Uisce Éireann is urging customers in Taylorstown and Gorey to support ongoing water conservation efforts following a period of high demand.
Teams are undertaking a number of measures to protect water supplies including additional monitoring and leak detection and sharing some simple steps to help conserve water and safeguard our precious supplies over the summer months.
Padraig Lyng, Uisce Éireann’s Operations Manager in Wexford said; “Reduced river and groundwater levels coupled with high demand are impacting supplies in both Gorey and Taylorstown. In response to this we have increased our leakage detection, pipe repairs, and other network management activities to help offset this demand.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and take measures to manage supplies as we go through the summer months. However, we welcome any support the public can provide by doing what they can to decrease their use, which will help reduce the need for additional measures such as nighttime restrictions and outages.”
Simple actions, such as taking a shorter shower, placing a basin in the sink and fixing leaking taps can all make a significant impact. Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator to help people find out how much water they’re saving and what they can do to save even more. Check it out at water.ie/calculator.
This is also a good time for people to identify any underground leaks outside their home or business. Signs of such leaks may include persistent moisture in areas of the lawn or drivewayduring dry weather. Uisce Éireann’s first fix free scheme provides for a free leak repair on private property where such a leak is identified. We would especially appreciate those who have been contacted for a free leak investigation engage with us to resolve potential leaks.
More information on water.ie. To report leaks in the public network, or for more information, the Uisce Éireann helpdesk is available 24/7 at 1800 278 278.
Amnesty International Wexford Group is organising a ‘Picnic Against Apartheid’ fundraiser next Sunday, July 13th in Redmond Park, Wexford town, from 2pm to 5.30pm.
It is a FREE, family friendly event which will feature guest speakers, and musicians playing throughout the day.
The aim is to highlight the apartheid system that Palestinians have been forced to endure for 76 years. Their torment has only been exasperated by Israel’s genocide. “This is genocide. Say it loudly. Say it clearly”, said Stephen Bowen, Director, Amnesty Ireland.
Founded in the 1990s, Amnesty International Wexford Group is one of eight Amnesty groups around Ireland contributing to that organisation’s tireless work in defending human rights all over the world.
Today, the Wexford group is very active in opposing the ongoing genocide in Gaza and holds a weekly protest in Redmond Square every Thursday at 6.30pm. All are welcome to attend and show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Courtown featured in an RTE News package during the week where the emphasis was on coastal erosion, climate change and the effectiveness, or not, of the rock armour development and a focus where the sea has gone beyond rock armour.
I am regularly in Courtown and support the locals who need to rejuvenate a seaside resort that has much to offer and to get the tourists back!
However, I took a walk from the village last Thursday and I was amazed by the number of ‘No No’ signs, some of which I have published here, which does not sit friendly with the tourism trade.
Wexford County Council Beach Bye-laws have taken the fun out of visiting the beaches – not just Courtown, it is a coastal issue. It is not tourist friendly and is damaging.
Add in the suggestion raising its head lately that the owners of holiday homes should be forced to have their property occupied in the off-season to satisfy the Council and the crazy season becomes a fireworks display!
I will let the various signs speak for themselves!
Many people in Courtown are lamenting the old days when the place was packed during the summer season, the great days of theatre in the hotels and the big bands playing in the ballroom. The picnic on the beach, The fun and the freedom… all gone.
I was there the day, not very long ago, when the District Manager announced a ban on the kiddie’s train. The matter went to the District Council… end of story! It was a health and safety matter they said.
Children and teenagers used to enjoy jumping into the basin. Looking out for each other and having the time of their lives! Banned!
We all know the value of health and safety – it is paramount, but it’s governed by signage and CCTV which has limited credibility and ceases to work properly when footage is sought by the authorities. Nobody physically controlling the regulations and pandering to the greedy insurance interests.
Modern Courtown is struggling. Low footfall, a notable absence of young and old people, the family units no way near what it used to be. It is time for action from the elected members both at Oireachtas and Council level… and urgent action is needed!
However, there is some good news this week. New Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan is happy that work has commenced on the reinstatement of the damaged and closed slipway at Courtown beach.
“This work should be complete within about four days and the people of Courtown and tourists can look forward to a long hot summer of enjoyment of the beach,” Cllr Sullivan told WexfordLocal.com and rightfully added; “Thank you to Director of Services for Environment Eamonn Hore and Environmental Area Officer for Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Enda Brennan, for their input to this project and indeed the local people of Courtown whose lobbying have brought this about.”
SUZANNE NANCE is Executive Director at Wexford Festival Opera
By Dan Walsh
The board of Wexford Festival Trust has announced the appointment of Suzanne Nance as its new Executive Director. Suzanne Nance will take up the role on January 1st, 2026, following the conclusion of Loughlin Deegan’s term as Interim Executive Director in December.
Suzanne joins Wexford Festival Opera following eight years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Media Arts Network All Classical Radio based in Portland, Oregon, where she oversaw a period of unprecedented growth, with record-breaking audience expansion and a significant increase in global digital reach.
An award-winning broadcaster and highly respected arts leader, and arts ambassador, Suzanne Nance brings a distinguished track record of visionary leadership in public media, the arts, and community engagement.
Speaking about her appointment, Suzanne said “I am deeply honoured to join Wexford Festival Opera as Executive Director, especially as we prepare to celebrate 75 extraordinary years of artistic excellence in 2026. There is a distinct and enduring magic to Wexford – rooted in the warmth of its people and their profound commitment to the arts. The unwavering support of the local community, the Board, and the Arts Council has been essential to the festival’s enduring success.
“As the home of the National Opera House, Wexford holds a cherished place not only in Ireland, but on the international stage. I am thrilled to be part of this remarkable legacy and to help amplify Ireland’s rich contributions to opera and the arts”, concluded Ms. Nance.
Paul Cleary, Chairman of the Board of Wexford Festival Trust, commented; “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Suzanne Nance to Wexford Festival Opera. Suzanne is a dynamic and visionary leader whose deep passion for opera and proven track record in arts leadership make her the ideal choice to guide the company into its next chapter.
The 74th Wexford Festival Opera takes place from October 17th – November 1st.
CONOR STONE-WALSH rode a double at his local track today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Three pound claiming conditional jockey Conor Stone-Walsh from Cleariestown was the local hero at Wexford races today where he recorded a double success. And both his winning mounts were from Wexford stables.
First up was a four lengths victory on Menas Miracle (8/1) who won ‘best turned out’ in the handicap hurdle and trained at Tomhaggard by Conor’s uncle Benny Walsh. The six-year-old bay mare was bred by her owne today.r, Peter Aspell from Newbawn.
Half an hour later in the maiden hurdle, Stone-Walsh made it two on the trot aboard Stay Gold (Evens fav.) for Killena trainer Colm Murphy. The winning verdict was a neck, and the runner-up was Paul Nolan’s Coumeenoole ridden by Sean O’Keeffe.
Other placed local runners included Hatfield Hammer (Paul Nolan/Jordan Gainford), HMS Seahorse (Paul Nolan/Sean O’Keeffe) and Philip Rothwell’s Warm In Gorey (Tiernan Power-Roche) who finished six and a half lengths behind the best named winner on the day – Crowsatedappletart (7/1) from Michael Winters’ Kanturk stables in Cork in the handicap chase.
Jockey Brian Hayes had a double including success on Fine Margin (4/1) for the champion trainer Willie Mullins in the beginner’s chase. Aintree Grand National winning jockey and champion amateur Patrick Mullins was in charge in the absence of his father.
There was a big Wexford welcome for Jack Kennedy, who has broken a leg six times, and has just returned from injury and his first winner back came on Kimakiz Du Plessis (11/8 fav) for Gordon Elliott in the opening maiden hurdle.
It was a good day’s racing anchored by the GAA Cairde Loch Garman Race Day. Good crowd too, the restaurants and bars were busy, however, a biting wind took a lot of pleasure out of a July day.
Racing returns to Bettyville Park on Wednesday, July 23rd (afternoon) and Thursday, July 24th (evening); too important dates for your social and sporting diary.
Fethard RNLI assisted two kayakers in difficulty off Baginbun Beach in force five winds yesterday (Thursday) evening after onlookers on Baginbun beach had noticed the kayakers in distress and raised the alarm with the Coast Guard.
The inshore lifeboat Naomh Dubhán was requested at 5.42pm and the volunteer crew made it ready for immediate launch.
The lifeboat helmed by James Barry made its way to the scene where the crew located the casualties shortly after 6pm with shore assistance from Fethard-on-Sea Coast Guard. Visibility was good with force five winds and slight to moderate waves.
The casualties were wearing personal flotation devices and were uninjured. Some quick-thinking from the casualties to tie their kayaks together ensured they were not separated by the wind.
Having assessed the situation, a decision was made to transfer the casualties to the lifeboat and return to Baginbun Beach with the kayaks under tow to prevent a hazard to navigation. The lifeboat crew handed the casualties over to Fethard-on-Sea Coast Guard on the shore.
Speaking after the call out, Fethard RNLI Helm James Barry said: “We would like to commend the kayakers friends on shore who did the right thing by calling for help and we wish everyone well.
“Despite fine weather, offshore winds can blow kayaks away from the beach and cause difficulties for kayakers to make their way back to shore. It is important to always wear a personal flotation device and have a means of calling for help when heading out to sea. If you do see somebody in difficulty on the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
The body of a man has been recovered from the waters off Hook Head in Co Wexford.
The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre tasked the Irish Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 to the scene at around 11am on Thursday morning.
It is understood the man may have fallen into the water from a small boat.
In a statement, “The Department of Transport confirmed that Rescue 117 had recovered a person from the water and that he was transferred to the care of the HSE upon landing at Waterford Airport.”
At the launch of the Gorey Art Collective Exhibition opening in Gorey Library are (left to right); Mary Kearney, Executive Librarian, Sarah Redmond, who performed the official opening, and Sheila MacNally, Director of Gorey Art Collective. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Library
The launch of the Gorey Art Collection Exhibition 2025 took place in Gorey Library this evening and runs until August 1st.
The honour of performing the official launch went to Sarah Redmond who told the invited guests she was involved in the Collective at its inception and added; “It’s wonderful to now see it rise above initial obstacles and evolve into an inspiring, creative space.”
“I know that a big part of seeing the Gorey Art Collective grow and thrive is down to the help of the Arts Council and the Wexford Arts department project funding and inaugural artists workspace scheme and Gorey Art Collective is very grateful for this,” continued Ms. Redmond.
The exhibition features the work of five artists; Sheila MacNally, Bradan Ó Coscair, Caoirse Mitchell, Grainne Dempsey and Elaine Tobin.
Ms. Redmond said; “The current members of Gorey Art Collective each bring something uniquely their own, both in what they create and how they create it. They are showing us what can happen when many voices share one space.”
In summing up, Ms. Redmond stated; “Please take your time to appreciate and engage with all the works on display here (in Gorey Library) and do spread the word to come and see the exhibition.”
Mary Kearney, Executive Librarian, acted as master of ceremonies with a warm welcome for everybody and congratulations to the artists whose work is on display in Gorey Library.
Midsummer racing comes to Bettyville Park on Friday afternoon.
Big entry, an eight race card – four hurdles, three steeplechases and one INH Flat Race – and attendees should note the earlier start – first race is off at 1.35pm.
Watering has taken place at the track and the going is expected to be ‘Good’. There is a possibility of showers (4mm approx.) prior to racing.
Large crowd expected and a social atmposhere with exciting races.
Community and farming groups met with officials from Wexford County Council and theLocal Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) in Craanford Community Hall recently where the meeting addressed water quality on the River Slaney, with a particular focus on the River Bann.
Hosted by Wexford County Council’s Climate Action and Environment Section in partnership with LAWPRO, Teagasc and Tirlán, the event heard contributions from a range of speakers including the Friends of the Ahare River Biodiversity and Development Group and the Slaney Rivers Trust.
The discussion centred on visions, community actions and plans for local rivers and the River Slaney catchment. The event was chaired by Frank Burke, Climate Action Coordinator Wexford County Council.
Eoin Kinsella, Executive Scientist, Wexford County Council outlined the work being carried out by colleagues and emphasised the diversity of the work being done from agricultural inspections to managing litter on the Blue Flag beaches.
JOHN MURPHY, Chairperson of TÍRLÁN.
Dr. Fran Igoe of LAWPRO outlined the scientific data on water quality and focused on the Bann catchment. He said “that the glass is only half full when it comes to water quality in his home county of Wexford and we can do a lot better. “For example, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that the River Bann is a significant contributor of nitrates to the Slaney, and that combined with the other tributaries amounts to high nitrate loading to the Slaney. This needs to be addressed as EPA monitoring shows there is an excessive nitrate impact on the estuary and Wexford Harbour.
“Clean water is important for Wexford’s tourism shellfish production and maintaining the health of the River Slaney generally. Most of the River Bann is also important for salmon and trout spawning and the water quality needs improvement,” concluded Dr. Igoe.
David Rafter, Community Water Officer commended the great work being done by community groups in Wexford and encouraged those interested in getting involved and accessing funding to get in touch with LAWPRO.
Neilus Noonan presented on work Teagasc are doing in Wexford and detailed his appointment to the Better Farming for Water initiative with a focus on the River Slaney. He outlined farmer uptake of the catch crop measure under the Farming for WaterEIP in Co. Wexford. He said the “more catch crops sown on tillage land the better for water quality in the River Slaney as it’s all about the right measure in the right place”
John Murphy, Chairperson Tirlán spoke about their commitment as a dairy processor to improving water quality in the area with their Slaney Farming for Water Project, which aims to encourage farmers to install measures on their farms funded through the Farming for WaterEIP and Tiran’s own suitability programme. He said “It’s not about finger pointing but it is about everybody working together”.
CATHY LEE of Friends of the Ahare River Biodiversity and Development Group and DR. FR FRAN IGOE of LAWPRO contributed to the meeting. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com).
Cathy Lee of the Friends of the Ahare River Biodiversity and Development Group, which was formed in 2019, showed examples of their water awareness raising activities, including biodiversity signage along the river, school visits to the river and family fun days at the Clone beach. Their ambition for the future is to create additional habitats along the river.
Ross Finlay project officer with the Slaney Rivers Trust spoke about their objective to improve salmon stocks in the Slaney and their plans for broadening community engagement.
Clohamon Weir has been a specific challenge and there are also other weirs impacting on fish passage on the Slaney. They are working with Inland Fisheries Ireland on the new barrier removal programme.
HISTORY OF RIVER BANN. Rises in the southern slopes of Croghan Mountain in north Wexford on the Wicklow border. It flows south and is joined by the Blackwater Stream near the village of Hollyfort, veering southwest it passes under the R725, then continuing southwestwards it flows beneath the N11 national primary route at Camolin. It is crossed by the Dublin-Rosslare railway four times, flows past Ferns, and joins the River Slaney at Scarawalsh, north of Enniscorthy. Distance 42 kilometres.
WexfordLocal.com 