100 entries for Sunday’s Ballycrystal races

By Dan Walsh

Exactly 100 entries have been received for the Ballinagore Harriers point-to-point taking place at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy, tomorrow, Sunday. The first of six races is off at 12 noon.

INH Course Inspector Pat Kelly reports that the going will be ‘good to yielding’, the track is beautifully laid out and there is a great covering of grass. The weather is forecast as ‘mainly dry’ for Sunday and the organising committee is hopeful of a large attendance and the promise of a great afternoon’s sport.

BARRY STONE… another winner today at Cork point-to-point races.

There was point-to-point action today (Saturday) at Boulta, Co. Cork and some Wexford winners. The four-year-old geldings’ maiden race was divided and the first division was completed by the success of Clay Pigeons who maintained the good run enjoyed by Cleariestown handler Jonathan Fogarty and rider Barry Stone. It was a short-head decision with Sean Doyle’s Kaka’s Cousin (Jamie Scallan) in the runner-up spot.

However, Doyle and Scallan were compensated in the Winner of Two race when Gale Force Jet in the colours of Henry Chamney came home three and a half lengths to the good.

Rob James rode his 360th career point-to-point winner on Maribeth for Tipperary handler Pat Doyle in the maiden race for four-year-old mares by half a length with Colin Bowe’s Kenisa Sport (Barry O’Neill) in runner-up position.

Working to restore Gorey water supply

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann customers in Gorey may be experiencing disruptions to their water supply today because of power outages at the local treatment plants and a major burst to a water main in the town. 

Power outages caused by Storm Darragh has affected operations and crews are currently on the ground in Gorey Town repairing a major burst. As a result, customers in Gorey may experience supply issues or intermittent outages over the course of the day.

Uisce Éireann is working with the ESB to restore power and return water supplies to normal levels as quickly as possible.

Customers are urged to conserve water where possible to protect supply while the outages are resolved.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

Uisce Éireann’s customer care team is available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on X @IWCare with any queries.

Uisce Éireann has also launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie.

€175m County Council budget for 2025

By Dan Walsh

Elected members of Wexford County Council have approved a budget of €175,427,695 for the coming year. It represents an increase of €11.1 million on this year, with “the increased expenditure budget largely supported by increased grant income in the areas of Housing”.

The council had already voted in favour of retaining the 15% adjustment to local property tax from 2025 to 2029. Head of Finance Lynda Lacey stated that this decision, although not unanimous, had provided an additional €1.9 million “to allow the continuation of support funding for the Economic and Community Development programme” and “additional funding for service delivery at local Municipal District level”.

There will be an increase of €500,000 to Municipal District allocations over the next five years, €100,000 per district, and an increase in discretionary funding for each member by an additional €7,000.

The 2025 budgetary plan for the districts is as follows; Gorey/Kilmuckridge €628,000, Wexford (€546,000), Enniscorthy (€495,000), New Ross (€470,000) and Rosslare (€380,000).

€40.4 million was set out for the year for all roads, transportation and safety works.

Cllr Jim Codd stated that with a rise in flash flooding and storms of increasing ferocity, roads are falling further and further into disrepair.

With a budget of €530,000 set out for festivals across the Municipal District for 2025, Council Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe said that a “full root and branch review” would be carried out to “find the best way forward”.

He said that the intention here was not to reduce investment in festivals, but established what kind of investment was required for certain festivals to continue and grow.

Set out among the priority projects for 2025 under this budget were the Market House in Gorey; John Street Building Regeneration in New Ross; further master planning for a 50-acre site for the new SETU campus; Esmonde Street in Gorey; Wexfordia Projects at the Irish National Heritage Park, Hook Lighthouse and New Ross tourism projects; Enniscorthy Town Centre and Tourism Project; delivery of a temporary car park in Courtown; Wexford town to Rosslare greenway; Enniscorthy Sports Hub and Curracloe Water Sports Activity Facility.

In terms of the economic infrastructure programme, work continues at Trinity Wharf, the advanced factory in New Ross, Enniscorthy Technology Park, a business hub in Kilmore, collaboration with Tara Film Studios and Rosslare Europort.

Wexford set to get a new Mayor

By Dan Walsh

Wexford is set to get a new Mayor following the election of the present incumbent Cllr George Lawlor to Dáil Éireann at last week’s General Election. Lawlor was elected to the seat vacated by the retiring TD Brendan Howlin.

GEORGE LAWLOR TD (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Cllr Lawlor had a busy day at Saturday’s Count Centre but took a break from the hustings to switch on the Christmas Lights on Wexford Quay’s – his final function as Mayor of Wexford.

Cllr Lawlor’s replacement as Mayor of Wexford will be decided at a meeting of Wexford Borough District in the coming days while it is the gift of The Labour Party to put forward Vicky Clancy Barron as Lawlor’s replacement on Wexford County Council.

Ms. Barron received 412 first preference votes at last June’s Local Elections and she was still standing at the 11th and final count when her vote had more than doubled and stood at 986 votes.

Another seat to be filled on Wexford County Council is the Sinn Féin seat vacated by Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin who was elected to Dáil Éireann in the new 3-seat constituency of Wicklow- Wexford.

In the Local Elections Sinn Féin backed Kevin Molloy as Ó Súilleabháin’s running mate. He received 521 first preferences and stood on 599 when eliminated on the 6th Count.

Will Molloy be the party’s choice to replace Ó Súilleabháin? Or will there be another name put forward? The party voice is zipped on this one for the time being, but all will soon be revealed.

Give families the wonder of Christmas

Bishop Ger Nash joins with all volunteers and supporters of The Society of St Vincent de Paul in urging your generosity once again.

By Dan Walsh

The annual Christmas church gate collections for the Society of St Vincent de Paul takes place this weekend – Saturday and Sunday- across all parishes throughout the Diocese of Ferns. The theme of this years’ appeal is “Helping to give Families the Wonder of Christmas”

Bishop Ger Nash joins with all volunteers and supporters of The Society of St Vincent de Paul in urging your generosity once again and thanking you in advance for your consideration of those less fortunate.

Bishop Nash met recently with Vice President of the Wexford Area Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the President of the Enniscorthy Area conference to organise collectors and plan for the popular annual event.

Bishop Nash told WexfordLocal.com; “With high rents and the spiralling cost of living many families are wondering how they are going to meet all the costs associated with Christmas.

“The job of The Society of St Vincent de Paul, with your help, is to take this wonder and fear away from those who are struggling and replace it with the true magical wonder of Christmas.

“Your generous contributions will make sure that families in need can be helped. For your kindness and compassion, thank you,” concluded Bishop Nash.

Local conferences will also be in some local supermarkets over the coming weeks for a food appeal and donations of staple items such as coffee, tea, sugar, cereal as well as Christmas foods such as boxes of biscuits, sweets and cakes all gratefully received and will be donated to local families during the festive period.

All donations provided locally will be used locally to help families across the county over Christmas and into 2025.

Donations can also be made locally and call 053 9143568 to get details of your local conference.

New Ross teacher receives top award

New Ross teacher, Grainne Lyng – who was honoured with the overall Student of the Year Award – is pictured celebrating with her sons Rian (11) and Aron (7), at Dublin’s Convention Centre during the annual Hibernia College Conferring ceremony.

By Dan Walsh

Post-Primary Education graduate, Grainne Lyng had double cause for celebration after achieving ‘top of her class’ status at the annual Hibernia College conferring ceremony which was held at Dublin’s Convention Centre recently.

In addition to receiving her Masters qualification, Grainne was honoured with the overall Student of the Year Award – presented by the College to the student in each cohort with the highest grade across the Post-Primary programme.

A teacher at Good Counsel College, New Ross, Grainne was one of over 930 graduates from all 26 counties to qualify with Masters in Primary and Post-Primary teaching, or with a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education.

Congratulating her, Dr Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, said all graduating will help shape futures, inspire change, and contribute to the betterment of society in ways that extend far beyond the classroom. 

Galbally and Bree Tractor Run

By Dan Walsh

Galbally Sports & Leisure Club are calling for support for the Galbally Tractor Run and Bree Mini Tractor Run taking place next Sunday, December 8th.

Tractor Run leaves Galbally at 1pm, Mini Tractor Run starts in Bree at 3pm.
The organisers are appealing for donations of baked goods and volunteers to help on the day with teas/coffee and stewards.

Please contact us on 086-8334136 if you would like to get involved.

Man (34) charged with murder of daughter (8)

Gorey Courthouse (File Pic; Patrick Browne)

Report by Barry Whyte

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his eight-year-old daughter and the attempted murder of her mother in Co. Wexford.

34-year-old Mohammad Shaker Al Tamimi, with an address at Lower William Street in New Ross, was brought before Gorey District Court this evening.

He is charged with the murder of his 8-year-old daughter Malaika Noor Al Katib at Lower William Street, New Ross, Co Wexford on Sunday night.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of his partner and the child’s mother Aisha Al Katib also on Sunday night.

Muhammad Shaker Al Tamimi, who had his left hand bandaged and who covered himself with a blue blanket, made no application for bail.

Judge Kevin Staunton directed that he be psychologically evaluated.

He will appear again at Wexford District Court via video link at 10.30am on a Monday, December 9th.

Tributes to girl (8) who died at New Ross

By Dan Walsh

The 8-year-old girl who died following an assault at a domestic residence on Lower William Street, New Ross, has been named as Malika Al Kattib.

New Ross Educate Together National School has said it is deeply saddened by the death of one of their pupils, describing the incident as “a terrible tragedy”.

A Book of Condolences will be open to the public for signing at The Tholsel at the request of Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Council.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene at around 11.45pm on Sunday night.

The girl was taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment but passed away from her injuries soon after arrival at 12.45am.

The scene remains preserved for forensic examination.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426030, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station.

20 affordable housing units for Gorey

At the Affordable Housing Information event in Gorey Civic Centre were (left to right); Cllr. Nicky Boland Gorey/Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr. Pip Breen Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr. Oliver Walsh, Cathaoirleach Gorey/Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Cllr. Donal Kenny Gorey/Kilmuckridge Municipal District.

By Dan Walsh

A total of 20 affordable housing units are to be delivered in the Radharc Na Beannóige scheme at Ramsfort Park, Gorey, which is the first housing scheme to include affordable housing in County Wexford under the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ policy.

There was standing room only at a public information event in Gorey Civic Square recently where Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr. Pip Breen joined the Cathaoirleach of the Gorey/Kilmuckridge district, Cllr Oliver Walsh and elected members from the district, to launch the information event. 

The development which is being constructed by Mythen Construction in partnership with Wexford County Council, will provide new homes for sale via Wexford County Council’s ‘local authority affordable purchase’ scheme.

Speaking at the event, Cathaoirleach of Wexford Council, Cllr Pip Breen stated; “It’s great to see so many of you joining us here this evening, Wexford County Council is actively working on developing an affordable housing programme for county Wexford and we hope tonight’s event helps you in your housing journey’.

The housing information event was an opportunity for applicants to learn about the affordable housing scheme, the application process and for interested applicants to speak to staff members from approved mortgage teams who were available on the day.

Work on the 20 A Rated Energy Efficient homes in the development has commenced with the first phase to be delivered mid-2025 with the remaining units to be developed later next year.

Cathaoirleach of the Gorey/Kilmuckridge district, Cllr Oliver Walsh said; “the construction of this pilot affordable housing project in the county, led by Wexford County Council, will provide much needed affordable homes in Gorey for first time buyers and fresh start applicants.” He added; “The groundwork for this scheme started some time ago, I want to thank everyone who helped to get us to here today.”

The scheme is due to be advertised early in the new year, with applications accepted via an online application portal which is scheduled to go live in February 2025.

Information for the housing scheme is available at www.radharcnabeannoige.ie, with affordable housing information available on the affordable housing section of Wexford County Council’s website.