The Boil Water Notice on the Ferns Public Water Supply has been lifted with immediate effect.
Uisce Éireann can confirm that, following consultation with the Health Service Executive, customers can now resume normal use of the public water supply.
The notice was issued on January 5th to protect the health of approximately 1,723 customers following elevated turbidity which affected treatment at Ferns Water Treatment Plant.
Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann worked to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible. Following satisfactory water sampling results, the notice has now been lifted.
FERNS (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Uisce Éireann’s Fionnuala Callery acknowledged the impact of a Boil Water Notice on customers and thanked the community for their support while the notice was in place.
“Uisce Éireann’s primary focus remains the protection of public health and we worked with our stakeholders to lift the notice as quickly as possible. We are grateful to customers, elected representatives, and the media for their assistance in sharing information on the Boil Water Notice,” Ms. Callery told WexfordLocal.com this evening.
Wexford County Council’s 2024 Christmas Decoration Competition winners were announced at a special ceremony in County Hall, Wexford, recently, where Cathaoirleach of Wexford Country Council, Cllr Pip Breen was on hand to present the awards and congratulate the many prize-winners.
Cllr Breen said; “The Christmas Decoration Competition for schools has been an annual tradition in Wexford since 2004. Each year the decorations get more innovative and creative and show how items that normally end up as waste can be given new life through reuse.
“Those who have participated in this competition have shown us all how to reduce waste by making unusual Christmas decorations from everyday household waste materials. Reusing our items is a positive climate action that we can all do simply. The decorations displayed today show great imagination and are an inspiration to us all.”
The overall primary school winner was created by Harry Siggins, St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill. Harry made the winning decoration entitled ‘Christmas Wreath’ by simply using cardboard, used coffee pods and lids. Harry is seen here with Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council and Cliona Connolly, Environment Awareness Officer, Wexford County Council.
Hundreds of children around the county participated in the competition which was open to all primary and secondary school children. Cliona Connolly, Environment Education Officer with Wexford County Council stated that “the aim of the competition is to encourage children to make creative Christmas decorations with waste materials, fostering the ethos of reuse wherever possible.
“Schools around the county were invited to make a Christmas decoration out of waste materials. Numerous schools throughout Wexford participated in the competition and one entry per category from each school was put forward to the County Final. Among this years’ submissions were angels, cribs, wreaths, tree decorations, Christmas village scenes and Christmas trees”, concluded Ms. Connolly.
All 188 decorations received were displayed in County Hall and received great praise. The People’s Choice award proved to be a great success again this year where members of the public voted for their favourite decoration on display. Jaxson Redmond, Screen National School, secured this award with his decoration ‘The Candy Shop’.
A group category proved to be a huge success again this year as it encourages children to work together to make amazing decorations from as young as junior infants.
The overall primary school winner was created by Harry Siggins, St Kevin’s National School, Tara Hill. Harry made the winning decoration entitled ‘Christmas Wreath’ by simply using cardboard, used coffee pods and lids.
The Overall Runner-up was an entry entitled ‘Gonk’ by Eli Atkinson, 4th class, Scoil Naomh Bhríde, Blackwater.
Other winning decorations included ‘Gingerbread Man’ by Eve Byrne, Junior Infants, Ballyduff National School; ‘Christmas Wreath’ by Patrick Skelton, Senior Infants, Kilmyshall National School; ‘My Christmas Candle’ by Ava Lewis, 1st Class, St Mary’s National School, Ballygarrett; ‘Santa’s Grotto’ by Saoirse Cleary, 2nd Class, St Iberius National School, Wexford; ‘Christmas Tree’ by Jack Corish, 3rd class, Kilrane National School; ‘Christmas Tree and Jesus Born’ by Zlata Maria, 4th Class, Bunscoil Loreto, Gorey; ‘Christmas Cap Tree’ by Tara Southern, 5th class, Scoil Iosagáin, Coolgreany; ‘My Kindness Calendar’ by Orla Stafford, 6th class, Monageer National School. ‘Christmas Carol Singing at Recycling Lane’ by Amy O’ Brien, FCJ Bunclody.
Primary school group categories winners included ‘Crann na Nollaig’ by Kara Werner, Ellie Werner and Laura O’ Leary, Mercy School, John’s Rd., Wexford; and ‘Christmas Tree’ by junior infant pupils Danescastle National School.
Over the course of past week, commencing on December 30th, Revenue officers seized contraband, with an estimated value of €260,000, in various operations in Dublin and Rosslare.
The cigarettes and tobacco were seized when Revenue officers stopped and search passengers passing through Rosslare Europort.
This included 1,380 cigarettes, with an estimated value of €1,250 and representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €600, and 6.1kg of tobacco, with an estimated value of €5,400 and representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €4,100.
The illicit drugs were discovered, with the assistance of detector dogs Ciara and Enzo, by Revenue officers examining parcels at a premises in Dublin. The parcels had originated in the UK, Spain, India and Thailand, and were destined for addresses nationwide.
The counterfeit goods were seized as they were confirmed by the Rights Holder to have infringed on Intellectual Property Rights.
Investigations into all seizures are ongoing.
These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
Manager of Wexford General Hospital, Linda O’Leary, said; “We’re very excited to share the first images of the Somerton Suite with the people of Wexford. It’s something the people of Wexford should be very excited about,” (artists impression).
By Dan Walsh
Plans for development at Wexford General Hospital are underway, but it could be three to five years before the works are completed and all beds are occupied.
Beginning with a multi-storey car park and enabling works, the development will see that car park available for use as of January 2026. Thereafter, the much publicised and promised 97-bed unit – to be named the Somerton Wing- will commence work with a partial to full occupation anticipated as of the early months of 2028.
It is reported that upgrade works have begun this week and works to install a permanent MRI facility at Wexford General Hospital also began this week with an anticipated completion date of late January 2026 and operational use expected by the summer of the same year.
The six-storey Somerton Suite will be constructed towards the front of the hospital, where the current car park is. The long-sought extension will consist of three general wards, one specialist ward, occupational therapy and physical therapy rooms, a staff changing area and other ancillary accommodation.
Manager of Wexford General Hospital, Linda O’Leary, said; “We’re very excited to share the first images of the Somerton Suite with the people of Wexford. It’s something the people of Wexford should be very excited about,” she concluded.
Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion Hildegarde Naughton were both in Gorey today (Tuesday) and officially opened Scoil Chnoc Ghuaire -Gorey Hill Special School- in the town.
The special school provides an appropriate education for students, aged 4 to 18 years old, who have complex learning needs or a diagnosis of autism and complex learning needs.
The Taoiseach said; “I am delighted to see schools like Gorey Hill Special School opening in the community. The school provides a vital role in providing tailored education for children with additional needs and are designed to offer children an environment where they can thrive both academically and socially.
“Although we are making good progress in this area, we need to do more, and we will continue to work hard to deliver for children with additional needs.
“With the Budget announced for this year, over €2.9 billion will be allocated to provide supports for children with special educational needs.”
Government Chief Whip and Minister of State with Special Education and Inclusion, Hildegarde Naughton said; “I am so happy to see Gorey Hill Special School officially opened. This is such an exciting and important day, especially for the children and young people who are at the very heart of everything we celebrate today.
“These schools are a place where children will feel welcomed, supported, and valued for who they are. It will be a place where they can grow, learn, and achieve in a way that suits their unique strengths and abilities.
“Every child deserves to feel connected to their school and community which will be made a reality in the new special school in Gorey,” concluded Minister Naughton.
Gorey is now in the new 3-seat constituency of Wicklow-Wexford and local elected TD’s Brian Brennan, Malcolm Byrne and Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin were in attendance.
The new constituency also includes the jurisdiction of many members of Wexford County Council, representing the Gorey-Kilmuckridge district, however, today’s event appears to have omitted an invitation for the public representatives from this huge district that will be taking important local issues before the Wexford local authority?
ENNISCORTHY GARDA STATION (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Gardai in Enniscorthy is investigating a case of breaking into and theft from a parked car on Irish Street, Enniscorthy, this morning (Tuesday).
The incident took place at 6.30am outside Creative Grounds and opposite Dunnes Stores.
Two males wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and dark tops with hoodies were seen by a few witnesses but no identities yet.
Anyone with clear CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at that time are asked to contact Enniscorthy Garda Station on 053 9242580, the Garda Confidential line 1800 666111or any Garda Station.
Slices of cake to celebrate Nollaig na mBan was the order of the day at Wexford County Council headquarters today. Cllr Catherine Biddy Walsh, Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Chairperson of Wexford Women’s Coalition (with the knife!) and Cllr Bridín Murphy with help from her darling daughter ramp up the celebrations and welcome 2025. (Pic; Wexford County Council).
By Dan Walsh
The Wexford Women’s Coalition wing of Wexford County Council today celebrated Nollaig na mBan 2025 in true traditional style… they baked a cake for the occasion!
The event was celebrated by the Wexford Women’s Coalition when they joined staff of Wexford County Council to mark the day.
Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Chairperson of the Women’s Coalition said; “It was important that everyone took the time today to celebrate the women in their lives that made them the person they are today.”
The Women’s Coalition which consists of the seven female elected members of Wexford County Council wish to ensure that this traditional day dedicated to women is highlighted in recognition of the role of women both inside and outside the home, to keep the tradition alive and perhaps create new ones.
The female members of the Council elected last June are Cllrs Barbara-Anne Murphy, Mary Farrell, Lisa McDonald, Bridín Murphy, who is Cathoairleach of New Ross Municipal District Council. Catherine Biddy Walsh, recently elected Mayor of Wexford, AoifeRose O’Brien and Vicky Barron.
Nollaig na mBan, which can be translated from Irish as ‘Women’s Christmas’ and is one of Ireland’s biggest traditions and is observed on January 6th, which is also the feast day of the Epiphany.
Traditionally Nollaig na mBan was celebrated in homes around Ireland where women who had worked so hard over the Christmas period to provide food and festivities for their family took the day off cooking and other household duties to gather with friends.
In more recent times events to mark ‘Women’s Christmas’ or ‘Little Christmas’ have grown to include social events outside the home.
Following consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Uisce Éireann has issued a Boil Water Notice to protect the health of approximately 1,723 customers supplied by the Ferns public water supply.
This notice is being issued due to elevated turbidity which has affected treatment at Ferns Water Treatment Plant.
“We regret any inconvenience caused for impacted customers once again. The notice has been put in place to protect the health of customers on the Ferns Public Water Supply,” said Jim Fitzgerald of Uisce Éireann, who added; “Public health is our number one priority, and we would like to assure customers that we are working to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible.”
All consumers affected by this notice must boil their water before drinking.
Water must be boiled for:
Drinking;
Drinks made with water;
Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
Brushing of teeth;
Making of ice – discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.
Customers can check if their property is included by visiting www.water.ie and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.
UPDATE;Following an 8am inspection today (Sunday) the scheduled Shillelagh & District Hunt point-to-point fixture at Fairwood, Tinahely, has been cancelled.
The popular Tinahely venue falls under the Status Orange warnings for Wicklow due to a forecasted cold snap.
A Status Orange snow-ice warning for Wicklow came into effect for 24 hours at 5pm today.
Met Éireann issued a Status Orange rain and snow warning that came into effect at 5pm this evening (Saturday) and remains in place for 24 hours, with the possibility of significant accumulations expected.
At the 48-hour course inspections, the going at Tinahely was “Yielding to Soft, Soft in places.” The track was raceable at the time.
The entry for the six races stands at 72 and the first race is off at 12.30pm.
WexfordLocal.com will update readers on this page on Sunday morning as soon as the outcome news of the 8am inspection becomes officially available.
As temperatures fall below zero, Uisce Éireann is reminding people to protect their water pipes from the freezing weather. Water expands by nearly 10% as it freezes and turns into ice, which stops the flow of water through pipes. This can even cause new pipes to split.
Uisce Éireann is urging people do their bit to help avoid expensive repairs and a disrupted water supply at home or in their business/farm by taking a few easy preventative measures.
These include checking outside pipes that can become frozen and burst during periods of cold weather and, if possible, turn off water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises.
Alternatively, people may consider setting the heating to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.
MARGARET ATTRIDGE spokesperson for Uisce Éireann.
Uisce Éireann spokesperson Margaret Attridge said to WexfordLocal.com today; “With temperatures dipping below zero it is very important to continue the regular maintenance of your property, protect outside taps and farm troughs, and check empty premises. It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your own internal water system and particularly how to turn off your supply at the stopcock so that you can protect your property in the event of a burst pipe.”
Margaret is also asking people to conserve water and not to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on your local water supply. “We also recommend that people don’t run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains. It also puts further pressure on water supplies that are already challenged by the freezing conditions. Being mindful of water use at home, on farms and in businesses can make a big difference,” she added
To help people avoid issues like this and stay safe, warm and comfortable during the cold snap there are lots of helpful advice on Winterproofing | Help | Uisce Éireann .
The Uisce Éireann Customer Care Team is also available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
WexfordLocal.com 