Research on political candidates with disabilities

DR VIVIAN RATH from Kilmuckridge and Trinity’s School of Education on the TOMMY TIERNAN SHOW on RTE February 2023. (Pic; RTÉ)

By Dan Walsh

A study on disabled political candidates in Ireland found financial costs and canvassing difficulties as key barriers to their participation in politics.

The research included detailed interviews with seven political candidates with intersecting identities who have disabilities, along with representatives from eight organisations representing migrant, LGBTQ+ and Traveller communities, disabled people’s organisations, and education and training organisations.

Research identifies barriers such as inaccessible environments, poor communication, negative attitudes, fear of violence, lack of funds, and insufficient support.

Dr. Vivian Rath from Trinity’s School of Education stated: “This research highlights the experiences of disabled election candidates with intersecting identities in Ireland. The small number of participants indicates the low representation of disabled people and those with intersecting identities in elections. Despite this, the candidates’ insights and participating organisations’ reflections clearly outline pathways to political life.”

“Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires not just acknowledging barriers but actively dismantling them. This report offers a roadmap for change,” stated Dr Rath, who hails from Kilmuckridge. 

Key recommendations: 

  • The State should be responsible for collecting self-reported data on disability and other identities (including gender, LGBTQ+ identities, ethnic and racial minorities including members of the Traveller community and migrants, etc.) from election candidates. This should be published in a way that does not identify or endanger candidates. 
  • Political parties should dismantle structural barriers to the participation of disabled people with intersecting identities in all aspects of their work. This should include the development of inclusion guidelines at the branch level and building intersectionality into existing support structures. Parties must also consider the need for greater diversity when proposing candidates for election and for co-option, including disability and other identities.
  • Civil society organisations should be funded and supported to establish and run regular training and mentoring for disabled people, including those with intersecting identities who want to explore the idea of putting themselves forward for elected office.

The survey was conducted by researchers in University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin and funded under the National Disability Authority Research Promotion Scheme.

Large entry for Borris on Sunday

By Dan Walsh

The Carlow Farmers’ point-to-point races take place tomorrow (Sunday) at Borris House where a large entry has been received -154 – so it could be an extended card with dry weather conditions and temperatures around 11 degrees.

The first race starts at 1pm with yielding ground conditions.

Most entries are for the first three races; the four-year-old mares maiden (33), the four-year-old maiden geldings (29) and the five-year-old geldings maiden race, (39) so it will be fast and furious and ultra-competitive.

JAMIE SCALLAN and SEAN DOYLE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

A successful day’s racing is expected, with strong support from Wexford anticipated in the neighbouring county Carlow.

Racing took place today (Saturday) in Duhallow, Co. Cork where Sean Doyle’s seven-year-old mare Between Waters won her fourth race of the season in the Open Race. Ridden by Jamie Scallan the winning verdict was one length.

Ellen Doyle’s Baltimore Stables at Coolgarrow, Enniscorthy, saddled newcomer Divine Diva (Brian Dunleavy up) in the maiden race for four-year-old mares and celebrated with a two lengths victory.

€50,000 for Gorey & Courtown community service

By Dan Walsh

Meals on Wheels Gorey & Courtown has been awarded €50,000 from the Community Recognition Fund 2024 to purchase a brand-new electric van for its service! 

This funding is a testament to the compassion and inclusivity of the Gorey and Courtown/Riverchapel communities. It highlights the positive impact of embracing and supporting new neighbours – strengthening our towns and ensuring vital services like Meals on Wheels Gorey & Courtown continue to serve all who are in need.

In a statement on social media, Meals On Wheels Gorey states; “We were delighted to welcome Deputy Brian Brennan TD to our office as he shared the fantastic news of our €50,000 grant for a new electric delivery van! This milestone is a major step forward in making our service more sustainable and efficient for the community.

COLIN WEBB and BRIAN BRENNAN TD welcomes Meals On Wheels funding.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to Deputy Brennan and Cllr Darragh McDonald for their incredible support, both on this funding and on other matters involving Meals On Wheels Gorey & Courtown.

There was also appreciation to former TD Paul Kehoe “who has provided superb representation and worked behind the scenes to support our cause.”  

A big thank you as well to Eoghan Greene, Community Recognition Fund Project Officer at Wexford County Council “for his advice, patience, and perseverance in guiding us through this process. Not only was he able to tolerate our pestering but we appreciate his support in ensuring our application was successful!

“This grant is a direct investment in the communities of Gorey and Courtown/Riverchapel, and we are proud to see such strong support for vital community services like ours!”

Pipe laying completed on €19m Enniscorthy water upgrade

Pictured at a sod-turning ceremony at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant on May 28th 2024 to mark the commencement of the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme are;(l-r): Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council; Fionnuala Callery, Wexford County Council; Cllr Cathal Byrne; Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy; Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming; Diane Carroll, Uisce Éireann Portfolio Manager; James Browne TD, then Minister of State at the Department of Justice; Leas-Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, Cllr Jackser Owens; Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan and Cllr Aidan Browne. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com/Uisce Éireann). 

By Dan Walsh


Uisce Éireann is making significant progress on a €19 million investment to upgrade the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply with pipe laying now complete. 

The project when complete will benefit more than 11,000 customers, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas.

Critical improvements to the scheme include upgrading the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, replacing the raw water intake facility at Clonhaston and constructing a new pumping station. A total of 2km of water mains is being re-routed to facilitate the transfer of water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Treatment Plant.

Pipe laying along the L-2020 is now complete and a temporary road surface has been laid. Permanent reinstatement of the road will commence from April. Traffic management will be in place during this time, but every effort will be made to minimise disruption for the community. 

Diane Carroll, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, told WexfordLocal.com; “We’re proud of the progress on this critical project for the people of Enniscorthy. The new and improved scheme will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply, while the increased capacity will support future growth and development of the town.”

Ms Carroll added; “With pipe laying now complete in the town and permanent reinstatement of the road due shortly, we would like to thank the community for all their support to date while we deliver this project’.

The project is being delivered by David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of Uisce Éireann and is due for completion towards the end of 2025. 

Aircraft forced landing at Carnsore Point

The light aircraft forced to land on Carne beach on September 23rd 2021. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com/RTÉ)

By Dan Walsh

The forced landing of a Partenavia P68 Victor aircraft with a pilot and three passengers on board on the beach at Carnsore Point on September 23rd, 2021, was “probably due to separate interruptions to the fuel supply of both engines while operating with low fuel levels”, the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has concluded.

A report by the AAIU concluded the probable cause of the incident was interruptions to the fuel supply of each engine while operating at or below a quarter of the aircraft’s fuel tank capacity.

The French–registered twin-engine aircraft with a group of researchers from University College Cork on board had left Waterford Airport to record sightings of various marine wildlife off the Wexford coast.

The plan for the flight was to fly at low altitude along 16 predefined survey lines – each about 45km – along the south coast between Tramore and Carnsore Point.

The pilot carried out a forced landing on a beach after the left engine lost power as it approached land.

The pilot and one of the passengers sustained serious injuries, while the aircraft was destroyed with part of the wreckage washed away by the tide.

The other two passengers sustained minor injuries, despite their seatbelt brackets becoming detached from the aircraft floor panels because of the forced landing.

The pilot exited the aircraft through the windscreen which had broken on impact, while the passengers exited by the door.

The pilot and front seat passenger who sustained serious injuries were airlifted to hospital by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter, while the other two passengers were brought to hospital by ambulance.

An inspection of the wreckage found no mechanical problems with either aircraft engine that could have caused the forced landing.

The remaining fuel was drained from the aircraft’s two tanks and measured a total of 74 litres.

Following the incident, the operator of the aircraft amended its standard operating procedures and instructed all pilots to have a minimum fuel quantity of 100 litres at all times for a high-risk flight.

Senator Cathal Byrne elected FG Party Secretary

By Dan Walsh

Táiniste SIMON HARRIS TD and Senator CATHAL BYRNE pictured at the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be unanimously elected by my fellow Senators, TDs and MEPs to be Secretary of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party this evening”, Senator Cathal Byrne has announced.  

“My first meeting with our new officers is tomorrow (Thursday) morning and I look forward to tackling the challenges that lie ahead,” he stated.

Senator Byrne lost out on the fourth seat at last November’s General Election and afterwards was chosen by the Fine Gael Party to contest the Seanad election where he was successful.

The 33-year-old from Ballyhogue has served as a member of Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council since 2019 and was re-elected at last June’s Local Elections, topping the poll with 2,275 first preference votes.

Cllr Byrne served as Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council from June, 2021.

Man arrested released without charge

By Dan Walsh

A man arrested in connection with the discovery of a woman’s body on the Stena Nordica ferry sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare Europort on Tuesday evening has been released without charge.

Gardaí are treating the incident as a “personal tragedy for the deceased and family involved”.

Post mortem examinations on the woman have been completed but the results won’t be released for technical reasons.

It’s understood she had been part of a group which had been travelling to Ireland from Britain.

Gardaí say they aren’t looking for anyone else in connection with the inquiry.

A Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) continues to engage with and support the family of the deceased.

A Garda Senior Investigating Officer, will now supervise the completion of an investigation for the purpose of a file to assist a Coroner’s Inquest.

An Garda Síochána is not investigating any other separate alleged Public Order Incidents on board this ferry sailing.

Let’s get Courtown’s Spike Bridge reopened soon

SPIKE BRIDGE in Courtown Woods… locals are anxious that it be restored and returned to use as soon as possible. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Courtown

An iconic timber pedestrian bridge crossing the Owenavorragh river and a feature of the Courtown Woods and part of the Wexford Walking Trails programme, known locally as Spike Bridge, was closed by Coillte last week.

A notice on the bridge reads; “Please note that Spike Bridge is closed due to safety concerns. The bridge will reopen once repairs have been made. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Due to the cultural and local significance of this bridge, Courtown Heritage Group are anxious that it be restored and returned to use as soon as possible.

The official trail map shows that if the bridge closes, the bridge walk will no longer be connected to the Wexford Walking Trail network in Courtown.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com local foraging and forest guide, Lorraine O’Dwyer, from Gallivanting Tours (gallivanting.ie) who runs foraging and folklore walks in Courtown Woods tells us “that Spike Bridge is a pivotal part of the walk as it allows me to talk about the Courtown Estate, the landlords and how the local community lived and worked with them.”

Currently the bridge allows for access to woodland managed by Coillte on the north side of the Owenavorragh river, linking the 1.4km Bridge Walk which is especially popular for active travel and river anglers.

This timber bridge was once an Iron spiked bridge which workers on Lord Courtown’s estate used. It was locked by night after the last workers went home and opened again in the morning, to allow workers access to their workplace.

Lorraine is local Failte Ireland ambassador for Ireland’s Ancient East, and serves on the board of Wexford Walking Trails says that in her view while the bridge does need some repair, it’s far from being so dangerous that it must be closed immediately.

In Lorraine’s opinion, the bridge could be made a little more accessible, but it’s not dangerous, it’s not unstable and it certainly should not be closed indefinitely.

The bridge is relevant to the local community, local businesses and tourists. “We want to raise awareness of this closure and seek confirmation of concrete plans for its restoration and reopening, without which, we fear the bridge will suffer the same fate as the boardwalk at Courtown Beach.

“It is important that places of cultural interest and significance are maintained and returned to use as soon as possible.

“Please bring this to the attention of anyone you think can assist us in re-opening Spike Bridge,” concludes a statement issued by Courtown Heritage Group.

Arrest after death on passenger ferry

ROSSLARE EUROPORT (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

A woman has been fatally injured in ‘a serious incident’ on board the 2pm Stena Nordica passenger ferry sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare Europort this evening.

A man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region. 

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly after 5pm and embarked the ship which is currently docked at Rosslare. 

A woman was later pronounced deceased and her body remains at the scene. 

The scene has been preserved for technical and forensic examination. 

In a statement, Gardaí said; “A crime scene has been declared. While Gardaí conduct inquiries onboard, there are no public safety issues at this time.”

A spokesperson for Stena Line confirmed that the incident occurred on the 2pm sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare.

The spokesperson added: “This is a police matter, so please direct all further questions to the Gardaí.”

Gorey IPAS application withdrawn

By Dan Walsh

An application for a proposed IPAS Centre on the Arklow Road, Gorey, has been withdrawn following discussions between the owner of the property, Sean Doyle, and the newly elected TD for the Wicklow-Wexford constituency, Brian Brennan TD.

BRIAN BRENNAN TD

As a result of Deputy Brennan’s intervention regards the application submitted on February 19th, follows a statement from Sean Doyle Developments Limited re; property at Waygood, Gorey.

The statement reads; “We recently applied to provide accommodation for 3 to 4 families, approximately 18 international protection applicants and not an IPAS Centre.

“We have since withdrawn this application for the following reason!

“We currently provide staff accommodation in this building and due to a change in circumstances we now require continuing using this property for staff accommodation for the foreseeable future.”