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.

Mullins family honoured with community homecoming

Aintree Grand National winner Nick Rockett (Patrick Mullins up) led by Katie Walton (groom) and Stewart Andrew (owner) with Willie Mullins (trainer) received a tremendous homecoming reception in Loughlinbridge, Co. Carlow, this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Leighlinbridge

The village of Leighlinbridge was basking in sunshine this afternoon as the community came out in large numbers to honour the father and son team, Willie and Patrick Mullins, and star steeplechaser Nick Rockett who won last Saturday’s Randox Grand National at Aintree.

Mullins saddled the first three home in the world’s greatest steeplechase and Nick Rockett (Patrick Mullins up) was flanked by stablemates I Am Maximus, the 2024 winner and runner-up on Saturday, ridden by Danny Mullins, deputising for last Saturday’s jockey Paul Townend, and the third placed Grangeclare West (Brian Hayes). Amazingly, Willie became the first person to train the first three home in the 177 years of the great race.

The parade set out from Lord Bagenal Inn, past the Credit Union, over the River Barrow and posing at the foot of the bridge in front of Meaney’s and Rainbow’s bar and returning through the Main Street to the point of departure.

The impressive winner was led by his proud owner Stewart Andrew and Katie Walton (groom). It was an occasion to remember. Nick Rockett’s victory will always hold a special place in the Willie Mullins roll of honour.

“This is when it really sinks in. It’s an incredible turnout. This is the village I grew up in, went to school in, lived in. To see the kindness of everyone, it’s mind-blowing. I’ve always been on the edge of the parade so it’s definitely an incredible experience to be in the middle of it,” said Patrick Mullins.

No plans to impose water charges; Minister James Browne

By Dan Walsh
Minister James Browne stated that the Government cannot impose water charges without further legislation, in response to questions from two Wexford deputies during today’s (Tuesday) debate on the Water Services (Repeal of Water Charges) Bill 2025 in Dáil Éireann.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne

Deputy Johnny Mythen of Sinn Féin stated that recent reports suggest the Government is considering introducing water charges. Although the Government has denied this, it has been reported that discussions about water charges have been ongoing within Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael since 2009.

“The charges were utterly rejected by the Irish people. When Right2Water organised there were 100 massive demonstrations throughout the country in 2014,” said Deputy Mythen, who added; “We know the plans for water charges are now taking a different strategic approach and are being filtered through a piecemeal incremental package, such as the option of the introduction of a charge for the excess use of water. This would eventually lead to the introduction of a charge by volume which, in turn, would entice private companies to compete with Uisce Éireann and possibly take over our water resources altogether.

“Water is a human right and must always be protected. We have seen what the privatisation of water means and the consequences that follow,” concluded Deputy Mythen.

Deputy Fionntán Ó Súileabháin (Sinn Féin) told the Dáil; “Uisce Éireann has failed miserably in so many villages in the counties of Wexford and Wicklow. Recently in Aughrim and previously in Camolin, I met builders who are ready to build desperately needed housing but Irish Water’s failure to invest in wastewater treatment plants in both villages means they cannot proceed.

“Householders and small businesses, whether in Bunclody, Gorey, Arklow, Rathdrum or other areas, are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. A water tax would represent the last straw,” concluded Deputy Ó Súilleabháin.

“People power on the streets of counties Wexford and Wicklow and elsewhere defeated water charges in 2015. I have no doubt it will do so again in 2025 if necessary. The Water Services Act 2017 is still on the Statute Book. The Government and the Minister have said there are no plans to enact these extra taxes. If so, they have nothing to fear from backing our legislation so we can draw a line under this and put an end to this long-running saga once and for all.

DEPUTY JOHNNY MYTHEN

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne said; “The Government opposes this Bill. I highlight the fact that the previous programme for Government included a commitment to introduce water conservation charges. Despite the commitment in that programme, Sinn Féin did not table any legislation to prohibit water conservation charges. Water conservation charges do not form part of the new programme for Government, yet we now see Sinn Féin tabling this legislation, wasting time and inventing a phantom to fight against rather than engaging in good faith.

“It is important to remember that the legislation to implement water charges was contained in the Water Services Act 2014 and this legislation was repealed by the Water Services Act 2017. There is therefore no statutory basis for the introduction of water charges. The Government simply has no power to do it. No legislation exists that allows us to do it,” said Minister Browne, who added; “Uisce Éireann will be investing €250 million every year up to the end of 2030, fixing leaks and replacing pipes to provide a more reliable water supply.

DEPUTY FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN

Minister Browne said; “When the previous Government proposed doing it, Sinn Féin did not bring forward any legislation because it was not on the front page of the national newspapers. Here, we have an opportunity for a little media attention, which is why Sinn Féin has jumped on it, even though it is the clear intention of this Government not to do so. The Government has no legal power to bring in water charges without additional legislation.

“It is extremely frustrating that we are dealing here with a distortion of the truth and a misdirection from Sinn Féin. That is really disappointing and unfortunate,” concluded Minister Browne.

Wexford centres recognised for LGBTQ+ wellbeing and inclusion

ENNISCORTHY COMMUNITY COLLEGE awarded the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark at a ceremony in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, recently.

By Dan Walsh

Three Wexford based schools and Youthreach centres have received the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark recognising their work over an 18-month period to foster LGBTQ+ wellbeing and inclusion for their students. 

The three schools and centres awarded were New Ross Youthreach, Enniscorthy Community College and Gorey Youthreach.

The schools were presented with their awards at an event in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin which was attended by over 350 staff and student representatives, including those from Wexford and hosted by social media influencer and TV presenter James Kavanagh. 

In total, 44 schools were presented with the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark at the event, representing 17 counties and 26,000 post primary school students across the country. 

The accreditation initiative was developed by Belong To LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland in 2022. That year, the School Climate Survey by Columbia University revealed that 76% of LGBTQ+ young people in Wexford and across Ireland do not feel safe in post-primary schools.

The initiative draws on national and international best practice to create an environment where students feel safe and welcome regardless of who they are. This is done through a host of practical, proactive actions such establishing an LGBTQ+ and Allies Club for students, training whole-staff teams on supporting LGBTQ+ students and promoting the representation of LGBTQ+ families and identities in classroom teaching. 

Speaking at the launch, Michelle Keating, Co-Ordinator at New Ross Youthreach commented; “Following 18 months of work and engagement, New Ross Youthreach was proud to receive the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark. The initiative provides a comprehensive approach to promoting wellbeing and inclusion for LGBTQ+ young people in education throughout Ireland.  

She added; “The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark focuses on the four key areas of wellbeing promotion from an LGBTQ+ perspective, working with parents, community organisations and other local LGBTQ+ youth projects or groups to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion,”

Weekend ferry schedule changes

By Dan Walsh

The Stena Line ferry service operating between Fishguard and Rosslare Europort experienced a series of consecutive cancellations over the weekend.

A ‘technical issue’ and ‘adverse weather conditions’ are responsible for the Stena Europe unable to leave her berth in Fishguard until this afternoon, Monday April 7th.

The first indication of any problem with the Stena Nordica came on Saturday when her 2pm sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare was delayed and then cancelled.

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

This led to the cancellation of the evening service from Rosslare to Fishguard.

Passengers were given the option of sailing on Stena Line’s Holyhead to Dublin route, while others remained on board in the hope that the Nordica would be able to sail at 1.30 am on Sunday.

In its updates to passengers, Stena Line said that these cancellations had been forced by ‘technical issue’ and offered advice on amending bookings or changing to alternative sailings.

Sunday’s 2pm sailing from Fishguard was originally said to be ‘on time’ but was cancelled ‘due to adverse weather conditions’!

However, Sunday evening’s 7.30pm sailing from Rosslare to Fishguard was flagged up as cancelled due to the ‘technical issue’.

Passengers were automatically transferred to Irish Ferries’ Pembroke Dock to Rosslare service.

The Stena Nordica is due to next sail from Fishguard today (Monday) afternoon, but the Stena Line website says that this crossing is sold out.