WexfordLocal.com

Party whip policy results in Wexford being unable to back a candidate

By Dan Walsh at Wexford Council Chamber

Wexford County Council has voted 18-14 NOT to nominate a Presidential candidate at today’s (Friday) special meeting held in the Council Chamber at Carricklawn, Wexford.

Clearly the party whips were applied to the Government partners, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, however, Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan, who chaired the meeting took the side of the ‘Yes’ group and voted with Wexford Independence Alliance, Sinn Féin, Aontu and the Independent members in favour.

Members convened for a special meeting to consider candidates seeking a nomination for the Office of President of Ireland, as part of the requirements outlined in Article 12 of the Irish Constitution and Section 16 of the Presidential Elections Act 1993.

In accordance with these provisions, a candidate for the presidency may be nominated by at least four County or City Councils. During the meeting, several candidates seeking the Council’s nomination were given the opportunity to present their platforms and aspirations to the members of Wexford County Council.

The candidates who addressed the Council, either in person or online, included:

Gearóid Duffy (online)
Charlie Keddy (in person)
Séana Kerr (online)
Lorna McCormack (online)
Diarmuid Mulcahy (in person)
Sarah Louise Mulligan (online)
Paudie Ó Dúinnin (in person)
Caoimhín Ó Maolchalann (online)
Dr. Cora Stack (online)
Maria Steen (online)
Gerben Uunk (online)
Walter Ryan Purcell (online)
Gareth Sheridan (online)

Following the presentations, the meeting was adjourned to allow council members time to deliberate on the decision.

Upon resumption, a roll call vote was held in which council members were asked to vote “Yes” if they wished for Wexford County Council to nominate a candidate for the presidency, or “No” if they did not.

The result of the vote was:

14 votes in favour of nominating a candidate supported by Cllrs Pat Barden, Nicky Boland, Jim Codd, Craig Doyle, John Dwyer, Mary Farrell, Tom Forde, Paddy Kavanagh, Leonard Kelly, Marty Murphy, Aoife Rose O’Brien, Raymond Shannon, Michael Sheehan and Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan.
18 votes against nominating a candidate supported by Cllrs Vicky Barron, Pip Breen, Aidan Browne, Patricia Byrne, Ger Carthy, Anthony Donohoe, John Fleming, Pat Kehoe, Donal Kenny, Garry Laffan, Darragh McDonald, Lisa McDonald, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Bridín Murphy, John O’Rourke, Frank Staples, Catherine Walsh and Oliver Walsh.
Cllrs Robbie Staples and Jackser Owens were unavailable.

As a result of the vote, Wexford County Council resolved NOT to nominate a candidate for the Office of President of Ireland.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Sullivan thanked all candidates for addressing the Council and presenting their perspectives regarding the country’s future. He thanked the members for their participation and formally ended the meeting.

Enniscorthy Arts & Culture Festival

Selin Kim, the National President of the Cambodian community in Ireland, and Miss Planet Ireland 2025, was at Y21 Studios, Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, tonight, where she officially opened Enniscorthy Arts & Culture Festival. (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh at Y21 Studios, Enniscorthy

Selin Kim, the National President of the Cambodian community in Ireland, also celebrated as Miss Planet Ireland 2025, was at Y21 Studios, Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, this evening where she officially launched the 3-day Enniscorthy Arts & Cultural Festival.

The experience was themed “A Taste of Cambodia’ where Cambodian culture was exhibited through food, music and dance.

Ms Kim said; “As we open this festival and each of our culture is unique, what binds us together as human beings is creativity, community and the sheer joy of expressions.

“Whether you are here to listen to the music, admire the artwork, try new food or singularly enjoy the atmosphere I hope this weekend’s festival leaves you inspired, connected and uplifted. With great pride and excitement, I hereby declare Enniscorthy Arts & Culture Festival 2025, officially opened,” concluded Ms. Kim.

Earlier in the evening at Enniscorthy Castle costume designer Barbara Guthrie supervised a Costume Exhibition as part of the castle’s Living History.

There is an invitation for Afternoon Tea with acclaimed author Carmel Harrington in Enniscorthy Castle at 2.30pm tomorrow (Saturday).

There is a Saturday Drama Night from 7.30pm in the Presentation Arts Centre with 15-minute plays by local playwrights actors and directors.

Artist Marja van Kampen is available with her artwork at the IFA Centre Studio on Saturday and Sunday, 12-5pm. She will be delighted to see everybody!

Champion Schools of Sanctuary Status

By Dan Walsh

Six new Champion Schools of Sanctuary from Counties Wexford and Wicklow received awards and presented their work in The Street, Wexford County Council Buildings today (Friday).

Schools awarded were as follows;

Bridgetown College, Wexford

Coláiste Bride, Enniscorthy

St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross

St Mary’s College, Arklow

New Ross Educate Together National School

St Cronan’s National School, Bray

These schools have been awarded nationally for their outstanding work in creating a culture of welcome and belonging for everyone, including refugees and other minorities.

There are now 50 Champion Schools of Sanctuary across the country, with 12 in County Wexford.

Wexford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Joe Sullivan, who presented the awards to schools from Wexford and Wicklow said; “These Champion Schools of Sanctuary are beacons of hope for the whole country, now and in the future. I commend the students and teachers for setting standards of excellence in their commitment to welcoming and including newcomers and minority groups, and I look forward to seeing more and more schools learning from their shining example.”

Motivational speaker, author, broadcaster and well-known activist Emer O’Neill was guest speaker, sharing some words of encouragement with the schools.

Mr O’Neill said; “The awards ceremony is about recognising the impact that motivated students can have on creating school cultures that celebrate and champion inclusivity. I am proud that my son’s school is one of the awardee schools, and I look forward to celebrating their day with them. I am also so excited to meet the incredible students and staff whose dedication and hard work helped their schools achieve this award.”

Enniscorthy needs Drug Addiction unit

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

Enniscorthy Municipal District Council is inviting Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor to come to town with a view to engaging with the HSE and Cornmarket Project to set up a Rehabilitation Centre for Drug Addition using the model of Sr. Consilio’s Cuan Mhuire in Athy.

**CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE when he was Cathaoirleach in 2023. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com).**

The successful motion submitted by Cllr John O’Rourke, and seconded by Cllr Aidan Browne, was approved at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council held in the Presentation Centre.

Cllr O’Rourke told the meeting that “drug addiction is a huge space in our community and is growing” and feels it is time for action and a place for a Rehabilitation Centre is necessary.

Cllr Pat Kehoe supported Cllr O’Rourke and said there is a demand for such a centre, and he added “we have the buildings.” Cllr Trish Byrne agreed and said; “it is something that is needed.”

Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, recently attended the official opening of St. John’s Community Activity Garden at Enniscorthy.

Edermine Rowing Club receives Wexford County Award

**The presentation to Edermine Ferry Rowing Club chairperson, Tina Kavanagh, and fellow club members, was made at Edermine Bridge, by Valero Area Sales Manager, Damien Burke.**

By Dan Walsh

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club has been selected as the recipient of the Wexford County award for this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative. The club has received €5,000, which will be allocated towards the purchase of protective covers for its boats to safeguard them during the winter months.

Founded in 1974 on the River Slaney, Edermine Ferry Rowing Club welcomes over 100 members of all ages and abilities, promoting the benefits of rowing for everyone.

Now in its fifth year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – sees a fund of €130,000 set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis.

Previous Wexford winners were Kilmore United FC (2021), Menapians Athletic Club (2022), Aspire Gymnastics Academy, Kiltealy (2023) and Naomh Éanna GAA Club (2024).

Congratulating the county winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited was particularly praiseworthy of the unstinting work of club officials and volunteers, and noted that “since its inception, we are proud to have distributed almost €650,000 to a variety of more than 125 sports clubs under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative.”

Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan. Describing the Wexford club as ‘a very worthy winner’, he went on to add: “Congratulations to Edermine Ferry Rowing Club. In a sport that is thriving in Ireland, I’m delighted to help fund a basic requirement that is vital to this brilliant community-based club. Well done to all – pull like dogs!”

Entries for the 2026 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open again in the New Year for all clubs, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.

Further information may be viewed at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com

Courtown Riverchapel Town First Plan is adopted

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Offices

The Courtown Riverchapel Town Centre First Plan was adopted by the Town Team at a meting on Monday and the final draft was presented at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in Gorey Civic Offices. Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Kenny presided.

The report was presented by Mick McCormack, Town First Regeneration Officer who told the meeting; “We now look forward to starting the process of enabling the Plan which will require significant capital investment to bring these projects to fruition,” and he added: “Armed with a strategic urban renewal plan that has been endorsed by the community we are well placed to compete for the national funding streams that can make these ambitions a reality.”

Explaining the background to the Plan, Mr McCormick said; “We established a Town Team in Gorey/Riverchapel in June 2024 which reflected the broader community and business sector in Courtown/Riverchapel. We held 14 meetings in this time – 16 months – and engaged in extensive consultation with the community in delivering a Town First Plan that reflects the needs and ambitions for the area.”

Cathaoirleach Cllr Kenny led the support of the members and officials for the delivery of the Plan. Cllr Pip Breen said “I didn’t think this day would even happen. We were through tough times and there was a lot of negativity along the way” and he added that the marina was the key and the hotel deserved support.

Cllr Darragh McDonald expressed his full support for the Plan, but lamented that “the Plan doesn’t extend to the Burrow Road” and he claimed; “It’s a mistake that needs to be included, and parking is a huge concern!”

Cllr Anthony Donohoe was of the view that “the marina is the key to lifting Courtown back up.”

Consultant Dr Conor Norton told the meeting that “the marina is a project in its own right”, but admitted “there is broad support for the marina.”

However, the Plan states that “the Coastal Destination Courtown which refers to Courtown beach nourishment and the marina development project is a two-phase initiative led by Wexford County Council aimed at restoring the coastal environment and revitalising Courtown’s tourism and marine economy.”

Director of Services, Liz Hore, admitted that “the marina is the key”, but we should now prioritise the Plan. “It is a real achievement and a roadmap and a framework for the future,” she concluded.

New boat launched at Edermine

**Edermine Bridge is the perfect backdrop to “messing about on the river.”**

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District meeting

Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was at Edermine Bridge on the River Slaney last Friday evening where she launched Edermine Ferry Rowing Club’s new boat.

I don’t suppose that anybody noticed, but the Marmion Bridge, commonly called Edermine Bridge was officially opened by Wexford hurling legend Nicky Rackard on August 24th 1975 – exactly half a century ago! And the stone memorial stating the fact is overgrown and neglected on the Oylegate side!

The maiden voyage was packed with local public representatives, and there were a few left land-bound too, as the brand new €16,400 sailing vessel purchased with the support of the LAWPRO (Local Authorities Water Programme) Community Water Development Fund 2025 tested the waters.

The launch evening was supported by the local community, councillors, Deputy George Lawlor TD and Minister for Housing James Browne TD.

Edermine Ferry Rowing Club is best known for participation in regattas and rowing competitions, but also works closely with Enniscorthy Tidy Towns’, Slaney Search & rescue and the local business, Go Paddle.ie to carry out catchment-based river clean-ups.

Wexford County Council supported the club with a recent grant application of €5,000 to the Local Authority Waters Programme, resulting in the club being awarded 100% funding for a new boat, engine and trailer to enable more regular and effective litter picks on the River Slaney.

The boat will allow for collection of a greater volume of litter in a safer vessel and will increase the community presence on the River Slaney.

Rail maintenance work at Enniscorthy

**A steam train facing for Enniscorthy tunnel** (File Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann has informed residents that it will be carrying out essential railway maintenance works south of Enniscorthy Railway Station during night-time hours on Wednesday night/Thursday morning (September 17^th-18^th) between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

Iarnród Éireann emphasise that “this work can only be carried out at night when trains are not running,”, however, they sincerely add; “Every practical effort will be made to minimise the impact on and disruption to local residents.”

Minister visits schools in Arklow, Carnew and Gorey

Pictured at Gorey Community School today were; (left to right); Deputy Brian Brennan TD, Rory McCarthy, Vice-Principal Gorey Community School, Helen McEntee TD, Minister for Education and Youth, Michael Finn, Principal at Gorey Community School and Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain TD, former Board member at Gorey Community School.

By Dan Walsh

Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD today (Monday) visited three schools in Wicklow and Wexford -Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, Arklow, Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew and Gorey Community School and met with teachers, school staff and students settling into the new school year.

Minister McEntee said; “Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, Coláiste Bhríde and Gorey Community School are shining testaments to their communities as places where great learning and innovation takes place, where friendships and memories are made and where teachers and school staff help empower students to express themselves and thrive.

“The Department of Education and Youth is committed to providing modern, inclusive and high-quality learning environments for every pupil and student in Ireland.

“Both Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir and Choláiste Bhríde are part of building projects to see the construction of new post-primary schools which will help to ensure they can continue to provide fantastic places of education for students in south Wicklow into the future.

“These two schools, as well as Gorey Community School, are a credit to their learners, teachers, SNAs, bus escorts, secretary, cleaners, caretaker, their Board of Management and trustees and their wider school community, including parents, carers and families,” said Minister McEntee, who concluded; “I would like to take this opportunity to wish all three school communities the very best of continued success for many years to come.”

Since 2020, the Department of Education and Youth has invested: Over €225 million supporting the completion of 48 school building projects in Wicklow, with a further 18 currently in construction and over €160 million in supporting the completion of 71 school building projects in Wexford, with a further 18 currently in construction.

Fleadh Volunteers feted at Civic Reception

**The physical legacy of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 and 2025 in Wexford town.** (Pic; *WexfordLocal.com*)

By Dan Walsh

Over 1,000 volunteers who signed up and were assigned to various duties during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann were honoured with a Civic Reception held at Whites of Wexford last Saturday night, as a small token of appreciation to amazing volunteers.

Each volunteer was presented with a certificate and a special photograph of the iconic harp, now a permanent feature and reminder of those two special years for Wexford.

The guests gathered round tables, sharing stories of their experiences, reminiscing over photographs on display from the Volunteer Photographers and listening to praise from the dignitaries including Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Joe Sullivan, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Garry Laffan, Chief Executive and Chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee (FEC), Eddie Taaffe, Comhaltas representatives and FEC Vice-Chair, Barbara Walsh, the Volunteer Coordinator, Ronan Griffin and a volunteer representative, Volunteer Photographer, Bobby Devereux.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan welcomed the crowd and offered his sincere thanks on behalf of the people of Wexford. He said “Wexford had never seen the likes of it before when the Fleadh Cheoil arrived in 2024 and who would have thought it would be even bigger and better the following year. That was all down to the people in this room, all the volunteers from the various agencies including the 1,000 yellow tee-shirt volunteers working at the venues and out and about on the streets.”

Mayor of Wexford, Cllr. Gary Laffan noted; “I am one of the luckiest Mayors of Wexford to have worn these chains of office during this magical time for our town. Volunteering is good for those who benefit from the action, but also great for those who give of their time so selflessly. It gives people a sense of belonging, a sense of community, a sense of achievement and contributes to a person’s overall wellness.”

Council Chief Executive and Chair of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Eddie Taaffe, commended all those who had given their time selflessly to make the Fleadh the huge success that it was. He also thanked the wider team including the Wexford County Council staff and all the voluntary agencies involved.

FEC Vice-Chair, Barbara Walsh spoke of her pride in her county and her love of Irish music and culture and how being part of the organising committee for the past two years was both challenging and extremely rewarding.

Volunteer Coordinator Ronan Griffin, from Wexford County Council said that coordinating and scheduling almost 1,000 volunteers was both the most challenging and most rewarding project of his career to date.

Volunteer Photographer Bobby Deverux regaled the crowd with some tales from the various venues he had visited while capturing many special moments.

Master of ceremonies was Deputy George Lawlor TD. The volunteers were entertained with music by Derek Cunningham, Bride Street Folk Group and Irish musicians and dancers from “Celtic Roots”.