Mountain View estate in Bunclody

At the naming ceremony at Mountain View, Bunclody, were (from left to right); Malcolm Byrne TD, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cllr Pat Kehoe, Cllr Pip Bree, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council who performed the official ceremony, and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive, Wexford County Council, and residents. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Bunclody

The Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, renamed a housing estate in Bunclody to Mountain View ‘Radharc an tSléibhe’ today. The estate is home to four generations of families.

“This naming ceremony has come about because of the great work within the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee which includes elected representatives, Wexford County Council staff, Wexford local Development and most importantly, members of the travelling community itself,” said Cllr Breen.

The Cathaoirleach stated that the name ‘Mountain View’ came from the residents themselves, and he added; “I’m sure you will all agree that it is very fitting, and this is a proud moment for them.”

“The residents have lived here for many years, so it is a privilege to be here today to officially name what has long been a community.

Local resident Alice Connors returned thanks to everybody connected with the naming. “I am here 14 years and I am very proud of this ceremony. It means a lot to the families living here,” she said.

Another resident, Josephine Connors, paid special tribute to Wexford Local Development. “This is a very special occasion to be recognised as from Mountain View and have a normal address,” she added.

The attendance included Malcolm Byrne TD, Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy and Pat Kehoe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, staff members of Wexford County Council and a group of local residents.

Refreshments were provided by Wexford Local Development on a bitterly cold afternoon with snow on the mountains, but the occasion was warmed up by the talented Larry Connors who sang two Wexford songs, ‘Nicky Rackard’ and ‘The Wexford Heart’.

Plans for the Templeshannon Hub and Link

Templeshannon Regeneration Project aims to link both sides of the river in the heart of Enniscorthy town. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal Council District meeting

The early plans for the Templeshannon Regeneration Project that will cost more than €5 million at completion was unveiled at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre.

David Whitty, Executive Engineer at the Special Projects Office of Wexford County Council introduced the draft document to the members for ratification.

Known as the Templeshannon Hub and Link package the aim is to intervene decisively to counter the worrying decline of the heart of Templeshannon and its disconnection from Enniscorthy town centre.

The package aims to be a catalyst in the restoration of vitality and vibrancy through redevelopment, refurbishment and a radical improvement of public spaces.

The package also aims to rapidly improve walking and cycling connections between Templeshannon and Enniscorthy town centre. (has nobody noticed the hilly terrain that takes place from the river to the Market Square!).

To summarise the package, it aims to provide 70 parking spaces, two bus parking spaces and a set down area, a link corridor between Enniscorthy bridge and the railway station, a new play or skate park area, a new ramped link to Enniscorthy old bridge, opportunities to interact with the river and continuation of a riverside promenade walk.

Going forward there will be continual engagement with landowners and land valuations, planning, dependence on URDF funding and the entire package is estimated to cost in the region of €5-6 million.

Search from Arklow to Courtown by air and sea

By Dan Walsh

The Courtown/Arklow Coast Guard Unit is presently engaged in an ongoing search operation for a missing individual. Comprehensive shoreline and sea searches have been conducted, with two searches performed on Monday morning and evening.

Courtown/Arklow Coast Guard, helicopters Rescue 116 and 117, and RNLI lifeboats are participating in the search.

“We have continued our search again today (Tuesday) with extensive searches carried out this morning from Arklow to Courtown with our shoreline search teams and our Drone teams,” stated the Coast Guard this evening and added; “We will continue our search again tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

“We would ask that the public be vigilant if they are out and about on our coastline, but most importantly if you are assisting with a search that you remain safe and don’t take any unnecessary risks,” added the statement on social media.

If you see anything that should require further investigation, please dial 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Public Information Day in Bunclody

Beautiful Bunclody where the rivers Clody and Slaney meet. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Draft drawings for the proposed development of Pairc Na Gabhar Community Garden at Hospital Hill, Bunclody, will be displayed at a public information event in St. Aidan’s Hall, Irish Street, Bunclody, tomorrow (Wednesday), from 3-7pm.

The Páirc na nGabhar committee was formed to develop the field and turn it into a community amenity. The committee consists of town residents, who are passionate about this development.

Once completed it will be inclusive and available to all ages, genders and abilities. This exciting Community Garden is being developed with the help of Wexford. County Council and will hopefully be a great asset to the community.

Following on from discussions between Wexford County Council and the local Community Development Group a plan for the development of the Goat’s Field in Bunclody is now available.

The field is located between Termonbarry housing estate and the National School. The plan has been prepared by Catherine Fitzpatrick, Executive Technician, Enniscorthy Municipal District.

The plan has received pre-planning approval and will now proceed to the Part 8 Planning process. The project will be progressed when funding is sourced.

The plans are available for viewing at Bunclody Library and various locations in the town. Tomorrow’s event is open to residents of Bunclody town and district. All are welcome.

If you have any comments, please email thegoatsfield@gmail.com

Minister in Enniscorthy for flood relief update

RIVER SLANEY and Seamus Rafter Bridge central to the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, T.D. and Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council have met with elected representatives from Enniscorthy Municipal District and provided an update on the progression of the Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme.

The Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme is part of the Government’s strategy under Project Ireland 2040 to make Ireland a better country for all and to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

The scheme currently has an approved total project budget of approximately €51 million and will be funded through the Government’s 2030 National Development Plan with €1.3 billion for flood relief measures, including from the impacts of climate change through future-proofed, adaptable flood relief schemes.

Elected representatives from Enniscorthy Municipal District were informed that Wexford County Council, with the support of the OPW, is undertaking the development of a flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy, which will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 of the scheme will involve the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, which poses a significant obstruction to river flow through the town centre during flood events, and the construction of a new road bridge and new pedestrian bridge to replace the Seamus Rafter Bridge.

Phase 2 of the scheme will involve the construction of the remaining flood relief works required for the town.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, T.D. noted the OPW and Wexford County Council’s commitment to the progression of the scheme and welcomed the constructive engagement with elected representatives from Enniscorthy Municipal District.

“The OPW and Wexford County Council are committed to progressing a flood relief scheme for Enniscorthy, which will protect the local community from significant flood events such as that in 2015. While the delivery of flood relief schemes are complex and challenging, the OPW and Wexford County Council are steadfast in its commitment to deliver a scheme for the people of Enniscorthy,” said Minister Moran, who added; “I welcome today’s constructive engagement with elected representatives from Enniscorthy Municipal District and I look forward to updating the members again as the scheme progresses through various stages of development including planning and construction”.

Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council said; “We welcome the meeting with Minister Moran today as a positive sign of the ongoing commitment to the flood protections for Enniscorthy town. There have been a number of serious flooding incidents here over the years and it is vital we can secure a sustainable future for the businesses and residents in the area. As a council we are unwavering in our determination to see this project to fruition and look forward to working with the OPW to make this happen as expediently as possible”

O’Neill sets sights on 9th riders’ title

By Dan Walsh

Five winners last weekend and another treble success at Tattersalls, Co. Meath, this afternoon takes Barry O’Neill twelve clear of Rob James (41-29) and striding forward towards his ninth National Point-to-Point Riders’ Championship with six weeks of the season left.

BARRY O’NEILL … three winners today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

O’Neill got the winning sequence rolling with a double for the Colin Bowe stable – newcomer Red Rubio in the maiden race for four-year-old geldings and Mandinka by five lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

O’Neill’s treble was aboard David Christie’s Winged Leader, winning for the 31st time in in his career in the Open Race with 12 lengths to spare at the finish.

Garrett Murphy’s brilliant run of success with his four-year-olds this season continued at Tattersalls when Magic Gloves in the Turbine Syndicate colours scored by six lengths under Newry rider Noel McParlan.

And the Wexford winners didn’t stop until the final race where Richard O’Keeffe, Newtown, Taghmon, saddled Turnupdevolume who got home by half a length in the novice riders’ race under AJ ‘Tony’ Doyle from Duncormick who is enjoying his second winner.

Point-to-point action also took place at Stradbaly, Co. Laois, and more Wexford winners. Donnchadh Doyle saddled newcomer Endless Talking in the maiden race for four-year-olds and recorded a twelve lengths victory with Alan Harney in the saddle. Pierce Power from The Hook also saddled a winner – Go To The Moon ridden by Darragh Higgins by three lengths in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Dothejive, in the colours of Jimmy Devereux, Rostoonstown Stud, Tacumshane dead-heated in the maiden race for five-year-old mares plus, ridden by James Cousins, Kilmore.

A third fixture took place at Dromahane and the Wexford cheer continued at the Cork venue. Newcomer Storm Queen scored by five and a half lengths for the Gaynestown Stud Partnership and handler Jonathan Fogarty in the maiden race for four-year-old mares. Finian Maguire was the successful rider.

Jamie Scallan from Tomhaggard rode his 80th career point-to-point winner on Burncourt Boy for Clonmel handler Tom Keating in the maiden race for five-year-old plus geldings.   

Fleadh 2025 launched in Wexford

By Dan Walsh at the National Opera House, Wexford

The Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee launched the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 in Wexford town, scheduled for August 3rd-10th, with an Irish traditional music event at the National Opera House tonight.

After the excitement and great weather of the 2024 Fleadh, Wexford locals and longtime followers eagerly await the 2025 event schedule.  

Chairman of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe said; “Wexford is honoured and excited to host the Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025. 2024 was a great success thanks to the work of the many teams involved behind the scenes and for those who attended from far and wide.  

“I would like to thank all the agencies who helped to bring the Fleadh together last year and who have reconvened to make 2025 an even bigger and better event. We have been back working on this since the end of last year and I am confident we can exceed expectations for this summer,” stated Mr. Taaffe.

The launch featured a performance by Ceoltóirí na Sláine, the teenage traditional Irish Music Orchestra set up as a legacy to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann’s sojourn in Wexford. 

A highlight of the night was the debut performance of the Paddy Berry Suite, composed in honour of the President of Craobh Loch Garman (Wexford Town Comhaltas) – the man who brought the All-Ireland Fleadh to Wexford. Paddy has been the driving force behind the bid for the 2024 and 2025 Fleadhanna and has devoted his life to promoting traditional Irish music, poetry and culture.

The second performance of the night was from up-and-coming traditional Irish fusion band Tulua. Their debut album, No Coming, No Going was launched in 2023 and since then they continue to thrive, playing across Ireland and internationally.

The Fleadh ticket portal will officially go live on Monday, April 14th at 10am on http://www.fleadhcheoil.ie with concerts including Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, the National Folk Orchestra, Garadice, Shaskeen and Perfect Friction going on sale along with a number of others.

More events will be added over the coming weeks.

Bomb squad alerted to Wexford estate

A man in his 30s was arrested and detained at Wexford Garda Station after the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit responded to Wolfe Tone Villas in Wexford town on Friday evening.

Around 7pm, residents noticed armed soldiers helping Gardaí seal off part of the estate.

Homes were evacuated as a precaution, and the bomb squad investigated a suspect device. The operation lasted over three hours until the scene was declared safe.

Gardaí have confirmed the arrest of a man aged in his 30s at the scene and stated that he was being detained at Wexford Garda Station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939.

Investigations are ongoing.

Gorey water supply successfully restored

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann teams have successfully restored regular water supply to residences and businesses in Gorey following a major burst in the network.

Padraig Lyng Water Operations Lead for Wexford thanked affected customers for their cooperation while the repair works were carried out. 
“Uisce Éireann acknowledges the disruption that can be caused by an unplanned outage such as this burst. We wish to thank customers in Gorey and the surrounding areas for their patience while these emergency repair works were underway,” Mr Lyng told WexfordLocal.com. 

The affected areas included The Lask, Carnew Road, Spring View, Westhill Park, Ardmore, Gorey Hill, Woodbury, Newborough, Raithin Cuilinn, Creagh Woods, St Joseph Primary School, Creagh College, Haelsciol Moshiolog, Gorey Educate Together, Pairc Na Craobhai, Gorey and surrounding areas.

Burst water main in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann crews are working to restore water supply to customers in Gorey following a burst water main.

The affected areas include The Lask, Carnew Road, Spring View, Westhill Park, Ardmore, Gorey Hill, Woodbury, Newborough, Raithin Cuilinn, Creagh Woods, St Joseph Primary School, Creagh College, Haelsciol Moshiolog, Gorey Educate Together, Pairc Na Craobhai, Gorey and surrounding areas.

Homes and businesses in Gorey and the surrounding areas may experience low water pressure, temporary water discolouration or intermittent disruptions to water supply.

Expert water service crews have been dispatched and are working to minimise disruption and carry out the required repair works, with every effort being made to complete this work as quickly as possible. Works are scheduled to take place until 4pm today, April 10th.

Padraig Lyng, Water Operations Lead for Wexford said he regrets the inconvenience for customers, adding: “We understand how disruptive unplanned outages are. We thank impacted customers in Gorey and the surrounding area for their patience while we carry out repairs and restore the water supply as quickly as possible.”

Following repair works, it typically takes three to four hours for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas as the water refills the network, but it may take longer for those on higher ground or at the end of the network.

Updates are available on X @IWCare and via the customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.