Water restrictions at Taylorstown Plant

By Dan Walsh

Because of Storm Éowyn, overnight water restrictions are necessary for some Uisce Éireann customers supplied by the Taylorstown Water Treatment Plant to maintain a daytime supply for customers. 

Impacted areas may experience water outages or low pressure including: Fethard, Saltmills, Hook, Arthurstown, Duncannon, Ramsgrange and surrounding areas. 

Supply restrictions will be in place on parts of the South Regional Scheme for the coming days from 9pm until 8am to allow local reservoir levels recharge. 

FIONNUALA CALLERY… Uisce Éireann (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Fionnuala Callery of Uisce Éireann told WexfordLocal.com last night; “We understand the inconvenience that restrictions cause, but they are necessary if we are to ensure we have a daytime supply for all our customers. We will be assessing the situation daily and an update will be provided in the coming days.

“The majority of customers should have adequate storage in their attic tanks to provide for essential uses such as flushing toilets for the duration of this restriction. However, customers can help conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and postponing using dishwashers and washing machines where possible.

Ms Callery added; “Following return of supply, it typically takes two to three hours for normal supply to fully be restored to all areas as the water refills the network, especially for those on higher ground or at the end of the network. 

The Uisce Éireann customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries. For updates please visit the Water Supply Updates section of water.ie  

Winning streak for Donnchadh Doyle

By Dan Walsh

Seven days after a treble at Ballycrystal Donnchadh Doyle’s winning form continued today (Sunday) at Cragmore, Co. Limerick, where he saddled Klondike, on his second outing, to a two and a half lengths success in the maiden race for five-year-old geldings.

Ridden by Rob James, Klondike who is heading for the sales ring beat another Wexford entry, Denis Murphy’s Apache Tribe ridden by Jack Hendrick who was making a welcome return to point-to-point action following an injury.

DONNCHADH DOYLE

This success left the Ballindaggin handler in his 15th season just one short of his 300th career winner!

Barry O’Neill also rode a winner today. He was aboard Glenmalure Lady for Ashbourne, Co. Meath, handler Claire O’Connell, and enjoyed a two and a half lengths victory in the maiden race for six-year-old mares.

The fixture planned for Dungarvan yesterday (Saturday) was postponed because of severe weather conditions and has been rescheduled for next Saturday, February 1st.

The Wexford Hunt point-to-point races take place at Ballinaboola, New Ross, next Sunday. First race at 1pm. The fixture is important as it features the first four-year-old maiden race of 2025. The organisers would love to welcome a large attendance.

Successful Gorey writer Sadie Harpur

Gorey author SADIE HARPUR with her first book The Hidden World of a Foster-Girl in Gorey Library. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

It was a pleasure to meet successful author Sadie Harpur in Gorey Library recently months after she launched her first book ‘The Hidden World of a Foster-Girl’ there, a fascinating work which explores her childhood in foster care, the challenges involved with having a learning disability and losing her brother Gary.

A full-time mum and working as a Special needs assistant (SNA) at Gorey Educate Together while writing her book meant that Sadie wrote whenever she could find the time.

Now living at Newborough, in Gorey, took four years to write the book (co-authored with Jackie Hayden of Killinick) which is biographical and a memoir revisiting and immersing herself in her tumultuous childhood.

“I was very withdrawn as a child and didn’t talk much. I was quite wary of my foster parents. At first our foster parents had to feed me under a tea towel for a while before I got used to being around people,” said Sadie.

Sadie lived in many homes in Dublin throughout her childhood. While her mother was pregnant with Sadie, she was unaware that she was carrying twins. Sadie’s mother went into labour three months premature, and at the time she was unaware that she was pregnant with twins.

Sadie arrived accompanied by Kizzy. Soon after, Sadie was able to leave the hospital with her parents, but Kizzy remained in hospital for months due to having heart problems. During those first nine months of their lives, Sadie moved back and forth between her parents’ home, foster care and the nuns. They were eventually reunited when they went to live with their foster parents, and they remain very close to this day.

Sadie Harpur and Jackie Hayden were guest speakers at an event in the Mansion House, Dublin, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, who praised Sadie’s honesty in outlining the details of her life in foster care.

The Hidden World of a Foster-Girl by Sadie Harpur (with Jackie Hayden), paperback, ISBN 9781399970112, is available to buy at Bridge Street books, Wicklow town, Hampton’s bookshop, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. And in local bookshops in Maynooth, Wexford town, Gorey, Enniscorthy and Rosslare. You can buy it online at https://booksupstairs.ie/product/the-hidden-world-of-a-foster-girl/https://bridgestreetbooks.ie/product/the-hidden-world-of-a-foster-girl/

Environment is being destroyed

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District meeting

Fly tipping and illegal indiscriminate dumping of household rubbish was raised again at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in Gorey Civic Centre. Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach, presided.

Cllr Mary Farrell raised the matter of fly tipping in her district of Kilmuckridge claiming that “the environment is being destroyed” and she deplored the pressure on the clean-up crews and Council time that could be used more productively.

Cllr Farrell said people are afraid to report incidents. “People are fearful,” she stated.

CLLR MARY FARRELL

Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said he lives only two miles from Enniscorthy and told fellow members of “nice tied black bags of rubbish left at gateways every weekend and they brazenly believe nobody will ever catch them.”

Cllr Kavanagh spoke of Sunday mornings and the huge amount of ‘chip van stuff’ and bear cans’ thrown from car windows is appalling. Cllr Kavanagh added that he never saw as much rubbish on the roadside, but he wondered was the problem more noticeable in wintertime when the ditch growth is stripped back.

Enda Brennan, Executive Engineer with responsibility for the Environment addressed members questions about reporting incidents in confidence, not being identified, and especially being brought to court to identify perpetrators!

Mr Brennan stated that it is possible to remain anonymous and that “finding a receipt or other written evidence in the waste” should be sufficient bring about a conviction.

County Wexford Business Awards launch

Announcing the launch of the County Wexford Business Awards are (l-r): Danny Gardiner, Managing Director, Gardiner Grain; Kevin Gardiner, Manager, Gardiner Grain; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; Conor Robinson, President, County Wexford Chamber; Linda Cleary, Accounts Manager, Gardiner Grain; and Stephen Gardiner, Sales Director, Gardiner Grain. Gardiner Grain won the Family Business of the Year Award and the Overall Business of the Year Award in 2024.

By Dan Walsh

County Wexford Chamber has announced the launch of the County Wexford Business Awards 2025.

The annual County Wexford Business Awards have earned a well-deserved reputation for being both prestigious and highly successful.

With 18 award categories open for nominations, there is an opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors to showcase the excellence of their service and entrepreneurship.

County Wexford Chamber CEO Paula Roche said told WexfordLocal.com; “These awards play a crucial role in promoting business in County Wexford by highlighting the incredible achievements of our local enterprises. They not only recognise success but also inspire innovation and growth within our community.”

This year, the Chamber is anticipating a record number of entries, ensuring finalists receive enhanced visibility across various print and digital platforms.

“Being shortlisted or winning a business award is more than just a recognition – it’s a powerful opportunity for your business,” said Ms Roche. “It sets your business apart from competitors and serves as a seal of quality for potential customers. In addition, your success contributes to a positive image of County Wexford, promoting inward investment and enhancing the local business environment.”

The closing date for entries is Friday, February 14th, and the highly anticipated gala awards ceremony will take place on Friday, May 23rd at Whites of Wexford Hotel.

Please submit your application form on www.wexfordbusinessawards.ie

For more information, contact County Wexford Chamber at 053 91 22226.

James Browne is new Minister for Housing

By Dan Walsh

Enniscorthy-based TD, James Browne is the new Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The news is widely welcomed in the Wexford constituency and although the portfolio is one of the most challenging facing the new government, there is confidence in the new minister to make a significant impact.  

The announcement was made today by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the first day of the 34th Dáil in Leinster House.

MINISTER FOR HOUSING JAMES BROWNE TD (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

In a post on social media tonight, Minister Browne said; “It is a massive honour to be appointed Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. There is no greater challenge in this country than housing and the need to increase supply for all our people. I will work night and day to do just that.”

A barrister by profession, Browne comes from a family of Fianna Fáil politicians. He is the only son of former TD John Browne and his grand-uncle Seán Browne was also a TD.

Minister Browne served on Enniscorthy Town Council from 2009 to 2014 and was a member of Wexford County Council from 2014-2016

He was selected to replace his father John, who was retiring from politics, as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Wexford constituency and was elected to Dáil Éireann having received 13.7% of the vote in 2016.

In 2020, he was elected by the Coalition government led by Micheál Martin as Minister of State at the Department of Justice with responsibility for Law Reform.

He was assigned additional responsibility for civil justice and immigration from April to October 2021 during the maternity leave of Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee.

Minister Browne was returned to the Dáil in November 2024 General Election.

No access to Rosslare Europort tomorrow

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, advises customers: Rosslare Europort will have no access for customers and the general public from 00:00hrs to 11:00hrs on Friday, 24th January. or later should Status Red warnings for Wexford be further extended.

The last scheduled vessel will arrive at 18:45hrs today, Thursday 23rd and hauliers will have until 23:30hrs to collect trailers.

Access for hauliers and customers will resume 11:00hrs Friday 24th January 2025, (or later should Status Red warnings for Wexford be further extended).

The first scheduled sailing departing at 20:45 on Friday 24th January 2025.

Hauliers and passengers should expect cancellations and delays to ferry services over the next 24 hours.

Please do not arrive to the port unless your schedule sailing is confirmed.

For the latest updates on sailing schedules and cancellations please contact your ferry operator directly.

No rail services during Status Red Warnings

By Dan Walsh

Due to Storm Éowyn there will be no rail services anywhere on Iarnród Éireann network tomorrow (Friday) morning and for the duration of the Status Red warnings and disruption is expected afterwards.

Rosslare Europort will be closed from midnight until end of Status Red Warning.

Service information will be updated on web and social media throughout day

On Friday 24th January, Iarnród Éireann rail services and the operation of Rosslare Europort are expected to be severely disrupted – including cancellation of many services – because of the Status Red Warning issued by Met Éireann relating to Storm Éowyn.

Iarnród Éireann Intercity, DART and Commuter services, will not be operating tomorrow morning, and while the Status Red Warning is in place.

Rail customers should note that the times of the Status Red Warning from Met Éireann may change further, which will impact on services if so.

Services in the hours before and after the Red Warning takes effect are also likely to be severely impacted.

Iarnród Éireann crews will be assessing rail lines after the Status Red Warning clears to ensure it is safe to operate, and significant disruption is therefore likely after the Red Warning passes, with fallen trees and other debris likely to be extensive on rail lines. Services will only resume on each route when it is deemed safe to do so for customers and staff alike.

Iarnród Éireann is urging customers not to undertake any travel without checking that services are operational. The Iarnród Éireann website www.irishrail.ie and its twitter account @irishrail will be updated throughout the day.

Gorey to stump up a public sculpture?

CLLR NICKY BOLAND wants to turn this tree stump into a piece of public art on Gorey’s Main Street. What do you think? (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Gorey Civic Centre

Cllr Nicky Boland raised concerns about tourism promotion for Gorey and North Wexford following the recent closure of the visitor centre or tourist office on Gorey’s Main Street at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council held in Gorey Civic Centre. Cllr Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach, presided.

Cllr Boland recalled the recent closure of the visitor centre which he claimed was important to Gorey as a tourist town, it also facilitated local artists and exhibitions, he wanted to know if there was anyway tourist information could be facilitated and he even suggested possibly via an electronic billboard?

Cllr Boland also told the meeting about the remaining stump of a healthy tree that was demolished by a passing truck, opposite Malocca’s Fast Food outlet on the Main Street and he wondered if it could be converted into a public sculpture?

In reply, Philip Knight, District Manager said the Tourist Office was under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce who took a decision to close it. “It has nothing to do with Wexford County Council,” he said.

Mr Knight confirmed that Wexford County Council took a short-term let and facilitated a small grant to run the tourist office. He said that tourist promotion was online via websites such as VisitWexford and LoveGorey and the Council is pro-active in promotion. He felt that having a tourist office was not sustainable.

Regards Cllr Boland’s suggestion of turning the stump into a piece of public art, Mr Knight said they would talk to a wood sculptor, examine the suitability of the wood for the suggested purpose, and take the matter from the there.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com afterwards, Cllr Boland said; “The members and the officials were warm to my idea about the public sculpture. I thought it might be something different for Gorey, so we’ll see how that goes. And if any members of the public have any ideas on the proposal, or suggesting a name etc, I would love to hear from them,” concluded Cllr Boland.

Zero tolerance to disposal of rubbish

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council

A call for ‘zero tolerance to how we are disposing of our rubbish’ was supported by Cllr John O’Rourke at last Tuesday’s monthly meeting held in the Presentation Centre, Enniscorthy. Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne was in the chair.

CLLR JOHN O’ROURKE (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr O’Rourke was critical of the charitable centre dropping off clothes at the back of old Dunnes Stores in the town centre. “The bins were overflowing, and it was absolutely scandalous,” said Cllr O’Rourke about around Christmas time, and he asked that better effort be done. “Charities need to get their finger out.”

The debate moved onto dog fouling. The situation is getting worse. Cllr O’Rourke noted that members of the community were taking their dogs over a fence and walking them on the new Astro Pitch, not yet opened! “It’s like Crufts (laughter) where they are showing off their love of dogs.”

There were complaints about Andy Doyle Close, Millbrook and Urrin Valley estates. Again, the call was repeated for ‘zero tolerance’ towards those “who have no respect for the community.”

CLLR BARBARA-ANNE MURPHY (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr Pat Kehoe said the Astro Pitch was fenced off, this was trespassing and a Garda issue. District Manager Claire Lawless said the Gardaí were informed, but people were still getting in.

“They throw the dog over the fence. It is frightening,” added Cllr Browne.

Cllr Barbara-Anne raised the matter of fly tipping and dumping. She asked when the CCTV cameras were coming to Bunclody, said dumping on the N80 was “a disgrace” and she claimed, “the people in the vans are on the rounds again.”

She spoke of rubbish on the roadside, in the corner of land and under bridges where petrol is being used to set it on fire! Cllr Murphy recalled the results of a recent survey and called for “zero tolerance as to how we are disposing of our rubbish.”