Saltee Island Puffin population on the increase

By Dan Walsh

Last January Minister of State for Nature Malcolm Noonan TD announced that the new Seas off Wexford SPA (special protection area) would be designated under the EU Birds Directive, will cover more than 305,000 hectares of marine waters for a range of bird species and give protection to 20 species, including puffins.

This news was first published on WexfordLocal.com under the heading ‘Seas off Wexford safer for the birds’ on January 13th and is available online.

A spokesperson for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the new SPA for seabirds off the coast of Co. Wexford could help to safeguard the puffin population on the uninhabited Saltee Islands.

It is believed that the number of puffins nesting on the islands five kilometres off the Irish coast has begun to rise again after years of decline. The breeding season usually starts in late March or early April, finishing in July or August.

The spokesperson said: “A recent series of counts of puffin at the Saltee Islands earlier this year indicate that the breeding population across these islands, which experienced a pronounced decrease at the turn of the century, is now increasing.

“While the population increase is good news, there are challenges for puffin in its nesting habitat. Puffin nest in colonies, at some locations such as the Great Saltee Island, the nests are mostly in old burrows, but the NPWS has addressed a previous problem of predation through a rat eradication programme.

“The main concern for puffin now is the level of recreation pressure on the island, with numbers of daily visitors to the island increasing significantly in recent years.”

Dr Mark Jessopp, senior lecturer in zoology at University College Cork, said: “The SPA designation ensures that additional measures are put in place to ensure that the vulnerable seabird populations in the area, including puffins, are fully considered when it comes to any future developments.

Dr Jessopp said the main limitation of the SPA was that it did not put many restrictions on fisheries. He said the main threat to puffins on the islands is land-based predation and disturbance.

Sailing ship safe after distress off Hook Head

Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat returns to harbour Pic; RNLI / Karen Harris.

By Dan Walsh

An 11-metre sailing vessel, with two persons on board, that sent out distress signals when approximately three nautical miles south-east of Hook Head was towed to safety by Dunmore East RNLI lifeboat yesterday.

The vessel had lost all power and called the Irish Coast Guard for emergency assistance. The Dunmore East RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew were alerted at 6.16pm, the lifeboat was promptly launched and made best speed to the reported location. 

Conditions at sea were described as moderate with one metre swell and winds at a Force 3-4.

The boat was towed to the nearest safe port at Dunmore East Harbour. Once the safety of the vessel and its crew was established back at port, the lifeboat was washed down and ready again for service by 9.30pm.

Liz Power, Lifeboat Operations Manager with Dunmore East RNLI said; “Today’s shout was a good reminder of the importance of being able to stay in touch by VHF radio or phone when you go out on the water. You never know when something can go wrong and you may need to call for help. If you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty in the water, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Autumn 2024 ‘points’ fixture list

By Dan Walsh

This week, the INHSC (Irish National Hunt Steeplechase CLG) who is responsible for the governance and administration of point-to-points in Ireland announced the 2024 Autumn Point-to-Point fixture list.

Point-to-point racing at Fairwood, Tinahely (File Pic; wexfordLocal.com)

South East fixtures are as follows;

Sunday, October 20; Island Hunt at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.

Sunday, October 27; Shillelagh & District at Fairwood, Tinahely.

Sunday, November 10; Wexford Foxhounds at Knockmullen House, New Ross.

Sunday, November 17; Wicklow Foxhounds at Fairwood, Tinahely.

Sunday, November 24; Killinick Harriers at Lingstown, Tomhaggard.

Sunday, December 1; Carlow Farmers at Borris House, Borris.

Sunday, December 8; Ballinagore Harriers at Ballycrystal, Kiltealy.

Bus transfers to operate to/from Rosslare

By Dan Walsh

Between Sunday, August 4th and Sunday, August 11th, most scheduled services between Dublin Connolly and Rosslare Europort will operate between Dublin Connolly and Wexford only, with bus transfer arrangements in place for customers travelling to/from Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.

This is to facilitate the Garda and event organisers event plan, which will see thousands of people on Wexford Quay, through which the railway line runs unprotected.

Arrangements for travel to/from Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort are as follows from Sunday to Sunday, August 4th-11th, inclusive:

On Sunday 4th August, 09:40hrs Rosslare Europort to Dublin Connolly operates as normal

All other scheduled Rosslare Europort to Dublin Connolly services will commence from Wexford. Bus transfers will operate from Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand to Wexford (before 10:00hrs) and to Enniscorthy at all other times. After 10:00hrs, those travelling from Rosslare Europort and Rosslare Strand to Wexford can avail of TFI LocalLink Route 387 each day.

All scheduled Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort services will operate from Dublin Connolly to Wexford only. Bus transfers will operate from Wexford to Rosslare Strand and Rosslare Europort.

Scheduled Dublin/Gorey and Dublin/Wexford services will operate as normal, with the evening 22:10hrs Gorey to Connolly extended to commence from Wexford at 21:30hrs.

50th annual exhibition at Gorey Art Circle

By Dan Walsh in Gorey

The opening of Gorey Art Circle’s 50th annual exhibition took place in the Freemason Hall, The Avenue, Gorey last night and celebrated its longevity with an impressive exhibition of paintings which will be open daily until August 5th.

An internationally respected painter and art enthusiast Paul Funge (1944 – 2011), who was a founder member and director of Project Art Centre in Dublin in 1967, felt it was important to bring art into local communities and decided to start in his native Gorey.

Gorey Art Centre was established in 1970 by Paul Funge together with many others including Joe Browne, Rita Stokes, Betty O’Loughlin and the first Gorey Arts Festival was held in 1970 introducing the Gorey area to various forms of art including music, drama, painting, photography and sculpture.

Founder member of Gorey Art Circle, Mr Joe Browne, who officially opened the 50th exhibition and Margaret O’Morchoe, Chairperson of Gorey Art Circle at the opening in the Freemason’s Hall, Gorey, last night.

The Gorey Art Circle evolved from this group. The first ever exhibition of the Arts Circle was held in the lounge of Browne’s pub and it is very special for The Art Circle to had Mr. Joe Browne to officially open its exhibition on this its 50th anniversary.

The Art Circle went on to exhibit in the Market House, initially, in the Council Chamber upstairs and later it held its exhibitions at street level in the Market House for many years.

Margaret O’Morchoe, who spoke eloquently on the opening night, has been the chairperson of the Arts Circle Committee for many years and has provided leadership and guidance to the group.

The Gorey Art Circle has 42 members who come together to exhibit their paintings. These exhibitions provide the opportunity for individual artists to display a diversity of work in oil, watercolour, charcoal or mixed media. The group also engage in activities such as visits to galleries, gardens, historic buildings and other places of interest to gain inspiration for their work.

Exhibitors include Iwona Blasi, Ann Breen, Margaret Carroll, Elsie Foley, Máirín Graham, Adri Harnett, Avis Horn, Marie Louise Hayden, Paul Hayes, Barbara Jameson, Siobhán Kenny, Claire Lacey, Madge McDonald, Sheila MacNally, Maria O’Callaghan, Margaret O’Morchoe, Lisa Popplewell, Pat Power, Diane Quillinan, Venis Reilly, Una Stack, Deborah Stedmond, Phyllis Stedmond and Liam Van Nickerk.

Located in the Freemason Hall, The Avenue, Gorey, the exhibition is open daily, including Sundays, 11am to 5pm until Monday, August 5th. Gorey Art Circle invite visitors to donate to a selected charity and also the exhibitors this year will donate a percentage of all painting sold to this  year’s charity which is the The Hope Cancer Support Centre, Enniscorthy, which is the nearest such service centre to Gorey.

Uisce Éireann asks Wexford to conserve water

Pictured are Paula Roche from County Wexford Chamber, Jim Fitzgerald Uisce Éireann, Eimear Kennedy, Fleadh Committee, Wexford County Council. Fionnuala Callery Wexford County Council.

By Dan Walsh

With the population of Wexford increasing over the summer months Uisce Éireann is calling on households across the county to take practical steps to reduce their water consumption and to report any leaks to Uisce Éireann. 

As tourists flock to the Model County, the public are being asked to help play their part in protecting essential water supplies for their local communities, and to conserve water where possible.

Speaking of the importance of water conservation this summer Uisce Éireann Water Regional Operations Manager, Jim Fitzgerald told WexfordLocal.com; “Water plays a vital role in our everyday lives, and by making small changes to use only what we need in our homes, gardens, and businesses, we can all contribute to ensuring a sustainable water supply for everyone. We are encouraging people across Wexford to play their part and think water conservation.” 

Jim continued: “Water demand always increases with an influx of tourists and visitors. This year more visitors are expected for the Fleadh as people are set to enjoy a week of traditional music and culture. Uisce Éireann would like to thank the Fleadh Committee and Wexford County Chamber for getting behind our Water Conservation Campaign, and to everyone who is playing their part in protecting our valuable resource.”

For further information visit www.water.ie/conservation/

 

50 extra train services to Wexford for the Fleadh

By Dan Walsh

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed over 50 extra train services will operate during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann to/from Wexford, allowing more people to attend the country’s leading traditional music festival.

However, services from Connolly Station, Dublin, will terminate at Wexford Station. Rosslare to Wexford services will be replaced by bus transfers to facilitate Garda event plan for Wexford Quay activities

An extra Dublin Connolly to Wexford train will operate each day between Tuesday and Sunday, August 6th-11th, and an extensive range of shuttle services between Arklow and Wexford, up to a final service at 23:00hrs from Wexford to Arklow each evening.

The additional trains will operate from Tuesday 6th to Sunday 11th August, as follows:

Tuesday 6th to Friday 9th August

10:34hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford

18:40hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly

21:30hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly

14:40hrs and 17:05hrs Arklow to Wexford

13:40hrs, 16:04hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow

Saturday 10th August

10:25hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford

21:25hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly

14:40hrs, 16:00hrs, 17:15hrs and 18:50hrs Arklow to Wexford

13:40hrs, 14:15hrs, 16:04hrs, 17:25hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow

Sunday 11th August

10:50hrs Dublin Connolly to Wexford

21:25hrs Wexford to Dublin Connolly

14:35hrs, 16:00hrs, 17:20hrs and 18:55hrs Arklow to Wexford

13:35hrs, 14:10hrs, 17:30hrs and 23:00hrs Wexford to Arklow

Customers are advised to book rail travel in advance on scheduled and extra train services to/from Wexford throughout Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann at www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app, as demand is expected to be high.

Local winner and steward’s reversal on Day 2 of the Wexford races

The sporting connections of Joecooker celebrate after success at Wexford races today including owner James Doyle, trainer Mary Ellen Doyle and jockey Brian Dunleavy. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

The second of the two-day race meetings at Wexford racecourse today (Thursday) was a big improvement on yesterday when the weather caused poor visibility and misery for punters and, like yesterday when Denis Murphy saddled Three By Two (9/1) for the lone local success in the concluding race there was another fine local winner in the final race today.

Joecooker (14/1) prevailed in a tight finish to the INH Flat Race to win for James Doyle and Mary Ellen Doyle from Coolgarrow Lane, Enniscorthy, with Brian Dunleavy as the successful jockey. Afterwards, James Doyle, winning owner and brother of the winning trainer, said; “I was expecting him to run well. He probably did see out the three miles in the point-to-point. He had a nice run at Punchestown in a maiden hurdle where he finished fourth and wasn’t beaten by far.

Doyle continued; “We had a runner (Impakt St Georges) in the first today as well who finished fourth and wasn’t beaten far. Point-to-pointing is mainly what we do, but we have a few for the summer for the track. It’s a family run operation between myself, and my sister Ellen and we just run a few on the track that don’t hit the back of the net in point-to-point’s.”

There was a steward’s enquiry that saw placings reversed following the mare’s maiden hurdle. Gers Gigi (11/4 fav.) with Jack Kennedy up, was given the verdict by a nose from Alabama Birmingham (4/1) ridden by Eoin Walsh for Eamonn Delaney, Co. Meath.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference at the last and on the run to the line of this race involving Gers Gigi, ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed second and Birmingham Alabama, ridden by E. Walsh, placed first, where it appeared interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that Birmingham Alabama had caused interference to Gers Gigi on the run to the line and as a result of this interference had improved it’s finishing position. As a consequence, the Raceday Stewards reversed the placings of the first positions and amended the result to read as follows: Amended Result: First: Gers Gigi Second: Birmingham Alabama. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that jockey Eoin Walsh was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record in this regard (first offence), they suspended him for two racedays.

Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead, successful with Kudasheva (5/1) in the beginners’ chase yesterday made it a double for the two days when Liebec Nicc (9/4) scored in the opening maiden hurdle. And champion jockey Jack Kennedy also got his name on the scoreboard when he brought home Bigira (7/2) for Mark Fahey by a length and a half in the first division of the handicap hurdle.

There are three fixtures for Wexford Racecourse in August; during the week of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann on Wednesday, August 7th and on Friday, August 9th and a third fixture happens on Friday, August 30th. All are evening fixtures.

Delivery of safe, secure and sustainable water for Wexford communities. 

Works are underway for a €19 million upgrade of the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme to provide a more reliable resilient water supply across the town. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh

Uisce Éireann’s capital expenditure on critical water and wastewater infrastructure exceeded €1.2 billion last year, delivering improved drinking water quality to customers, reducing wastewater discharges to the environment and building resilience in Irish water supplies. Its Annual Report 2023, published yesterday (Wednesday), shows a range of key achievements for the organisation including assuming full responsibility for the delivery of all public water services in Ireland, transitioning to a centrally managed national utility.

The Uisce Éireann report shows significant progress in delivery of safe, secure and sustainable water for Wexford communities. Across Wexford network management, Find & Fix, and Leakage Reduction Works are underway as well as significant investment in water and wastewater infrastructure. 
Works are underway for a €19 million upgrade of the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme to provide a more reliable resilient water supply across the town. This project is supported by ongoing works to upgrade aged areas of the water network such as Pearse Road and St. Johns Villas. 
“We’re also making steady progress to upgrade the Creagh Water Treatment Plant Upgrade to benefit over 7,000 customers in Gorey. Similarly, work is forging ahead on the Newtown Water Treatment Plant expected for completion in 2025,” says the Report. 
Work is underway to upgrade Kilmallock Bridge Water Treatment Plant which will be complete by the end of this year. Leakage Reduction Programme works were recently completed in Duncannon and Redmondstown, while the Mayglass (Fardystown) Raw Water Project is ongoing to increase supply capacity for South Wexford. Directive. Works to eliminate raw sewage discharges were completed across 10 sites including Kilmore Quay

On January 1, 2023, Irish Water transitioned to Uisce Éireann and became Ireland’s new standalone water utility. A key focus was establishing the supports and processes to enable the smooth transfer of Local Authority Water Services staff and enabling the successful integration of all employees in the new shared organisation. This ongoing work is vital to fully deliver the benefits of a national utility model with strong local teams delivering in and for communities throughout the country.

Thursday is Day Two at Wexford races

Jockey Diarmuid Moloney and the Henry de Bromhead winning team after Freddie Robdal won the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Wexford this afternoon. (Pic; Wexford Racecourse).

By Dan Walsh at Wexford races

Today’s all steeplechase race meeting at Bettyville Park, Wexford, when off in difficult viewing conditions where the going was ‘good to yielding’, but fingers are crossed for better conditions tomorrow (Thursday) at the second day of the two-day summer fixture.

Tomorrow, Thursday, presents an inviting evening card of eight races – seven hurdles and an INH Flat Race to finish offer – and the first race is off at 4.28pm. There is an unsettled forecast with showers possible.

Music, craic and good racing is on offer and hopes are high for a large crowd, especially family groups can expect a warm sporting welcome.

Speaking to WexfordLocal.com today, Managing Director Ursula Sinnott said; “Thank you to all our valued customers for coming to the (Wexford) races today and we hope you will join us again tomorrow (Thursday) for our evening meeting and the remaining fixtures between now and the October holiday weekend.”

There was just one local winner at today’s (Wednesday) Wexford fixture where misty conditions spoiled the viewing for the brave attendance.

Jockey Richie Deegan from Borris scored his first success for Denis Murphy, Ballyboy Stables, The Ballagh aboard the 2023 Ladies Cup winning eight-year-old mare at Punchestown Festival, Three By Two (9/1) in the colours of Mick McEvoy, Blessington in the concluding handicap chase.

Deegan, on his fifth ride for Murphy, who was absent as he was at the sales, said afterwards; “I do a bit of schooling for Denis, I know his sister Bernadette, brother Peter and their mother Kathleen well so it is nice to ride a winner for them, I live near to them and they’ll get a great kick out of that.”

Clare jockey Diarmuid Moloney registered success on his first ride for Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead on Fredie Robdal (7/2). Riding his first winner since April 2023, relieved jockey Moloney said “that win was a long time coming as I got hurt and couldn’t get going again. Thanks to Henry for getting me going again and you just need the good horses.

Incidentally, Freddie Robdal is named after a minor character from Only Fools And Horses!

Apologies for the poor quality. This is unavoidable due to the misty conditions that prevailed at Wexford races today