Wexford County Council has posted ‘Do Not Swim’ notices at four Wexford beaches, namely Ballyhealy, Ballymoney, Cullenstown and Morriscastle.
The latest sampling conducted as part of the Council’s normal monitoring of bathing water quality, showed elevated levels of bacteria at the beaches.
Following consultation with the HSE, it is necessary to issue ‘Do Not Swim’ warning notices at the above beaches in accordance with the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 and in the interest of public health.
Further samples are being taken and results are expected by Sunday, August 31st at which stage the bathing prohibition notices will be reviewed.
In addition, the Council’s Environment Water Team are investigating the matter.
Wexford County Council advises members of the public visiting the above beaches to please abide by the public notices advising against swimming.
Further updates will be issued through the media and via the Council’s website.
More information on bathing water quality can be obtained on www.beaches.ie
PRESIDENT JOHN F KENNEDY has his programme for the 2025 Kennedy Summer School in New Ross. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
The annual Kennedy Summer School which is themed ‘ a festival of Irish and American history, culture and politics’ will officially open at 6pm in St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross, this evening (Thursday).
Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, will perform the official opening and afterwards engage in “a fireside chat forum” with Eileen Dunne, former RTÉ newsreader and chairperson of the Kennedy Summer School.
Ms. Dunne told WexfordLocal.com that “This year’s programme promises compelling conversations from literature to local journalism to Irish identity at home and abroad” and the organisers are looking forward to welcoming everyone to New Ross this weekend.
The Noel Whelan Interview features Enniscorthy-born writer Colm Tóibín in St. Michael’s Theatre on Friday at 6pm. That’s one event not be be missed!
It comes to a close on Saturday evening at 6pm and will feature a performance by New Ross and District Pipe Band.
A comprehensive programme of events are listed with many well-known speakers taking part and info@kennedysummer school.ie or telephone 051 421255 are useful contacts for tickets. The full programme of events is available for viewing on Facebook.
Pictured are Ger Lawlor, Company Secretary, Wexford Festival Trust; Paul Cleary, Chairman, Wexford Festival Trust and Nuala Sheedy, Donor Development Manager, Wexford Festival Opera. (Pic; Pádraig Grant)
By Dan Walsh Wexford Festival Opera has announced the audience choice winner for the 75th anniversary festival in 2026 and opera lovers from 30 counties around the world have chosen Gioachino Rossini’s L’equivoco stravanante to be one of the main stage operas next year. This special public vote, a first in the Festival’s history, gave opera lovers the chance to choose a comedic masterpiece for the 75th anniversary festival in 2026. Three operas, all previously performed at the Festival, were up for the vote. Rossini’s L’equivoco stravagante, last performed at the Festival in 1968, received the most votes, securing its spot in the 2026 programme. The public vote was part of the lead-up to the 75th-anniversary celebrations in 2026 and the voting process was officially verified by the Festival’s Company Secretary. The other two titles considered for the vote were Il barbiere di Siviglia (Giovanni Paisiello, 1782) and Don Gregorio (G. Donizetti, 1826). Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi will build the 75th festival programme around the theme of ‘The Best of: one for the head, one for the heart, one for fun’, a concept with a long history at the Festival. This phrase is believed to have originated from Wexford Festival opera-goers themselves and was even noted in the Grove Dictionary of Opera. Commenting Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi said: “The 75th anniversary is an incredible milestone and a very special birthday for Wexford, and for our Wexford Festival Opera family all around the world. We were thrilled by the response from our global audience. This was a unique opportunity to involve opera lovers in shaping the 75th-anniversary programme. Rossini’s L’equivoco stravagante is a wonderful choice for our 2026 Festival. We can’t wait to bring this beloved opera back to the stage in a brand new production directed by award-winning director Max Hoehn and designed by Darko Petrovic.” In the meantime, preparations are in full swing for this year’s 74th Wexford Festival Opera, which starts next month on October 17th. We look forward to seeing you there. The full programme for the 75th Festival, will be unveiled by Rosetta Cucchi during this year’s 74th Wexford Festival Opera, running from October 17th November 1st.
An artist’s impression of the future development at Rosslare Europort. (Pic; Corporate Communications at Iarnród Éireann).
By Dan Walsh
Preparations are underway for Rosslare Europort to lodge planning for the largest proposed maritime development in the country after proposals for its Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub receives Marine Area Consent.
Receipt of Marine Area Consent (MAC) from the Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) is a significant regulatory milestone and acts as a gateway to progress to the next stage of the planning process.
The MAC grants Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, the right to occupy a part of the State’s maritime area. It also allows the project to proceed to the next stage of the statutory consenting process with a planning submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála expected in Autumn of this year.
This proposed piece of nationally significant infrastructure will: double the size of the existing Rosslare Europort through the reclamation of approximately 24.5 hectares of land from the sea; provide new port facilities to support the delivery of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy targets; deliver the deepening of the shipping channel and the construction of two new deep-water berths.
A new small boat harbour for local operators be capable of supporting the construction of wind farm projects in the Irish and Celtic seas in the longer term will serve as operational and maintenance base for the offshore wind industry, providing for significant employment and economic development opportunities in the region.
Subject to planning being granted and funding being allocated, it is expected that construction will commence in late 2026 and is anticipated to take approximately two years.
Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort said to WexfordLocal.com; “Granting of the MAC for Rosslare’s ORE plans is a significant milestone in the development of this critical piece of infrastructure which will support the development, growth and long-term operation of the offshore wind industry in Ireland’s Southeast. Delivering this nationally significant infrastructure will support the continued expansion Rosslare Europort, strengthen the local economy, support local employment and deliver on national and EU policy priorities.”
Granting of the MAC comes shortly following confirmation by the European Commission and the Department of Transport that investment in Rosslare’s proposed extension, refurbishment and upgrade of Berth 3 has been supported in the latest EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding allocation.
The application for funding was submitted jointly with the Port of Dunkirk and the total funding allocated to both ports is €19.24m, with Rosslare receiving €17.68m of this allocation, approximately 50% of the estimated costs for detailed design and construction.
Works to be completed to Berth 3 include extension and upgrade to accommodate larger vessels, and key emission-reducing port infrastructure, including berth development and Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) ramps, and onshore power supply.
The ORE Hub and Berth extension will be delivered alongside the ongoing programme of transformation at the Port worth an additional €170 million which, over the last 28 months, has been progressing as the Port continues to operate and grow.
This, the second largest civil construction project in the country, has: more than 2300 construction staff inducted over 1 million construction hours delivered 91,000m2 of new concrete laid for the trailer yards, 4 new buildings, 4 new substations, 3km of new drainage, 5km of new security fencing and over €40m spent with local contractors and a modern border control facility being delivered with the OPW; the first integrated smart port system in Europe providing for a seamless transition between land and sea for passenger and freight customers.
Through partnership, collaboration and innovation with customers, construction partners, community, port colleagues and stakeholders this transformation project is being delivered on budget and ahead of time.
More information on the extensive development Rosslare Europort is available on www.rosslareeuroport.ie.
Dr. Bairbre Ní Fhloinn will deliver this year’s Dr Tom Walsh Lecture in the Jerome Hynes Theatre at the National Opera House, Wexford.(Pic; Bryan O’Brien).
By Dan Walsh
We are only about eight weeks away from the opening of the 74th Wexford Opera Festival when world-class opera returns to Wexford town at the National Opera House.
The festival opens with the traditional fireworks on Wexford Quay on Friday, October 17th and conclude on Saturday, November 1st.
This year’s line-up features three exceptional main stage productions – Le Trouvére, Deidamia and The Magic Fountain offering bold reinterpretations and unforgettable experiences.
Artistic Director Rosetta Cucchi explains how this year’s theme, Myths & Legends, informs the Festival and connects each of the main stage operas – ‘three masterpieces‘ in Rosetta’s words; “Discover fascinating insights from the directors, designers and conductors behind the main stage operas – it’s the perfect way to get inspired before October.”
One of the most popular fringe events during the festival is the annual Dr Tom Walsh Lecture in the Jerome Hynes Theatre. A popular and anticipated event on the Festival calendar, the Dr Tom Walsh lecture always provides an enriching and insightful experience. This year’s distinguished guest lecturer is Dr. Bairbre Ní Fhloinn, Associate Professor of Irish Folklore and Ethnology at UCD, who will explore the fascinating connections between Irish folklore and the Festival theme, Myths & Legends. A comprehensive programme of events for the 2024 Wexford Opera Festival is available on its website. Lots to choose from!
Booking is available by contacting the boxoffice@wexfordopera.com
CLLR JOHN DWYER, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council speaking at the unveiling of the SS, Portláirge dredger propeller at St. Kearns, Saltmills, on Sunday.
By Dan Walsh
A new maritime monument featuring the propeller of the SS Portláirge which is Ireland’s last operational steam-powered dredger, has been unveiled by Saltmills & St Kearns Community Group as a contribution to National Heritage Week.
The propeller, salvaged in 2023, was permanently installed and officially launched on the Shore Road, overlooking Bannow Bay where the vessel ran aground in 1987, at a public ceremony yesterday (Sunday).
Speaking at the event, Cllr John Dwyer, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council praised the efforts of the heritage group.
“It is due to your efforts in securing this crucial part of the of the steam powered dredger, that future generations will be reminded of the work that was carried out for close on 120 years to keep the Port of Waterford and the estuary clear from silt and mud,” stated Cllr Dwyer.
The famous steam dredger, the SS. Portláirge which had operated clearing Waterford Harbour since it was first commissioned in 1907 up until the mid 1980s and was sold to a private buyer after it was decommissioned but famously ran aground just off of Saltmills, while being transferred to England.
The SS. Portláirge served for 77 years in Waterford, New Ross, and Liverpool. It notably transported two Irish Provisional Government officers in 1921 and was regarded as Europe’s last working steam dredger at the time of its retirement.
Time has taken its toll on this famous old workhorse and the local Saltmills Heritage Association were anxious to ensure that a fitting monument would be erected close to the sea wall where she finally came to rest.
The Propeller, made from cast iron, was purchased by the heritage association and has now been tastefully mounted along with a wall plaque which sets out this old girls working life right up to her demise off Wexford’s coast.
The monument was made possible through support from Wexford County Council, the Heritage Council, local community fundraising, and land donated by Tommy and Jodie Hickey (Hook Head Oysters).
GARY COLLINS (Rosslare) claimed the Irish Mid-Amateur Men’s Open Championship at his home club on Sunday afternoon. (Pic; Inpho/Laszlo Geczo).
By Caomh Breen Allen
Gary Collins said the support of the home crowd was a huge factor in pushing him towards Irish Mid-Amateur Men’s Open Championship victory at his home course, Rosslare Golf Links, on Sunday afternoon.
The 33-year-old also claimed the Best Overall Gross prize, while another local Rosslare member, Mark Mullen, secured the Men’s Over-40s title.
In the Women’s Championship, Shannon Burke continued her remarkable season as the Ballinrobe golfer overturned a two-shot overnight deficit to claim her fourth championship of the year and be crowned Irish Mid-Amateur Women’s Open Champion.
By his own admission, Collins began his week slowly, carding an opening round 71. But he found his spark in round two, signing for a bogey-free 68 highlighted by a closing eagle on the par-five 18th.
“First round 71 could have been anything and I kept it together. I usually start off slow, just said keep it around level par and I’ll be in with a chance,” said Collins.
“Yesterday I actually played class and shot four under with ease, should have had a few more but that’s the way it goes.”
Collins began the final round at five under par, in a share of second place alongside Allan Kiernan (Forrest Little) and Gerard Dunne (County Louth), the trio sitting one shot behind overnight leader John Corbett (Thurles).
Buoyed by his finish the previous day, Collins got off to a solid start with birdies on six and seven before bogeys on eight, ten and eleven threatened to halt his momentum.
Birdies on 12 and 13 steadied the ship and saw him take a two-shot lead down the stretch, but a bogey on 17 cut the margin to one with just the 18th to play.
With a sizeable home crowd following, Collins struck his drive down the centre of the fairway, leaving a short iron into the green. He rolled his eagle putt to tap-in range and sealed a one-shot victory to the delight of the Rosslare faithful.
“I had a good yardage and Jamie (Doyle) was with me all week on the bag, he’s kept me positive and we both said nine iron straight away and we knew straight away that it was the perfect club and just make a good swing, get it on the green and give myself a chance and that’s what I did, which was good,” said Collins.
“I had everyone. I had my little lads, I had my granddad, they’re all out. Aunties, uncles, brothers the whole lot, it’s always good to have them around.”
Burke also began her final round with ground to make up as she teed off two shots behind defending champion Aideen Walsh (Lahinch).
That deficit quickly disappeared however when Walsh ran into trouble at the par-three third, carding a seven to hand Burke the advantage, which she duly capitalised on.
The Mayo native went on to reel off seven birdies across her round and, despite a determined fightback from Walsh, she held her nerve to hole the winning birdie putt on the 18th and secure her first Irish Mid-Amateur title.
“Absolutely thrilled, had a great battle out there with Aideen so happy to come out on the right side,” said Burke.
“I had actually said to myself if I could get to five under for the day, eight under total, I knew it would give me a decent chance so stuck to the game plan, hit it really well so happy enough.”
“Anytime you win something you haven’t won before it’s really satisfying”
A man in his 50s has been arrested following a seizure of drugs worth over €3 million by Revenue Officers at Rosslare Europort on Saturday.
Approximately 150.6kgs of suspected herbal cannabis with an estimated value of €3,012,000 was seized by Revenue Officers following the search of a truck which had disembarked from a ferry.
The man, aged in his 50s, who was arrested is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in Co Wexford.
A man in his 40’s was arrested after Gardaí seized almost €1.9 million worth of cocaine and cannabis during a search operation of a premises in New Ross on Friday.
The search was carried out by members attached to the Wexford Crime Unit.
89kg of cannabis with an estimated value of €1.76 million was seized, along with 2kg of cocaine with an estimated value of €140,000.
A man in his 40s was arrested in connection with the seizures and is being held at Wexford Garda Station.
Wexford County Council has announced a temporary road closure in Courtown to accommodate the Courtown and Riverchapel Vintage Day which will take place in aid of RNLI and Courtown Tidy Towns at North Pier, Courtown.
The Vintage Day will take place tomorrow (Sunday, August 24,) with the road closure taking effect from 11am until 5pm.
The road closure will take place on the L50401-1 North Pier, Courtown.
Local access will be facilitated to residents in the affected area.
Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes and follow any signage or guidance provided on the day.
Pictured are Ger Lawlor, Company Secretary, Wexford Festival Trust; Paul Cleary, Chairman, Wexford Festival Trust and Nuala Sheedy, Donor Development Manager, Wexford Festival Opera. (Pic; Pádraig Grant)
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