NEWS UPDATE; Do people oppose school safety projects?

A quiet Monday evening in The Ballagh (Ballaghkeen) village. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com).

NEWS UPDATE. By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting (Tuesday).

The proposed Safe Route To Schools programme for Kiltealy was on the agenda at today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting held in the Council Chamber at the Presentation Centre, but members voted 3-2 to hold the meeting ‘in committee’

Cllr Pat Kehoe (Fine Gael) proposed that the discussion be held ‘in committee’ and his call was seconded by Cllr Aidan Browne (Fianna Fáil). Independent Cllrs John O’Rourke and Cllr Jackser Owens were against the proposal and asked that the Press be allowed to stay present.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy put the matter to a vote and it resulted – 3 in favour and 2 against – when Cllr Trish Byrne (Fine Gael) supported Cllrs Kehoe and Browne. Cllrs O’Rourke and Owens voted against holding the item ‘in committee’. The Press duly left the meeting.

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting (Monday).

Strong public opposition has emerged against the Safe Route To Schools programme in Ballaghkeen and Kiltealy, with Wexford County Council elected members mainly concerned about insufficient consultation. However, a Council official has denied the allegations.

The matter was confronted at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wexford County Council with new Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan directing proceedings at the Council Chamber in County Hall.

Cllr Paddy Kavanagh reported that at a ‘public’ meeting in The Ballagh last Friday, attendees voted to reject the project. He claimed there was no consultation, including with himself.

Cllr Kavanagh stated that he personally held no objection to the Safe Route To Schools programme and added that safety aspects in the village were long overdue and stated that there was a need to slow down the traffic through The Ballagh village.

Apparently consultation was made with the Principal and School Board of Management,the parish priest and some business interests, but progress updates appears to have been lost along the way.

It is reported that 65% at last Friday’s meeting voted against the project which is estimated to cost €200,000 and details were posted in the local church and other public areas, but detail maps were either miniature or not made available at all.

Cllr Oliver Walsh told the meeting that a meeting was held with the hauliers, but stated “it was not an official meeting”.

But Deputy Chief Executive Eamonn Hore disagreed and read out a list of meetings with various interests and declared that there were 11 meetings with hauliers and individuals and the matter was presented at the June meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge District Council where it was approved by members!

Mr Hore said he was “not too sure about lack of consultation”, but expressed confidence that the project will go ahead! He added that there is ample parking  at the church, crèche area and outside the graveyard, but admitted that the sidelines of the school was a disaster.

Cllr Pip Breen said that it is essential that this project goes ahead. He had been in contact with the hauliers and claimed that the first meeting in The Ballagh were supplied with copies of the plan.

Cllr Vicky Barron referred to the SRTS projects outside schools in Adamstown and Caroreigh and described them as “a blessing.” Cllr Barron suggested that by way of compromise bring people from these areas to a meeting and hear their stories.

Cllr Jackser Owens added his full support for the SRTS but informed the meeting that 525 names had registered their opposition to the project in the village of Kiltealy. The argument about ‘not consulted’ were again uttered by Cllr Owens.

WexfordLocal.com is informed that the Kiltealy situation will be raised at today’s (Tuesday’s) meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council and a political headache is facing some of the members! The Kiltealy Safe Route To Schools programme has not yet been financially costed as it is in the preliminary stages, but it is expected to be in excess of €200,000.

The Ballaghkeen project will be discussed today (Tuesday) by members at the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, but I can’t tell readers anything about that because it is held ‘in committee’ and the Press is not allowed in!

Urgent need to use less water across Co Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is appealing to everyone in Wexford to be mindful of their use of water.

Following an increase in water usage by households and businesses, customers are being asked to be mindful of their usage, allow supply to catch up with demand and enable reservoirs to replenish fully.   Uisce Éireann is closely monitoring all water supplies across the county and is implementing measures such as tankering to reservoirs, nighttime restrictions, and pressure management. 

Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann Water Operations Manager in Wexford, said; “Water demand has noticeably increased across Wexford in recent days. We’re asking customers across the county to conserve water and give supplies time to recover. Even small changes in how we use water can make a big difference, helping to improve the supply for everyone. 

“We’re doing everything we can to protect and maintain water supplies throughout the summer, but we also need the public’s support. If everyone in Wexford takes a few simple steps to reduce water use at home, in the garden, and at work, we can make our water go further and help maintain a regular supply for all.”

For more simple ways to conserve water, check out the Uisce Éireann conservation calculator (www.water.ie/calculator), which can help people work out how much water they are currently using and how they can conserve even more. 

More information on water conservation can be found at https://www.water.ie/conservation/ 

The public can report any leaks in the public water network by contacting Uisce Éireann at 1800 278 278 or online at Report a Leak. 

Fethard RNLI Open Day next Sunday

By Dan Walsh

Fethard RNLI is hosting an Open Day next Sunday, July 20th, 12pm-3pm and all are welcome to attend for a fun-filled day out for all the family.

All are welcome to attend this community celebration. There will be tours of the station and lifeboat, opportunities to meet the crew and ask questions.

There will be a Water Safety advice stand with workshops and demonstrations running throughout the afternoon. Visitors will be treated to live music, tasty refreshments and garden games.

Fethard RNLI (File Pic; RNLI/Nadia Blanchfield).

Make sure you don’t miss your chance to Soak the Crew. A pop-up RNLI shop will be on site, where you can stock up on lifeboat clothes and souvenirs.

Also on display will be the fantastic artwork of Scoil Mhaodhoig Poulfur’s ‘Superheroes of the Sea’ art competition, with winners announced on the day. There will be a raffle with lots of hamper prizes taking place. Tickets will be available to purchase on the day and outside Dillon’s Londis on Saturday, July 19th.

As a charity, Fethard RNLI relies on the generosity of the local community to power their lifesaving work. The volunteers in Fethard are grateful for the local support and in return, wish to invite the community to have a look behind the scenes of the lifeboat station.

Sarah Bates, Chair of Fethard RNLI Fundraising Branch, told WexfordLocal.com;  “Our volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. We want to say thanks to our local community by inviting everyone to our Open Day and give them a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.”

4 young swimmers go to hospital

By Dan Walsh

Rosslare Harbour RNLI lifeboat was launched at 5.30pm on Wednesday after four young swimmers were reported in difficulty near the Europort.

The swimmers were located near the shore, and the crew responded promptly upon receiving the call, arriving at the scene within minutes. The swimmers were safely brought onboard and subsequently transported to the lifeboat station.

They were taken by ambulance to Wexford General Hospital.

On a warm, sunny evening, the Rosslare Harbour lifeboat, along with Carnsore and Rosslare Coast Guard, attended the rescue.

“These four young people were incredibly lucky. Thanks to their location so near the lifeboat station and the fact that there were lifeboat crew already at the station, a rescue was underway immediately following the alarm,” said RNLI lifeboat operations manager Jamie Ryan.

New poetry from Odhran Somers

By Dan Walsh

ODHRAN SOMERS at the launch of his poetry book ‘Finally Finite‘ (Pic; Red Books)

Met this young talented man in Red Books a few weeks ago and he was excited about the publication of his first published book of poetry called ‘Finally Finite’ and I promised him a prominent mention on WexfordLocal.com.

Couldn’t attend because of commitments at the Bannow Rathangan Agricultural Show and the Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival, however, I sent my good wishes via the king of Red Books, Wally O’Neill, who acted as my representative.

“We were truly honoured to host the launch of Odhran Somers ‘Finally Finite’ in Red Books on Friday evening, said Wally, who added; “Unsurprisingly, it was a full house for an electric performance from Odhran, accompanied by Anne Ireton, Conor Lyons, Carol Booker and Steve Huenneke. Getting a crowd like that on such a beach-ready evening shows how well loved Odhran is and how popular his poetry is getting.”

Copies of ‘Finally Finite’ can be purchased now for €10 in Red Books or online at www.theirishbookshop.com

Night taps are off in Gorey

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers in Gorey Town and the surrounding areas to conserve water with nighttime restrictions being introduced for some customers to help meet demand, both tonight, Friday, July 11th and tomorrow night Saturday, July 12th. 

They will be in place from 11pm each night to 6am the following morning in an attempt to reduce usage and maintain a daytime supply. 

This appeal comes as levels in many water sources are significantly lower than normal for this time of year following a drier than average autumn, winter and spring.

Speaking about the urgent need to conserve water in the Gorey area, Uisce Éireann’s Water Operations Manager, Padraig Lyng, reminded customers to be mindful of their water use and do what they can to conserve it. 
“We’re committed to ensuring a reliable water supply for the people of Gorey throughout these summer months, and the support of our customers is an important element to achieve this. 
“In the days and weeks ahead, we would appeal to customers to take the opportunity to really consider their water usage and reflect on the daily and easy actions they can take to play their part in ensuring our water resources are used wisely and in a way which benefits, not only your own household but also the wider community.”

This is also a good time for people to spot any underground leaks outside their home or business. Signs of such leaks may include persistent moisture in areas of the lawn or driveway during dry weather.

To report leaks on the public network, or for more information, the Uisce Éireann helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.  

Death of Gorey artist Michael Warren

Gorey artist and sculptor MICHAEL GEORGE WARREN (Pic; Aosdána)

By Dan Walsh

Many tributes have been expressed at news of the sad passing of Michael Warren the renowned artist and sculptor. He was in his 75th year.

It is with deep sadness that all involved in Oulart Hill Walking Hub have learned of the death of Michael Warren, the Gorey sculptor. Michael was very much involved with the late Ronald Tallon in developing the concept of Tulach a’ tSolais on Oulart Hill, the biggest memorial in the world to 1798 and indeed the most marvellously nuanced.

Born in Gorey, Co. Wexford in 1950, Michael studied at Bath Academy of Art, Trinity College, Dublin, and at the Accademia di Brera in Milan, 1971-1975.

Michael was perhaps best known for his large-scale, site-responsive sculptures in wood. These abstract constructions typically maintain a sense of lightness despite their size and mass.

His major public commissions in Ireland include sculptures made for RTÉ, Dublin Port Authority, Trinity College Dublin, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the Civic Offices on Wood Quay, Dublin.

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has taken place of Michael George Warren, Letatlin, Ballycale, Gorey. Michael George Warren died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on the 10th July, 2025. Beloved husband of Maria and much loved father of Cristina and George. He will be sadly missed by his family, brother Richard, sister Elaine, son-in-law Eric, daughter-in-law Eloise, extended family and friends. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Funeral Service will take place at Christ Church, Gorey, at 12 noon on Saturday 12th July, followed by Burial in Tubberneering Graveyard.

Kilmore Quay launches 40th seafood celebration

Long service volunteer SYLVIA KEHOE opened the 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Kilmore Quay

The 40th annual Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival was officially opened this evening by long service volunteer Sylvia Kehoe in brilliant summer sunshine before a large family gathering.

Ms. Kehoe welcomed the community’s 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival and recalled “four decades of seafood cocktails and platters, gally cooks, talent competitions, Fish Fridays, beach fun, coastal walks and talks, trawler, raft and kayak races, and so many many more memorable events.”

Ms. Kehoe continued; “40 years is a long time, 40 years of hauling nets to provide seafood for our platters and fish market, the untangling strings of bunting by the lifeboat crew, checking the tide table for beach activities, directing traffic in hi-vis vests, usually two sizes too big, and asking for the 100th time – ‘What’s the weather like for the festival weekend?’

Ms. Kehoe paid a special tribute to the volunteers. “The real magic of this festival isn’t the weather really…the real magic has been the volunteers. Showing up, year after year, sleeves rolled up and ready to get stuck in to raising funds and ensure there’s always a place for people from all over to gather, enjoy the hospitality and feel at home.

“Here’s to 40 years of community spirit and I am honoured to be representing the many volunteers over the years and I now declare the 40th Kilmore Quay Seafood Festival Open,” said Sylvia Kehoe followed by a loud celbratory cheer from the large attendance.

The proceedings commenced with a formal parade, led by Parade Marshal Peter Moran of the Coast Guard, and featured a special Festival Float presented by Red Moon Theatre. Musical contributions included a performance by Scottish piper Hamish, while Seamus Flaherty participated with his Harley-Davidson. Additional participants comprised representatives from the ICA, Athletic Club, GAA, The Grounds Restaurant, First Responders, Tomhaggard Clean Coast, RNLI, and the Becky Sheil Dancers.

John Grace, Chair of Kilmore Quay Community Development Association acted as master of ceremonies. Cllr Jim Codd was also present.

The Fish Friday Market is one of the highlights and cookery demonstrations and wine appreciation features award-winning chefs in the Stella Maris Centre from 11am to 4.30pm.

It will feature Celbrity Chef Derry Clarke, Bernie Doyle (Stella Maris Centre), Paul Hynes (La Cóte), Toddy Lambden (Mary Barry’s), Brian O’Driscoll (The Grounds), Warren Gillen (Gillen’s Café, Enniscorthy), a fish filleting demonstration with Toddy and Gina, and Billy Kelly (Kelly’s Resort Hotel) will present some wine tasting.

There are also many free events taking place on Saturday and Sunday and the brochure is available on http://www.kilmorequayseafoodfestival.com

Gum Litter Summer Roadshow in Wexford

Promoting the Bin It 2025 camapign are Back Row from left; Hugh Maguire, Environment Section, Jason Tennant, Wexford Borough District, Deputy Mayor Cllr Raymond Shannon, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan, Doireann Umoren GLT, Cliona Connolly and Caroline Sinnott, Environment Section. Front row from left; Thomas Hourihane, GLT Phil Murphy, Wexford Tidy Towns, Ann Fenlon, Wexford Tidy Towns Aileen Porter Wexford Tidy Towns and Kimberley Gray Ennis GLT.

By Dan Walsh

The Gum Litter Taskforce took to the streets of Wexford to promote positive gum litter disposal.

The Summer Roadshow campaign, collaborated with Wexford County Council aims to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the €150 gum litter fine. 

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council and Cllr Raymond Shannon, Deputy Mayor, Borough District of Wexford officially launched the Gum Litter Taskforce’s gum litter education campaign in Wexford Town on Tuesday.

Welcoming the roadshow back to Wexford Cllr Joe Sullivan said; “The Gum Litter Taskforce Campaign is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment. The campaign has achieved positive results to date, and I hope this year’s campaign will continue to further build on those results.”  

Deputy Mayor Cllr Raymond Shannon said; “We are delighted to welcome the Gum Litter Taskforce to Wexford. It’s a great initiative that generates awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter in a fun and engaging way. As a Council, we are committed to working with campaigns such as Gum Litter Taskforce, that promote responsible litter disposal behaviours, and result in cleaner communities.”

This year’s Summer Roadshow will make 20 stops across 17 counties. The campaign also includes a school roadshow (‘Bin It!’) which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October, and run an advertising campaign and website, where educational material at www.gumlittertaskforce.ie.

Kilmuckridge sunflowers are thriving

By Dan Walsh

The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field will open again this summer, with proceeds going to The Hope Cancer Support Centre in Enniscorthy.

CLLR MARY FARRELL (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Following the incredible success of last year’s event, which attracted thousands of visitors from across Ireland, the sunflower field will reopen for its second year, promising not only a stunning display but also a heartfelt community initiative born from families impacted by cancer.

Organised by Cllr Mary Farrell and a dedicated team of volunteers, the project has grown into something far beyond a fundraiser. “Looking back on last year and speaking to the volunteers, the overwhelming feedback was that visiting the sunflower field was a cathartic experience creating a feel-good factor that became contagious,” Cllr Farrell told WexfordLocal.com, and she added; “We welcomed visitors from Donegal, Galway, Cork, and beyond, all happy to support our cause and take away a sunflower as a symbol of hope.”

This year’s field has been lovingly tended since January and has flourished under the recent sunny weather, bringing an earlier-than-expected bloom and plenty of colour to Kilmuckridge. The field is located behind Hammel’s Centra in the village, and visitors are warmly invited to stop by, pick a sunflower, and make a donation as a token of appreciation. All proceeds will go directly to The Hope Cancer Support Centre, which provides invaluable services to those affected by cancer and local community groups.

The Kilmuckridge Sunflower Field is a community-driven project, inspired and supported by families who have been touched by cancer. It is a place of reflection, positivity, and togetherness—where every sunflower picked helps make a difference.