County Wexford Business Awards

County Wexford Chamber of Commerce awards in White’s hotel. From left; Conor Robinson Chamber president, Caoimhe Connick from Johnstown Castle winner of Excellence in Culture, Heritage & Tourism, Sarah Fitzpatrick Ireland’s Ancient East sponsor, Jess Sinnott from Johnstown Castle, Orla Delaney from Failte Ireland and Paula Roche Chamber CEO. (Pic; Patrick Browne)

The County Wexford Business Awards gala ceremony, held at Whites of Wexford Hotel in Wexford town, was a spectacular event celebrating the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. With nearly 450 guests in attendance, the sold-out black-tie affair was hosted by renowned MC and comedian Colm O’Regan, ensuring an evening filled with entertainment and recognition for the county’s finest businesses.

MGM Partnership was named County Wexford Overall Business of the Year, to great acclaim, following their win as the County Wexford Professional Services Provider of the Year. New Ross Credit Union was named as the recipient of the County Wexford Trailblazer of the Year.

“The County Wexford Business Awards celebrate the excellence and hard work from our business community across all sectors in the county,” said Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber. As ever, the awards proved popular, with approximately 200 applications and 94 businesses in the running for awards across 18 categories on the night.

“As one of the most prestigious events in the regional business calendar, the Awards offer a powerful platform to honour achievement and celebrate the finalists for their outstanding contributions to County Wexford’s economic success.” 

Special thanks was also extended to the sponsors, judging panel, lead sponsor BD, lead partner Wexford County Council, media sponsor Wexford People, and Stafford’s Irish Spirits who sponsored the pre-dinner drinks reception.

On the evening, Conor Robinson, President of County Wexford Chamber, congratulated the finalists for their innovation, resilience, and commitment to excellence.

County Wexford Chamber, which connects, supports, and represents 350 member businesses employing 22,000 people across the county, continues to foster a robust and dynamic business environment. The success of this year’s awards underscores the Chamber’s pivotal role in promoting and supporting the business community in County Wexford.

County Wexford Solopreneur of the Year

Sponsor: Kersia
Winner: Regina O’Connor Skin Clinic
Runner-Up: Lord Leroy’s Lodge

County Wexford Start Up Business of the Year

Sponsor: Local Enterprise Office Wexford
Winner: Fashion Connect Ireland
Runner-Up: Emerald Corporate Services

County Wexford Excellence in Workforce Development

Sponsor: County Wexford Chamber Skillnet
Winner: Talbot Hotel, Wexford
Runner-Up: Greenhill Fruit Farm

County Wexford Employee of the Year

Sponsor: Johnsons Celtic Linen
Winner: Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience
Runner-Up: SETU

County Wexford Business of the Year (2-50 Employees)

Sponsor: Danone
Winner: Mooney Furniture & Design
Runner-Up: Urban Gym

County Wexford Business of the Year (50+ Employees)

Sponsor: PwC Ireland
Winner: Integer Holdings Corporation
Joint Runners-Up: AirconMech and Wexford Bus

County Wexford Family Business of the Year

Sponsor: Reynaers Aluminium
Winner: F&M Whelan Engineering
Runner-Up: Natural Health Store

County Wexford Excellence in Customer Experience

Sponsor: Pettitt’s SuperValu
Winner: Wexford Bus
Joint Runners-Up: K&K Windows and Gainfort Hair & Beauty

County Wexford Excellence in Culture, Heritage, and Tourism

Sponsor: Ireland’s Ancient East

Winner: Irish Heritage Trust/Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens
Runner-Up: Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience

County Wexford Hospitality Provider of the Year

Sponsor: Wexford People
Winner: Mary Barry’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant

Joint Runners-Up: Whites of Wexford and Dunbrody County House Hotel

County Wexford Excellence in Agri, Food & Beverage Production

Sponsor: Irish Country Meats

Winner: Domaine Kavanagh Genevrier Ltd / La Kav Wines

Joint Runners-Up: Wexford Sea Salt and O’Neill’s Dry Cure Bacon Co

County Wexford Operational Excellence & Innovation

Sponsor: Kent Stainless

Winner: Wexford Bus

Runner-Up: Elevate Financial Planning

County Wexford Digital Commerce Excellence

Sponsor: Integer
Winner: Holos Skincare
Runner-Up: Natural Health Store

County Wexford International Business Excellence

Sponsor: Rosslare Europort
Winner: NMB Architects Ltd
Runner-Up: Reynaers Aluminium

County Wexford Professional Services Provider of the Year

Sponsor: Midland Tyre Services
Winner: MGM Partnership

Runner-Up: Tennant HR

County Wexford Sustainability Initiative Award

Sponsor: Zurich
Winner: Bean and Goose Chocolate
Runner-Up: Burrow Holiday Park

County Wexford Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award

Sponsor: Waters Technologies
Joint Winners: WWETB and Cumas New Ross

County Wexford Trailblazer of the Year Award

Sponsor: Monart Destination Spa
Winner: New Ross Credit Union

County Wexford Overall Business of the Year

Sponsor: BD
Winner: MGM Partnership

Two hiding in a truck at Rosslare Europort

By Dan Walsh

Gardaí in the Wexford / Wicklow Division have commenced an investigation following the discovery of two people hiding in a truck at Rosslare Europort.

Gardaí, along with Customs and Revenue, located the two males during an immigration check shortly after 8am this morning (Friday)

They are currently being assessed by medical personnel.

A male, aged in his 20s, the driver of the truck, was arrested by Gardaí for an alleged offence under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act 2021.

He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in the Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division.

Gardaí attached to Wexford Garda Station, supported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, are investigating all of the circumstances of this incident.

Anyone with any information in relation to this discovery is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053 9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 66 11 or any Garda Station.

New affordable homes in Wexford and Enniscorthy.

Mike Morrissey, Wexford Low Energy Homes, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Aidan Browne, Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, Mayor Borough District of Wexford, Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council at the housing launch at Enniscorthy last Friday.

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, was in Enniscorthy recently to perform the official launch of two new phases of affordable homes for sale to first time buyers in Wexford and Enniscorthy. 

The new homes which are part of the hugely popular ‘Ard Uisce’ and ‘Old Forge Road’ developments, provide new homes for sale via the local authority affordable purchase scheme.

The new A Rated homes, a range of 3 and 4- bedroom units, will see up to 24 affordable purchase properties made available for sale to eligible private purchasers at a price below the market price of the properties with funding secured under the Governments Affordable Housing Fund Programme. 

Prices net of the Affordable Dwelling Contribution start from €250,000 for three-bed semi-detached houses and €270,00 for four-bed semi-detached houses, with buyers able to get support through the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme.

Speaking at the launch event Minister Browne stated; “The local authority affordable purchase scheme is further evidence of the government’s commitment to helping people into home ownership and into security of tenure. 

Increased supply of new homes and the Affordable Housing Fund Programme, together with Government and local authority supports, will help those aspiring to own their own home realise this goal. Owning your first home is a hugely significant step, and I would urge first time buyers in Wexford to apply for this scheme. 

“This Government wants to support first-time buyers and other eligible homebuyers in purchasing new homes, and the key to this is supply. The Programme for Government aims to ramp up supply of new homes and deliver another 300,000 new homes between 2025 and 2030 – on top of over 133,000 new homes delivered between 2020 and 2024.

“My department is examining actions to help boost delivery in the immediate term, pending completion of a new national housing plan, and what we are seeing at ‘Ard Uisce’ and ‘Old Forge Road’ is proof of that,” stated Minister Browne, who was accompanied by the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen, the Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Aidan Browne, Mayor of Wexford Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, senior housing officials from Wexford County Council and representatives of the Wexford Low Energy Homes Team at the programme launch.

Applications for the 24 units, will only be accepted online via individual scheme application portals which are scheduled to launch in June.  All applications will be initially prioritised in order of date and time received.

In advance of the portal launches, Wexford County Council are hosting a series of in-person/online events to assist applicants through the application process including,

For programme information or to talk to a member of the Affordable Homes Wexford Team, please contact affordablehousing@wexfordcoco.ie

€80,000 for new lift at 1798 Centre

By Dan Walsh

The Board and Management of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy today announced that over €80,000 has been awarded by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD, and Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Jerry Buttimer, TD, through the DAF Growing Social Enterprise Fund 2024/2025.

This award will fund a new lift in the 1798 Centre, replacing one that has been breaking down regularly and for which parts are no longer available. The manager of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre, Mico Hassett, was invited to make a short speech at the announcement, explaining the importance of the award to the Centre.

Board member Anne Butler, Minister Dara Calleary and Mico Hassett, Manager, pictured at the announcement in Tallaght.

“We deeply feel that history should be accessible by all and we are actively upgrading our exhibition to improve legibility, increase font sizes, and modernise our technology to be more accessible. “Every young person, every older person, every group, should be able to have the same experience when visiting us. Museums, heritage sites and cultural attractions should be as fully accessible as possible.

“We are very grateful for the support of the DAF Growing Social Enterprise Scheme in helping us strive for this and for committing to accessibility and inclusivity,” said Ms. Hassett, who added; “We thank everyone involved in making this funding possible, especially Minister Calleary and Minister Buttimer. We look forward to improving our visitor experience with this important piece of equipment.”

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre is open to visitors 7 days a week from 9.30am-5pm Monday through Friday and 12pm-5pm on weekends and Bank Holidays for self-guided tours of the award-winning exhibition. Pre-booked, group guided tours of the 1798 Centre, Enniscorthy Castle and Vinegar Hill Battlefield can also be arranged.

Four favourites oblige at Wexford races

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan had one victory and two second-place finishers at Bettyville Park, Wexford, this evening (Wednesday). Four of the eight races were won by favourites.

JORDAN GAINFORD was amongst the winners at Wexford races.

Nolan’s success came with Hatfield Hammer (4/1) ridden by Caim jockey Jordan Gainford in the second division of the handicap hurdle.

Farfromnowhere (Sean O’Keeffe) lost out to Sunchart (7/4 fav) ridden by Adam Ryan for Andrew Slattery in the rated hurdle and Thedeviluno (Jack Hendrick) was beaten by Strong Link (5/2), bred by William Codd, Mayglass, and ridden by John Gleeson depriving Nolan of an even better evening at his local track.

Jockey Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard rode Lieutenant Mayne (7/4 fav) to victory in the hurdle for Meath trainer John McConnell, but the Wexford connection is that the gelding was bred by Daryl Deacon, Belmont House, Clonroche.

Conor O’Dwyer trains at Friarstown, Co. Kildare, but he was born in Wexford town and delighted to saddle Arnacoeur (7/1) who gained a handicap hurdle victory ridden by his son, Charlie Dwyer, who was claiming five pounds.

Gordon Elliott has a strong strike-rate at Wexford and his good fortune continued with Beacon Edge (1/3 fav.) in the claiming hurdle. Amateur rider Josh Halford was in the saddle.

Breeder, owner and trainer Patrick Cronin made the journey from Doneraile, the village where steeplechasing began in Cork centuries ago, and enjoyed success with Onebrightbluerose (9/4 fav.) ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe.

Peter Fahey from Monastervin saddled Avalo (7/2) who gained a six lengths victory in the maiden hurdle under three-pound claiming jockey Jake Coen.

The Tote aggregate was €101,252.76 (8 races) copard with €91,616.76 (7 races) last year.

Next fixture at Bettyville Park is scheduled for Friday, July 4th which is labelled Cairde Loch Garman Race Day.

3-day farming seminar at Enniscorthy this weekend

ENNISCORTHY CASTLE is one of the venues for the Regenerative Farming Seminar this weekend. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Moyne Veterinary Hospital at Enniscorthy will host a three-day seminar on Regenerative Farming this weekend with events at the Riverside Park Hotel and at Enniscorthy Castle on Sunday. This will include a very impressive lineup of speakers from various parts of the industry and country.
This is a forum of farmers talking to farmers on how we can produce great quality food, with higher nutrient value and enhance the land. The studies on the nutrient value of the food produced on these types of farms is very encouraging.
Kicking off in the Riverside Park Hotel on Friday, May 30th, will be Mike Walsh – a college lecturer in SETU (South East Technological University) within the Masters of Science in Agriculture programme – the framework of which is Biological and Organic.
David Wallis is a former Teagasc advisor, farmer and coordinator of the DANU project. This is an EU funded 5-year study of 12 commercial farmers who began practicing regenerative or biological farming.
Tommy Tierney is a tillage farmer from Kildare and has stopped ploughing 9 years ago. He uses a ‘no till’ sower, and it has helped him reduce his costs by half – while still getting four tonnes per acre yield as before.
Bronagh O’Kane is a young  beef and sheep farmer from the North of Ireland, who will give her account of the journey so far, 5 years down the regenerative road.
At last year’s seminar, father and son dairy farmers Fraser and Jonathan Rothwell, came to listen, were inspired by the speakers, and have taken up the baton in turn – they will tell their story one year into the journey. On Saturday, May 31st at Enniscorthy Castle, author and lecturer Dr Verner Wheelock will be speaking on the detrimental effects of poor food quality and how we can change it. Well known vet Tommy Heffernan will speak on the microbiome – from soil health to animal and human health. Yvanna Greene will talk on bees and biodiversity.
Sunday, June 1st will feature Alan Poole – dairy farmer ambassador of Farming With Nature – on making a difference through enhancing biodiversity. Silja Harms – herbalist – will do a workshop on how to make your own herbal salves and give a talk on common “herbal hero’s” that are all around us. The concluding speaker will be Mary Reynolds – Chelsea Flower Gold medallist, best-selling author and tireless environmentalist – on how to be “guardians not gardeners”.
There is something for everyone over the three days along with lots of fun activities for the kids with fairy tales, baby-bop, and rock ‘n’ roll dancing.
The events can be booked on Eventbrite – “Ground Rules” for Friday 30th, and “Conversations in the Castle” for Saturday and Sunday.

Midweek racing comes to Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Racing takes place at Bettyville Park, Wexford, on Wednesday evening. The first race is off at 4.55pm which is earlier starting time than originally advertised.

There has been a large entry so the original seven-race card has been extended and now eight races will be run – seven over hurdles and an INH Flat Race.

They were watering earlier in the week, but with rain on Tuesday and more expected before the tapes go up on Wednesday evening, the going is expected to be ‘Good…good to yielding in places’.

Stop the lights at Gorey Bridge

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council meeting

Plans to replace the temporary traffic lights on Arklow Road at the Ballytegan Road junction and before the railway bridge with a permanent set of traffic lights were discussed at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.

Cllr Joe Sullivan raised the matter at the meeting and said he had received many complaints about the decision to locate traffic lights at this junction and told the meeting he “had a responsibility and an obligation to represent the views of the people who elected him.”

CLLR JOE SULLIVAN received a large number of calls from the public regarding the location of new traffic lights on the Arklow Road in Gorey.

Cllr Darragh McDonald noted that the temporary traffic lights were placed there ahead of the smart traffic lights.

Referring to Cllr Sullivan’s remarks about the lights slowing down people’s journeys and driving people to Arklow for shopping, Cllr Anthony Donohoe remarked “wouldn’t be worse if there were no traffic in town?”

Cllr Donal Kenny stated to “Give it a chance. Let it be done.”

Roads Engineer Joanne Kehoe explained to the members that “we don’t have space for a roundabout as the road is to narrow at this junction.”

Cllr Craig Doyle stated on social media; “I’ve raised the issue of sight lines with the roads engineer at the district council meeting on Tuesday so she is aware of the issue. I agree it’s only sheer luck that there hasn’t been a crash there during the roadworks.”

The works are finished, and only the lights need fitting and road markings completed for the new traffic layout to be operational.

Peter Haughton, proprietor of Haughton School of Motoring in a social media comment stated; “The traffic lights are positioned after the bridge on the Gorey side. As we have witnessed, the traffic builds up out as far as the Maxol garage. When this traffic builds up, it creates a serious blind spot for traffic turning right from Gorey side of the Arklow road towards Ashdown Park Hotel and Coach Road.

“The traffic coming from the Arklow side has right of way when turning left onto Coach Road, but people ignore this and plough on through!, added the statement.

Driver behaviour and patience during busy times can significantly impact traffic flow through the town.

Burst water main in Gorey 

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are currently working to repair a burst water main which has constricted flow to the Creagh Water Treatment Plant in Gorey.

The burst is affecting water supply to Uisce Éireann customers in Gorey and the surrounding areas.

Crews are on site and are working to repair the burst. It is estimated that repairs will be complete and supply will return to normal levels this afternoon.

Uisce Éireann’s Padraig Lyng has assured affected customers that supply will be restored as quickly as possible.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience caused to customers by unplanned outages and we want to thank affected homes and businesses for their understanding while our crews work to repair the burst and restore normal supply,” said Mr. Lyng.

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.  

Substantial losses at Enniscorthy Car Park

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Car parking has always been a contentious issue in Enniscorthy town, however, figures released recently show that the car park at Mill Yard Lane, also known locally as the Clinic Car Park has been operating at a substantial loss to Wexford County Council.

The matter had been raised at a recent meeting of Wexford County Council, but a statement from Eamonn Hore, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Services at Wexford County Council was circulated at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.

“This car park has been in place for a number of years at a cost of €22,500 per annum rental. The total income for the year 2022 was €4,327 representing a loss of €18,173.

“The total income for the year 2023 was €2,499.40 representing a further loss of €20,000.60.

“The income for the year 2024 (January to May inclusive) was €968.30 representing a loss over these five months of €8,406.70.

“As can be seen from the figures presented, the losses based on income over rental cost are significant.

“The occupancy of this car park is extremely low. The actual numbers using the car park (8.30am to 6.30am) is approximately three cars over the busiest five-hour periods or fourteen or fifteen cars per day.

“The Mill Yard Car Park is currently in poor state of repair. If Wexford County Council was to continue use of the car park, then the current rough, uneven surface should be repaired and surface dressed. Public lighting should also be considered.

“In its current format, with the current rental cost and current low usage, it does not make sense to continue with this site,” concluded Mr. Hore.