorey Market House Festival return this July. It’s a wonderful celebration of local music, culture and community spirit, right here in the heart of Gorey.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the festival committee and volunteers for their tremendous dedication and hard work putting together such a fantastic programme again this year. Events like this are what make Gorey such a vibrant and welcoming place to live and visit,” concluded Mr Knight.
Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Donal Kenny said; “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 North Wexford. I’m very proud, as Chair of the Municipal District, to support this fantastic event and I commend the committee for their tireless efforts to make it bigger and better every year.”
Visitors can expect a packed schedule of entertainment and events, including free live music on the Main Street Friday, Saturday and Sunday 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 is all about the community and the organisers are delighted to announce 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, July 19th (forms available from Making Music and Loch Garman Arms).
For more information on the festival, please visit LoveGorey.ie, Gorey Market House Festival on Facebook or Instagram, www.markethousefestival.com or email gorey@wexfordcoco.ie
Álanna Hammel’s writers’ collective is hosting a special event in the National Opera House, Wexford, on Friday, July 4th, supported by Wexford County Council’s Community Dates Open Call and tickets have gone on sale.
ÁLANNA HAMMELL seen here with WALLY O’NEILL of Red Books (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The Purple and Gold Writers’ Collective invites you to spend an evening in the company of Wexford poets and writers, together with guest musicians, to experience and enjoy the special power of the spoken word.
Among the performers are Margaret Galvin, John Cooney, Ronán P. Berry, Conor Lyons, A.M. Cousins, Paul Hennessy, and Álanna Hammel. The event is directed by Paul Walsh.
An occasion that is likely to live long in the memory. The evening is in support of It’s Good 2 Talk Counselling Psychotherapy Support Service, which provides professional counselling and support to the Wexford Community.
Speaking with WexfordLocal.com, Álanna said; “The magic of poetry is that it touches all our lives. It can inspire, challenge, even heal and sometimes change the way we see the world. Good poems shine a light on what is so often passed over in our daily lives- the ordinary miracles, the unexpected learnings, those rare moments of emotional clarity we know we will always remember.
“They ambush us with words of awe, dread, wonder, sorrow and joy and invite us to step out of our comfort zones and into a world of deeper insight and new possibilities. At its best, poetry is a reminder of the beauty of life, particularly at times of grief or upheaval- what Seamus Heaney referred to as the joyful affirmation of poetry and music.
Tickets are available on the National Opera House website.
SPIKE BRIDGE in Courtown Woods has been repaired and safe to cross. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh
The pedestrian Spike Bridge, which crosses the Owenavorragh river and is part of Courtown Woods and the Wexford Walking Trails, has been restored and is safe to cross again after a section of the wooden floor had fallen away.
Local enthusiasts, including Michael O’Callaghan, author of The Boy Who Kicked the Nun, informed WexfordLocal.com about a potential danger. However, he has now sent photographs indicating that the Spike Bridge is safe to cross again.
Last February a notice on the bridge read; “Please note that Spike Bridge is closed due to safety concerns. The bridge will reopen once repairs have been made. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Due to the cultural and local significance of this bridge, Courtown Heritage Group became anxious that it be restored and returned to use as soon as possible. Coilte responded positively, repairs were carried out and the bridge was made safe again.
The bridge allows for access to woodland managed by Coillte on the north side of the Owenavorragh river, linking the 1.4km Bridge Walk which is especially popular for active travel and river anglers.
This timber bridge was once an Iron spiked bridge which workers on Lord Courtown’s estate used. It was locked by night after the last workers went home and opened again in the morning, to allow workers access to their workplace.
CLLR OLIVER WALSH (Leas-Cathaoirleach) and CLLR JOE SULLIVAN (Cathaoirleach) exchange greetings following their success at the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council held in County Hall today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the annual general meeting of Wexford County Council
Cllr Joe Sullivan was today elected Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council at the annual general meeting in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Wexford. Cllr Oliver Walsh is the Leas-Cathaoirleach.
Cllr Sullivan’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and seconded by Cllr Oliver Walsh. Cllr Oliver Walsh, affectionately described as ‘Father of the House’ was proposed by Cllr Anthony Donohoe and seconded by Cllr Pip Breen.
In his maiden speech, Cllr Sullivan welcomed the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD, Malcolm Byrne TD, fellow council members, executive members, staff, members of the press, friends and family, which included his wife, Trysh and sons, Tom and Cian.
Cllr Sullivan also said that his good friend, Brian Brennan TD, could not attend and he extended sympathy to the deputy on the death of his mother. A minute’s silence was observed in the chamber as a mark of respect.
Cllr Sullivan continued; “Looking forward to the year ahead, I wish to continue the good work of the previous holders of this office. I look forward to the Fleadh returning to Wexford in August, the highlight of the year.
“I know that our special projects team have various developments underway at locations around all districts and I will be doing my best to work with them to ensure all these projects are brought to fruition in the quickest possible timeframe.
Cllr Sullivan told the members that there are three projects which are critical to the future development of County Wexford; The provision of the SETU Campus at Wexford, The completion of the M11 from Oylegate to Rosslare, and the development of the St. Waleran’s site at Gorey.
A native of Ballybought, Durrow, Tullamore, on the Offaly-Westmeath border, Joe Sullivan retired from An Garda Siochana in 2014, having served for 28 years, and his final 20 years as a Detective at Gorey Garda Station.
In August, 2013, following a conversation with Fianna Fáil stalwart, Lorcan Allen, Joe decided to change career paths and put his name forward as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Gorey district in the 2014 Local Elections and was duly elected. He has been re-elected in the 2019 and 2024 elections and is one of the most experienced members of the 34-member Wexford County Council.
He served as Chairman of Gorey District in 2017-’18; was Vice-Chairman from February 2020 following the By-Election success of Malcolm Byrne; and served as Chairman again from June 2020 to 2021 during the Covid 19 years when all meetings were conducted by zoom.
Cllr Sullivan received congratulations and good wishes from his fellow councillors and the officials and from Chief Executive, Eddie Taaffe, who said; “Cllr Sullivan was a great judge of people and situations and has the ability to get to the heart of the matter and find a solution.
Tributes were also paid to outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen and outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Ger Carthy.
Cllr Sullivan said; “At the outset I would like to compliment the outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pip Breen, on his stewardship over the past 12 months, during which time he was a very steadying influence over some of the highly significant events that took place in County Wexford during his year in the chair, namely the return of the Fleadh Cheoil to Wexford, cementing and promoting the historical, cultural and economic ties with Savannah, Georgia and being instrumental in his role with the Southern Regional Assembly in securing €7 million funding under the Thrive Scheme for the regeneration of the Market House in Gorey.”
CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY is the new Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and adds her name to the list of predecessors for the third time. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the annual general meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council
Long surviving Bunclody-based Fianna Fáil public representative Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy is the new Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. She received the full backing of her colleagues at the annual general meeting held in the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy, this morning.
Cllr Murphy was proposed by outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne and seconded by Cllr Pat Kehoe. The Leas-Cathaoirleach is Cllr Pat Kehoe proposed by Cllr Trish Byrne and seconded by Cllr Browne.
Cllr Murphy said it was nice to see an “all-female” top table; she is 21 years in politics and promised to continue to work together with the other councillors as a team for Enniscorthy town and district.
She would like to see more housing in the district and not just in the town, sign off on the CCTV for Bunclody, get the Council Employment Scheme extended to the villages of Bunclody and Ferns, see the Old Murphy-Floods site opened completely and get the St John’s Campus Activity Garden open at St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy.
Cllr Murphy was Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District immediately after the town councils were abolished ahead of the 2014-’15 term!
She served as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District in 2020 and was Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council in 2021.
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.
All councillors welcomed Cllrs Murphy and Kehoe on their appointments, while the outgoing Cllr Aidan Browne and Cllr Jackser Owens were also complemented on their work for the district over the past year.
Cllr Browne ran through a list of achievements and thanked his colleagues, officials and the local media.
Cllr Browne said it was a busy and interesting year with a local authority election and a general election, but he said the object was to “do the right thing for the town and district” and everybody worked well.
Outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Jackser Owens said it was a pleasure to serve with the Cathaoirleach but told the members that will not be standing next time around. “There should be an Independent in the chair before the four years is up,” added Cllr Owens.
Cllr Pat Kehoe said he was only in the Council since last June’s local elections “and didn’t know what to expect” but he wished everyone well. Cllr Trish Byrne is only a few weeks on the Council but she added her good wishes.
Cllr John O’Rourke stated that the work progressed very well and recalled “putting Enniscorthy on the map” during their trip to Australia with Cllr Browne and District Manager Claire Lawless.
Director of Services Carolyne Godkin said it was an exceptionally busy year with the two elections, but she stated that it was community focussed, she added that the Cathaoirleach and councillors were very professional to work with, and she also added thanks to the Leas-Cathaoirleach. She wished everybody well going forward.
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting
Every household has wheelie bin contracts with private companies, but Enniscorthy Municipal District Council has issues with the presentation of wheelie bins outside homes and taking them in afterwards in a reasonable time… and there is a suggestion that fines could be introduced!
Cllr John O’Rourke raised the issue at the recent meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, and he questioned the presence of wheelie bins on footpaths and the risk to injury to the visually impaired. He suggested that traffic wardens could be empowered to issue fines.
Cllr Jackser Owens had concerns about wheelie bins not collected for three weeks! He said they should be collected and emptied and suggested stickers saying ‘get wheelie bins off the streets.
And the old chestnut raised its head again! Fines for people who have no bins and that they be made available for inspections.
It didn’t emerge during the discussion, but the District Manager’s (Claire Lawless) Report contained the following. “Traffic cones placed on public roads by members of the public will be removed by the Enniscorthy Municipal District roads crew.
Individuals are not permitted to reserve parking spaces or obstruct public roads by placing traffic cones or other objects on the public road.
“25 traffic cones have been removed from the public road in recent days.
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