Mobile saunas are popular at beaches and lakesides, but regulations vary. Wexford County Council discussed this issue at their monthly meeting today, and significant changes may be coming down the tracks! Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach, chaired the meeting.
County Wexford bans mobile beachside saunas. Chris Mortimer of sweathouse.ie was asked to relocate to private land despite initial approval from Wexford County Council for a beach sauna. He discussed his situation on Newstalk.
CLLR JOE SULLIVAN. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Cllr Joe Sullivan has been advocating for mobile saunas at Wexford beaches by proposing changes to seaside by-laws during a few district meetings. He raised the matter again today at the County Council meeting at Wexford.
Cllr Sullivan said he doesn’t understand why the blanket ban is in place. “As I can see, these mobile saunas are a welcome addition to our beaches. They’re a further attraction, they’re helping tourism, they pose no danger, they’re not interfering with any other service provider.”
Cllr Sullivan stated that he would expect all mobile sauna providers to have their own public liability insurance, so he cannot see what the issue is?
“Beaches are a natural asset,” stated Cllr Sullivan, who added that bye-laws be amended to accommodate properly constructed and properly insured mobile saunas on our beaches.
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe replied that the matter of mobile saunas is being considered by the environment and planning departments, however, he added that from a personal view he would look favourable on allowing mobile saunas on Wexford’s beaches. Deputy Executive Eamonn Hore added that he agreed with the Chief Executive on mobile saunas.
Pictured at Gorey are (left to right); Barbara Walsh, Vice-Chair Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee; Cllr Donal Kenny, Leas Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council; Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive Wexford County Council and Chair Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee; Sharon Ni Chuilinn, Chairperson Comhaltas Loch Garman; Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Liz Hore, Director of Services Wexford County Council. (Pic; Sabrina French).
By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council and Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council announced Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman 2025 and Fringe Fleadh 2025 at an event held in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey, last Sunday.
This event signified the commencement of a lively season of Irish music, culture, and community celebration. Gorey Community School will once again host the County Fleadh from May 16th to 18th for the second consecutive year.
Cllr Donal Kenny, Leas Cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District, welcomed all attendees and commended the talent, energy, and dedication of those involved. He expressed the enthusiasm felt throughout Gorey to once again host this significant cultural event.
Discussing the 2025 Fringe Fleadh line-up, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, characterised the festival as an immersive cultural experience aimed at celebrating the richness of Irish identity.
“These events don’t just entertain – they connect us,” he said. “They weave a thread between communities, between generations, and between the past and the present. That’s what makes the Fringe Fleadh so special here in Wexford. They remind us of who we are and the values we hold dear: creativity, community, heritage, tradition, and heart,” stated Cllr Breen.
This year’s Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman was organised by CCÉ (Comhaltas Ceóltóirí Éireann) Gorey/Ballygarrett. Chairperson Paula Carroll acknowledged the team’s efforts for their dedication over the past two years.
Ms. Carroll thanked the Gorey-Kilmuckridge District members and staff for their support, noting the friendships and community spirit from the event. She welcomed Irish international rugby player Aoife Wafer, who shared how Irish music connects her with people worldwide.
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, formally announced the launch of the Fringe Fleadh programme. This initiative will encompass various cultural events across County Wexford throughout the summer, leading up to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August.
Mr. Taaffe expressed his appreciation to the members of Wexford County Council, the Fleadh Cheoil Executive Committee (FEC), and the numerous committed volunteers who have significantly contributed to the success of this year’s and last year’s Fleadh.
Sharon Ní Chuilinn, Chairperson of Comhaltas Loch Garman, praised the dedication of volunteers and organisers in Wexford. She expressed her enthusiasm for the Fringe Fleadh 2025 programme, which will showcase Irish music, dance, art, and storytelling throughout the community this summer.
Ms. Ní Chuilinn expressed appreciation to Gorey Community School for providing a venue that accommodates nearly 1000 competitors and their families over the weekend. The event concluded with the Chairperson officially launching Fleadh Cheoil Loch Garman.
Full details of the Fringe Fleadh programme are available via QR codes on-site or by visiting www.visitwexford.ie.
Two point-to-point meetings today (Sunday) at Bartlemy, Co. Cork and Loughrea, Co. Galway, and six Wexford handlers and three Wexford riders were amongst the winners. Barry Stone rode a double.
Stone was in action at Loughrea where he won the four-year-old mares’ maiden race by five lengths on Crystal Du Berlais for Robert Tector’s Rathnure stables, who also saddled a winner at Necarne on Friday.
Half an hour later and Stone was in the winners’ enclosure again having steered Embrace The Day in the colours of the Gaynestown Stud partnership and handled by Jonathan Fogarty to a two lengths victory in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings.
Bertie Finn from Oulart rode his 35th career winner and took division two on board Colin Bowe’s newcomer Daylatedollarshort who got the verdict by a neck. Also successful in the west was Donnchadh Doyle. The Ballindaggin handler saddled newcomer Supreme Sea (Alan Harney up) in the maiden race for five-year-old plus geldings and gained a five lengths victory.
ELLEN DOYLE saddled a winner at Cork today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
There were three Wexford winners at the Cork venue this afternoon. Michael Murphy from Redbridge Stables, Duncormick, was successful with Recite A Poem ridden by Darragh Higgins who came home with five lengths to spare.
Ellen Doyle from Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, sent out newcomer Pointofdifference (Brian Dunleavy up) in division one of the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and enjoyed a four and a half lengths victory.
Sean Doyle also saddled a winner. Old Comrades in the Monbeg Partnership colours ridden by Jamie Scallan by two and a half lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.
Wexford RNLI launched at 2.02 pm this afternoon (Saturday) after a fisherman reported seeing someone in the water about two miles from Wexford Harbour.
Wexford RNLI at Wexford bridge. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The lifeboat crew arrived on scene 25 minutes later.
The body of a male was recovered by the RNLI in the Irish Sea, east of Raven Point, south of Curracloe, and brought to shore.
The man’s body has since been transferred to the morgue at University Hospital Waterford, where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
The results of the examination will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
Two days of point-to-point action took place on Friday and Saturday (today) at Necarne, Co. Fermanagh, where Barry O’Neill recorded a treble, won the northern rider’s title for the sixth time and rode the history making Winged Leader to his 33rd career success. Rob James scored a double over both days.
BARRY O’NEILL (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Today (Saturday) Barry O’Neill’s success commenced on newcomer Shotgun Rider for Colin Bowe by one and a half lengths in the section division of the four-year-old maiden race.
Then he partnered Winged Leader for local trainer David Christie who won the Open Race by three lengths, and the 13-year-old gelding was recording his 33rd career victory – sharing the record with Still William – at his local track.
On the Friday programme the Barry O’Neill/Colin Bowe team won the four-year-old mares’ maiden race by ten lengths with Pigeon Forge.
Also on Friday Robert Tector’s Coolbawn stables at Rathnure were victorious with Bee’s Kiss, by 11 lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old mares. Jamie Scallan’s 32 winner of the season and assures him of third place in the national point-to-point riders’ championship behind Barry O’Neill and Rob James.
Rob James enjoyed a Saturday double in Fermanagh. Doubly Blessed running in the colours of Noel Dooly and handled by James was a thirteen and a half lengths winner of division one of the maiden race for four-year-olds. James was in the winners’ enclosure again following the maiden race for seven-year-olds plus on Bective Bridge for Meath handler Cian Collins.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
By Dan Walsh
Bishop of Ferns, Bishop Ger Nash said; “With deep joy and heartfelt gratitude to the Holy Spirit, I warmly welcome the news of the election of Pope Leo XIV. “The people of the Diocese of Ferns join with the universal Church in prayerful thanksgiving for the gift of new papal leadership. We ask God to bless Pope Leo XIV with wisdom, courage, and compassion as he begins his sacred ministry as successor to St. Peter. “This moment also offers us an opportunity to reflect with appreciation on the long, rich, and valued history of the Augustinian Order within our diocese. The Augustinians have faithfully served the people of Ferns for generations, contributing profoundly to the spiritual life and pastoral mission of our Church.
“Their presence continues to bear fruit in the lives of many through prayer, education, and pastoral care particularly with the presence of Good Counsel College in New Ross which has been a rich source of learning in our diocese. “As we look to the future under the guidance of Pope Leo XIV, we renew our commitment to walk together in faith, drawing inspiration from the emerging synodal church and the enduring witness of so many clergy, religious and lay people whose dedication strengthens the life of our diocese. “May the Lord bless Pope Leo XIV and all who serve His Church in love and fidelity,” concluded Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns.
Robert Francis Provost was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14th 1955 (aged 69 years) and takes the name POPE LEO XIV. He is the 267th successor to the throne of St. Peter.
A Musical Evening with Anthony Kearns and Friends is listed as ‘a night of unforgettable performances’ taking place in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Church Street, Enniscorthy, on Friday night. It starts at 8pm.
International tenor ANTHONY KEARNS performs at Enniscorthy
Anthony Kearns’ talented friends on the night include Mezzo-Soprano – Lorna Mahon; Violinist – Lynda O’Connor; Pianist – David Wray; Uillean Piper – Mark Redmond and Enniscorthy based choir The Silvertones.
Anthony Kearns from Kiltealy is best known locally as a member of ‘Irish Tenors’ who became a world-wide sensation as one of Ireland’s most famous touring musicians, His international solo career includes high-profile celebrity engagements, television appearances, concert tours, and collaborations with the finest orchestras, particularly in the United States.
He has performed for four U.S. presidents and for Pope Francis at a pre-Mass Concert in Philadelphia. He has recorded thirteen albums with the Irish tenors which have sold in the millions earning him gold platinum and double platinum awards.
Lorna Mahon, a mezzo soprano, received her vocal training from Mary Brennan in the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama. She is currently teaching Music in the Presentation Secondary School Wexford and leads the Presentation School Choir which is well known for singing at various concerts in Wexford.
We look forward to welcoming Pianist, David Wray. On the violin, we welcome Lynda O’Connor.
Mark Redmond from Gorey has gained a reputation as a performer on the uilleann pipes in a ‘traditional’ sense but also engages with a wide range of diverse genres. He performs and records regularly with the National Symphony and RTÉ Concert Orchestras. Within this context, he has featured in live broadcasts for many historic occasions, including The Papal Mass, Phoenix Park, 2018.
Tickets are available on the website Eventbrite. They cost €25.
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL BUILDINGS. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Council Chamber
Slightly more than half of the 34 elected members attended either in person or remotely a special meeting of Wexford County Council focussing on Housing Delivery held in the Council Chamber yesterday (Tuesday). Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Ger Carthy presided in the absence of Cathaoirleach Cllr Pip Breen who was attending an event in Leinster House!
Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe and housing department officials attended, using a question-and-answer format. The meeting highlighted various concerns impacting all of County Wexford.
Mr. Taaffe informed the meeting that the council is committed to surpassing its government-set target of 1,150 social homes by delivering 1,500 units by 2026. While no official target has been established for affordable housing, there are already 60 units in development.
There are over 1,500 households on the council’s social housing list and another 1,200 seeking transfers, totalling around 6,000 people.
Eight questions were submitted in advance, and the chamber responded positively. However, there were several empty seats on the Fine Gael side of the chamber, even though they are part of the current government coalition that set the current targets. For the record, Cllrs Oliver Walsh and Pat Kehoe were in attendance via zoom.
Cllr Michael Sheehan suggested writing to the Minister (James Browne TD) and start identifying tracts of land in the various areas and come up with a plan. “We have to have a plan in place for Wexford County Council to acquire land,” he said.
Cllr Sheehan noted the challenges faced by individuals down-sizing, living in homes too large to heat, and proposed retirement villages as an option for relocation.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said there was an order from the Minister for Housing to achieve at council level, but he felt “this is the wrong way to go.” “We are going to forget about the town centres and the villages and we don’t seem to be doing something about regenerating town centres where 50% of the buildings are not fit for use,” said Cllr Kavanagh, who added; “We should be regenerating town centres and CPO (Compulsory Purchase Orders) whole streets.”
Cllr Catherine Biddy Walsh wondered about the effects on the local community in the future. Referring to housing estates and lack of services, Cllr Walsh asked “are we creating a monster we haven’t even though about in the years to come.”
Cllr John Fleming said; “we need more land at current value.” Cllr Garry Laffan said smaller villages were “dying a death” and claimed the council “needs to revise upwards” and assist villages like Screen, Glynn and Murrintown.
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy spoke about the survival of communities and the provision of services. She claimed there are not enough one and two-bedroom housing and old people as they age need smaller houses.
Other contributors included Cllrs Tom Forde, Leonard Kelly, Jim Codd, Aoife Rose O’Brien and Jackser Owens (via zoom),
An artist’s impression of the entrance to the proposed Tourism Resort Hotel at Kilmore Quay.
By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay
Local developer, Rob Roche, has attracted significant interest from international operators for a proposed Integrated Tourism Resort development in Kilmore Quay. The details of the plan were unveiled during a public information event held at Stella Maris Community Centre, Kilmore Quay, last Friday.
The Resort project is estimated to have a construction cost in the region of €180 million.
“Given its location and site topography on the edge of the village the resort does not impact on the unique historic village centre and allows Kilmore Quay to continue to grow organically”, stated Mr Roche.
The Resort, when operational, is expected to employ between 120-200 people directly and approximately 100 people indirectly, giving a huge boost to local employment. The construction phase of the Resort is expected to take three years and will create many direct and indirect employment opportunities locally.
The development aims to promote sustainable tourism with significant biodiversity landscaping to encourage longer stays and provide year-round economic benefits to the local community. This ensures the resort remains attractive and commercially viable for a sole operator.
The development intends to drive lasting environmental, tourism, economic and social benefits for Kilmore Quay, Wexford, and the wider region.
The developer outlined several 5-star Resort Hotel operators have already expressed interest in operating the Resort, and once planning permission is secured, the best operator will be selected. It will be managed by a single entity controlling all the resort features which include the hotel self-catering lodges, the farmstead, and leisure facilities.
Mr Roche describes the integrated resort with 163 rooms, 42 family suites and 55 self-catering lodges, a leisure centre (gym and swimming pools), 5-star spa, outdoor paddle courts, mini-golf, playground, cafe, restaurant, and pedestrian friendly cycling; walking routes around the development, including a link to Kilmore Quay village centre and Nemestown, accessible by locals and day visitors.
The resort very much aligns with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland’s growth and vision attracting international tourists to Ireland and Wexford. Designed to complement and not compete with Kilmore Quay businesses. The delivery of the resort will tackle known seasonal issues currently existing in Kilmore Quay. Bringing sustainable employment opportunities for the community by attracting visitors throughout the year.
“This is a transformative opportunity for Kilmore Quay, the vision is to create a resort that not only offers world-class hospitality but is poised to become a flagship destination for Ireland’s luxury tourism market, greatly enhancing the local economy and celebrating the character of the region,” Mr Roche toldWexfordLocal.com.
Mr Roche confirms he is proceeding with the planning application for the Integrated Tourism Resort Hotel in the knowledge he will need to contribute to the capital cost to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant to Phase 2. “This planning permission was granted to Uisce Éireann, and the plant can be extended once there is a requirement for capacity. They have constructed phase 1, which involved the major components of the new treatment plant including the pumped rising main in the public road. As the site is adjacent to the treatment plant, we can connect directly without carrying out works in the public realm”, he stated.
The application is expected to be lodged with Wexford County Council in June 2025 following the public successful information event held in Kilmore Quay last Friday.
Courtown RNLI launched on Saturday afternoon to assist the crew of a sailing vessel that encountered engine trouble off the North Beach.
The lifeboat was launched at approximately 4pm. Conditions were favourable with sunny skies and a slight wind at the time.
As the crew proceeded towards the yacht, they received a radio communication update indicating that the yacht’s crew had successfully repaired their engine and no longer required assistance from the lifeboat.
The lifeboat returned to station where there were plenty of shore crew to assist with washing the boat and leaving it ready for the next call out.
WexfordLocal.com 