Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has announced that four Wexford schools are among the selected Phase One Schools which will be the first to offer the new Leaving Certificate subjects of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies and Climate Action and Sustainable Development from the start of the 2025/26 school year.
Minister for Education NORMA FOLEY TD.
Among the schools participating in phase one, 57 post-primary schools have been selected to introduce Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies from the start of the 2025/26 school year. These include Ramsgrange Community School and Gorey Community School.
In addition, 43 schools have been selected for Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development. These include Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy and Gorey Educate Together Secondary School.
Minister Foley told WexfordLocal.com; “It was fantastic to see a strong level of interest from schools of all types in Wexford and across the country in taking part in this first phase of delivering the new Leaving Certificate subjects of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies and Climate Action and Sustainable Development. These subjects are being introduced to provide greater choice for students to better reflect their range of interests and support the development of a wider range of talents and skills.”
EU’s Environment Directorate to Ireland visiting Alan and Cheryl Poole’s farm near Gorey, Co. Wexford, showcasing the measures they have taken on farm to enhance water quality on the River Bann which flows through the family farm in the Slaney Catchment near Gorey. From left; Dr Lisa Koep Chief ESG Officer Tirlán, Gorka Barrio Montoya EU Commission, Cheryl Poole, John Murphy Tirlán Chairperson. Front; Humberto Delgado Rosa EU Commission and Alan Poole. (Pic; Mary Browne).
By Dan Walsh
At a visit on the family farm of Cheryl and Alan Poole, near Gorey, a practical focus on maintaining and enhancing water quality was highlighted as part of Tirlán’s Farming for Water: River Slaney Project aimed at improving the catchment running through Ireland’s south-east. The programme is part of Ireland’s overall Farming for Water EIP and aligned with the Teagasc ‘Better Farming for Water’ programme to deliver and support a science-based knowledge transfer and best practice approach.
Tirlán’s Chairperson John Murphy emphasised that the good work seen on the Poole’s family farm in County Wexford was reflective of work underway on farms right across the country.
“Tirlán and its farmers remain committed to improving water quality in river catchments as it is the right thing to do for our land and rivers, our families and our communities,” said Mr. Murphy, who added; “Tirlán has invested significant resources to deliver our water quality programmes based on best practice. We have always found our farmers to be highly adaptable and have shown they want to do their best for their lands and their communities.
“We’d like to thank the EU Commission team for their time and commitment to visiting to witness first-hand the large body of work underway on Irish farms,” concluded Mr. Murphy.
Tirlán joined organisations from across the Irish agri-food sector to highlight Ireland’s collaborative approach to enhancing water quality and supporting the retention of the Nitrates Derogation during the EU Commission’s visit to Ireland.
Tirlán joined key organisations including officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Dairy Industry Ireland (DII); Meat Industry Ireland (MII); Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) and other processing Co-ops; Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA); Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA); Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO); An Taisce and other organisations at a roundtable discussion which highlighted Ireland’s commitment and whole-of-sector approach to protecting and improving water quality.
The Commission representatives included Humberto Delgado Rosa, Director General for Environment; Gorka Barrio Montoya, Policy Officer Nitrates Directive in the EU DG Environment, Land Use and Management and Jonathan Claridge, Deputy Head of European Commission Representation – Ireland.
The new safety features outside St Aidan’s Parish School at Nunnery Road, Enniscorthy, (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council monthly meeting
Following the retirement of a school warden recently comes the news that Wexford County Council will “not be replacing the school warden” at St. Aidan’s Primary School on Nunnery Road, Enniscorthy, which is claimed to be one of the largest schools of its kind in the country with almost 900 pupils on the rolls.
Addressing today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council at the Council Chamber, Presentation Centre, David Codd, Chief Technician and Roads Safety Officer with Wexford County Council told the members that “we will not be replacing the school wardens as we have three controlled pedestrian crossings spread over 400 metres and €300,000 was spent on the front of the school.”
Cllr Cathal Byrne felt the decision was “a mistake” and stated that “children don’t understand controlled crossings!” However, Mr Codd was firm in his decision although did concede that “assessment” could not be ruled out somrtime in the future.
Changes to the Nunnery Road front of school safety measures has been controversial. When The Active Travel team completed the ‘Safe Routes to School’ design and plans at St. Aidan’s Parish School last February there were calls to summon the team before a meeting of Enniscorthy Council to address concerns around the pencil bollards! which have become a feature at the school entrance.
The then(February 2024), Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke reminded the members that all six had agreed to the proposal at the November meeting, 2022, and said it was ‘a health and safety issue’. Back then the adoption of the plan was proposed by Cllr Owens and seconded by Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and was accepted and financed under the Green Schools scheme supported by An Taisce, the National Transport Authority and Wexford County Council.
Cllr Aidan Browne spoke about safety outside the school and agreed “we did all vote for it.” Cllr Murphy added it was a “safety issue” and stated the barrier was removed to prevent a crush injury.
At this point, Cllr Cathal Byrne proposed to “bring the Active Travel team before the next meeting to address concerns. “Cllr Kathleen Codd-Nolan (now retired) seconded.
The pencil shaped bollards were amongst the safety measures proposed for the school zone in the ‘Safe Routes to School at St. Aidan’s Parish School’ and it was claimed in the plan that “Pencil bollards on footpaths highlight the front of school and prevents parking on the footpaths.” It also proposed the replacement of guard rails at the front of school with narrow planters and pencil themed bollards.
The work has included the addition of speed ramps, raised pedestrian crossing, changes to the paving surface within the school zone, widening of footpaths, micro art on footpaths, the iconic pencil bollards, and a periodic speed limit of 30km/h on Nunnery Road.
Has the saga of the pencil bollards outside the school finally closed? Time will tell!
Gardai from the National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau have arrested five people in a major intelligence surveillance operation that was carried out at a remote farmhouse in the Kilmuckridge district of Co. Wexford last night.
During the search over 100kg of cocaine, estimated to be worth over €7 million, concealed in an articulated truck on the farm, was discovered.
Four people who are said to be middle-aged men, were arrested at the scene and vehicles were seized.
Follow-up searches were carried out in Dublin and Wexford and a fifth person was arrested in Dublin.
Those arrested are expected to appear in court tomorrow or in the next few days.
This operation involves numerous officers from all over the country and is mainly targeting a crime group based in West Dublin but other gangs are also involved.
Gardaí say this is a live operation and they won’t be commenting any further.
The Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) is thrilled to announce the official launch of the Wexford Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO), taking place tomorrow, Wednesday, from 12-2pm at the Seamus Rafter Suite in Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy.
The launch event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing work of the VOICE project, a unique community development initiative funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The VOICE project is specifically designed to address the local issues that disabled people face, and it is led by disabled people, for disabled people—making it truly unique.
RIVERSIDE PARK HOTEL, ENNISCORTHY (File Pic; Wexford Local.com)
“We are excited to bring together disabled people in Wexford to form a strong, united voice through the Wexford DPO,” said Lavinia MacNeill, a disabled woman based in Gorey who is also a member of ILMI. “This launch is more than just an event; it is the beginning of a movement within Wexford that will empower disabled people to advocate for change in their communities.”
Attendees of the launch will have the opportunity to join a community of like-minded, passionate, and dedicated individuals who understand the importance of collective action. The Wexford DPO will serve as a platform for disabled people to come together, share their experiences, and work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society.
ILMI invites all disabled people aged 16 and over in Wexford to join this historic launch and become part of a collective that is dedicated to making a difference. Together, we can create a future where the voices of disabled people are heard and valued in all aspects of life.
For more information about the event or the VOICE project, please contact ILMI at paulasoraghan@ilmi.ie or call Paula on 087 1630433.
Revenue officers at Rosslare Europort have discovered 26,360 litres of beer with an estimated value of over €105,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of €49,200.
The alcohol arrived in Rosslare via an accompanied trailer which had disembarked a ferry from Dunkirk, France and following an investigation both the trailer and the alcohol products were seized.
These seizures are part of Revenue’s ongoing work targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity. If businesses, or members of the public have any information, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295.
The success of Fleadh Cheoil nah Éireann 2024 was celebrated with a Civic Reception hosted by Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen, to honour over 400 volunteers for their tireless efforts. It was held in County Hall, Wexford, last Saturday.
“Your willingness to share your time by volunteering for the Fleadh 2024 says a lot about each of you as human beings. Your commitment and enthusiasm over the week showed in every task you were given and the feedback that we have received about the volunteers has been heartwarming,” said Cllr Breen, who added; “We have received comments from far and wide about the positivity, professionalism and can-do attitude of our Fleadh 24 volunteers and we are very proud of you all.”
Eddie Taaffe, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, and Chairperson of the Wexford Fleadh Executive Committee said the 2024 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will go on record as a resounding success. “This success could not have been achieved without the contribution of our volunteers. You stewarded events, greeted our visitors to the town and made people feel welcome, you ensured our streets were kept spotless throughout the week – even with 650,000 people passing through our streets.
“Each and every contribution was valuable and significant and made the Fleadh a better event, and for that we thank you. We look forward to welcoming you back next year for an even bigger and better Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025,” concluded Mr Taaffe.
The Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025 takes place from August 3rd-10th in Wexford Town.
Nina and Gillian of Sully Juno with Minister Emer Higgins, Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail, and Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford County Council.
By Dan Walsh
The annual National Ploughing Championships take place at Ratheniska, Co. Laois, this week – Tuesday to Thursday, September 17th-19th – with an expected attendance of ca-300,000, and with massive Wexford interest WexfordLocal.com has traffic information courtesy of An Garda Siochana, but look out for Wexford’s Sensory Friendly Clothing Brand, Sully and Juno.
Sully and Juno will be in the Local Enterprise Village, proudly supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford, and is Ireland’s only designer and manufacturer of clothing specifically tailored to meet the sensory needs of the wearer.
Their sensory-friendly designs, a first in Ireland, cater to individuals of all ages, with sizes ranging from newborn to 5XL.Each piece in the Sully and Juno collection is thoughtfully crafted with the wearer in mind, featuring flat seams, tag-free construction, and soft, organic, sustainable fabrics. The garments are not just practical but also beautifully colourful, ensuring that sensory-friendly clothing doesn’t compromise on style.
Sully and Juno will be one of over 30 small businesses featured in the Local Enterprise Village, which is situated at the heart of this year’s National Ploughing Championships.
The Local Enterprise Village has become a must-visit spot at the event, offering visitors the chance to discover and support some of Ireland’s most exciting small businesses.
Nina and Gillian of Sully and Juno said; “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been nominated by the team at LEO Wexford to showcase our sensory-friendly clothing at the National Ploughing Championships. This opportunity allows us to bring our unique, inclusive designs to a wider audience, and we’re excited to share the passion and care that goes into each piece we create.”
Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Wexford County Council said; “This is an opportunity like no other for a small business in Ireland. The chance to bring their ideas and products to almost 300,000 potential customers is a showcase like no other. The Local Enterprise Village has become one of those must-visited areas where everyone wants to discover local businesses and see what unique products they can bring home.”
TRAVEL INFORMATION FROM Co. WEXFORD TO RATHENISKEA, Co. LAOIS FOR THE 2024 NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPRIONSHIPS. (Source; An Garda Siochana).
YELLOW ROUTE; Traffic from South East/ Carlow
Traffic travelling from Carlow and South East will travel through Simmons Mill Crossroads on the N80 and continue forward towards Stradbally town where traffic will turn left at St. Joseph’s Cemetery onto the L3839 and go to Timogue Cross Roads where it will proceed straight onto L7835 (One-way system). Traffic will proceed to parking beside the event grounds. Parking: Patrons travelling this route will park in the designated YELLOW car parks on the left hand side of the L7835 beside the event grounds at Ratheniska
GREY ROUTE; Traffic from South East (Kilkenny)
Traffic travelling from Kilkenny/South East along the N78, through Castlecomer, will turn left at Newtown Cross Roads and continue forward along the R430 to The Swan. Just outside The Swan Village, traffic will turn right onto the R426 and continue to Timahoe Village. Traffic will continue through Timahoe village on the R426 towards Money Cross. At Loughteague Lane, traffic will turn right onto L78354. Traffic will proceed to parking by turning right off the L7837 and proceeding to the car parks. Parking: Patrons travelling this route will park in GREY car park, which is off the right hand side of the R427 adjacent to the site.
Well-known businessman Sam McCauley has been making the sporting headlines these days – he was recently honoured with the official opening of McCauley Park at the Rapparees-Starlights GAA stadium in his native Enniscorthy – and today at the Champions Weekend at the Curragh he is celebrating a Group One success in the Goff’s Vincent O’Brien National Stakes with 12/1 winner Scorthy Champ.
SAM McCAULEY watching his horse win a Group 1 race at the Curragh today. “I was nearly too nervous, and it was as good as seeing Wexford win an All-Ireland!” (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)
Running in the colours of Rectory Road Holdings Limited. Scorthy Champ is trained by Joseph O’Brien, son of champion trainer Aidan from Poulpeasty, was confidently ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle and had three quarters of a length to spare at the finish. It was the second victory from three outings for the classy two-year-old colt. He won on his first run at Leopardstown last May.
Afterwards, Joseph O’Brien, who previously won the prestigious National Stakes twice as a jockey (2014-’15) and this is his third as a trainer (2020 and 2022) said; “I am delighted for Barry Fowler (owner) who is in the partnership with Sam McCauley and has been such a good supporter of ours for the last number of years. It is so special to win a Group 1 here this weekend.”
O’Brien added; “I don’t know what he will do next but if I was to guess, I’d say he will run again this season. I see him more as a miler so the Prix Lagardere or the Breeders Cup are options.”
A delighted Sam McCauley said; “I was nearly too nervous, and it was as good as seeing Wexford win an All-Ireland! The name comes from Enniscorthy. When I was at school people would say ‘come on Scorthy’.”
Johnny Moore, the late Anne McMorris represented by her son and daughter, John and Felicity, and Pauline McGann, RNLI Community Manager (Ireland East) pictured at the presentation of RNLI Certificates of Thanks at Kilmore Quay. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh).
By Dan Walsh
Two of Kilmore Quay RNLI’s dedicated fundraising volunteers were presented with RNLI Certificates of Thanks in recognition of their longstanding service to the charity that saves lives at sea.
As an independent charity organisation, the RNLI relies on donations to fund its life saving work. Kilmore Quay lifeboat crew are on call day and night throughout the year. To sustain this service, well-maintained equipment, lifeboats, shore equipment and ongoing training are required. None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm, commitment, and drive of dedicated local fundraisers.
Congratulations to Anne McMorris and Johnny Moore. Anne was a diligent Station Treasurer at Kilmore Quay for over 34 years. Sadly, Anne passed away earlier this year after a long and courageous battle with illness. Accepting the award on her behalf were her son and daughter, John and Felicity.
Johnny joined Kilmore Quay RNLI as shore crew in 1987 and currently holds the role of Launching Authority in addition to being a dedicated member of the fundraising team for the last 25 years.
Speaking at the event Pauline McGann, RNLI Community Manager (Ireland East) said; “Volunteers like Anne and Johnny are the lifeblood of the RNLI. They have done trojan work raising vital funds for the charity and I am delighted to be here today to recognise their hard work and commitment. We could not do what we do without the vital support of our incredible volunteers.’
Also presented with Certificates of Service by Coxswain Eugene Kehoe were Victor Gore and PJ Bates. Victor served as a crew member from 2013 to 2023. During his service Kilmore Quay Lifeboat rescued 11 lives. PJ served as a crew member from 1997 to 2023 also qualifying as a Navigator. During his service Kilmore Quay Lifeboat rescued 53 lives.
Speaking following the event, Coxswain Eugene Kehoe said; “We have a long tradition of life-boating here in Kilmore Quay thanks to our dedicated volunteers. We are very proud of all our volunteers, the fundraisers, shop volunteers, shore crew and sea-going crew, and the way they do what they do to help save lives at sea.”
Also presented with Certificates of Service by Coxswain Eugene Kehoe were Victor Gore and PJ Bates. (Pic; RNLI/Elaine Walsh)
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