New Mayor of Wexford Cllr Garry Laffan pictured with members of his family and James Browne T.D., Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, at the annual general meeting of Wexford Borough District in Council Chamber on Monday evening.
By Dan Walsh
Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Garry Laffan is the new Mayor of Wexford replacing Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh at the annual general meeting held in the County Chamber on Monday. The position of Deputy Mayor goes to Cllr Raymond Shannon.
It is Cllr Laffan’s second occasion to wear the Mayoral robes, and he was a popular choice and warmly congratulated by fellow members and officials. He was Mayor of Wexford for the first time in 2021.
First elected to Wexford Borough Council and Wexford County Council in 2019, Cllr Laffan was a member of Wexford’s All-Ireland hurling champions team of 1996. He has been described as “the only rural voice” on the Borough Council!
Mayor Laffan said: “I am privileged and honoured to have been elected by my peers and colleagues from Wexford Borough District Council. I’d like to congratulate Cllr Catherine Walsh on her successful term as Mayor and Cllr Raymond Shannon on being elected Deputy Mayor for the coming term. I look forward to working with all communities throughout Wexford District and beyond and representing the Office of Mayor to the best of my ability.”
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Raymond Shannon said; “I was so honoured and privileged to be selected by my fellow councillors as Deputy Mayor of Wexford. A roll I will do with all my heart and passion with all the love I have Wexford.
“I look forward to working with the new Mayor Cllr Garry Laffan and wish him the very best for the year ahead, added Cllr Shannon.
In a statement issued by Iarnród Éireann today it announced that Rosslare Europort regrets the decision of Stena Line to withdraw from the Rosslare Europort to Cherbourg route from later this year. “Stena Line has been and remains a valued partner of Rosslare Europort on both European and UK routes, and port management look forward to continuing the partnership with them on the Cherbourg route over its remaining months, and on an ongoing basis on the Rosslare to Fishguard route.
“We welcome the upgrading of Fishguard port infrastructure to support and develop that service further. Rosslare Europort continues to see record demand and volumes overall, up 14% in freight volume and up 10% in passenger numbers in 2025 year to date, over a previous record year in 2024. Frequency of direct European sailings have increased from six weekly pre-Brexit to up to 36 weekly today, with a range of operators and partner ports offering choice and flexibility to port customers. Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann – Port Authority for Rosslare Europort told WexfordLocal.com that “While we are sorry to see Stena Line withdraw from the Rosslare Europort to Cherbourg route, we understand its decision relates to its own strategic priorities to focus on Irish Sea routes. We have already received queries and will immediately engage with other operators to ensure our record European frequency of up to 36 sailings per week is maintained, and we are confident we will continue to offer frequency and choice to trade and tourism customers alike. “With ongoing investment under the port Masterplan and, with the OPW in the T7 Border Control Point facilities, our focus remains on expanding and improving services and facilities through Ireland’s Gateway to Europe,” said Mr. Carr, who added; “In addition, we will soon be submitting a planning application for the onshore hub facilities to support Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy developments in the Celtic and Irish Seas.”
Prizewinners from Junior and senior infants pictured at the Wexford County Council Annual Artwork Competition 2025 in the Wexford County Council Buildings on Thursday evening. (l to r)- Tess Devereux (Piercestown NS), Julia Whelan (Ballyduff NS), Tuiren Doyle (Ballyduff NS), Don Conroy (Guest speaker), Saraid Holmes (St Kevin’s NS, Tara Hill), Leas Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council Cllr Ger Carthy, Ava Andrew (St Leonards NS, Ballycullane), Eva Flynn (Rathnure NS), Cliona Connolly (Environment Education Officer, Wexford County Council), Cian McHale (Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns), Ava Cleary Gusserane NS), Amy O’Keeffe (St Leonards NS, Ballycullane), Elena Caffery (Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater). (Pic: Jim Campbell).
By Dan Walsh
Young artists from schools all around County Wexford received their awards for the Wexford County Council Annual Artwork Competition 2025 in County Hall last Thursday.
The artwork competition is an initiative run by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council in conjunction with Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club.
The theme of this year’s competition was“Bumblebees, Solitary Bees and Honeybee – Nature’s Pollinators.”
Cllr Ger Carthy, Leas -Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, presented prizes to 40 school children representing both primary and secondary schools.
Cllr Carthy stated “that the aim of the competition was to raise awareness of the importance of Wexford’s environment and to encourage all to explore its uniqueness as something to be valued and cherished. Wexford County Council is preparing a new Local Biodiversity Action Plan, supported by the Heritage Council.
Cllr Carthy thanked Don Conroy for providing the colouring sheet and judging the artwork competition. He also thanked Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club for supporting the competition and sponsoring birdboxes. He also praised the young artists present and encouraged them to maintain a healthy respect for the environment as part of their lives.
The overall winner from Primary Schools was Alice Buki Nemeth, Glynn National School and the overall winner from Secondary Schools was Leon Carthy of Selskar College Wexford. The winning artwork was displayed in County Hall.
Full List of Artwork Winners were Junior Infants; 1st, Ava Andrew St Leonards National School, Ballycullane; 2nd, Tuiren Doyle Ballyduff National School; 3rd, Julia Whelan Ballyduff National School. Highly Commended; Sariad Holmes St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill and Tess Devereux Piercestown National School.
Senior Infants. 1st, Elena Caffery Scoil Naomh Bríde; 2nd, Amy O’Keeffe St Leonards National School, Ballycullane; 3rd, Ava Cleary Gusserane National School. Highly Commended Eva Flynn Rathnure National School and Cian McHale Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns.
First and Second Class; 1st, Kallum Hennessy Greene Kilmore National School; Joint 2nd, James Kahwati Glynn National School and Arthur James Danescastle National School; Joint 3rd, Saoirse Egan Gusserane National School and Shayna Walsh Glynn National School. Highly Commended Ailbhe Rose D’Arcy Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown.
Third and Fourth Class; 1st, Ella Roche Kilmore National School; 2nd, Faye Bernadette Murphy Kilmore National School; Joint 3rd; Ella Tobin Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown and Hanna Doyle Ballyduff National School. Dillon O’Neill, St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill. Highly Commended Liliwen Davies Danescastle National School.
Fifth and Sixth Class; 1st, Hanna Violet Walsh Kennedy Park National School; Joint 2nd, Rachael Gahan Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns andCathal Bowe Ballyduff National School; 3rd, Addison O’Leary Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater. Highly Commended Mila Barry Mythen Kilmore National School and Diana Ilnytska St Kevins National School Tara Hill.
First to Third Year; 1st, Conan Kelly St Peters College, Wexford; 2nd, Shara Alcock Selskar College, Wexford; Joint 3rd, Krisztina Barta Selskar College, Wexford, and Lucy Salisbury Kennedy College, New Ross. Highly Commended Logan Murray St Peters College, Wexford.
Fourth to Sixth Year; 1st, James Furlong St Peters College, Wexford; Joint 2nd; Niamh O’Connor Kennedy College, New Ross and Cormac Deane St Peters College, Wexford; 3rd, Darragh Sherlock St Peters College, Wexford. Highly Commended Luke Burke Kennedy College, New Ross.
Overall Winner Primary School; Alice Buki Nemeth Glynn National School. Overall Winner Secondary School Leon Carthy Selskar College.
Snap Into Action Primary School Winners; 1st, Danescastle National School; Runners-up; Ballyoughter National School and Kilmyshall National School.
New Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Council CLLR GER CARTHY with his family, wife ANNE-MARIE, and their children, Daniel, Michael and Erin at the annual general meeting in Council Chamber, Wexford, today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at the Rosslare Municipal District annual general meeting
Long serving elected representative Cllr Ger Carthy is the new Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District and outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Jim Codd handed over the chains of office with a handshake and words of good wishes at the annual general meeting held in the Council Chamber, Wexford, this afternoon.
Cllr Carthy’s nomination was proposed by Cllr Lisa McDonald who referenced his experience, his ability to get things done and as a reward for all the work he has done for the district. Cllr Frank Staples seconded and described Cllr Carthy as “most capable” and “always has delivered.”
Cllr Carthy said it was a great honour for him and his family and thanked his mother, Anne, wife Anne-Marie and children, Daniel, Michael and Erin, Cllrs McDonald and Staples, District Manager Noreen Cummins, and his team of supporters.
Between Cllr Ger and his late father, Cllr Leo Carthy (first elected in June 1960) the Carthy name has been acting as “a very strong voice for our community” for 62 years and Cllr Carthy promises to continue to work with community groups and delivery of strategic plans for the district.
This is Cllr Carthy’s second term in the Chair at Rosslare Municipal District. He previously served in the year the district was established in 2019. He was also Mayor of Wexford in 2016, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council in 2019 and was Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council for the past two years.
The position of Leas-Cathaoirleach goes to Cllr Lisa McDonald, proposed by Cllr Staples and seconded by Cllr Codd.
Warm tributes were also paid to outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Codd, who said it was a great honour to serve as Cathaoirleach of the District and described the experience as “the highlight of my career so far.”
Cllr Codd paid tribute to District Manager Noreen Cummins, management and colleagues, staff at Wexford County Council, especially the road staff and the homeless staff – the Press, Simon Bourke, Dan Walsh and Alan Corcoran – and wished Cllrs Carthy and McDonald well in the year ahead.
There were also tributes from Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe, Lynda Leacy, (Clinical Director), Noreen Cummins (District Manager) and Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien, who attended the meeting remotely.
A female pedestrian in her 60s is in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, having been seriously injured when hit by a truck on Main Street, Gorey, this morning.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the collision at around 10.45am.
The street was closed for a time but has since reopened.
Rosemary Hartigan retiring from Wexford Arts Centre Board after nine years service with Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director, and new Board member Brendan Howlin at Wexford Arts Centre.
By Dan Walsh
Long serving Teachta Dáil member, former Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, Brendan Howlin has been appointed Chair of the Wexford Arts Centre Board.
Mr Howlin replaces Rosemary Hartigan who has retired from the Board of Wexford Arts Centre after nine years’ service.
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Hartigan has been a supportive presence—working collaboratively with Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director, staff, fellow board members, artists, and community stakeholders to help guide the centre through an exciting and transformative decade including thecelebration of Wexford Arts Centre’s 50th anniversary as the oldest regional arts centre in Ireland. In her final address to the Board, Ms. Hartigan acknowledged the valuable contributions of past and present board members, the dedicated staff team, artists, volunteers, funders, and wider community partners who have worked alongside her and the Centre over the years to ensure its success and resilience. The Board and Executive Director thanked Ms. Hartigan for her dedication and passion for guiding Wexford Arts Centre on a sustainable path during her tenure on the board.
Wexford Arts Centre is delighted to welcome Brendan Howlin as the newly appointed Chair of the Board. A proud Wexford native and lifelong supporter of the arts, the former Minister brings with him a distinguished record of public service, having served as a government minister across several portfolios.
His deep appreciation for culture and belief, promote participation, and nurture artistic excellence throughout Wexford and the wider Southeast region.in the transformative power of the arts will be a guiding force with his wealth of experience in governance and public policy, and his strong local ties, Brendan’s leadership will support the Centre’s ongoing
Pictured at the Enniscorthy International Forum are (left to right), Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chief Executive, James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, Cllr Aidan Browne and Michael Bennett.
The Enniscorthy International Forum (EIF) hosted its annual summit in Enniscorthy recently. The theme of the summit, Bridges to a Sustainable Future: Innovation as a Critical Imperative in Troubled Times, reflected the contributions needed from buildings, the built environment, and energy to deliveron the challenges of sustainability and climate change.
“The primary theme of the summit reflects that there are many bridges that must be crossed” noted Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chief Executive of Enniscorthy International Forum, “if the world is to attain sustainability. We must address education, policy, industry culture, dissemination/deployment, and coherence with the natural environment.
“As noted by participants, the path to net zero runs straight through our homes and neighbourhoods. Today was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when ambition and delivery go hand in hand,” said Cllr Murphy who is the newly elected Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
Notable speakers and participants included James Browne TD, Housing Minister of Ireland, Tatiana Molcean, United Nations Under-Secretary General, Andrew McAllister, Commissioner, California Energy Commission, Ruth Zugman do Coutto, Dep, Director Climate Change Division, UN Environment Programme, Michael McGrath, EU Commissioner, Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law, & Consumer Protection, Darcie Houck, Commissioner, California Public Utilities Commission and James Gannon, Chairperson at Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Minister James Browne noted that buildings account for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so decarbonising the built environment is one of the most urgent and impactful climate challenges we face.
“Ireland aims to build 300,000 new homes by 2030 and the government is pulling every lever to meet this bold target. All new homes will aim for zero emissions and an A energy rating, cutting emissions and energy use from day one.
“Building energy-efficient, low-carbon homes isn’t just about climate action; it cuts bills, improves health, and helps eliminate fuel poverty, with technologies like heat pumps and solar panels becoming standard,” concluded Minister Browne.
The 2025 Buildings Action Coalition summit explored the need to be comprehensive in the approach to buildings and the built environment, observed that fixing the built environment in a small corner of the world is insufficient, that we need to have global impact, and recognised that we are 40 years late in addressing the issues of climate and sustainability – it is necessary to do everything everywhere all at once.
Enniscorthy International Forum, located in County Wexford was established to support the United Nations’ sustainable development agenda, focusing on Buildings and the Built Environment, Energy, Diplomacy, Health, and Education.
Pictured at the Ballyhogue Community Hub public information event; (left to right), Bill Walsh, Ballyhogue Development Group, Cllr Trish Byrne, John V. Carr, Secretary, Ballyhogue Development Group and Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager. (Pic; Wexford Local.com)
Dan Walsh at Ballyhogue
Plans to convert the former Post Office in Ballyhogue village into a multi-purpose facility that will offer a wide range of facilities and services for all ages was unveiled at a Public Information event held in Ballyhogue National School today.
Wexford County Council successfully secured the old vacant Past Office/Shop for the community and a Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2025 seeking €300,000 grant for ‘Ballyhogue Stores’ and the former Ballyhogue Post Office has already been submitted to the Department of Rural & Community Development.
John V. Carr, Secretary of Ballyhogue Development Group told WexfordLocal.com today about the purpose of the Information Event; “We’d like to hear the community’s views on hat is needed in the proposed Community Hub and people’s vision for the future.”
Potential activities within the Community Hub include preschool and early learning, mother and toddler groups, youth groups, men’s and women’s support groups, meeting rooms and enterprise hubs, and with possible phased development depending on costs; school use and adult classes, community café and shop and community garden.
Cllr Trish Byrne, who is a member of the Board of Ballyhogue National School was present at the information event and promised her full support in co-operation with Senator Cathal Byrne. Claire Lawless, Enniscorthy District Manager was also present and supportive of the proposals.
There was curious interest from the community at the two-hour information event, plenty of detailed information was available and the need for local and national support, grants and the challenge of fundraising were brought to public attention.
Ballyhogue Development Group was set up six years ago by local residents with a mission “to protect, preserve, and grow Ballyhogue for future generations.”
BALLAGHKEENE NATIONAL SCHOOL on the R744. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District monthly meeting
Ballaghkeene, or The Ballagh as it is commonly known, is to benefit from a €200,000 investment under the Active Travel Routes to School scheme following approval at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council.
As part of the works Wexford County Council proposes to undertake “construction of new footpaths and pedestrian crossings on the R744 in Ballaghkeene village” with “pedestrian crossings, traffic calming to reduce speed through the village, public lighting, place making, including landscaping and street furniture, in front of Ballaghakeene National School and extending to the village centre”.
Cllr Oliver Walsh said the scheme had been met with some reservations by those in the haulage business with one local trader particularly concerned about the proposed narrowing on the regional R774 which passes through the village.
Cllr Walsh believes that the works would improve traffic management in the area and make life safer for all road users.
There was support from Cllr Mary Farrell who said the safe routes to school project is now ready to commence and will benefit Ballaghkeene for years to come.
Cllr Joe Sullivan was also supportive. “Children are the greatest asset of the state and getting them to and from school safely is a priority,” he added.
There had been 24 submissions made to the council regarding the impact of the works and concerns raised by residents and the hauliers.
Cllr Pip Breen said those who had objected to the scheme were “on board now” and recommended that the project be approved.
The Council fully backed the proposal and both Cllr Breen and Cllr Donal Kenny acknowledged the support of Active Travel.
Having fun at Gorey Market House Festival. (Pic; Louise Sarah Photography).
By Dan Walsh
Gorey is preparing for exciting summer celebrations as plans are announced for the Gorey Market House Festival 2025 which takes place Friday to Sunday, July 18th-20th, promising three unforgettable days of live music, arts and family fun.
The festival promises an electric mix of local talent and headline acts, family friendlyevents, a street market plus the return of the annual Making Music Busking Competition – all set against the vibrant, welcoming backdrop of Gorey’s bustling town centre.
Philip Knight, Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Manager said; “We’re incredibly excited to see the Gorey Market House Festival return this July. It’s a wonderful celebration of local music, culture and community spirit, right here in the heart of Gorey.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the festival committee and volunteers for their tremendous dedication and hard work putting together such a fantastic programme again this year. Events like this are what make Gorey such a vibrant and welcoming place to live and visit,” concluded Mr Knight.
Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Donal Kenny said; “The Gorey Market House Festival is a real highlight of the summer for families and visitors alike. It brings people together; supports local businesses and showcases the wonderful talent we have in North Wexford. I’m very proud, as Chair of the Municipal District, to support this fantastic event and I commend the committee for their tireless efforts to make it bigger and better every year.”
Visitors can expect a packed schedule of entertainment and events, including free live music on the Main Street Friday, Saturday and Sunday with artists including The Swift Show (Taylor Swift Tribute), Live Forever (Oasis Tribute), Fairytale of The Pogues (Pogues Tribute), Dabilla, The Mafia Cats, Fusion and Josh Quinn to name a few!
The Gorey Market House Festival is all about the community and the organisers are delighted to announce the return of The Family Fun Day in Gorey Town Park on Saturday from 12pm,
A Street Market on Gorey Main Street on Sunday from 10am, The Superhero Fun Run in Gorey Town Park on Sunday from 10am and the Annual Making Music Busking Competition on Saturday, July 19th (forms available from Making Music and Loch Garman Arms).
For more information on the festival, please visit LoveGorey.ie, Gorey Market House Festival on Facebook or Instagram, www.markethousefestival.com or email gorey@wexfordcoco.ie
WexfordLocal.com 