Davidstown-Courtnacuddy GAA Dinner Dance, Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, 14th February 2026. See all the photos on page 106.
Welcome to the March issue of the Slaney News.
The popular website switcher.ie has named Enniscorthy as the third best ‘Work Life Balance’ town in Ireland with always lots happening around town for all to enjoy. So make sure to read our Leisure & Lifestyle section every month, in this issue it starts on page 52.
Some key dates to keep in mind this month:
Open Day with Free admission at Enniscorthy Castle and 1798 Centre on 8th March. See page 6 and book your slot.
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns AGM on 10th March in The Presentation Centre. See page 12.
Enniscorthy Credit Union is now doing mortgage lending. It will be holding a ‘Getting Mortgage Ready’ information evening at its Enniscorthy premises on 11th March. See page 13.
St Patrick’s Day on 17th March has lots to offer. See pages 18-19.
Some key stories in this issue:
Enniscorthy’s population is expected to increase by 7,000 in the period 2025-2034. See page 11. Plans for the Enniscorthy Castle Heritage Quarter have been revealed. See pages 14-15.
Interim flood relief measures are to be introduced in Enniscorthy, and fundraising continues for the flood victims. See pages 22-23.
And don’t forget to catch up with snippets from around the county with ‘Atticus’ – our new, popular ‘Slices of Life’ columnist. See pages 16-17.
We include, as always, a huge number of photos taken around Enniscorthy, and beyond. If you would like to purchase any of these please get in touch by email: slaneynews@gmail.com
If you have any news or photos you’d like us to share in the Slaney News, please email them to slaneynews@gmail.com and we will do our best to include as much as possible. Also, please let us know what you think about our online format. Tel: 087-2403310, slaneynews@gmail.com or message us through our Facebook page, ‘Slaney News’, which now has nearly 16,000 Followers. And, of course, if you like our format please spread the word so we can grow our online readership. Thank you
– Frank Corcoran
EASTER CAMP
SLANEY NEWS
Discover the story on your doorstep:
Free Open Day at Enniscorthy Castle and The National 1798 Rebellion Centre
to rediscover their town’s rich heritage as Enniscorthy Castle and The National 1798 Rebellion Centre come together for a special Open Day with free guided tours on 8th of March 2026 from 10am.
While visitors travel from across Ireland and overseas to explore these two landmark attractions, many locals have yet to
Day is designed especially for Enniscorthy and county residents who have always meant to visit – offering the perfect opportunity to step in and explore, free of charge.
At Enniscorthy Castle, discover nearly 800 years of history within its historic walls. Tour guides will share the story of the Castle’s Norman origins and its evol-
can explore the exhibitions, hear fascinating local stories, and access the roof for views over the River Slaney and surrounding countryside (weather permitting).
Just a short walk away, The National 1798 Rebellion Centre brings to life the events of the 1798 Rebellion and Enniscorthy’s role in that defining chapter of Irish history. Through expert-led tours and an award-winning exhibition, visitors will gain fresh insight into the people and events connected to 1798 and its lasting legacy.
Whether you’re lifelong local, newly settled, or simply curious about the landmarks you pass every day, this Open Day offers a welcoming and engaging experience for all ages.
Pre-booking is required, please visit the websites www.enniscorthycastle.ie and www.1798centre.ie to book your free guided tour. Numbers are limited so book now to avoid disappointment!
Go inside, hear the stories, and see your town from a new perspective. Your history is waiting. n
Tim and Fiona Phelan invite you to visit their stylish cafe at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy.
The Ballymaloe-trained couple are making full use of a new, top-of-the-range kitchen to offer exceptional food produced in-house as well as supporting local artisan suppliers.
The cafe serves mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menus Mon-Fri 9am to 4.30pm, with daily specials, and brunch on Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Also Takeaway and Outside Catering. https://www.facebook.com/Cafe98Enniscorthy https://www.instagram.com/cafe98enniscorthy
Telephone: 085 1993775
1798 REBELLION CENTRE ‘OPEN DAY’ ON SUNDAY 8TH MARCH: CAFE 98 IS OPEN AND SERVING BRUNCH 10AM-3PM.
15TH MARCH (MOTHER'S DAY): WE ARE CLOSED. 16TH AND 17TH MARCH (ST PATRICK'S DAY): CLOSED BOTH DAYS. BACK OPEN ON 18TH.
Barbara-Anne Murphy COUNCILLOR
An established firm of solicitors, Julie and Kate Breen provide a full range of legal services at a competitive cost. Family law n Court defence n First-time buyer Residential property n Commercial property
Personal injuries n Employment law n Wills
We provide a personal service with ongoing direct feedback from the solicitor to the client regarding each case. Appointments can easily be made to suit your schedule by phone, email or by dropping into one of our offices Enniscorthy: Irish Street, Enniscorthy. Tel: 053 9235699 Ferns: Law Chambers, Aldercourt, Ferns. Tel: 053 9366688. E: info@JulieBreenSolicitor.ie www.JulieBreenSolicitor.ie
Enniscorthy Technology Park
for Housing, Local Government and Heritage TD for Wexford
When it comes to your finances, independent advice makes all the difference
At Ashmore Financial Services, we believe financial planning is important for everyone – everyone who wants clarity, confidence, and control over their future. We, as an Independent Financial Broker, work for you, not for a single bank or provider ensuring unbiased guidance, personalised solutions, and access to a wide range of options to suit your needs.
Whether you’re protecting your family with life cover, planning for retirement, arranging/reviewing your mortgage, or simply trying to make smarter financial decisions, having the right advice can save you money – and give you peace of mind.
Your future deserves more than guesswork. It deserves professional, personal advice from someone who puts your interests first. Contact us today to start your Mortgage journey. n
Above: Kent Ashmore flanked by Niamh O’Brien, and Martin Redmond.
New Year - New Opportunities for Wexford Businesses
The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme supports Wexford businesses to innovate, create jobs and grow sustainably. Grants of €5,000-€150,000 are available for:
Food & Beverage
Niche producers who are enhancing Wexford's food sector.
Tourism
Unique accommodation and visitor experiences that draw people to Wexford.
Green Economy enterprises driving circular and bioeconomy initiatives.
Grants cover up to 60% of eligible costs for: Facilities & equipment upgrades –Marketing & branding – Feasibility studies – Climate mitigation measures.
Turn ambition into action and take your business further in 2026. Visit www.wld.ie/leader or leader@wld.ie
Enniscorthy set for rapid growth
The Slaney News attended a special meeting of Wexford County Council last month at which it was revealed that Enniscorthy town will now be designated a 'key town' and is in for a period of rapid growth.
The population is expected to increase by 7,000 in the period 2025-2034 with additional lands to be rezoned for housing. During that period approx 2,500 housing units will be brought on stream in Enniscorthy. Council officials say there are a lot of developers ready to build in Enniscorthy and that rezoning land around the town will facilitate them.
Countywide, the target is 18,000 new housing units in the period 2025-2040.
The County Development Plan sets out how Co. Wexford will grow and develop over the lifetime of the plan – including housing, land zoning, and infrastructure. The Council is proposing changes to the existing County Development plan to make sure it aligns with National Policy. The changes are contained in ‘Proposed Variation No. 1 to the Wexford County Development Plan 2022–2028,’ and include updates to the Core Strategy which
lists how and where development should happen, and new zoning maps and objectives for Enniscorthy and New Ross.
The Variation 1 was displayed for public consultation in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on 26th February.
The Variation has been broadly welcomed by Enniscorthy’s Councillors but with some adding a note of caution that infrastructure and services like additional schools, GPs, etc will need to be in place to cater for the rising population.
Wexford County Council invites submissions from the public up to 12th March 2026 on the Proposed Variation No. 1 to the Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Full details, documents, and submission options are available on the Online Consultation Portal: https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/en/consultation/proposed-variation-no-1-wexfordcounty-development-plan-2022-2028
The Proposed Variation can also be viewed at the Planning Dept, County Hall, Wexford, and the Enniscorthy District Office during normal opening hours.
All are encouraged to view the proposals and have their say by 5pm, Thursday 12th March, 2026, using one of the following channels only:
Online via consult.wexfordcoco.ie
In writing to: Forward Planning, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93, with the reference ‘Variation No. 1 Wexford County Development Plan 2022-2028’.
Submissions must be received by 5.00pm on 12 March 2026. n
One of the many detailed maps and charts included in ‘Proposed Variation No. 1 to the Wexford County Development Plan 2022–2028’.
All are invited to attend
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group is within striking distance of Gold Medal status in the national Tidy Towns competition. With your help that magical ambition could be achieved.
Are you interested in nature, biodiversity, sustainability, and making Enniscorthy a cleaner and greener town?
If so, can you please consider attending the group’s upcoming AGM to learn more about their work and achievements and to help you decide if you’d like to help out. The AGM takes place on Tuesday 10th March at 8pm at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy. All are invited.
At present Enniscorthy Tidy Towns relies on a small group of committee members and dedicated olunteers, but more help is constantly needed. If you have a few hours to spare a month why not help out?
And if you come across a case of illegal dumping, contact: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie n A lot of illegal dumping is done by ‘the man with a van’. Most of us have seen advertisements by people offering to collect waste at cheap rates. But it is illegal for anyone to collect waste without a valid waste collection permit or licence. And it is YOUR responsibility to check they have a valid waste licence or you will end up in court, fined, and with legal costs added. You can check who has waste permits here: https://www.nwcpo.ie/permitsearch.aspx
And remember: If it is a cheap 'deal' then ask yourself is it too good to be true?
‘Get Mortgage Ready’ at Enniscorthy Credit Union
The College & Career Companion
Enniscorthy Credit Union is delighted to invite members and non-members alike to a special ‘Get Mortgage Ready’ information evening taking place at its Enniscorthy premises on Wednesday March 11th.
Whether you’re about to take the first step to owning your new home, planning your next move, or simply curious about your options on switching mortgages, this engaging informative session will guide you through everything you need to know about preparing for a mortgage with Enniscorthy Credit Union.
The event aims to help improve financial readiness to navigate the application process with confidence. The expert local lending team will break it down clearly and practically in this supportive information evening.
Booking is essential. To secure your spot, please email: together@enniscorthycu.ie or call 053 92 33835. For more details, please contact Enniscorthy Credit Union.
If you are unable to attend, you can book an alternative appointment with the lending team to learn about the application process. n
Available to buy at Easons and Evolv, Castle Hill, Enniscorthy. Also online at Amazon.ie. For School orders please contact Seamus on 087 2930 510.
Enniscorthy Castle Heritag
At a special meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District on 10th February 2026 it was agreed to immediately proceed with seeking ‘Part 8’ planning permission for the 'Castle Heritage Quarter' element of the Enniscorthy Town Centre First Plan which was presented to the meeting by David Whitty, Executive Engineer, Special Projects Office, Wexford Co. Council.
Several Councillors expressed disappointment with the absence of The Athenaeum from the scope of the project and the lack of consultation with the Councillors over the past year, but all were prepared to proceed with the project as now outlined. The Athenaeum, owned by St Aidan’s Parish, could possibly be considered as part of any future phase of the project.
Our images below give an idea of what the site looked like in the past and what it could look like if granted planning permission and the necessary funding by central government. The proposed project would form the focus of Enniscorthy’s tourism offering going forward. Phased pedestrianisation of the Castle Hill area would also follow from the project.
In essence the project consists of:
Dismantling the Castle Ballroom which was built on the original Castle garden.
Removal of 10 apartments to the rear of 6-7 Castle Street built on the original Castle garden.
Repair / maintenance / reinstatement of historic boundary features.
Creation of a new public garden with raised deck overlooking the town and with wonderful views of Vinegar Hill. Access to the gardens will be free for the general public.
Conservation and landscaping at the front entrance area of the Castle.
Acquisition and refurbishment of the 3-storey Victorian building at 6-7 Castle Street (My Sport) for use as ticket office, cafe (with indoor and outdoor seating), exhibition space (including artefacts previously displayed in the Castle itself), toilets, etc.
Over the past year Wexford Co. Council has engaged with the National Monuments Service, central government, experts in the fields of archaeology, conservation, ground investigations, ecology, asbestos, structural surveys, etc as well as engaging in land acquisition.
The next steps include proceeding with the planning permission process, progressing land acquisitions, finalising costings, and seeking government funding through the URDF programme.
Very importantly, there will be a PUBLIC CONSULTATION process so all can have a say in the future of this Enniscorthy Castle project.
All going well, construction could commence in early 2028 and be completed by late 2028 or early 2029. n
Old images taken from the official presentation by Wexford County Council Special Projects Office.
ge Quarter plans revealed
9. The Roche Garden. View across the lawn towards Vinegar Hill in the distance, framed by the corner tower on the left, and the castle on the right
3. View to the castle from Church Street
6-7 Castle Street on the left
1. Approach up Castle Hill. The reconstructed wall to the right, with new tree planting behind
5. Entrance to the Courtyard Garden The external café seating area seen on the right
6. View across the Courtyard Garden toward the castle
The extension to the café and entrance gate seen on the right
All images taken from the official document presented by Wexford County Council Special Projects Office to the special meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District on 10th February 2026.
Slices of Life
Seamus Codd’s new mantra
Atticus met with the famous Seamus Codd, former agricultural adviser and former bank manager, who was a true friend to hundreds of the farmers and their families of County Wexford back in the past 30 years.
He met with Seamus in Coynes Cross, the Applegreen services station at Junction 13 on the M11. It is one of the many here and in the USA owned by the hugely popular Bob Etchingham of Rosslare Strand. (Atticus loves name and place dropping). Applegreen is a pleasant rest stop for millions of Wexford people travelling to and from Dublin.
Seamus Codd became nationally famous back in the 2000s when he found that the majority of County Wexford farmers were smallholders who lived in frugal comfort and had barely enough to get by. The majority of Wexford farmers, even on 125 acres, earned less than the average industrial wage he found. He kept them going and infused them with hope when he became a leader of the County Wexford Smallholders group. One of his great helps was to calm those anxious farmers and their wives down and give them a philosophy of coping and methods of managing and planning and living with little and hopefully thriving.
Now much older, he has a new profound mantra. He said, “So many people of our age keep counting down the years. We should instead be making every year count.” Amen.
Passengers see Wexford coast from the air
Back in the 1970s, Atticus flew frequently from London to his home in Dublin. It was by Aer Lingus of course. On one trip, just after all the passengers had settled into their seats at Heathrow, a voice came over the tannoy to say,
‘This is the captain.’ He announced that the flight would be diverted because of cloud cover or something. Instead of direct to Dublin over England, the flight would be over Wales and up the Irish Sea to Dublin airport.
Over the mountains of Wales, the plane flew and took a sharp right to fly up the Irish Sea. Imagine the surprise on that clear sunny morning when the captain announced that those on the left-hand side of the plane “can look out and see the beautiful coastline of County Wexford”. Startled, Atticus looked out and there was the picturesque Curracloe beach resplendent in the mid-morning sunshine.
(Maybe that’s what inspired Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks!)
At Dublin airport, Atticus met with the very affable captain, who was from Castlebridge and once had a small airfield there.
That amazing Aer Lingus captain took the initiative to announce Wexford to passengers who might have been from anywhere in the world and might have been persuaded to visit. If only we had more pilots like the late John O’Loughlin R.I.P. Our Sincere Sympathy to John's family.
PS: The story was written up in the People Newspapers by a young journalist, Maria Pepper of Enniscorthy, at the behest of the then, now sadly late editor, Gerry Breen.
An occasional column in which our special correspondent Atticus catches people doing good things and not so good things!
Musical cleaners
Atticus found that with age comes a propensity to drop things and to spill drinks. He has regularly found specks of soup or chocolate or red wine on his lovely blue shirt and on the front of his black trousers. It’s embarrassing.
His wife’s friend, the wonderful Karina, recommended that he take shirt and trousers to the Clonard Drycleaners on the edge of Wexford town. Instead of the traditional ‘tomorrow’, he now gets a text on his phone ‘today’ in two hours to say, ‘Your order is ready to be collected!’
Always smiling and cheery and helpful, the voices of Gloria and Annette there are so musical that either one could burst into an operatic aria. It’s no wonder – Gloria is from Italy and Annette is from Ramsgrange, Co. Wexford.
The U2 Wexford connection
The number of musical notes in Atticus’ head are fewer than the prongs on a sprong. When he tries to sing Boolavogue, it’s like a crow with laryngitis.
Tony O’Brien of Wexford town, the onetime entertainment correspondent of the Irish Independent and Evening Herald, told him about the Roach Band and Declan Sinnott of Wexford and Cry Before Dawn and that a fledgling rock band called U2 with a lead singer named Bono were as good if not better.
Above left: Jackie Hayden, Matt Kelligan, manager of the Ballyfermot Rock School, and Larry Mullen of U2. Jackie Hayden was interviewing Larry Mullen as part of a Hot Press seminar there. Above right: Mary Black, Adam Clayton of U2, and Jackie Hayden.
Atticus took to liking U2. Imagine how much in awe he was when Tony introduced him to Jackie Hayden, the man who gave U2 their first record deal when he was with CBS Records. Jackie later entered journalism and became commissioning editor of the famed Hot Press magazine which published exclusives on bands and stars and leading politicians including the late Taoiseach Charles J Haughey. He is author of at least ten books including books on Phil Lynnott and Dylan Thomas. More recently he was co-author of Foster Girl by Sadie Harpur. He now lives somewhere around Tacumshane.
Atticus is reminded of Jackie and U2’s Bono (Paul), the Edge (David), Adam Clayton and Larry Mullan with their recently released wonderful political almost sing along EP Days of Ash championing human rights.
Atticus is a member of Amnesty International, the human rights and prisoners of conscience organisation, once headed by Wexford’s Colm O’Gorman. Days of Ash is supportive of human rights.
Reeling in the Showband Years at the Opera House
Atticus and his wife were charmed when their old friends Simon and Martha Kennedy from Navan brought them along to Reeling in the Showband Years presented by Ronan Collins at the National Opera House in Wexford town.
Here were numerous stars of the 60s and 70s who had attracted thousands of young men and women into ballrooms across Ireland where their performances inspired those young people to have fun, fall in love or out of it.
Ronan and his co-legend Seán O’Dowd steered the stars on stage and the big band there through “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, “Come Down from the Mountain Katie Daly”, “From the Candy Store on the Corner”, “All Over the World”, “The Greatest Lover”, “My Ding-A-Ling”, “Simple Simon Says”, “Is This the way to Amarillo” and so on and so on. Here were Joe Dolan, Dickie Rock, The Dixies and more brought to life.
Atticus was struck by the remembrance of Ronan Collins’ stars for their times in Adamstown, the Barrowland, Camross, Whites, Bunclody, Kilmuckridge, and the Castle (Enniscorthy). They mentioned Camross Hall several times and they mentioned Tony Kehoe of South East Radio many more.
The audience of older and younger, some of whom stood and danced and swayed to the music, filed out afterwards saying “Brilliant!”, “Brilliant!”, “Brilliant!”…
Atticus feels that the young people of today don’t know what pure entertainment is and says the showband years were truly the greatest years.
How Denis would do it!
Atticus was fascinated with the Fireside Chat with three times billionaire and serial entrepreneur Denis O’Brien, so expertly steered at Ed Murphy’s Chamber lunch in the Riverside by Teresanne O’Reilly of TWELVE. (TWELVE is a quare name, but it’s great stuff.)
So what should Wexford do to build a winning culture and build business?
Denis said, “Look, I’d get in touch with Paula Roche (the Chamber CEO) or Ed the president, and I’d say ‘I’m in. What do you want me to do?’ I would go to
meetings. I would go to Dublin. I’d campaign until they do it. I don’t think it’s about hiring fancy public relations companies. I think it’s more natural, more real, if people from Wexford did the campaign. I would be outside your Minister’s office every Saturday morning, maybe three at a time, until they do it.”
Atticus will be monitoring matters.
How many politicians?
A businessman who started from nothing except his wits in Wexford town: “How many politicians have ever run a corner shop?” Atticus couldn’t name even one.
Floods on the radio
Atticus is not easily impressed. He usually listens to the BBC but he accidentally hit the button for South East Radio. There he heard Alan Corcoran, one-time RTÉ broadcaster and colleague of the master broadcaster Donncha Ó Dúlaing, on the SER Morning Mix programme. He was interviewing Darragh Clifford, editor of the People Newspapers about the floods in Enniscorthy.
“Imagine that,” Atticus exclaimed to himself. Now impressed with both, he remembered how a few years ago the People Newspapers journalists barely nodded to the South East Radio broadcasters. However, when Michael Doyle of South East Radio, Phil Murphy, editor emeritus of Ireland’s Own, and David Tucker, then news editor of the People got together, glasnost broke out.
Great though the broadcast was, there were no immediate solutions. The floods of 2026 will soon be forgotten, until the next floods. n
Ronan Collins and Reeling in the Showband Years.
Ed Murphy and Denis O’Brien.
Last chance to take part in the Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the most anticipated annual events in Enniscorthy, drawing residents and visitors together in a vibrant celebration of Irish culture.
The parade will take place on March 17th at 3pm, with festivities continuing after the parade at Market Square.
A number of cash prizes are on offer for participants in the parade and for the best shop window.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to join in celebrating Irish heritage, international friendship, and community spirit at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Enniscorthy. n
Hard copies of the two forms on this page can be had from the Enniscorthy Municipal District office in Market Square.
The town of Enniscorthy along with the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Committee are proud to announce that Mayor Brad Bunting, Blacktown City, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, will serve as Grand Marshal for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, highlighting not only a celebration of Irish heritage but also the strong bonds of international friendship through Sister City partnerships.
The visiting delegation from Blacktown will join Mayor Bunting to lead the parade procession through the historic streets of Enniscorthy.
Enniscorthy Municipal District signed a Sister City Agreement with Blacktown City Council in August 2023 committing each Council to officially recognise both Vinegar Hills, in Enniscorthy and Blacktown, in commemoration events, as well as a commitment to fostering new connections across the areas of tourism, sport, arts, and culture.
The Theme for this year’s festivities is Connecting Roots and the Enniscorthy festival committee are inviting the many groups and organisations in the Parade to embrace and celebrate the roots that connect them to their past, their place, their people, their community, their language, and their culture, and also the roots that connect us to one another, roots with tentacles spread across oceans, epitomised by the Grand Marshal Mayor Brad Bunting and the Blacktown delegation leading the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The parade looks not only to showcase our own deep and extensive roots here in Enniscorthy, but to welcome and enfold the roots of the diversity of cultures now residing among us as part of the fabric of our town.
Enniscorthy Municipal District has kindly sponsored prizes for the St. Patrick’s Day festival this year. The prizes up for grabs are as follows:
Win €250 for Best Overall Business Entry in the parade.
Win €250 for Best Community Entry in the parade.
Win €150 for Best Dressed Business Window Display.
The most creative entries will be awarded the prizes in recognition of their efforts.
The St Patrick’s Festival Committee wishes to thank the Members of Enniscorthy Municipal District for their continuing support for the festival each year and for the fantastic sponsorship of prizes for the event. n
Road Closures for Parade
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the roads listed hereunder on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to facilitate the holding of the Enniscorthy Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2026.
Road Closures 1:
Duffry Street (Cathedral Street), Main Street and Castle Street and Castle Hill (R702) (between the junction of Duffry Hill, Duffry Gate and Duffry Street and the junction of Abbey Square Roundabout and Castle Hill) from 14:00 to 17:30 on Tuesday 17 March 2026, and Weafer Street (R702) (from its junction with Market Square to its junction with Duffry Hill) from 14:00 to 17:30 on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Alternative Route:
Traffic (Southbound)
Duffry Hill to Lymington Road to Arnold’s Cross to Mill Park Road to Abbey Square Roundabout via R890 and R744.
Traffic (Northbound)
Roundabout on Abbey Square to Mill Park Road to Arnold’s Cross to Lymington Road to Duffry Hill via R744 and R890.
Road Closure 2:
The Promenade (from its junction with Seamus Rafter Bridge to its junction of Mill Yard Lane) and Quay Street (from its junction with R744 at Mill Park Road and its junction with The Promenade) from 13:30 to 17:30 on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Alternative Route:
From Seamus Rafter Bridge to Abbey Square and Mill Park Road to the junction with Mill Park Lane and via Mill Park Lane to Salt House Lane.
Alternative routes will be signposted. No Vehicular Access will be facilitated. n
Potential delegates from Blacktown, Australia.
Social Enterprise to the fo
Wexford Local Development (WLD) has officially launched its new Social Enterprise Feasibility Study, capturing the breadth, diversity, and potential of social enterprise activity across County Wexford.
The recent launch event at the Reach Ability Hub in Enniscorthy, attended by the Slaney News, brought together social enterprise network members, community leaders, and WLD staff, providing a space to reflect on the scale of activity already underway and the opportunities emerging across the county.
The study provides a comprehensive overview of social enterprises operating in Wexford, identifying key thematic areas including employment and skills development, disability inclusion, community wellbeing, climate action, rural regeneration, and social innovation. It also highlights common challenges faced by social enterprises, alongside opportunities for growth, collaboration and targeted support.
Crucially, the feasibility study aligns local social enterprise activity with national
policy priorities, including Ireland’s Social Enterprise Policy, rural development objectives, inclusive employment strategies, and climate and sustainability goals. The study positions County Wexford as a strong contributor to the wider enterprise ecosystem.
WLD will use the findings to inform future programme design, enterprise supports, and partnership development, ensuring that social enterprises across the county are better equipped to scale their impact and sustainability.
The study reinforces WLD’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, resilient, and impact-driven social enterprise ecosystem that responds directly to community needs across County Wexford.
John Waters, Chairperson, Taghmon Action Group (TAG), had this to say: “I was delighted to attend on behalf of Taghmon Action Group and to be one of the two groups selected for the feasibility study undertaken by WLD on Social Enterprise in Co. Wexford. Working with Helena and Sam during the study gave us a new perspective of what we at TAG
have achieved over the years and give us confidence and guidance for the future.
"As we undertake the next phase of the development of TAG and formulate our strategic plan and goals for the future, we will do so with renewed confidence. The training provided by Sam has opened up our thinking on what can be achieved by working with our partners to frame a strategic growth through sustainability and enterprise.”
Jonathan King, Chairperson, St. Aidan’s Community Hall, Bunclody, said: “Having the feasibility study carried out for St. Aidan’s Community Hall yielded an interesting outcome. Namely how we had contributed to five of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by simply making the enterprise sustainable, and the necessity to be able to measure the impact the projects we deliver, has on the communities. It was encouraging to see so many fellow social entrepreneurs at the launch, and is testament to the strength of the Wexford county’s social enterprise network.” n
Wexford Local Development staff and attendees at the launch of its new Social Enterprise Feasibility Study
ore in County Wexford
Wexford Local Development CEO Brian Kehoe (left) with the study author Sam Marchetti of ConsortiaCo.
Interim flood relief measures for Enniscorthy
While Enniscorthy’s long-promised Flood Relief Scheme is still in the planning phase, a number of practical, interim measure have been promised by Wexford Co. Council, these measures were outlined at a Special Meeting of Wexford Co. Council on 9th February 2026, where Chief Executive Eddie Taaffe outlined the extent of the recent flooding stating that at its peak 300,000 litres of river water was passing through Enniscorthy every second!
Mr Taaffee was confident that the government, through the OPW, would provide the necessary funding for the following Interim Measures, which may not fully stop any future flooding episodes but should at least help reduce the impact:
A sandbag wall behind properties on the Island Road which will remain in place for the indefinite future (this has been done).
An aquadam will be employed on Shannon Quay.
An earth bank will be constructed to protect the Waterfront Pool & Leisure Centre.
The wall on Abbey Quay, which dips at its centre, will be raised by 300mm.
Demountable barriers will be installed at the two pedestrian access points on Abbey Quay.
Sump and pump systems will be purchased and installed on Shannon Quay and Abbey Quay.
An aquadam will be utilised on The Prom Council engineers will work with affected homeowners around individual house barriers.
Electronic warning signs are being considered for the Quays which will show the status of the river and display any warnings.
In addition to Enniscorthy, there will be interim measures also for Wexford town, Bunclody (where 14 houses and four businesses were flooded) and Bridgetown.” n
The people of Enniscorthy are eternally grateful to the volunteers of Slaney Search & Rescue, the staff of Enniscorthy Municipal District / Wexford Co. Council, the Civil Defence and Fire Services, and the Irish Red Cross for all their work and support for those who were so badly affected by the recent floods.
REBECCA RAISES OVER €10,000 FOR ISLAND ROAD FLOOD VICTIMS
Well done to young Enniscorthy woman Rebecca Byrne who organised a GoFundMe page for the Island Road flood victims and raised €10,677.11.
The money is being divided equally between the residents of the 22 affected properties and was presented to them on 21st February 2026. n
Above: Rebecca Byrne with Cllr Jackser Owens and young Aubree Byrne beside one of the remaining skips on the Island Road. Above right: Rebecca (second from left in the front) with some of the residents.
The recently installed sandbag wall behind properties on the Island Road.
Trish’s Slimming World’s €3,000
Members of Trish’s Slimming World group, based at Enniscorthy Rugby Club, have raised an impressive €3,000 for Slaney Search & Rescue, following the devastating floods that recently affected Enniscorthy and surrounding areas.
Like so many in the town, the members were deeply moved by the scenes of damage and heartbreak caused by the flooding. Wanting to do something practical and meaningful, they came together to support a service that has quietly but consistently supported Enniscorthy for decades.
Slaney Search & Rescue has been a cornerstone of the community for over 30 years, providing vital emergency response along the River Slaney and beyond. During the recent floods, the volunteer-led organisation was once again at the forefront, assisting residents in incredibly challenging conditions. Ironically, the floods also took a toll on the group itself, with some of their own equipment damaged beyond use when their premises was flooded.
for SSR
On Wednesday, 18th February, Wally McKenna of Slaney Search & Rescue visited Enniscorthy Rugby Club to collect the cheque and meet some of the Slimming World members behind the fundraising effort. Wally outlined the extent of the devastation faced by the organisation, explaining how essential equipment was lost during the floods, compounding the challenges they were already dealing with on the ground.
He expressed sincere gratitude to the group for their generosity, noting that financial support like this is crucial in helping Slaney Search & Rescue continue their lifesaving work.
Trish also thanked Wally and his fellow volunteers for their dedication and swift response during the flooding, acknowledging the reassurance and support they have provided to the people of Enniscorthy time and time again. n
Enniscorthy students raise over €5,000 for SSR
After all that Slaney Search & Rescue has given to the town during the recent flooding, and over the last 30 years, it's great to see them receiving recognition and crucial financial support. A very welcome donation was from the wonderful school community at St. Patrick's School in Enniscorthy.
The students and staff of Class Hazel organised a collection in the school. The students had seen the devastation and heartache the floods had brought to the town.
Daniel, Ray, Robbie, Joe, and Patrick went around the school and collected €443.41. On 18 February, Dermot Leacy of Slaney Search and Rescue visited the school to be presented with the cheque.
Above L-R: Lorraine O’Leary, Maura Dunne, Joe Murphy, Dermot Leacy (Slaney Search and Rescue), Daniel Robinson, Annemarie Ivers and Rachel Meaney. n
St Senan’s primary school in Enniscorthy raised an incredible €3,650 for Slaney Search & Rescue. The students are pictured above with the cheque. Our other photo below shows school Principal Fiona Wickham with Shane, Jonathan, and Kai from Slaney Search & Rescue. n
Almost €2m in LEADER grants to businesses across Co. Wexford
Close to €2 million in rural development grants have been approved for Wexford businesses and communities under the EU-backed LEADER Programme, which supports job creation and economic development in rural communities. The funding, managed by Wexford Local Development (WLD), represents 38% of the county's overall €5.4m allocation under the current 2023-2027 LEADER Programme.
Among the beneficiaries in the latest round of grant approvals is Saltee Sea Safaris, a marine tourism business in Kilmore Quay which, following a successful first year in operation, secured €115,000 towards a new rigid-inflatable boat. The business takes a no-landing approach, keeping its footprint light on Wexford's coastal habitats while bringing visitors close to some of the county’s most dramatic seascapes. The new vessel will extend the operational range of the business, facilitating tours to Tuskar Rock Lighthouse and Hook Head Lighthouse, in addition to the Saltee Islands route, where whale and dolphin pods can be spotted year-round.
In North Wexford, Kilthomas Wood Farm, close to Ferns village, has been approved for just under €100,000 to develop luxury woodland accommodation on the Breen family’s working organic farm. Bordering a Famine trail and within walking distance of the historic village, the site offers a sense of history and tranquillity. Six eco-friendly yurts will be constructed on twelve acres of private woodland in the first phase, with pods to follow later.
Meanwhile, Adamstown dairy farmer James Kelly, with his partner Sinead, has secured almost €93,000 to launch My Moo’s Milk, a direct-to-consumer milk vending business. Milk from Kelly’s dairy farm will be delivered daily from the family farm to self-service vending huts in Adamstown and on the Old Dublin Road in Enniscorthy. Pasteurised but not homogenised, it retains its natural cream layer. Customers purchase a reusable glass bottle and fill it via contactless payment, cutting food miles and eliminating single-use packaging in the process.
Also benefitting from LEADER funding is New Ross social enterprise, Cumas New Ross CLG, receiving just under €36,000 for new engraving equipment that will help grow the business and create further employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Tom Bermingham, Rural Development Programmes Coordina-
tor at WLD, said the approvals show the real impact LEADER can have at local level:
“These projects show how local businesses are using LEADER funding to innovate and diversify. From our coastline to our farms and social enterprises, this investment is strengthening rural communities across County Wexford.”
Funding remains available for eligible businesses in the food, tourism, and green economy sectors, with grants of up to €150,000 available under the current programme. See www.wld.ie/leader for details. n
Tom Bermingham, Rural Development Programmes Coordinator at WLD.
Vital workshop for community groups, social enterprises and charities
Wexford Local Development (WLD) will be hosting an engaging and practical workshop, in both the Enniscorthy and Wexford districts, on ‘Governance & Compliance’ for the Community, Voluntary and Charity Sector.
Designed for community groups that are a Company Limited by Guarantee and/or registered Charities, this workshop will give participants the clarity and confidence to understand and meet their responsibilities effectively.
• Understand roles & responsibilities
• Navigate key compliance requirements
• Improve meeting management
• Gain practical tools you can use immediately.
It will be delivered by John Warren of JE Warren Consulting, a highly experienced governance and compliance specialist working across the community and voluntary sector.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your organisation and safeguard its future. Booking is essential, see details in accompanying graphic.
Bunclody St Patrick’s parade
The Bunclody St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 will take place on Tuesday, March 17th. The parade will depart from TírLán, Carrigduff, Bunclody, at 10.30am.
If you would like to take part in this year’s parade please register at https://form.jotform.com/2502727087 28360
If you need further information please contact Michael at 086 8365265, Barbara-Anne at 087 6736966, or Teresa at 087 7930627.
For updates: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php ?id=100094159417553 n
HSE Plan to boost healthcare facilities in Wexford
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD has approved the publication of the Health Service Executive’s Building and Equipment Capital Plan for 2026. This plan brings an investment of over €16.5 million to Wexford, as part of a €1.3 billion allocation nationally for the development and enhancement of healthcare infrastructure, according to local Fine Gael Senator Cathal Byrne (pictured).
Senator Byrne says, “The investments set out in the 2026 HSE Capital plan shows our commitment to improve Wexford’s health service facilities and ensure better access to care for our patients. Investing in our health service is important as our population grows, with many people living longer, healthier lives.
“The announcement, including investment in the design, construction, and equipping of a new MRI facility and the new 97-bed medical ward block is welcome news that will help bring healthcare services closer to home and better meet the needs of patients and families in our community.” n
The annual CONCERN Collection which locally has raised thousands of euros for famine and disaster relief in the Third World, took place in Enniscorthy in midFebruary.
Organised annually by the local CONCERN support group, the fundraising took the form of a street collection as well as a coffee morning which last year raised a very impressive figure of €10,000. This year’s figure is yet to be announced but it will no doubt be considerable, and it will help relieve hunger among children in the Gaza Strip.
Enniscorthy has a proud tradition of contributing generously to the annual CONCERN Fast and in the last ten years has contributed more than any comparable sized town in Ireland.
See the Slaney News Facebook page for updates. n
Local Concern for Gaza
Below left: Eugene Doyle, Una Mackin, Barbara Walshe, Kay Doyle. Below right: Bridget O’Neill and Chrissie Ivers. Bottom left: Annette McCarthy, Caroline Steacy and Bernie O’Callaghan. Bottom right: Mary Dobbs, Monica Moorehouse, and Liz O’Brien.
Below
Street collectors braving the elements.
Above: Annette McCarthy and Maree Lyng. Below: Liam O’Leary and Jimmy Gahan.
Top left: Emma Dunne. Top right: The impressive raffle prizes. Above: Eugene Doyle and Joan Peare.
Above right: Winnie O’Connor and Philomena Murphy. Left: Donnacha and Daire.
left: The generous sponsors.
Below centre: Willow, Kirsty and Beatrix Harrington.
Start your own social enterprise!
Exciting news for aspiring social entrepreneurs in County Wexford!
Wexford Local Development (WLD) is delighted to partner with the Local Enterprise Office Wexford (LEO) on a brand new innovative programme designed to support the creation of new social enterprises across County Wexford.
This highly tailored programme will provide practical support, guidance and expertise to help ideas with social impact
turn into sustainable enterprises.
WLD and LEO are thrilled to be involved in bringing this opportunity to communities right across County Wexford, working with proven experts Entrepreneurs Academy to deliver this new and exciting initiative.
Find full programme details and register directly here:
Weafer Street Workrooms offers six dedicated desks, three private therapy rooms, and one video conference/creator lab in the heart of Enniscorthy. Does your business need a professional space for interviews or meetings?
The meeting room at the Workrooms offers a quiet, comfortable, town-centre setting, with on-site facilities included – access to computers, printing, and scanning, plus kitchen facilities for longer sessions.
If you, or someone you know, has an idea that could make a positive difference in Wexford, WLD and LEO would love to get involved.
Please share about this new programme and help uncover Wexford’s next generation of social enterprises. This could be the opportunity someone’s been waiting for! n
New in-school therapy service
Minister James Browne TD has warmly welcomed the announcement of the first phase of the new Education Therapy Service (ETS), describing it as a ‘game-changer’ for children with additional needs and their families across County Wexford.
Minister Browne says the new service “will see therapists embedded directly in school communities to provide vital, joined-up supports for students.
“This is a landmark step forward in how we support children with special educational needs, and I am particularly pleased to see the outstanding schools of St. Patrick's Special School as well as Gorey Hill School included from the very beginning.
“These schools do incredible work every day. Having therapy supports delivered directly in schools will make a real difference to children’s development, learning and wellbeing, while also easing pressure on families who often face long waits or travel to access services.”
The Education Therapy Service is designed to complement existing health and disability services, ensuring children receive the right supports, in the right place, at the right time.
“I look forward to seeing the service expand further in the months ahead so that even more schools and families across Wexford can benefit.”
Recruitment for the first 90 therapists to support 45 schools nationally has now concluded. n
Local group advocating for community pharmacy
The Phoenix Rising Network is leading a campaign for ‘after hours pharmacy access’ in Enniscorthy.
The Network is all about empowering people with disabilities, their carers, and their families through inclusive programmes, advocacy, and community support.
They believe the local community deserves better as when there is no access to medication, because no pharmacy is available, vulnerable people suffer.
The traditional, informal pharmacy rota that operated in Enniscorthy until fairly recently has ‘collapsed’, they say, and ‘We need a PERMANENT solution.’
So the group is now campaigning for:
• A dedicated after-hours pharmacy at the Quarry Park CareDoc Centre.
• Open Sundays, Bank Holidays and evenings.
• Creating local jobs.
• Serving those most in need.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
SIGN and SHARE the petition: https://c.org/ZHRhM8chBL
Contact your local public representatives, and use the HASHTAG #EnniscorthyNeedsAPharmacy on social media.
The Network says, “Temporary rotas have failed. We need a guaranteed, integrated solution. We call on the Health Service
Executive (HSE) to open a dedicated community pharmacy within the existing Primary Care Centre at Quarry Park, ensure it operates during all CareDoc out-of-hours:
Sundays, Bank Holidays, and evenings, and create a seamless service so patients seen by the GP can get their medication immediately, safely, and with dignity. n
Enniscorthy– third best town in Ireland!
The popular website switcher.ie has named Enniscorthy as the third best ‘Work Life Balance’ town in Ireland.
Their study compared a range of factors across towns and cities with populations of over 10,500.
The Work-Life Balance Index includes:
• House prices
• Broadband and mobile speeds
• Proximity to leisure & sports facilities
• Proximity to major roads and bus stops
• Green spaces – public parks, national parks and coastlines
• Cafes and coffee shops
• Major supermarkets
• Primary schools and GP surgeries
• Crime rate.
Ranking 1: Arklow
“A delightful commuter town with easy access to Wicklow and Dublin by road and rail. It boasts an excellent range of leisure facilities, supermarkets and schools, plus you’ve got sandy beaches and riverside walks to walk the dog or stretch your legs.
It’s one of the most affordable towns on
the east coast and attracts many commuters due to its perfect mix of green spaces, local amenities, and proximity to Dublin.”
Ranking 2: Ballina
Ranking 3: Enniscorthy
Set upon the picturesque River Slaney, Enniscorthy is a major Wexford town with the best of Ireland on its doorstep. Residents enjoy easy access to both the majestic Blackstairs Mountains and the famous Curracloe coastline. One of the cheaper towns in Wexford, it serves working families well with good transport access to major towns and local amenities.” n
Enniscorthy snippets...
VINEGAR HILL
New seating has been installed. New Heritage Interpretive panels are due to be installed this month. Parking and access improvements to Vinegar Hill are being investigated by Wexford Co. Council (WCC). €40,000 in government grant funding has been awarded to Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD) for signage and laneway improvements. The Enniscorthy East Community Development Association believes it has identified a site that could be used to allow access to the Hill for buses etc, and could potentially house a new welcome centre/ coffee shop/toilets, etc and have contacted EMD officials about it.
ST JOHN’S COMMUNITY WELLBEING & ACTIVITY GARDEN
This new green space is a vibrant community hub that is safe, accessible and welcoming to all. Some months ago, a new walking route around St. John’s Community Hospital campus was officially opened.
ENNISCORTHY TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PROJECTS
Market Square Project: The Part 8 process for the Market Square project was concluded on 9th Sept. 2024, with the Council approving the scheme with amendments to address matters raised during the public consultation process.
The design of the scheme will be amended to reflect the outcome of the Part 8 process, and to have everything in order for upcoming grant funding calls.
Castle Quarter Project: A ‘Part 8’ planning process for the Castle Quarter project was launched on 11th February 2026. An application for Ministerial Consents for the project, given its proximity to a National Monument, has been successfully obtained. The Castle nightclub has been acquired and discussions are ongoing with other landowners to acquire further lands required for the project. Ground Investigation works are currently ongoing to inform archaeological and structural engineering considerations.
Templeshannon Regeneration Project: Procurement documents are being prepared in to order to establish a multi supplier framework for consultancy services. The framework is to use the Enniscorthy Town Centre projects (Templeshannon and Market Square) as the initial contract award in the establishment of the framework. The design team for Templeshannon will be required to develop the conceptual plan presented to EMD members in April 2025.
Officials from the UDRF section of the DHLGH visited Enniscorthy on 17th September 2025 to view the three Enniscorthy Town Centre project sites. WCC is awaiting a pending URDF funding call to make a grant application for all three projects. The three projects can only proceed if WCC is successful is securing government URDF funding.
ENNISCORTHY CCTV
A total of 22 CCTV cameras are being installed at different locations within Enniscorthy Town which have been agreed with An Garda Siochana. There has been a delay with ESB works. The Enniscorthy CCTV scheme is expected to be complete by mid to late April. The approval for use of the Garda Mast is still awaited and until that comes through there will be no live CCTV feed into the Garda Station.
Bunclody CCTV Project: The Garda Commissioners office has authorised the Bunclody CCTV project. The CCTV civil & electrical works are commencing around now and expected to be completed in four weeks time.
ENNISCORTHY SPORTS HUB
A contractor, Kevin Thorpe Ltd, is now working on the second phase (sports equipment storage area, open space area, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and a small office) of the Sports Hub. The project should be complete by this coming September. The second phase has been made possible through investment of €450,000 by The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and Wexford Co. Council providing funding of €150,000.
ENNISCORTHY NORTH BUSINESS DISTRICT (Old Dublin Road)
Some works have been carried out in recent years on the Enniscorthy North Business District (Old Dublin Road) where over 2,000 people currently work. An application for further funding was submitted to the National Transport Authority for the active travel elements of the masterplan for the area but no funding has been forthcoming to date.
MURPHY FLOODS SITE
This newly opened carpark adds 37 carparking spaces for the town. The carpark includes pedestrian linkages to both the Main Street via a set of concrete steps and a pathway/ramp to the Dunnes Stores side. Additional public lighting has been installed. A valuation on the site has recently been received in the order of €280,000. Wexford County Council is committed to the long-term development of the site on a commercial basis; and it will be placed on the open market. It is expected that any development would take several years to come to fruition.
ENNISCORTHY FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME
The Scheme is now proceeding on a phased basis.
Phase 1 – Bridgeworks. This phase of the project will include the construction of the new River Slaney Bridge, the removal of the Seamus Rafter Bridge, and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the town centre. Public consultation on the preferred option for Phase 1 took place late last year. An application for planning approval for Phase 1 is to be submitted in Q3 2026.
Phase 2 – Flood Relief Works. This phase of the scheme will include the construction of the remaining flood relief measures for the town. The next steps are: Assess alternative design options in detail and shortlist these for consultation. Identify the preferred scheme to be brought forward for planning. Decide the appropriate planning route. Prepare planning documents and submit for planning approval.
The Scheme has a total approved budget of €51m approx. On completion, it is expected to protect 326 properties – 159 homes and 167 businesses.
BUNCLODY PARK
A Stage 2 Natura Impact Statement, plans and particulars were submitted to An Bord Pleanála under Section 177AE. The Board was satisfied that the proposed development would not adversely affect the integrity of the European Site (the Slaney River Valley Special area of Conservation) in view of the Site’s conservation objectives. The application was approved with conditions at the end of February 2025. WCC Property Section has signed contracts with the landowner to acquire lands for this project.
PAIRC NA GABHAR BUNCLODY
A revised plan for Pairc Na Gabhar has been drawn up. The proposed development will now proceed to Part 8 Planning.
RAFTER STREET PEDESTRIANISATION
Recessed bollard mounts and bollards have been installed with a facility for the Emergency Services to have access. EMD is now strictly enforcing the pedestrianisation. New signage has been erected stating current byelaw times – between 10.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. The possibility of extending the pedestrianisation hours to cover Saturdays and Sundays will be looked at.
LIBRARIES
Under WCC’s three-year capital programme (2026-2028), €4.5m will go towards a new library in Enniscorthy, and €3.1m for Bunclody Library.
ALL-WEATHER ASTRO PITCH, ROSS ROAD
The official opening took place on 24th February 2025. To contact the facility, email: wexfordfootballalliance@gmail.com
ENNISCORTHY TRAILS
Works are ongoing on design and planning to extend the existing town trails network to link to the Ringwood and Borodale trails.
COLUMBARIUM WALL
Planning is proceeding for a Columbarium Wall in Enniscorthy Lawn Cemetery. RINGWOOD
Wexford Local Development was awarded €40,000 in government funding to resurface the entrance lane to Ringwood. The completed works will be formally launched soon.
BALLYHOGUE COMMUNITY HUB
The project has an expected completion date of June 2027.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
€200,000 has been secured for pedestrian crossings and traffic calming outside the Enniscorthy Community College on the Milehouse Road. This also includes funding for traffic calming from Forgelands into Bellefield Road past Lidl and Aldi.
BLACKSTAIRS
Wexford Co. Council has been awarded almost €50,000 to fund a feasibility study for a walking and cycling trail connecting Bunclody, Kiltealy, Killanne, Templeduigan and Ballywilliam.
ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK PHASE 2
Tobin Consulting Engineers were appointed to provide technical consultancy services for this project to service upper sites at ETP. Site investigations are complete, and design work is near completion. It is anticipated the tender for construction works will be advertised around now.
ENNISCORTHY TECHNOLOGY PARK – IDA ADVANCE FACTORY
A planning application for a proposed advance factory building in Enniscorthy Technology Park has been approved. n
Highlighting the GP crisis
Wicklow-Wexford Sinn Féin Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has issued a stinging rebuke of the government’s failure to provide essential supports and services for private patients who do not have a GP, warning that the ongoing inaction is deepening health inequalities and leaving thousands of people without access to basic healthcare.
“It is completely unacceptable that in 2026, thousands of private patients across this State remain unable to access a GP, while the government stands by with no coherent plan to support them. This neglect is exacerbating health inequalities and forcing people to delay care, travel long distances, or rely on costly emergency departments simply because they cannot secure a GP.
"One doctors surgery in this constituency has 200 people on a waiting list which is now currently closed.
“Under current health policy, medical card holders are provided with support to secure a GP, including enhanced access pathways and targeted assistance to ensure they can register with a local doctor. If a medical card holder is refused by at least three GPs in their area, they can contact the HSE National Medical Card Unit, which has the authority to assign them to a General Medical Services (GMS) GP list. However, there is no equivalent support available to private patients, meaning that those who do not qualify for a medical card are left without any help.
“It beggars belief that the government can mandate support for medical card holders to find a GP, yet refuse to extend
even a fraction of that support to the many private patients stuck on interminable waiting lists for a family doctor. People are not being treated equally under this system.
“The real-world consequences of this policy gap are frightening. My office is seeing too many patients receive delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment for serious to life-threatening conditions. This in turn is applying increased pressure to hospital emergency departments and out-of-hours services such as Caredoc, affecting the level of care that patients receive in medical emergencies.
“The people I represent in Co. Wicklow and Co. Wexford deserve better; we cannot accept this any longer. A modern health service must ensure that everyone – whether they hold a medical card or not – can access a GP in their community. The government cannot continue to ignore this crisis. It’s time for a comprehensive plan that extends real support to all patients without a GP.
“I am extremely disappointed that the Minister for Health confirmed to me that ‘There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients, and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in any area’. What we need is state supplied healthcare to ensure healthcare for all.
“Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Those without a GP should not be left behind. The government must act now to end this inequality and finally deliver a health service that works for everyone.” n
Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD
Hannah McInerney, En-
CONGRATS TO ENNISCORTHY'S HANNAH
welcomed 14 young people to the sec ond Gaisce Youth Ambassador Panel. Among the panel members is Hannah McInerney from Enniscorthy.
The panel consists of 14 young people from all around Ireland, aged 16 to 22, and will run until December 2026. The panel’s primary goal is to advocate and be ambassadors for Gaisce among their
while actively collaborating with the Gaisce team to enhance the award experience for other young people.
Throughout their term, panel members will participate in workshops, attend events, develop new skills, and engage in consultation and decision-making. They will explore themes such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
they will benefit from the chance to learn from and engage with experienced guest speakers.
The ambassadors will play a key role in championing the Gaisce Award among their peers, in their local communities, and at the national level and helping shape and enhance the award experience for future participants. n
Amnesty Wexford – defending human rights
Founded in the 1990s, Amnesty International Wexford Group is one of eight Amnesty groups around Ireland contributing to that organisation’s tireless work in defending human rights all over the world.
This friendly and energetic group of local people holds monthly meetings at 6.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month in the lobby/coffee dock in Whites of Wexford hotel. They raise local awareness about human rights, organise events and stalls and film nights, fundraise, and campaign by letter-writing and lobbying.
They held their annual Picnic Against Apartheid in Redmond Park on 13th July. And a very successful Art Exhibition and Sale fundraiser in recent months.
Due to the ongoing violence towards the Palestinian people, the daily killings, the restrictions on aid leading to hunger, the destruction of the UNRWA buildings, and the blatant disregard for
the ceasefire by the Israeli government, the group is resuming its presence on the first Thursday of each month in Redmond Square between 6.30pm and 7pm. The next gathering will be on Thursday 5th March. The group invites all to attend, “It would be great if you could join us to express solidarity with the Palestinian people who are suffering so much.”
Amnesty International's founder Peter Benenson once said, "Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done."
Amnesty International Wexford Group is always keen to have new people join the group so please message them through their Facebook or Instagram pages. n
A monthly update from GreenTechHQ
AI tools for Business – Monthly Masterclass Series
Dates:
Session 1: Thursday, March 19th
Session 2: Thursday, April 9th
Session 3: Thursday, April 30th
Session 4: Wednesday, May 20th
Venue: GreenTech HQ, Y21 A9K8
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Skillnet Funded Fee: €69 per person per session
Who is it for?
Busy professionals curious about how to use AI to practically assist in everyday tasks.
Course Overview:
A series of four immersive, hands-on workshops that guide participants through the most popular and practical AI tools, helping them unlock efficiencies and new opportunities through AI.
Session one is an orientation to today’s main conversational and research-based AI tools, including ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. Participants will see how these tools behave differently, when to use each, and how to guide them effectively. This session also includes a practical introduction to creating a simple, usable starting AI policy for teams or organisations, covering appropriate use, risk awareness and decision ownership.
Session two goes deeper with Claude, focusing on building and working with agents for tasks such as research, synthesis and preparation. The emphasis is on structured thinking, clear roles, and human-in-the-loop control, rather than autonomy or over-automation.
Session three is about moving from experimentation to usability, using Lovable AI to build functional tools and lightweight websites. Participants will see how AI can be packaged into interfaces that others can actually use, without technical build or complex setup.
Session four introduces workflow thinking using n8n and Notion. This session shows how AI connects to everyday processes, from information capture to summarisation and action, while keeping systems simple and maintainable.
Register: https://skillnet.countywexfordchamber.ie/courses/ai-tools-for-business-monthly-series-beginning-march-19th-in-greentech-hq/ n
GreenTechHQ, Enniscorthy Technology Park, Y21 A9K8, (086) 1914804, info@greentechhq.com, https://greentechhq.com
It’s great to see that a number of positive developments are in the pipleline for the east side of town.
The announcement that Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre (TCCC) is to be designated a Family Resouce Centre and to receive €180,000 in annual funding is a huge boost for families in the town. In addition, we believe the Centre will soon be the recipient of a Civic Award from Enniscorthy Municipal District recognising its 50 years of service to the town. Wexford Co. Council recently revealed its masterplan for the Turret Rocks site. Any development there is subject to funding, so it may take some time before any progress will be visible on the ground.
Within a matter of weeks, the Captain Wafer Hall will reopen as a community hub. Keep an eye on the Slaney News Facebook page for updates. n
Keep up to date with what’s happening Eastside:
Enniscorthy East Community Development Association Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EEastCommunity
Templeshannon Community Centre: ]https://www.facebook.com/TempleshannonCommunityCentre
Enniscorthy Community Alliance Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthycommunityalliance n
Captain Wafer Hall.
Some of the many activities at Templeshannon Community Centre
Sustainable Enniscorthy
This month Sustainable Enniscorthy looks at the Single Use Coffee Cup conundrum
Enniscorthy is very lucky to have a booming coffee shop and café scene. Are you a daily takeaway coffee or tea drinker? If so, you could be inadvertently adding to Ireland’s waste and environmental problems. How, you ask? By using single-use disposable cups. You would be astonished at how many single-use cups are estimated to be sold in Ireland each day. Care to guess? 500,000 – that is half a million or 22,000 an hour. Enniscorthy has a population of approximately 12,000 people so nearly twice the population of Enniscorthy uses one every hour and these are simply thrown away after each use! (RTÉ 2024)
Environmental impact
Single-use coffee cups are an increasing environmental problem due to plastic, cardboard, and irresponsible throw-away
littering they produce. Do not be fooled by the ‘compostable’ label, this does not mean biodegradable when irresponsibly thrown away! (REPAK 2018). Single-use coffee cups are increasingly found littering our towns, villages, ditches, beaches, and waterways. Local volunteers such as Enniscorthy Tidy Towns are seeing increasing numbers of these single-use cups discarded on our roads – please stop throwing these out the window!
Microplastic ingestion
Did you know that single-use coffee cups are lined with polyethylene (PE) plastic on the inside? Just think about a scalding hot beverage in a plastic-lined cup, you do not have to be an expert to guess where this polyethylene ends up – your stomach! A 2024 study found that microplastics are shed from single use coffee cups with higher temperatures and longer exposure
If you would like to get involved in Sustainable Enniscorthy or be kept informed of our initiatives, please follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com www.sustainableenniscorthy.com Contact us to get involved!
times being limiting factors (Akbulut et al, 2024). It is estimated people can ingest between 39,000 – 52,000 microplastic particles annually through food and water – single-use cups are a source of this microplastic.
Be part of the solution
Want to save money, the environment and your health? A simple and effective way to do this is switching to a reusable cup and reusable water bottle! Most coffee outlets now offer generous discounts when you bring your keep-cup – with some offering up to 50c discounts.
Another idea – sit in where possible, take some time out from your ‘on the go’ lifestyle and relax over a nice hot drink. Meet a friend, have a sit down and chat over a warm cup of whatever you fancy. Communities across Ireland are moving towards a more circular and environmentally friendly coffee experience with Killarney the shining example of singleuse cups becoming a thing of the past (Killarney bans single use coffee cups 2024). Wouldn’t it be great to see Enniscorthy follow suit?
Latte Levy
Thanks to the Re-Turn scheme, there has been a noticeable decrease in cans and bottles blighting our environment. Those of certain vintage will also recall the success of the plastic bag levy. It has been long muted that a ‘latte levy’ could be on the cards (Irish Times 2024), but frustratingly this seems to be stalling. Retailers can make an immediate difference by offering incentives to customers who switch to reusable alternatives. Customers too can lead by example by making the switch.
If you are a local coffee shop, café, or food outlet and are interested in a pilot project to promote reusable coffee cups, contact Sustainable Enniscorthy (sustainableenniscorthy@gmail.com) or Enniscorthy Tidy Towns (enniscorthytt@gmail.com) n
“We are looking for more men!”
Voices of Harmony, the new men’s singing group in Enniscorthy, is currently looking for new members.
Now is a great time to start a new pastime. If you like to sing why not go along and join in every Monday evening. NO AUDITIONS REQUIRED, JUST SHOW UP AND SING ALONG WITH THE GROUP. New members are always welcome! For more information, call Seamus on 087 2930510. n
InTuition Vocational Training Open Day takes place on March 25th from 11am–3pm, offering a great opportunity to learn more about this specialised programme designed to help learners gain the skills needed for employment or progression into further training or education.
The course offers QQI Level 3 certification, runs over 24 months with flexible start dates, and includes 6 months of support after completion. InTuition is available to those in receipt of social welfare and is based in Kilcannon, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy (Y21 F5D7). For more information, call 087 191 1702, visit www.reachability.ie, or email in-tuition@reachability.ie n
Enniscorthy Toastmasters
The group meeets fortnightly on Tuesdays, September to June, in the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy, at 8pm. All welcome! https://www.facebook.com/Enniscorthy-Toastmasters129333810455771 for updates.
I.C.S. funding for Hope Centre
The Irish Cancer Society has just presented €26,840 to the Hope Cancer Support Centre, partially funding 488 counselling sessions delivered across County Wexford in 2025.
These free services are availed of by cancer patients, survivors, and their family members.
In addition to free counselling, the Hope Cancer Support Centre also provides the following free services: Child and Adolescent Counselling, Reflexology, Lymphoedema/Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Support and Guidance, Telephone Support, Bereavement Support, Peer Support Groups, Programmes/Workshops, Meditation and Mindfulness.
The Irish Cancer Society provides free remote counselling across the country, and by partnering with a network of 24 local cancer support centres, funding is provided to deliver free in-person counselling at a community level. In 2025, the Irish Cancer Society’s free nationwide counselling service provided almost 13,000 sessions through cancer support centres across the country.
Mary Quinn, Head of Service Operations at the Irish Cancer Society, said: “1 in 2 of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime... Providing free counselling
About the Hope Cancer Support Centre:
to patients, survivors and their family members is a crucial service for those affected by cancer. We are delighted to partner with Hope Cancer Support Centre to deliver these services in Wexford... We simply can’t be there for those patients and families without the generosity and support of the Irish public.
The Hope Cancer Support Centre provides a range of services to people whose lives have been changed by a cancer diagnosis. The services on offer, which are free to everyone, are provided by a team of professionals and volunteers in an empathetic manner placing the client at the centre of everything we do.
Our mission is to:
Offer practical and emotional support to people with a cancer diagnosis and their supporters and carers, from the time of their diagnosis, through their treatments and afterwards. To ensure a caring, confidential and professional service is delivered in a safe and peaceful environment.
To strive to improve our performance by driving quality and evidence-based practice in all our support activities.
Our goals are to:
Provide the best possible supports to people with a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones. Reduce the impact of a cancer diagnosis through the provision of supports that are evidence based and that adhere to best practices.
Ensure the equality of access to all people wishing to engage with our services in a timely manner and be supported in the manner that suits them best.
Strive to improve our performance by listening to our client feedback and responding. Strengthen all we do by working as a team, ensuring the focus is on client needs, while complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
More information can be found at our website: www.hopesupportcentre.ie, by phoning 053 9238555 or emailing: info@hopesupportcentre.ie
Every €60 we can raise is a free counselling session for a patient or their loved one. Every euro of your support will help make a difference. That’s why we’re asking for your support this Daffodil Day, Friday 20th March.”
Mairead Fanning, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Hope Cancer Support Centre, said: “We are grateful to receive funding from the Irish Cancer Society, and this combined with local fundraising enables the Hope Cancer Support Centre provide this vital service to people affected by cancer within County Wexford.”
To continue to provide these counselling sessions, donations can be made to the Hope Cancer Support Centre at https://www.hopesupportcentre.ie/get ting-involved/donate/
or to the Irish Cancer Society at www.cancer.ie
For confidential advice, support and information on any cancer issue, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700.
Don’t forget: The annual Hope & Dream 10 will take place on Sunday, 12th April. Registration is now open: www.hopeanddream10.com n
Irish Cancer Society partners with Hope Cancer Support Centre to partially fund free counselling to cancer patients in Co. Wexford: L-R: Mary Quinn, Head of Services, Irish Cancer Society; Margo Kehoe, Board Member, Hope Cancer Support Centre; Mairead Fanning, ChairpersonHope Cancer Support Centre; Edel Shovlin, Acting CEO, Irish Cancer Society.
Commitment to new 10-bed Wexford mental health unit
The HSE Capital Plan published last month includes a very welcome 10-bed Mental Health Unit for Wexford to support those who need specialist mental health care.
Minister James Browne TD says, “As a former spokesperson for Mental Health, I campaigned tirelessly for a unit to be embedded in the work by the HSE in Wexford. It’s absolutely essential. Now working closely on this with Minister Mary Butler, I have secured ministerial commitment in the new HSE capital plan to include a 10-bed unit for Wexford. I will now push for this to be progressed at pace – because we cannot wait much longer and I have impressed the matter as badly needed for the county at the highest level.
“This is of huge personal importance to me, and so many families all across the county. Mental health care is something that requires sensitive, considered and specialist support and Wexford deserves that available here as near to people as is possible, and quickly under the course of this capital plan. I am determined that it is delivered, and my work so far has ensured it gets the attention it needs. There will be no let up.”
Welcoming the development, Senator Cathal Byrne says: “I am delighted that the Minister [for health] has chosen to include the 10 Bed Mental Health Unit for
Wexford in the Capital Plan. This is a re sult of a long-running campaign and indeed I most recently raised it with Tánaiste Simon Harris on his visit to Wexford General Hospital... Today, for the first time, we see it acknowledged as a Ministerial priority on page 34 of the plan, this is in response to ongoing campaigning at the highest level, to have necessary mental services in place for the people of Wexford.
"I have raised this issue consistently and directly with Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill, as well as with Minister Mary Butler on several occasions in Seanad Eireann over the last 12 months, since being elected. However, credit is also due to people like Cllr Ray Shannon who have campaigned for many years to have this service for Wexford. It is important that as a collective we recognise the power of working together to deliver important projects for Wexford."
Minister Browne adds: "The HSE Capital Plan, funded from the National Development Plan (NDP), provides significant public investment in health and disability infrastructure to meet current need, to cater for an estimated population growth of one million people and to respond to the changing demographic profile.
"It also supports the vision of high quality, safe, accessible, and sustainable healthcare, while addressing regulatory
requirements. It prioritises the modern isation and expansion of the physical Infrastructure, the integration of new technologies, and the development of primary, community, and acute care facilities to support regional balance and equitable access.
"Complementing the physical build programme, continued investment in digital health and eHealth infrastructure (as set out in the HSE Digital for Care Capital Plan 2026) will enable integrated service delivery, operational efficiency, and system sustainability."
Wicklow-Wexford Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin says: “The news is very welcome after years of campaigning by myself, Cllr. Ray Shannon, and the wider community for a specialist community mental health unit in Wexford under the HSE capital fund.
“Sinn Féin have been pushing for this for many years. County Wexford has seen a significant rise in mental health crises, and with no acute mental health facility available since the closure of St. Senan’s Psychiatric Hospital in 2013, people have had nowhere to go other than A&E.
“The announcement of 10 beds is very welcome, but we now need to build on this campaign and secure a full Acute Mental Health Unit for Wexford General Hospital.” n
Minister James Browne in discussion with Minister of State at the Dept of Health Mary Butler.
Community safety is not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána alone, it is everybody’s responsibility, including state agencies, communities, residents, and other key stakeholders working together to make people safe, and to feel safe in their communities.
The Wexford Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help them identify and understand what community safety means to you and help them develop a plan to prioritise local safety issues.
An online portal is now open and all are being asked to share their views on community safety. The portal will remain open until March 25th, 2026. Please click on the link below:
https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/en/content/community-safety-survey n
A fitting tribute to James Foley Community safety consultation
L-R: David O’Gorman, Geraldine Farrell, Deirdre Hendrick, Ryan Brady, Geraldine Roche, Florintina Cranciun, Tina Foley, Brendan French (Friends of Wexford General Hospital), Gillian Foley, Rosaleen Casey (Manager, Pettitt’s, Enniscorthy), Frank Conway, Wayne O’Connor (Friends of Wexford General Hospital). Children in front: Erin Sinnott and baby Lorcan Sinnott.
Family members and staff colleagues of the late, dearly loved James Foley, gathered last month at Pettitt’s SuperValu, Enniscorthy, to remember James who worked in the Enniscorthy store for 17 years, and was particularly well known for his fondness for wearing crazy hats!
On 28th November last, store staff organised a ‘Crazy Hat’
day in his honour and the staff certainly entered into the spirit of that occasion. Funds raised on the day amounted to almost €1,000 and on 27th February those proceeds were presented to the Friends of Wexford General Hospital represented by Wayne O’Connor and Brendan French. The presentation was a fitting tribute to James who is sadly missed by all who knew him. n
Wexford Garda Youth Awards launched
An Garda Síochána in Wexford in association with Wexford County Coun cil are delighted to launch the Annual Wexford Garda Youth Awards for 2026 which acknowledge the brilliance of young people in our local communities in County Wexford who are making a difference in their own lives and in their communities within the Wexford Garda Division.
These Awards acknowledge the endeavours of young people who have faced and overcome challenges in their lives.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe said: “Wexford County Council enjoys a strong working relationship with An Garda Siochána. These awards offer an opportunity to strengthen our interagency cooperation further towards the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford. The awards began in 2016 and have grown in strength to become a much anticipated and enjoyable event in our calendar of programmes for young people and community. Wexford County Council wishes An Garda Síochána and all entrants the very best of luck with this year’s awards.”
ing it a better place to live.
In launching this year’s Awards, Inspector Graham Rowley of Wexford Garda Station said, “I am pleased to announce the launch the Wexford Garda Youth Awards 2026, an important chance to recognise the outstanding contributions of young people across every corner of County Wexford. These awards are a celebration of the energy, creativity and the impact that young people bring to our community. These awards recognise everyday heroes who lead by example, show resilience, and make our county a better place for everyone."
Awards will be presented in four categories:
Individual Award - Making a positive contribution to their community, mak-
Group Award - Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Special Achievement Award - Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.
Community Safety Award - Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.
Anyone can nominate a young person between the ages of 13 and 21 for an award. Nominations can be completed through an online process; this is available through the following link:
Details of this process will be distributed to schools, youth groups, and voluntary organisations right across Wexford in the coming days and will also be available upon request from your local Garda Station.
The closing date for nominations will be Wednesday 25th March 2026 at 4.00pm. A Judging Panel will decide upon the Divisional Winners, the Judging Panel will also nominate an individual/group to represent Wexford for consideration at the National Garda Youth Awards.
The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 18th May 2026.
If anyone requires further information, they can contact the Superintendent’s Office at www.WexfordSouth.CE@Garda.ie, 053 9165280 or through their local Garda Station. n
Back row L-R: Garda David Fitzgerald, Dymphna O’Connor – Senior Executive Officer, Wexford Co. Council, Sergeant Dave Ferriter, Inspector Liam Kavanagh, Sergeant Laura Bolger, Inspector Graham Rowley. Front row L-R: Carolyn Godkin – Director of Services, Wexford Co. Council, Superintendent Dave O’Sullivan, Superintendent Jarlath Duffy, Eddie Taaffe –Chief Executive, Wexford Co. Council. Pic by Jim Campbell.
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended)
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)
Notice of Proposed Development by a Local Authority LAC2604
Pursuant to Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and in accordance with Part 8, Article 81 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council proposes to carry out the development, the nature and extent of which is set out hereunder:
• Proposed Beechlawn Road & Clonard Avenue Pedestrian & Cycle Scheme, Wexford Town. The proposed project commences at the junction of L-3503-6 with R769-2 (Hospital Junction) and extends for approximately 1.8 km southwards to the end of Clonard Avenue (L-3503-8), with works extending onto Whitemill Road (L-3508-1 & L-3508-2). Phase 1 of the Scheme will involve the formalisation of improved pedestrian linkages, the provision of new public street lighting along the pedestrian linkages and the provision of improved pedestrian infrastructure in the vicinity of Kennedy Park National School. Phase 2 will provide dedicated cycling and pedestrian infrastructure on one or both sides of the road, including a minimum cycle track width of 1.3 metres, a number of pedestrian crossings and traffic calming measures involving raised zebra crossings and junction tightening and new road markings. The works will require the removal of a number of trees, with compensatory planting forming part of the overall scheme.
Based on a preliminary examination of the nature, size and location of the development, there is no likelihood of significant effects on the environment, and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is not required.
Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of the notice, apply to An Coimisiún Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development will be available for inspection or purchase at a reasonable fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours from Wednesday 4 March 2026 to Wednesday 1 April 2026, at the following locations and may be viewed online at www.wexfordcoco.ie/planning:
• Wexford County Council, Planning Department, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93.
• Borough District of Wexford Office, The Bull Ring, Wexford, Y35 EA00.
Submissions or observations with respect to the above proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, may be made in writing on or before Wednesday 15 April 2026 to:
Wexford County Council, Planning Department, (Reference LAC2604), Carricklawn, Wexford.
Declaration of Roads to be Public Roads
Under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 and Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (As Amended)
Wexford County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to consider the making of a declaration that the roads listed hereunder be public roads in accordance with Section 11 of the Roads Act, 1993.
Maps showing the roads proposed to be taken in charge may be inspected during office hours, 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm from Wednesday 4th of March 2026 at Wexford County Council, Planning Department, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.
The latest date for the inspection of the above maps is 4.00pm on Friday 3rd of April 2026.
ROADS:
• 1-21 & 62-81The Paddocks, Coolcotts Wexford.
Objections to or representations regarding the above proposals may be made in writing to: The County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.
The latest date for the receipt of written objections/representations is 4.00pm on Monday 20th of April 2026.
Wexford Y35 WY93
Declaration of Roads to be Public Roads Under Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 and Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (As Amended)
Wexford County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to consider the making of a declaration that the roads listed hereunder be public roads in accordance with Section 11 of the Roads Act, 1993.
Maps showing the roads proposed to be taken in charge may be inspected during office hours, 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm from Wednesday 4th of March 2026 at Wexford County Council, Planning Department, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.
The latest date for the inspection of the above maps is 4.00pm on Friday 3rd of April 2026.
Objections to or representations regarding the above proposals may be made in writing to: The County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford.
The latest date for the receipt of written objections/representations is 4.00pm on Monday 20th of April 2026.
Notice pursuant to:
Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended)
Improvements to Public Realm to Bridge Street and lands to the rear and side of The Grain Store, John’s Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford
Notice of Planning Application to An Coimisiún Pleanála for Approval
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to make an application for approval to An Coimisiún Pleanála under Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) to carry out development which involves improvements to Public Realm to Bridge Street and lands to
the rear and side of The Grain Store, John’s Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford, comprising the following:
a) Relocating existing steps on Bridge Street to the east.
b) Removal of existing railings separating footpath and parking bays along Bridge Street and replacement with new solid guarding, planting and seating.
c) Removal of section of parking bays along Bridge Street to facilitate footpath widening to improve pedestrian connectivity.
d) Partial demolition of section of the wall between Bridge Street (abutting No.2 Bridge Street) to facilitate new connecting gently sloped pedestrian access route to new Plaza area in current yard. The new access route to be provided with solid guarding and walls with planting and seating.
e) Removal of existing concrete base alongside proposed new gently sloped pedestrian access route to provide soft landscaping at water edge.
f) Removal of roof and section of walls surrounding Open Storage.
g) Lowering stone wall between the yard area and the river and between proposed plaza and rear of properties on Bridge Street to 1100mm above ground level.
h) Removal of all redundant above ground and below ground services.
i) Demolition of Ground finishes (Part tarmac, part concrete) to the yard area to facilitate new public Plaza including hardscaping, soft landscaping and seating.
j) New tiered external stairs and landscaping from John Street to the Plaza level (on top of part of previously approved extension to The Grain Store, John’s Street).
k) Demolition of palisade fencing to the side of the building between John Street and Public car park and removal of 3 No. carparking spaces in John Street Carpark to improve pedestrian connectivity.
l) Repointing & cleaning of all existing and retained stone walls.
m) Associated planting and landscaping works.
n) Signage and wayfinding.
o) External lighting.
p) All associated site works and services.
A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.
Comhairle Contae Loch Garman
Carricklawn,
An Coimisiún Pleanála may give approval to the application for development with or without conditions or may refuse the application for development.
A copy of the plans and particulars of the proposed development and the Natura Impact Statement will be available for inspection free of charge, between 12th March 2026 and 24th April 2026 (inclusive of both dates) at the following locations:
• The consultation website of Wexford County Council at: https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/en/consultation/section117ae-development-consents-application-comisiunplean%C3%A1la
• The offices of Wexford County Council, County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford on working days from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm (excluding public holidays).
• New Ross Public Library, Barrack Lane, New Ross, Co. Wexford, during opening hours (excluding public holidays).
• The offices of An Coimisiún Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 on working days from 9:15am and 5:30pm (excluding public holidays).
The Natura Impact Statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy).
Submissions and observations are invited relating to:
i. The implications of the proposed development for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned,
ii. The likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, and
iii. The likely significant effects of the proposed development on a European site, if carried out.
Submissions and observations may be made in writing to An Coimisiún Pleanála during the period.
Any submissions/observations must be received by An Coimisiún Pleanála no later than 5.30pm on 24th April 2026.
Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of this notice, apply to An Coimisiún Pleanála for a screening determination as to whether the development would have significant effects on the environment.
A person may question the validity of a decision of the Commission by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No.15 of 1986) in accordance with section 50 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
www.wexfordcoco.ie
Practical information in respect of the judicial review process can be accessed on the Commission’s website www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information Service website: www.citizensinformation.ie
Dated this 4th March 2026.
Alan Quirke, Director of Services, Wexford County Council.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from 13 April to 17 July 2026 to facilitate Installation of a new Rising Main at Kilscoran, Tagoat, Co. Wexford.
Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Tuesday 7 April until Wednesday 8 April 2026 to facilitate new Water and Wastewater Connection at Sinnottstown Lane, Wexford.
Road Closure: Sinnottstown Lane, Wexford (L7611-1) from its junction with Rosslare Road (R730) and Coolballow Road (L3507-1).
Alternative Route: Coolballow Road and Rosslare Road via L3507-1 and R730.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated. Access to businesses will be facilitated.
Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.
Wexford County Council has vacancies in the following areas of our Community Employment Scheme
Position Location
Environmental Worker with Drivers Licence – B Class –4 positions
Environmental Worker –4 positions
Environmental Worker with Drivers Licence – C Class –1 position
New Ross, Rosslare, Duncannon, Holmestown, Castlebridge, Wexford Area
New Ross, Rosslare, Duncannon, Holmestown, Castlebridge, Wexford Area
New Ross
Secretary – 1 Position New Ross
Duties to include:
• Environmental Worker - General maintenance, cleaning, planting and weeding etc. Applicants applying for driver positions must hold a full clean valid driver’s licence. Hours 39 hours per fortnight.
• Secretary - Duties include carrying out day to day office administration and providing administrative support to the CE Supervisors. Computer Skills necessary. Hours are Mon – Thur (9am – 1pm), Fri (9am – 12.30pm).
19.5 Hours per week.
To apply for any of these positions and for further information please contact Sean O’Neill, CE Scheme Supervisor WCC on 086 9478001 during office hours 9am – 5pm or email newrosscepsouth@wexfordcoco.ie or contact CE Scheme Assistant Supervisor Adrienne Martin on 087 0534723 or email adrienne.martin@wexfordcoco.ie
The closing date for all applications is Friday 13th March at 4.00pm.
Please note that persons applying for these positions must satisfy the Department of Social Protection criteria to participate in the Community Employment Scheme.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council intends to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Sunday 19 April 2026 to facilitate the holding of the Pettitt’s Wexford Half Marathon at The Faythe and Coolballow, Wexford.
Road Closure 1: The Faythe (L3505-1 & L3505-2) from its junctions with Faythe Lane (R733-48) to its junction with Maudlintown (R730-35).
Times: (Road Closure 1) From 09.00 to 14.30 on Sunday 19 April 2026.
Alternative Routes: From Faythe Lane to Kevin Barry Street to Parnell Street to Trinity Street to William Street via the R733 and the R730.
From Maudlintown to William Street to Trinity Street to King Street to Faythe Lane via the R730 and the R733.
Road Closure 2: L3507-1 & 2 (Coolballow Road) from its Junction with the Rosslare Road (R730) to the Rathaspeck Roundabout.
Times: (Road Closure 2) From 10.00 to 13.30 on Sunday 19 April 2026.
Alternative Route: From the Rathaspeck Roundabout to Piercestown to Levitstown to the Rosslare Road via the L3042, L3043, N25 and the R730.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.
Any person wishing to object to the closing of this road(s) should lodge the objection in writing via the online portal https://consult.wexfordcoco.ie/ or in hard copy before 12.00 noon on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to the County Secretary, Wexford County Council, County Hall, Wexford.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993
Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the roads listed hereunder from 13:00 to 16:00 Comhairle Contae Loch Garman
on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to facilitate the holding of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 in Carrig on Bannow, Co. Wexford.
Road Closure: R736-18, from its junction with the L7071-1 at Danescastle to its junction with the L7080-1 in Carrig on Bannow.
Alternative Route: From Danescastle to Barrystown to Sheastown to Wellingtonbridge via the L7071 & the L7072.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993
Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the roads listed hereunder on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to facilitate the holding of the Enniscorthy Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2026.
Road Closures 1: Duffry Street (Cathedral Street), Main Street and Castle Street and Castle Hill (R702) (between the junction of Duffry Hill, Duffry Gate and Duffry Street and the junction of Abbey Square Roundabout and Castle Hill) from 14:00 to 17:30 on Tuesday 17 March 2026, and Weafer Street (R702) (from its junction with Market Square to its junction with Duffry Hill) from 14:00 to 17:30 on Tuesday 17 March 2025.
Alternative Route: Traffic (Southbound) Duffry Hill to Lymington Road to Arnold’s Cross to Mill Park Road to Abbey Square Roundabout via R890 and R744.
Traffic (Northbound) Roundabout on Abbey Square to Mill Park Road to Arnold’s Cross to Lymington Road to Duffry Hill via R744 and R890.
Road Closures 2: The Promenade (from its junction with Seamus Rafter Bridge to its junction of Mill Yard Lane) and Quay Street (from its junction with R744 at Mill Park Road and its junction with The Promenade) from 13:30 to 17:30 on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Alternative Route: From Seamus Rafter Bridge to Abbey Square and Mill Park Road to the junction with Mill Park Lane and via Mill Park Lane to Salt House Lane.
Alternative routes will be signposted. No Vehicular Access will be facilitated.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993
Temporary Closing of Roads
Wexford County Council gives notice of its decision to pedestrianise the roads listed hereunder and to temporary close the listed roads to vehicular traffic on Monday 17 March 2026 to facilitate the holding of the Gorey Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2026.
Road Closures 1: One Way traffic flow on Scholars Walk and Woodbury from 11:30 to 15:30 on Monday 17 March 2026, and
Alternative Route: Traffic – Sign posted locally.
Road Closures 2: Carnew Road (from Woodbury Roundabout to R722), McCurtain Street, Main Street, Esmonde Street from 14:30 to 17:00 on Monday 17 March 2026
Alternative Route: Paul Funge Boulevard, R741 Ballycanew Road, R732, R741 Courtown Road to R772 to Arklow road.
Alternative routes will be signposted. No Vehicular Access will be facilitated.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993
Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic on Tuesday 17 March 2026 from 12:00 to 16:00 to facilitate the holding of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in New Ross Town.
Road Closures: Charles Street and South Street, between its junction with Cross Street and its junction with Charles Street.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated as far as possible. Stewards will be in place at all junctions. No Vehicular Access will be facilitated.
Comhairle Contae Loch Garman
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993
Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the public roads listed hereunder to vehicular traffic, for the times stated, on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to facilitate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wexford Town.
Road Closure
Roads: William Street, Trinity Street, Wexford Quays (09:00 – 13:00).
Wexford Bridge (10:30 – 13:00).
Alternative Routes From Rocklands / Maudlintown via The Faythe, Kevin Barry Street, King Street Upper, Joseph Street, Bride Place, Roche’s Road, School Street, John Street, Hill Street, 1798 Street, Redmond Square.
Traffic approaching Wexford Town via the R741 can divert via Ardcavan, Castlebridge, Crossabeg, the N11, Ferrycarrig, Newtown Road.
Local access will be facilitated as far as possible. Stewards will be in place at all junctions.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993
Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Saturday 14 March to Friday 17 April 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Shelmaliere Commons, Co. Wexford.
Road Closure: L70422-1 from its junction with the L30263 to its junction with the L7042-2.
Alternative Route: From the L 3026-3 to the L3027-2 to the L3018-2 to the L3018-1 to the N25 to the L7042-1 to the L-7042-2.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993
Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to close the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Tuesday 10 March until Wednesday 11 March 2026 to facilitate new Water and Wastewater Connection at Bride St, Wexford.
Road Closure: Bride Street, Wexford (L7520-1) from its junction with South Main Street (L3500-8).
Alternative Route: South Main Street to King Street Upper to Joseph Street to Bride Place to Roche’s Road to Saint Peter’s Square to Clifford Street via L3500-8, R733-49, R889-1, L7518-1, L7522-1.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated. Access to Bride Street Car Park will be facilitated.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Wednesday 4 March until Friday 20 March 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Shelmaliar Commons, Co. Wexford.
Road Closure: L-3026-1 from its junction with the L-30271-1 to its junction with the L-3026-3.
Alternative Route: From L-3027-1 to L-3026-3.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.
Section 75 of Roads Act 1993 Temporary Closing of Roads
Notice is hereby given that Wexford County Council has decided to extend the closure of the road listed hereunder to vehicular traffic from Wednesday 4 March until Friday 20 March 2026 to facilitate Trenching and Ducting Works at Shelmaliar Commons, Co. Wexford.
Road Closure: L-3026-1 from its junction with the L-30271-1 to its junction with the L-3026-3.
Alternative Route: From L-3027-1 to L-3026-3.
Alternative routes will be signposted. Local access will be facilitated.
The following tender competitions are currently active. If you wish to obtain further information and make a submission for any of the tenders please visit www.etenders.gov.ie
7405920 1/ED/2026
Wexford County Council invites applicants for the following post: Administrative Officer
Delivery of high quality mixed-use urban quarter at Trinity Wharf. 27/03/2026
Beachguards 2026
Applications are invited for the post of Beachguard for the resorts of Rosslare Strand, Carne, Curracloe, Ballinesker, Morriscastle, Ballymoney, Baginbun and Duncannon.
Further particulars and application forms are available from: Reception (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Phone (053) 919 6000 or visit our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms:5.00pm on Thursday, 12th March 2026.
Successful Applicants must be aged 18 years or over prior to appointment.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Gardaí Tarrthála Trá 2026
Tá Comhairle Contae Loch Garman ag lorg iarratais ar phost an Gharda Tarrthála Trá sna hionaid saoire seo a leanas: Trá Ros Láir, Carnach, Currach Cló, Baile na hEiscrí, Caisleán Mhurchú, Baile Muine, Ceann Dhún Dónaill agus Dún Canann.
Tá fáil ar shonraí breise agus foirmeacha iarratais ó: Fáiltiú (Bloc F), Comhairle Contae Loch Garman, an Charraig Leathan, Loch Garman. Glaoigh ar (053) 919 6000 nó téigh chuig an suíomh gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie
An dáta deiridh a nglacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe ná:5.00pm, Déardaoin, an 12 Márta 2026.
Ní mór iarratasóirí a n-éireoidh leo a bheith 18 mbliana d’aois nó os a chionn sin sula gceapfar iad.
Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman. ID Reference Name of
Selection for all posts will be by means of interview and candidates may be shortlisted based on applications submitted. Panels may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled. Qualifications, application forms and further particulars for all posts are available from our website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Please note all applications for the above post must be Typed and submitted by Email only to recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie
Printed hard copies will NOT be accepted for the above post.
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms for the above posts is: 5.00pm on Thursday 12th of March 2026.
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Fáiltíonn Comhairle Contae Loch Garman roimh iarratasóirí don phost seo a leanas:
Oifigeach
Riaracháin
Is trí agallamh a dhéanamh a dhéanfar rogha do na poist go léir agus d’fhéadfaí iarratasóirí a chur ar ghearrliosta bunaithe ar na hiarratais a chuirfear ar aghaidh. D’fhéadfaí painéil a bhunú óna bhféadfaí folúntais a líonadh amach anseo.
Tá fáil ar cháilíochtaí, foirmeacha iarratais agus sonraí breise do na poist go léir ár an láithreán gréasáin atá againn ar www.wexfordcoco.ie
Tabhair ar aird nach mór gach iarratas ar na poist thuasluaite a Chlóscríomh agus a chur ar aghaidh ar Ríomhphost amháin chuig recruitment@wexfordcoco.ie
NÍ GHLACFAR le cóipeanna crua priontáilte don phost thuasluaite.
An dáta deiridh a nglacfar le foirmeacha iarratais comhlánaithe do na poist thuasluaite ná: 5.00pm, Déardaoin, an 12 Márta 2026.
Is Fostóir Comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae Loch Garman.
Planning granted for 99 new houses
Permission has been granted with conditions to Winslow Homes for a mixed residential development of 99 dwelling units for Phase 1, The Lyre, Enniscorthy, to comprise of 30 two-storey, 4-bedroom, semi-detached dwellings; 18 two-storey,
3-bedroom, semi-detached dwellings; 10 two-storey, 3-bedroom, end of terrace dwellings; 16 two-storey, 3-bedroom, mid -terrace dwellings; 19 two-storey, 2-bedroom, mid-terraced dwellings; 6 twostorey, 2-bedroom, end of terrace
dwellings. The proposed 4-hectare development also provides for vehicular access, site development works and associated landscaping/communal public open spaces with connection to existing local public mains services, and associated site works. n
Planning sought for 40 new houses
Permission is being sought by Best Brick Developments Ltd for a residential development at Drumgoold, Enniscorthy, opposite the main vehicle entrance to Vinegar Hill. The proposed development will consist of 40 residential units. n
Congrats to Joe on the big 90
Celebrating 90 Wonderful Years – Happy Birthday to the legendary Joe O’Regan.
There was a warm and joyful gathering on 24th February to celebrate a remarkable milestone – Joe O’Regan’s 90th birthday.
Friends and former running club members came together for a cup of tea, plenty of laughter, and a chance to reminisce about the many memories shared over the years. It was a fitting tribute to a man whose determination, good humour, and quiet strength have left a lasting impression on so many.
Many will remember Joe and Kay from their appearance in an Electric Ireland advertisement, where they spoke about running and what it meant to them. The piece beautifully captured their spirit – resilience, companionship, and a love of life that continues to inspire.
Running has long been part of Joe and Kay’s story. To mark their 80th birthdays, they took on the Cork City Marathon – crossing the finish line hand-in-hand in a moment that summed up their partnership and determination. It was an achievement that inspired not just fellow runners, but the wider community as well.
Today’s celebration was simple but heartfelt. Old tales were told – not all of them suitable for print – and there were great laughs along with a few tears. It was a gathering filled with warmth, respect and genuine affection.
Ninety years is a wonderful milestone. Joe’s life has been marked by perseverance, friendship and a spirit that continues to uplift those around him.
Happy 90th birthday, Joe – a life well lived, and still inspiring. n
RIVERSIDE PARK HOTEL, ENNISCORTHY, ENTERTAINMENT
LINEUP:
Boozy Afternoon Tea Sunday, 8th March. Derek Ryan Sunday 15th March. Philomena Begley And Ray Lynam Tuesday, 26th May.
Tickets available from hotel reception. Overnight packages online at: www.riversideparkhotel.com/inhouse-events/ n
Two promising gigs at the Presentation Arts Centre
The Nanci Griffith Songbook is an evening of songs and stories dedicated to the late Nanci Griffith, one of America’s greatest musical treasures.
A Grammy-award-winning recording artist whose career spanned nearly four decades, Nanci Griffith’s unique blend of country, folk, and pop music made her one of the most respected, popular, and loved singer songwriters of her generation. Raised in Austin, Texas, Nanci Griffith had a special connection with Ireland, where she built a devoted following. Much admired for her distinctive voice and guitar style, Nanci’s beautifully crafted songs told stories of life and love which resonated deeply with Irish audiences and inspired covers by Irish artists such as Mary Black (‘Once in a Very Blue Moon’) and Maura O’Connell (‘Trouble in the Fields’).
Join Gillian Tuite and The Blue Moon Band for this unforgettable tribute, as they perform the greatest hits of Nanci Griffith and celebrate her musical legacy. n
Gerry Tully is an Irish folk singer-songwriter whose performances showcase his deep connection to the traditional roots of Irish music and songs.
Known for his emotive voice and unique guitar style, Tully brings a sincerity and warmth to the stage captivating audiences wherever he goes.
Gerry’s performances are intimate and authentic. He has the rare ability to create a cozy, engaging atmosphere coupled with his easy-going and genuine personality he loves to share anecdotes and provide context to his songs, offering a richer experience for the listener.
Gerry Tully is self taught. His music is grounded in the Irish folk tradition, with clear influences from artists like Christy Moore, Luke Kelly, and Paul Brady and some American folk styles. His song choices send out a reflective, contemplative message, focusing on themes of love, loss, and historical context. His voice, rich and soulful, delivers every lyric with heartfelt conviction. His fluid, graceful guitar playing is the perfect balance between accompaniment an emotional expression.
On Saturday 4th April in The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, Gerry will be performing his critically acclaimed ‘Christy Moore Songbook’ show. n
Tickets available from box office 053 9233000 and presentationcentre.ie n
‘SORE LOSERS’ by BAD MOTHERS UNION
Words by Dorn Simon - Pics by James Kelly
Bad Mothers Union is a whirling dervish of unbridled self-expression, unleashing torrents of euphoric psych-rock, established in Kilkenny by frontman Conor Kavanagh, now based in Gorey, Co. Wexford.
During Bad Mothers Union’s existence they have focused on forging a community of like-minded individuals, bands and artists with the view that no crowd or venue is too small.
They are driven by the unshakeable need to share their artistic vision with the world. Eschewing the standard approach to membership, the band act as a musical collective, much like the superbands of the 60’s (think Emerson, Lake & Palmer, or the original Chicago of 1968) thriving on collaboration and what each player’s voice brings to their sonic tapestry.
The current line-up is swimming with Wexford talent including:
Conor Kavanagh (vocals/guitar), Céin O’Dowd (guitar), Shay English (bass), Ethan Corcoran (bass/vocals), James O’Neill (drums/percussion).
Yet, they have also had stopover members and collaborators such as locals Brandon Murphy & Joel Pitcher (Peer Pleasure) and Tomás Hynes (Adversary, No Hassle).
Drawing on influences musical and beyond, the band cite Sonic Youth, Thee Oh Sees, and the Velvet Underground along with some David Lynch humour, adding a surrealist twist to the expansiveness of their music.
One reviewer’s take on Bad Mothers Union:
“Oh the wildness of it all, the sheer propulsion that might even have ardent surf rock followers seeing tweetie birds circle round their heads. That is because Bad Mothers Union just don’t know how to dial it down, in fact their ‘God’s Intercom’ is a lesson in how to express one’s raging inner core. I did like that aspect of the piece and there is a tune in there too so that all the ragged behaviour has a form of guide rope.”
-mp3hugger
BAD MOTHERS UNION UPCOMING LIVE DATES:
March 6th / Daylight, Dublin / supporting Peer Pleasure w/ The Spudguns & Sticky Digit
March 21st / The Watchtower, Drogheda / headline w/ Relics & Scrum
April 10th / Lost Lane, Dublin / supporting Unsane w/ Stitch Jones
April 18th / Hackett’s, Kilkenny / support from Star Comedy Democrats, Reckless Tony & Amateur Pharmacy
April 23rd / Fred Zeppelins, Cork / supporting Tide7 w/ Rafters
May 6th / Fibber Magees, Dublin / supporting Goblinz w/ The Romboids
July 25th / Volume Records & Books, Dun Laoghaire w/ Slouch
August 7th / Bennigans, Derry w/ Deoch. n
‘SORE LOSERS’ By BAD MOTHERS UNION
Album Review by Dorn Simon
SORE LOSERS
‘Sore Losers’, releasing on March 19th, is an elongated immersion of earworm, weaving in and out of soundscapes, genres, emulsifying musical expertise within one collective composition.
Tracklist:
Jerusalum Jones
Bad Mothers Union
God’s Intercom
Cut In Half
Golden O
Jerusalum Jones’ intro gives bass its entry, with the strum of electric guitar almost its opposite, delivering high notes that bring contrast, like a boy before his voice breaks into that of a more masculine bass.
The track blends individualised elements, that although are stand-alone in themselves, cleverly combine into a rhythmic harmony layer upon layer. There are the subtle undercurrent hints of middle eastern string, like the Oud weaved like a magic carpet lifting you up yet calming you down, whilst carrying you on a meditative journey.
Mesmerising, lifting the listener to heightened states of consciousness as the sounds build, climbing up to a musical de-
‘Sore Losers’ the album releasing on March 19th 2026.
Two singles have been released off the album, ‘God’s Intercom’ and the second single ‘Cut In Half’ was released on February 12th last.
livery or crescendo that creates a cosmic release, getting heavier in composition as it grows, a true journey from birth through all turmoil to emotional maturity depicted in sound throughout the decades of genres. The days of old when single tracks were in themselves entire albums in length.
Bad Mothers Union follows, bringing with it an instant modern chaotic vibe, loud noise filled with highways of racing thoughts, the loss of control as emotions come clanking into the speed of angst, rage & anger, curdling into separation & despair, fast the finality.
God’s Intercom, the first single from the album, was presented as crisp & crystal clear.
Drums lead us into bass which is joined by scratching strings that trigger a memory back to Bauhaus or Bowie with a metronome hypnotic start.
It is almost as if an alien is trying to communicate over the drums & bass. Behaving as a musical interlude to connect one sound to another, track to track, then comes the first notable vocals of the album as it transforms into a free for all let your hair down, danceable track.
Lyrics that speak to us all throughout our lives.
Definitely a good choice as the first release.
Cut In Half the second single release ushers in a lighter almost celestial soundscape with those intricate details carefully bouncing off each other is again a sensory experience to behold.
Tinkering, swimming to introduce intermittent voices, whilst the sounds speak volumes.
Your ears are alerted to each sound in unison yet each holding autonomy, awakening the mind of the importance of connection & working in tandem. The track adds further to the defiance to conform to any given genre or sound, breaking the rules somewhat in its composition.
Golden O begins as a lead into a melodic tune with that same time-keeping metronome background.
A slower, sleepier piece as the album's outro.
A deliberate winding down of an experience journeyed well. All in all, it has been a very long time since an album showcased such dedication, musical prowess, experimentation & patience, to deliver the best version of every track they could.
These lads will not only carve their niche, but have the potential to go global. n
12 Gauge Outrage –‘Deadly Sins’ remastered
Words by Dorn Simon - Pics by Damien Smullen
10 years ago, Wexford’s 12 Gauge Outrage released the original ‘Deadly Sins’ album as an instrumental work.
February 2026 saw a release of the 10th Anniversary edition remastered with vocals, with a live event in celebration at Enniscorthy’s Athenaeum, where the album was played in full to old and new faces alike.
12 Gauge Outrage have a strong following, growing by the year, their fanbase is filled with musicians, bands, the young, the old, and metalheads all mingling in their offerings.
Outrage Entertainment, a promotion team grew out of the band’s members Bryan Steacy & Redgie Harpur, delivering live alternative events across two venues over the last few years, which has created the metal/punk scene we see today. A scene that has aided in the local amenity for both youth and adults. They have
also held space and offered showcasing to multiple bands new and established, over the duration.
February 21st saw 12 Gauge Outrage share the stage with Death Can Wait who introduced their new bassist Archie Laws on the night, The Zonai – a statement young punk band, and The Wires.
Playing Deadly Sins in its entirety, while the album tracklisting consists of: FallenBleed For Us - Eulogy - Deadly SinsDoomstar - Drag Me To Hell - Sever The Nerve.
The Setlist for the night was: ControlFallen - Deadly Sins -Sever the NerveBleed For Us - Drag me to Hell - EulogyDoomstar - The Hanged Man - To Shreds - Pub Feed (The Chats cover).
The night was a huge success with the band stating:
“What a night. Deadly Sins, 10 year anni-
versary, played in full with a room full of people who made it an unforgettable night at the Enniscorthy Athenaeum!
“Thank you to everyone who came out, sang along, clapped along, moshed, supported, and celebrated this with us.
“Nights like last Saturday are why we do this.”
Deadly Sins remastered is out now on all major streaming services.
A mention that cannot be missed is the great work and funding by Creative Places Enniscorthy who have also been instrumental in the development of the new arts and music scene of the last three years. n Album Artwork: @theironparasite
New Blood For Death Can Wait
Words by Dorn Simon
Pics by Damien Smullen Photography
Death Can Wait are on an evolutionary path with 2026 seeing them writing and recording new material.
Three singles dropped in succession in the latter months of 2025 leading them to play a successful round of gigs to finish out the old year, and start the new.
With the farewell of bassist Samuel Darlington, the band sought auditioning in search of a new bassist.
They found him.
On Saturday 21st February at the 12 Gauge Outrage 10 year anniversary of Deadly Sins, we saw Death Can Wait as support.
After playing a couple of tracks bassless, Thea Moylan, vocalist, gave homage to Samuel, whilst playfully alluding to an open spot in the band that may
already have been filled.
He asked the audience if there are any bass players out there… as they yelled yeah, some hands were held up whilst others pointed to the balcony.
On the opening of Slowly Sinking, Thea said he thought he spotted a bassist up there (pointing to the balcony himself).
All as a lead up to the next song where the new bassist was officially brought on stage and announced, Archie Laws (Equinox) is the new member/bassist for Death Can Wait.
The show, already in full swing, was now exploding as the stage presence of all members fit like a glove.
Archie is even more prolific among his peers, now fitting in nicely. Playing new
material and old favourites such as selftitled Death Can Wait, the venue was hopping or rather moshing and singing in unison.
The band's evolution forms a change in musical direction, adopting a more electronic element with additional keys, harmonics as Brian Colfer’s (vocals) high compliments Thea’s growling lows, the lyrics, if not already existential in nature, have deepened, equally hardened yet softened to traverse emotional complexities, with titles such as You Don’t Exist
The band have live dates upcoming in Fibbers Dublin, and in the Cellar Bar Galway, on 20th/21st March respectively.
Death can certainly wait, as these lads are on a clear trajectory to greater things! n
Death Can Wait
Death Can Wait
Bruiser are back! With support from 12 Gauge Outrage, Squire and Kings of the Wild! Presented by OUTRAGE ENTERTAINMENT. The Athenaeum, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Saturday, Mar 21 from 6pm to 10pm.
Death Can Wait
Death Can Wait
Death Can Wait
The Zonai
The Wires
“Nothing is so good it lasts eternally…”
Enniscorthy Musical Society (EMS), in association with Enniscorthy Credit Union, is thrilled to bring to the Coláiste Bríde stage, the groundbreaking Chess, The Musical! Written by Tim Rice and ABBA songwriters, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Chess tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/ early 1980s, in which superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.
The ancient game of chess becomes a metaphor for romantic rivalries, competitive gamesmanship, super-power politics, and international intrigue. From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians, and spies manipulate and are manipulated to the pulse of a monumental score that includes ‘One Night in Bangkok’ and ‘Heaven Help My Heart’, ‘I Know Him So Well’, ‘Anthem’, and ‘Pity The Child’.
The cast, ensemble, production team and committee have been working hard at rehearsals to bring this mammoth show to life. The production team of Imelda McDonagh (Director), Kevin Kennedy (Musical Director), and James Dobbs (Choreographer) have been guiding the cast over the last few months ensuring this production is the best it can be. Featuring longstanding EMS members, as well as some new faces, this year’s musical will showcase the very best the town and surrounding areas have to offer. With Colin Doran taking on the role of the Russian, Anatoly Sergievsky, Shane Kelly as the American, Freddie Trumper, and Michaela White as Hungarian-born Florence Vassey, this powerhouse trio will have you on the edge of your seat and move you beyond the chessboard. Anthony Jones brings the manipulative Soviet patriot, Molokov, to life. Andy Fanning is the seemingly trustworthy but cunning and deceitful American, Walter de Courcey. Taking on the role of Svetlana Sergievsky, Anatoly’s estranged wife, is
Thérèse Canavan Bolger. Finally, as the coldly objective, no-nonsense referee and president of the International Chess Federation is Erin Hogan. This incredible ensemble brings another dimension to this story.
The show, rated PG, will run from Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th April, starting at 7.30pm nightly, in Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy. And this year, a new seating plan will transform Coláiste Bríde into a brand new theatre space with TIERED SEATING! Tickets can be purchased through the EMS social media and at https://ie.powertik.com/en/events/chess-themusical/sessions/08-04-2026-19-30-riverside-park-hotel
We are reliably told that this show is unlike anything we’ve seen from EMS before, and is on another level! So you don’t want to miss it. Get your tickets now and join the game of a lifetime. n
Joleen Murphy of Enniscorthy Credit Union presents Enniscorthy Musical Society with a cheque for €2,000. Pic: Peter Gaynor Photography.
The current exhibition, “The Waters of Wexford – Goddesses, Pirates and Shipwrecks” has been extended. This amazing exhibition brings to light the life blood of our county – the waterways. Explore the folklore and the stories that have shown just how important the river Slaney was in its role as a highway of commerce and transportation. Learn more about the heritage of our riverside town and how it grew from the water, its history passed on through stories and tales of pirates and shipwrecks. Enniscorthy Castle is open 7 days a week and always well worth a visit. www.enniscorthycastle.ie n
Dance weekend in aid of the Irish Cancer Society
A great charity fundraiser is in store for the Irish Cancer Society this April in Kilmuckridge and Ballygarrett. It's a country, folk, and rebel weekend with a jiving competition being held on Easter Sunday night 5th April.
See accompanying poster for artists, venues, times, and all other details. n
Coming soon!
‘Little Dolls’ by Nancy Harris 23rd and 24th April, The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy.
‘Superstar’ tickets selling fast!
Ticket sales are flying for Wexford Light Opera Society’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar – the iconic rock opera which is coming to the National Opera House stage from 27 April – 2 May 2026.
Our advice is – don’t wait, don’t hesitate. Grab your tickets NOW before they’re gone!
The exciting cast is:
Jesus – Aidan Byrne
Judas Iscariot – Thomas Furlong
Mary Magdalene – Niamh Cullen
Pontius Pilate – Tony Carty
King Herod – Stephen Byrne
Peter – Jonathan Kelly
Simon Zealotes – Joshua Higginbotham
Caiaphas – Seamus McManus
Annas – Eric Hayes
High Priests: Keith Flanagan, Michael O’Gorman, Alan Hearne. Soul Girls: Holly Rossiter, Catherine Devereux, Amy Lindsay.
Tickets on sale now at the National Opera House Box Office: Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30-17:00. By telephone: 053 9122144. Online: www.nationaloperahouse.ie n
Calling all photographers!
Calling all photographers: Capture the heart of Farming in a new Photography Competition and you could win a prize worth €1,000!
Enniscorthy Credit Union is proud to announce the launch of the first-ever Cultivate* Farming Photography Competition, celebrating the rich heritage and everyday realities of farming life across Ireland.
Farming plays a vital role in communities nationwide, shaping local economies, traditions, and family life. Through this exciting new competition, Enniscorthy Credit Union invites photographers of all levels to capture compelling images that reflect the beauty, the heart, and the reality of Irish farming.
The competition is open to both Cultivate members and non-members, offering a wonderful opportunity for entrants to showcase their work to a wide audience. Twelve winning photographs will be selected for inclusion in the 2027 Cultivate Farming Calendar, with featured images also promoted across Cultivate’s social media platforms.
In addition to calendar inclusion, one overall winner will receive a prestigious €1,000 voucher for Ireland’s Blue Book, providing an unforgettable luxury experience at one of Ireland’s most renowned country houses or boutique hotels.
How to Enter:
Participants are invited to submit as many photos as they wish capturing the essence of farm life via the official online entry form: https://cultivatecu.ie/photo-competition/.
Closing Date: September 30th, 2026.
Entry Requirements:
• Photographs must be in landscape orientation (suitable for calendar format).
• Images must not contain identifiable faces, graphics, or branding.
• Accepted file formats: .JPEG, .JPG, and .PNG only.
Please see Terms and Conditions of entry: https://cultivate-cu.ie/photocompetition-terms-conditions/
Enniscorthy Credit Union looks forward to seeing your images over the coming months that celebrate the heart of Irish agriculture.
* Cultivate is an initiative of a group of Irish Credit Unions to provide term loans to their farming members. n
Bunclody student’s film
screening at the Regional Finals of the Fresh International Film Festival – Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 competition.
This is a remarkable honour and a fantastic recognition of Ari’s creativity, talent, and powerful storytelling. Ari’s film is an autobiographical animated short that beautifully depicts his personal journey from Bangladesh to Ireland. Through animation, Ari explores themes of identity, belonging, culture, and selfdiscovery, weaving together his experiences of moving country and building a new life. You can see the 2 minute film here: https://www.bunclodycc.ie/News/BCC-Student-qualifies-for-Fresh-InternationalFilm-Festival-Irelands-Young-Filmmaker-of-the-Year-2026/198779/Index.html n
Selin Kim to champion global education and sustainability, representing Ireland at Miss Planet International 2025 in Cambodia
Words & pics by Maria Nolan
Selin Kim, a prominent educator and community leader from Enniscorthy, is representing Ireland on the global stage at the Miss Planet International 2025 world competition. The event is taking place in Cambodia from 28 February to 15 March 2025.
Originally from Cambodia and now a resident of County Wexford, Ms. Kim works as a teacher with the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) and is the President of
the Cambodian Community in Ireland. Her journey to the international finals is marked by significant early success; Ireland has already been awarded the Miss World Humanitarian 2025 special title and secured a place in the Top 5 based on preliminary voting, professional assessments, and social project evaluations.
To celebrate her participation and the deepening ties between Ireland and Cambodia, a special event will be held featuring Her Excellency Tuot Panha, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Ireland (with residence in London). Ambassador Panha has previously expressed her warm support for Ms. Kim, recognising her dual role as a representative of the Cambodian community and a proud advocate for Ireland.
"I am truly honoured to represent Ireland, a country that has welcomed me so warmly, while in my home country of Cambodia," said Selin. "This platform allows me to advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically global education and environmental sustainability, which are causes close
Selin is also the PRO for Sustainable Enniscorthy with a keen interest in sustainable fashion and circular
Irish designer Claire Garvey has created an amazing outfit for
economy. The work of this local group and the community in Enniscorthy will feature in her presentations at the international event.
During the two-week competition in Cambodia, Ms. Kim’s official activities will include:
• Environmental Advocacy: Participating in tree-planting initiatives and delivering speeches focused on education and the environment.
• Humanitarian Work: Teaching English while promoting the UN SDGs.
• Cultural Exchange: Showcasing a sustainable Irish national costume and promoting Irish culture on an international platform.
Miss Planet International is a global platform dedicated to sustainability and humanitarian leadership, empowering women to drive positive social change. In accordance with competition regulations, final official announcements regarding the results will be made on 15 March, the final day of the competition.
For more information on Selin Kim’s journey and the Miss Planet International competition, please visit https://www.instagram.com/missplanetireland2025?ig sh=d3V2MzlyMHc3dGhv
Contact Selin at 087 324 7116 or email selin88@live.com n
Leading
Selin inspired by the Celtic Goddess of Nature, Danú. Danú is associated with the elemental forces of nature and protecting them.
Slaney leiSure & lifeStyle
This page: Selin Kim photographed in various Enniscorthy locations.
Spring is in the air at Roche's Campsite, Wellingtonbridge –proud winners of the South East Radio Best Caravan/Camping/Glamping award for 2025.
The multi-award-winning campsite welcomes motorhomes, caravans, campervans, and tents. It also offers onsite accommodation – 1 caravan, 1 pod, and 2 cottages to choose from.
Music is always in the air at Roche’s Campsite. The next big music weekend is St Patrick’s weekend, to be followed by many more lined up for 2026.
St Patrick’s weekend:
Saturday 14th March: Aoife Reville and friends. Sunday 15th March: The mighty Moynihan Brothers Band. Music also on St Patrick’s Day.
On site: Coffee Dock • Food truck • Wine bar • Horse and pony trekking.
Go along and experience the idyllic campsite for yourself. For all booking enquiries one can phone or WhatsApp Margaret on 087 2718803.
Roches Campsite, Clonmines, Wellingtonbridge, Wexford, Y35R9P9. www.rochescampsite.ie n
Ibar’s prints at Bellefield Design
A stunning collection of framed Ibar Carty prints, priced at €30 each, are now available in Bellefield Design, Enniscorthy.
Rooted in the esteemed P.A. Crane collection dating back to the 1880s, this remarkable body of work tells the captivating story of the South-East of Ireland.
Meticulously curated by Ibar Carty, the collection offers a unique window into history, from iconic sporting moments to cherished local family milestones.
https://www.facebook.com/BellefieldDesign
Tel: 053 923 6294 n
Charity concert
Library of the Year?
Wexford Library Service is delighted to have been selected as an Island of Ireland Regional & Country Finalist for the Library of the Year Award in the British Book Awards.
The first Reading Circle was launched in Wexford Town Library in spring 2025, with additional groups subsequently established in other branches.
This recognition highlights the impact of The Reading Circles – supportive and relaxed groups that help adults develop reading skills in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment. Participants read short stories and book extracts together, building confidence, improving literacy, and fostering a love of reading. The programme supports adults whose first language is English and who have unmet literacy needs, offering gentle, guided practice for those who may feel unsure about reading independently.
Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to the dedication of library staff, the enthusiasm of participants, and the strong collaboration with Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) / WWETB, and the members of the Waterford Wexford Regional Adult Literacy Coalition, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting adult literacy in our communities. It reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community learning.
For more information about The Reading Circle or upcoming sessions, please contact: Wexford Library: 053-9196760. wexfordlibrary@wexfordcoco.ie n
Enniscorthy Credit Union –Fantastic turnout at 2026 Schools Quiz
Ever wonder why time flies when you’re having fun? Or why popcorn pops? Or why yawns are contagious?
‘The Wonder of Why?’ is the theme for this year’s National Credit Union Quiz and Enniscorthy Credit Union proudly hosted their first round on Sunday, February 8th.
Held at the Bellefield GAA Complex, Enniscorthy, the afternoon was a tremendous success hosting 264 pupils from across their common bond. Taking place in the venue’s community hall, the event was filled with enthusiasm, teamwork, and a genuine grá for knowledge. A remarkable 66 teams from 33 local schools took part putting their skills to the test in what was a highly competitive, fun-filled quiz.
Enniscorthy Credit Union was delighted with the fantastic turnout and the positive atmosphere throughout the afternoon from pupils and parents alike. The quiz challenged participants in 12 rounds of questions from a mix of subjects and encouraged collaboration and quick thinking among the students in teams of 4. The quiz was expertly hosted on the day by QuizMaster and Chairperson of Enniscorthy Credit Union, Padraig Hall.
The local level of the competition is the first round, and the winners will then go to the Chapter Stage. The final stage of the Quiz is the National Stage held annually in the RDS where teams from schools across the country take part.
Speaking after the event, Marketing Officer of Enniscorthy Credit Union, Joleen Murphy, acknowledged and thanked all the schools, teachers, parents and volunteers who helped make the day such a success.
“The Schools Quiz is always a highlight in the Credit Union calendar. We had a huge turnout, larger than previous years, and we’re delighted to see the quiz continue to highlight the Credit Union’s strong commitment to education and community engagement. The atmosphere on the day exceeded all of our expectations, it was absolutely electric from start to finish! So much energy! The cheers and roars of celebrations during the answers, I bet passers-by could hear Bellefield before they saw it!"
Above and left: Enniscorthy Credit Union School Quiz, Bellefield GAA Complex, 8th February 2026.
Right: Staff and Volunteers of Enniscorthy Credit Union with Padraig (Podge) Hall, Chairperson and Quizmaster.
Enniscorthy Credit Union Limited would like to congratulate all teams who took part and wishes the qualifying teams the very best of luck in the next stage of the competition.
Under 11s Team
1st Place: St. Patrick's National School, Crossabeg.
2nd Place: Murrintown National School.
3rd Place: St. Joseph's National School, Bree.
Under 13s Team
1st Place: Kilrane National School, Rosslare.
2nd Place: St. Joseph's National School, Bree.
3rd Place: Monageer National School.
The winning schools will be contacted directly with the details of the next stage.
The Enniscorthy Credit Union Schools Quiz will return in 2027. n
Top left: U13 1st Place Winners Kilrane National School, Rosslare.
Top centre: U13 2nd Place St. Joseph’s National School Bree.
Top right: Enjoying the occasion.
Above left: U11 3rd Place St. Joseph’s National School, Bree.
Above right: Under 11 1st Place Winners St Patrick National School, Crossabeg, with teacher, and Quizmaster Podge Hall. Left: U11 2nd Place Murrintown N.S.
Below left: U13 3rd Place Monageer N.S.
Below right: Joleen Murphy, Marketing Officer, and Aine Doyle, Business Development & IT Officer, Enniscorthy Credit Union.
Enniscorthy Retirement Association
The Enniscorthy Retirement Association holds monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at 2.30pm in the Riverside Park Hotel, The Promenade, Enniscorthy, with the exception of January and August.
There are regular outings, as well as various activities every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
For further details about Enniscorthy Retirement Association go along to any monthly meeting or see ‘Enniscorthy Retirement Association’ on Facebook or email: enniscorthtyretirementassociation@outlook.com
Check out the website: www.enniscorthyretirement.net n
LOCAL ARTS CENTRES
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000. Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: 0402-38529.
What’s on in Wexford
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WexfordEvents for the best listing of what’s happening all over Co. Wexford. n
Spring classes at the Presentation Arts Centre
Check out the great classes taking place at The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: https://www.presentationcentre.ie/classes.html
7-9PM EVERY MONDAY NIGHT
A new Enniscorthy men’s choir meets up at 7pm every Monday night at Templeshannon Community Centre.
Called Voices of Harmony, the new group is currently looking for new members. With the new year starting, now is a great time to commence a new pastime. If you like to sing why not go along to and join in any Monday.
NO AUDITIONS REQUIRED, JUST SHOW UP AND SING ALONG WITH THE GROUP.
New members are always welcome!
For more info Call Seamus on 087 2930510.
In addition, the Templars Singing Group meets up every Thursday morning at 10.30am at Templeshannon Community Centre. For more information, phone 053 9237511. n
10.30am
Walk and Talk
Weekly walks have started at FDYS Enniscorthy, every Tuesday, 4.30pm to 5.30pm, for young people aged 13-18, to help them get active, explore the local environment, and have the chats! n
Disability Information & Fun Day
A Disability Information & Fun Day will be held at the Astro Active Centre in Enniscorthy on April 18th 2026 from 1pm–5.30pm to help raise funds for My Canine Companion, which provides service dogs through a puppy training programme for families and schools across the country.
The local organiser tells us, “I am very lucky to have received my puppy in training in 2024. She has been a huge asset for three of my kids who are autistic and for our family as a whole.
“I am also holding this day in memory of my beautiful sister Sinéad who attended Reach Ability Day Services for many, many years. Sinéad sadly passed away in April 2023.
“We hope this event will be an inclusive day for all. If there are any groups, clubs, vendors, etc. who would like to book a table or sponsor a raffle prize we would be most appreciative. Contact us on: fundraiser2026@yahoo.com or on our Facebook page: Disability Information & Fun Day.” n
Beachguards wanted
Wexford County Council is inviting applications for the post of Beachguards for the resorts of Rosslare Strand, Carne, Curracloe, Ballinesker, Morriscastle, Ballymoney, Baginbun, and Duncannon.
Further particulars and application forms are available from: Reception (Block F), Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Phone (053) 919 6000 or visit the website at www.wexfordcoco.ie
Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 5pm on Thursday, 12th March 2026.
Successful Applicants must be aged 18 years or over prior to appointment
Wexford County Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer. n
SEND HELP
Movie Reviews by Kyle Walsh
Send Help is written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, and directed by Sam Raimi, making a return after his last movie, 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, reteaming with Rachel McAdams in a survivalist thriller-comedy with horror movie undertones.
Rachel McAdams is Linda Liddle, a highly dedicated employee in the planning and strategy department of a large corporation.
Even though she has this unquestionable drive to succeed and go all the way to the top of the ladder, she is always overlooked and shunned at work. Enter new CEO Bradley (Dylan O’Brien) an abnoxious man, a man who deserves everything that is coming to him and more, he just doesn’t know it yet!
When he denies Linda a promotion that she truly deserves she begs him for another chance, to prove to him that she deserves this promotion. The only thing is that unfortunately for Linda she does not quite have what it takes to fit the bill. Her looks and her style. She has many quirks and loves tuna sandwiches. Not your stereotype office clerk according to the likes of this CEO. He listens to her beg him and he decides to give her a chance, so he welcomes her to join him and his team on a flight to Bangkok. As soon as you can say ‘Send Help’, the plane that they are travelling on crashes, killing all the crew, but Linda and Bradley survive and are on a desert island all on their own, or are they?
Good news for the two of them (or is it), Linda had auditioned for the series Survivor and now it’s her time to show her boss who’s boss on the island with her survival tactics, while he lies on the beach badly injured. They are trying to survive the harsh conditions and the growing tension between them. Linda has the upper hand and is gleefully aware of her role on this island while Bradley is very much aware of his position on the island. While watching the movie I found myself referencing the wonderful movie Misery. Same kind of story except on an island. Who is going to survive? Are both going to survive? Who is going to rescue them? If not, how are they going to get off the island? All these questions roaming around in my head.
This movie does not spend any of its run time trying to be anything else other than a tense thriller that delights in making the audience in turn laugh, be uncomfortable, or anxious. There was a lot of joy to be had from the awkwardness of the dynamic between the two characters and the ridiculous actions they both undertake to stay alive.
The plane crash was frightening and so well filmed. There are some glorious jump-out-of-your chair moments. I think I jumped on numerous occasions. The acting is top notch between the two
leads especially Rachel McAdams – she is sensational in this movie. Probably her best role to date. While there is a scene that will make any man panic and fear for the worst, it was truly captured by fantastic acting through the eye movements of Dylan O’Brien. Absolutely incredible performance just using his eye movements. There is a lot of overuse of bodily fluids and some horrific scenes but that is Sam Raimi at his best.
I had a really good time with this movie and it is definitely one I would strongly recommend checking out. It’s not for the fainthearted so be warned but if you’re looking for a night of entertainment I would stick this on no doubt. It would make you think twice about flying over desert islands. Don’t think I would like to be left all alone with Linda Liddle. I would rather swim out to sea and take my chances. This was alot of fun.
Enjoy guys n
enniscorthy 'Thru’ the Lens
Youth Vibes from the 70’s
Some photos in this series include people who have since passed to their eternal reward. We hope these photos will help bring back fond memories to their family members and friends.
Left: Seamus Whitney, Mick Murphy, Paudge Courtney, Charlie Kearney, Eddie O’Connor; Pat Nolan, Mick Healy, Matt Flynn.
Top: Annette Cullen, Winnie Walsh, Eugene Dempsey, Ger O’Connor, Pat Murphy, Purt Doyle.
Above: Jim O’Sullivan, Sally O’Connor, Ger Courtney, Denny O’Connor, Mag Kirwan, Fionnuala Canavan, Ger Mitchell, Stephen Wildes,Sean Maguire RIP, Ed Doran, Liz Wildes, Dan Jordan.
Right: Some of those pictured at cheque presentation: Fr. Frank Barron RIP, William Kirwan, Louise Davin, Una Lawton, James Ward, Helen Harris, Seamus Carty.
ANDY’S NEW BARBER SHOP
WORDS & PICS BY ‘ENJOY ENNISCORTHY’
Enniscorthy welcomed a new authentic Rock’n’Roll barbershop as Brazilian barber Anderson (Andy) Napoles, alongside partner Larissa and their daughter Nathalie, familiar faces to many around the town, officially opened their new venture.
On 21st February Cllr. Aidan Browne cut the ribbon on the music-themed space, which promises to bring a fun and energetic atmosphere while delivering a more personalised and differentiated barbering experience.
“You’ve got to be part of the community,” Anderson says. “Believe in your business. Keep doing what you are doing and we hope the people of Enniscorthy keep coming back.”
So whether you’re after a simple trim, a textured quiff, or even a full-on punk mullet, you now know where to go. The new barbershop is located inside the Abbey Square Shopping centre near Eurogiant. n
Anderson Napoles.
Looking for a peaceful outdoor space in Enniscorthy?
The Orchard Peace Park is a quiet green space in the heart of Enniscorthy that offers a calm and welcoming setting for gentle walks, fresh air, and quality time with family and friends.
This park is also a great space to host an event.
To apply to host an event in a public space, click here: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/events-management/apply-tohost-an-event-in-a-public-space n
FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING AT FDYS,ENNISCORTHY
CELEBRATING FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING AT FDYS, ENNISCORTHY
The FDYS in Enniscorthy is always a beehive of activity and such a welcoming space for young people. The Slaney News dropped in there on 20th February to enjoy some of the activities (and delicious food!) as part of Five Ways to Wellbeing which involves the arts and creativity helping with our mental health and wellbeing.
It was great to meet up with some of the participating artists and creatives such as local artist Mary Doyle, musician Brendan Carthy, and juggler extraordinaire Brendan Fahy – all lending their considerable talents to a memorable day at FDYS. n
Clothes Swap
celebrating International Women’s Day
A special Pop-Up Community Clothes Swap celebrating International Women’s Day will take place on Sunday 8th March, 12–4pm, at the Meraki Cafe Lounge at the IFA Centre (Y21 N9F5).
Bring 1–5 items of clean, pre-loved clothing and swap them for fabulous new-to-you pieces. It’s sustainable, stylish, and a great way to refresh your wardrobe.
Meet the local organisers Lynn Haughton and Bonnie Fukumoto there, along with the in-house stylist and upcycling experts, and connect with local women’s groups, clubs and support networks, and celebrate the power of women supporting women.
In the lead-up to the event, Lynn and Bonnie are putting the spotlight on extraordinary women in our local community and sharing it on social media. These featured women and women’s groups will be in attendance to share their experiences and information.
So go along, bring a friend, and be part of a community that cares about fashion, sustainability, and lifting each other up. n
This event is proudly supported by
• The Upcycle Movement
• Bee Grayceful Upcycles, Wexford
• Sustainable Enniscorthy
• Wexford County Council.
Clothes swap. Extraordinary Women. Is there a better way to celebrate International Women's Day? n
12 - 4 pm
Sun 8 March th
Meraki Cafe @ the IFA Enniscorthy Y21 N9F5
M.F.
A human pyramid!
Bee Grayceful Upcycles
Right: A pyramid of young farmers from the Tacumshane, Tagoat and Rosslare area, posing at Dunnes car park while taking a rest on a tractor during their tractor-run through Wexford town!
Bonnie Fukumoto (left) and Lynn Haughton (right) at their previous Clothes Swap on 28th January 2026.
Oklahoma comes to Oylegate
‘Oklahoma’ will be presented in Oylegate Community Centre 11-14 March.
Above: The chorus girls.
Below left: Michael Mullins, Sean Cotter, Alan Maher, Pat Bolger, and Michael Hayden.
Below right: Eryn Buckley as Laurey, Theresa Buckley as Aunt Eller, and Paul Darcy as Curly.
Below left: Eryn Buckley as Laurey and John Barry as Ali Hakim.
Below right: Kevin O’Kean, Mary O’Kean, Maudie Maher and Joan Whelan.
Wexford County Council’s Arts Office, in partnership with Creative Ireland, invites applications from visual artists to develop a new body of work which explores Wexford’s Anglo-Norman heritage and legacy.
The art commission is socially engaged in nature and will involve the artist undergoing research and working with local communities in Wexford County in the development of the work over a 16-month period (May 2026-August 2027). As part of this commission, the artist will also have the opportunity to undertake research and a short residency in Normandy supported by our Normandy partners and a short residency in Cow House Artists’ Studios, Wexford. The artist must be based in Ireland.
The final artwork will be presented as part of a major group exhibition taking place across Wexford County Hall and Wexford Arts Centre in October 2027, as part of a Contemporary Arts
Trail to coincide with ‘Millenium, 2027 European Year of the Normans’.
Artist’s Grant:
This commission is valued at €20,000. The artist will receive an artist’s grant of €18,000, and an additional €2,000 will be allocated towards travel and expenses. This grant includes the cost of the artist’s time for the research as well as the production of new artwork. There will be a separate artist exhibition fee for the 2027 exhibition in Wexford as part of the Normandy Contemporary Arts Trail.
This residency is aimed at visual artists while acknowledging the scope for collaboration and interdisciplinary arts practices.
For a full BRIEF with further details, and the application process, click here: https://www.wexfordartscentre.ie/opportunities/?mc_cid=3f9c09c702&mc_eid=698f8dcc41 n
Local artist responds to Enniscorthy’s recent floods
Padraig Sinnott is an artist from Enniscorthy, and recently shared a drawing (on left) with the Slaney News which he created in response to the severe and ongoing flooding our community has experienced. Padraig’s drawing is titled ‘Enniscorthy Holds Its Breath’.
Padraig says, ‘Enniscorthy has waited too long. The town keeps flooding – homes, businesses, and families facing the same heartbreak again and again. This drawing captures that sense of waiting: a town struggling to keep its head above water, now holding its breath for a saviour that has yet to arrive. Enniscorthy is caught in a state of uncertainty.’
‘I hope the work captures the reality behind the flooding and contributes to the wider conversation about its impact on our community.’ n
‘Eileen Gray, Her Life & Work’
The latest in a series of insightful talks at Enniscorthy Castle will take place on Saturday, 7th March, at 2pm.
"Eileen Gray, Her Life & Work" is an introduction to renowned Irishwoman Eileen Gray, an icon of the modernist movement in architecture and furniture design.
The talk will be held in the dedicated Eileen Gray exhibition space at the Castle.
The engrossing talk will shine a light on Gray’s life and work. From her home in Enniscorthy, to London, Paris, and the south of France, learn of her creations that still feel contemporary even today, 50 years after her death.
An event not to be missed.
Normal admission rates apply, no booking required.
To keep up to date: https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthycastle n
An evening of songs and stories dedicated to the late Nanci Griffith, March 28th, 8pm, tickets €25.
The Christy Moore Songbook will be performed by Irish folk singer-songwriter Gerry Tully on April 4th, 8pm, tickets €22.50. n
Creative Places Enniscorthy
Deryn O Callaghan is the Project Co-ordinator. For any queries, suggestions or ideas, tel: 087 9578984. Email: cpenniscorthy@wexfordartscentre.ie www.creativeplacesenniscorthy.ie https://www.facebook.com/CreativePlacesEnniscorthy n
ooted in exford
March always feels like a turning point, but this year it has come after days and weeks of relentless rain. The ground has barely had a chance to dry. I have stood looking at beds more than once, ready to plant, only to realise the soil would simply swallow anything I put into it. It has delayed me, and that is frustrating, but forcing things into saturated ground only creates bigger problems later.
So the first job this month has been patience. I check the soil properly before doing anything. If it sticks to my boots or forms a heavy ball in my hand, I leave it alone. I have learned the hard way that working wet soil ruins its structure for months. It is better to wait than to spend summer trying to correct damage done in a hurry.
While waiting for conditions to improve, I have been focusing on what can move forward. March is a good time to sow more seeds, particularly hardy crops. Peas are high on
Mark Cooke invites you to grow along with him.
The Slaney News is delighted to have Enniscorthy man, Mark Cooke, on board as a columnist. Mark has a huge passion for growing fruit and veg which he shares on his Instagram platform @rootedinwexford which has over 7,500 followers. Mark describes himself very much as a ‘hobby gardener’ who is not academically trained in horticulture. He started planting with very little knowledge a few years ago and that knowledge has now ‘mushroomed’! Mark loves sharing his passion for growing with our readers.
my list. They cope well with cool weather and they rarely make it all the way into the kitchen. Most of them are eaten straight from the pod in the garden. They are one of the few crops that feel like a reward long before harvest baskets are involved. If the ground is still too wet, sowing them in modules keeps things progressing without risking rot.
Broad beans are another solid choice now. They are reliable and steady, and they handle a damp spring far better than delicate crops. Getting them established early makes the rest of the season easier.
Spacing is something I pay far more attention to now than I used to. I have ruined perfectly good crops by planting too tightly. It always looks manageable at the start. Small seedlings with neat labels and plenty of apparent room. A few weeks later everything is competing, airflow is restricted, and disease creeps in. Overcrowding does not increase yield. It reduces
it. Leaving space feels wasteful in March, but it is essential by June.
I have also been guilty of sowing far too much. Every year there is a moment of optimism where I convince myself I will manage it all. What usually follows is a glut that cannot be eaten in time. Some of it ends up on neighbours’ doorsteps, and the rest keeps the hens extremely happy. They have benefited from my over enthusiasm more than once. It is a useful reminder that growing more than you can realistically use is not productive, it is simply extra work.
That said, March is not about holding back entirely. It is about building properly. I continue sowing indoors in small batches so harvests are staggered rather than overwhelming. I move seedlings on before they become root bound. I turn trays so plants grow straight. These are quiet, unglamorous jobs, but they matter.
Strawberries planted earlier in
the year need a quick check now. After such heavy rainfall, drainage is critical. I make sure the crowns are sitting at soil level and remove any damaged leaves. Small adjustments now prevent rot later.
March carries energy, but it demands restraint. The rain has reminded me that the garden runs on its own timetable. I can encourage it, but I cannot rush it. Sow hardy crops with confidence. Prepare soil only when it is ready. Leave proper spacing. Grow what you will actually use.
A steady March does not feel dramatic, but it sets up everything that follows. And if I do overdo it again, at least the hens will be delighted.
If you would like to follow my own garden progress or share your experiences, you can follow me on Instagram @rootedinwexford. n
Lots on at the Allotments
We are grateful as always to Gillian O’Neill, Secretary at Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA), for keeping us updated with all the news and photos from this multi-award-winning facility in Enniscorthy...
Everyone is really enjoying our Thyme Out Fridays, the free Horticulture workshops here in the allotments every Friday morning. The past few weeks the group have been busy with garden measuring and planning out their plots, along with some seed sowing in biodegradable seed trays. The group learned how to sow beetroot, French beans, courgettes, dill, and cherry tomatoes. Thank you to Louise Murphy and WWETB for making these workshops possible for our members and community. If you would be interested in taking part in the next group please email us enniscorthyallotments@gmail.com
It was great to see our little friends – the “Mucky Boots” group from Templeshannon Childcare Centre – having so much fun in the allotments digging the soil, learning where food comes from while connecting with nature.
Our Catch Up Monday group really enjoyed their first catch up of the New Year. They are really looking forward to the year ahead now and getting back into their book club and getting their creative juices flowing with a little bit of art. New members are welcome to join this group at anytime.
Willow Weaving with the fabulous Sindy Offer is another popular workshop we have here through the Reach funding. Sindy Offer had the below to say about her workshops in the allotments, “Enniscorthy Community Allotments offers community-based willow weaving classes. Now in their third year, these classes are funded by the ETB and Reach Funding Strand. Participants have created a diverse range of items perfect for decorating the home or garden. It’s been a pleasure working with such a varied group of students. Beyond learning a traditional craft, many have expressed discovering a therapeutic benefit from the experience. Some have even been inspired to grow their own willow, highlighting the lasting impact of their involvement.”
It was also a privilege to witness the pride participants feel in their connection to Enniscorthy Community Allotments. In December 2025, a group of members collaborated to install a living willow dome, which hopefully will be maintained by this year's students. As always, a huge thank you to Michael Devereux and his team for their support and the amazing work they do at the Enniscorthy Allotments. If you would like further information about Willow classes in your area, contact: Sindy Offer –sindyswillowcreations@gmail.com.
At the time of writing, some of our members are looking forward to starting 5 weeks of Community Volunteers Training. This training is taking place in Templeshannon Community Centre, Enniscorthy from 7pm to 9pm on the 24th February, 3rd March, 10th March, 18th March and the 25th March.
This programme is aimed at volunteers involved in community groups, residents associations, and other local organisations who want practical skills to help their group run well. The training is delivered by experienced facilitator, Ann Gallagher, in a very informal and practical way. Sessions include real-life examples, group discussion, and scenario-based learning, making it relevant and useful for anyone involved in running or supporting a community group.
Thank you to Annemarie Laffan, Slainte Care and Wexford County Council for the this amazing training for community groups
Above: Some of the Catch-Up Monday group in the Dome. Other photos: the Mucky Boots group from Templeshannon Childcare, the Thyme Out Friday horticulture workshop, and Willow Weaving.
ECA Gardening Tips...
March is a key prepping and sowing month – but it isn’t yet reliably warm, so timing, soil readiness, and protection from frost are important.
1. PREP YOUR ALLOTMENT BEDS
Soil & bed preparation:
Fork over and break up winter soil – improve drainage and loosen compacted earth.
Spread well-rotted compost or manure on beds to improve fertility.
If soil is still cold and wet, cover beds with black plastic or cloches to warm the soil before sowing.
Mulching with compost or grass clippings now can help suppress early weeds later.
Weed & pest prep:
Start a slug patrol and set traps; spring seedlings are very vulnerable.
Regular hoeing keeps weeds from taking over before your crops get a foothold.
2. WHAT TO SOW IN MARCH
Indoors or Under Cover:
Sow these where you can protect them (greenhouse, cold frame, sunny window, heated propagator). They need a longer growing season:
Tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, cucumbers – start seeds now so they’re strong for planting out later.
Herbs: parsley, basil, thyme, coriander, chives – great started indoors now.
Early brassicas and leafy greens: leeks, Brussels sprouts, early cabbage can be started for transplanting later.
Sow Outdoors (Direct) If Soil is Workable:
Cool-tolerant crops that can handle chilly March soil:
Broad beans & peas – plant directly into beds; peas can also be under a cloche for warmth.
Root veg: carrots, parsnips, beetroot, radish – sow directly if ground isn’t too cold or sodden.
Salad greens: spinach, rocket, lettuce (best under cover or in a cold frame).
Onions & shallots sets can be planted outdoors.
Tip: We might still get late frosts; use fleece or cloches on newly sown rows to give tender seeds a better start.
3. EARLY CROPS & SPECIAL TASKS
Early potatoes: towards the end of March (when soil warms) & after “chitting” (pre-sprouting).
Rhubarb: March is a great time to plant or protect crowns.
Divide perennial herbs and flowers: if you have existing beds, divide overcrowded clumps.
Bare-root fruit bushes & trees (raspberries, currants, apples, pears) can be planted now before buds swell.
4. ONGOING CARE & MAINTENANCE
✔ Keep beds tidy – hoe weeds weekly before they dominate.
✔ Water seedlings carefully if there are dry spells in sheltered spaces.
✔ Protect thawing soil if weather turns wet & cold – you can easily damage structure by working soggy earth.
✔ Plan your crop rotations and succession sowings now so you have crops throughout the season. n
Burger Mac in Enniscorthy closes for the foreseeable future
Following the catastrophic recent flooding In Enniscorthy, the Burger Mac fast food outlet on Abbey Quay has decided not to reopen for ‘the foreseeable future’. Their Facebook post to that effect is reproduced opposite. n
Great taste at Dill & Pickle Cafe
Dill & Pickle Café at Reach Ability on the Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy, now stocks a delicious selection of homemade chutneys, jams, and marmalades from Kilcannon Garden Centre & Restaurant.
Perfect for adding something special to your breakfast table, your lunches, or gifting to someone who appreciates locally made produce. n
Foraging talk
Foraging Talk with Gráinne Kenneally Quirke from Elderberry Farm, on Friday, 20th March, at 11am in Enniscorthy Library. All are invited.
Gráinne will discuss the immense health benefits, both physical and mental, of foraging and producing your own food from ingredients that are growing wild within a stones throw of your own front door. Gráinne will talk about how to sustainably produce your own food and drinks with what Mother Nature provides.
Booking essential. Please register for your place below: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/4517120 n
GREAT TO SEE A NEW BAKERY, KEHOE’S, OPENING UP SOON ON CHURCH STREET, ENNISCORTHY, IN THE SHOP PREMISES PREVIOUSLY OCCUPIED BY COONEY'S BAKERY. n
Join a chocolate making session
Renowned Co. Wexford chocolate makers, Zaeire Artisan Chocolates, a Gold Award winner at Blas na Éireann, will be hosting their next adult chocolate-making session on Saturday 14th March at 1.30pm.
Join Leigh for a fabulous afternoon, where you will be guided through making your own chocolates over a two-hour period.
The session includes all ingredients, light refreshments, and the best Belgium hot chocolate in all of Co. Wexford!
Booking is essential. €50 per person. Whatsapp: 086 352 2952.
https://www.facebook.com/Zaeire n
LEO Wexford in Ireland’s top three
Above: Local Enterprise Office Wexford staff celebrate their recently announced ranking in the Top 3 nationally after an outstanding year of growth:
Join Local Enterprise Office Wexford and County Wexford Chamber as they celebrate International Women’s Day 2026. This year’s theme, #GiveToGain, highlights the progress being made while inspiring visibility, confidence, and leadership among women in business.
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, you are invited to join this powerful morning of insight, inspiration and shared experience.
This flagship event brings together respected leaders, innovators and mentors for a carefully curated programme de-
signed to spark confidence, elevate visibility and encourage leadership at every stage.
Through a keynote address, TEDstyle mentor talks, and an interactive fireside chat, attendees will hear practical wisdom, personal stories, and forward thinking ideas that resonate far beyond the day itself.
The panel will feature trailblazing women in business who will share their experiences, challenges, and achievements, offering valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and opportunities for women today!
For more information, contact Local Enterprise Office Wexford or County Wexford Chamber.
Book: https://www.localenterprise.ie/wexford/training-events/online-bookings/international-womens-day-2026.html n
Jobs Fest & Business Expo
On March 12th in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford, the Wexford Job Fest & Business Expo – an event dedicated to showcasing County Wexford’s thriving businesses and connecting them with our local talent – will take place, brringing together secondand third-level students as well as job seekers from across Wexford. It’s a valuable chance for businesses to connect with skilled candidates while supporting job creation in our community. Contact 053 912 2226. info@countywexfordchamber.ie n
Congrats Liz!
Congrats to Liz McGonigal, Director / Head of Operations, Communications & Sustainability at GreenTechHQ in Enniscorthy, who has just secured a postgrad cert in Sustainability in Business at Trinity College Dublin.
Liz says, ‘I didn’t travel the traditional route through college, opting into full-time work in my very early 20s, developing a career and business in marketing strategy and communications. I have been playing a level of catch-up on the academic front recently.
‘I have always felt there were pieces missing. Call it imposter syndrome, perhaps. This is now my third course since 2023 (Executive Diploma in Digital Strategy & Management, Technological University Dublin, and Professional Diploma in HR with UCD Professional Academy) and definitely the greatest challenge.
‘I met wonderful fellow students, loved the challenge of the programme, thrived on the calibre of course content and lecturers, and really enjoyed the Trinity environment.
‘I’d like to thank GreentechHQ and especially Ed Murphy for supporting me.
‘My dad said to me when speaking about the postgrad, “It doesn’t matter how long it took. It only matters that it has arrived!”‘ n
Grant funding open for manufacturing & internationally traded services
The Local Enterprise Office Wexford is pleased to announce that grant funding is now open for eligible clients in the manufacturing sector or those operating in internationally traded services, where displacement in County Wexford is not an issue.
This support is designed to help businesses start, grow, and scale, with a focus on enterprises that demonstrate strong potential for commercial viability, job creation, and expansion into domestic or export markets. Priority is given to projects that can develop into long-term export-focused businesses.
If your business is based in County Wexford, employs fewer
than 50 people, and operates within the commercial sphere with clear growth potential, you may qualify for this funding opportunity.
https://www.localenterprise.ie/wexford/financialsupports/eligibility-criteria/ n
Liz McGonigal, centre.
Local Enterprise Week is now underway
Local Enterprise Week 2026, 2nd – 6th March. Inspiration. Innovation. Opportunity. Small businesses across the country are taking advantage of Local Enterprise Week 2026. This initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices around Ireland will see over 300 events take place across the country from the 2nd to 6th March and they are open to everyone at any stage of business.
The events cover all aspects of business from getting started and accessing fund ing to exporting and sustainability. The week gives budding entrepreneurs who may have business idea or those who have been in business a while, the opportunity to improve their business and find out what supports are available to them.
Local Enterprise Week 2026 in Co. Wexford brings a week of practical workshops, expert insights, and connection opportunities for Wexford’s business community. Whether you’re starting out or growing your business, this programme offers events to help you build skills, explore new ideas, and make valuable contacts.
From digital transformation and AI, to one-to-one business advice, start-up supports, lean practices, sustainability, and the flagship International Women’s Day event, there’s something for every stage of the business journey.
Book below — places are limited! https://www.localenterprise.ie/wexford/training-events/local-enterpriseweek-2026/
Stay in touch:
Local Enterprise Office, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93. Tel: 053 9196020
Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie Website:
https://www.localenterprise.ie/wexford/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LocalEnterpr iseOfficeWexford n
Gorey auctioneers’ double success
Sherry FitzGerald O’Leary Kinsella has been announced as the Sherry FitzGerald Countrywide Member of the Year 2026, with the prestigious award presented at the Sherry FitzGerald annual conference held on Friday, 23rd January, at the Johnstown Estate Hotel.
The Countrywide Member of the Year award recognises exceptional performance across the Sherry FitzGerald network, celebrating excellence in customer service, business growth, professionalism, and commitment to the brand. It is one of the most highly regarded accolades within the group, reflecting sustained excellence and leadership throughout the year.
The Gorey office of Sherry FitzGerald O’Leary Kinsella was selected from a strong field of shortlisted members nationwide, following a rigorous judging process that considered market performance, customer service standards, innovation, team development, and engagement with group initiatives.
In addition, team member Linda Christopher was honoured with the ‘Countrywide Customer Experience Award’, having been selected as the overall winner following nominations from 1,500 customers, from which 200 staff
members across the Sherry FitzGerald franchise network were shortlisted. The award recognises individuals who consistently deliver exceptional service and outstanding customer experiences.
Jim Kinsella, Managing Director of Sherry FitzGerald O’Leary Kinsella, said: “I am immensely proud to receive the Countrywide Member of the Year award
Transformation is on the way
Pettitt’s SuperValu (Enniscorthy) is about to invest €4 million to completely transform their store. It will be the biggest upgrade since 1978!
Customers can expect:
• Brand new Pettitt’s bakery – baking an extensive range of bread and cakes from scratch 7 days a week!
• New Sleedagh Farm butcher’s counter.
• Expanded deli and hot food offering.
• Brand new fish counter.
• More sustainable, energy-efficient upgrades and a fresh new look throughout the aisles.
Pettitt’s would like to thank everyone for their support and patience as the revamp begins.
Keep an eye on Pettitt’s social media for job opportunities, and information on all the changes. n
on behalf of our Gorey team, and to see Linda recognised for her outstanding commitment to our clients. These awards are a reflection of the hard work, dedication and professionalism shown across our entire office, and recognition from within the Sherry FitzGerald network makes it particularly meaningful.” n
Linda Christopher, centre, with the ‘Countrywide Customer Experience Award’.
Creating a winning culture
winning culture for the county. The recent President’s Lunch also served as a fundraiser for the County Wexford ‘Built for Business’ campaign.
The Chamber provided key messages from each of the talks at the President’s Lunch.
Paula Roche, chief executive officer of County Wexford Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the attendance at the President’s Lunch, stating the ambition behind the County Wexford Built for Business campaign and the Chamber’s commitment to position County Wexford as “confident, competitive, and growth-focused”.
Ed Murphy, President of the Chamber, set the tone saying: “If we want a positive, innovative, economically strong future, we must work together to create the infrastructure and conditions to deliver it.”
In an opening discussion, Brian Cody, legendary Kilkenny hurling manager and one of the most successful leaders in GAA history, spoke about building a winning culture across an entire county, not just a team. Kevin Doyle, former Republic of Ireland international and Premier League striker, reflected on elite performance and resilience.
Key messages from Brian Cody were:
• High standards. Honest confrontation. No guaranteed places.
• Ego is treacherous. Humility is non-negotiable.
effort is the minimum standard.
Key messages from Kevin Doyle were:
• “If you’re not five minutes early, you’re late.”
• Setbacks are inevitable – bounce-back ability defines you.
• Small nations can compete globally when standards and unity are strong.
A ‘Fireside Chat’ moderated by Teresanne O’Reilly, founder of Twelve and The Forest, featured Denis O’Brien, international entrepreneur and founder of Digicel Group, and Aimee Connolly, founder and CEO of the global beauty brand Sculpted by Aimee. Aimee Connolly shared the realities of scaling her business internationally while staying authentic. Her key messages were:
• Know your customer deeply.
• Move fast – trends don’t wait.
• Leadership requires constant decision-making, often uncomfortable.
• Growth and authenticity must coexist.
Denis O’Brien’s key messages were:
• Think bigger and act faster.
• Ireland needs renewal in infrastructure and planning.
• Speed is a competitive advantage – and we are too slow.
• Wexford has enormous potential in offshore renewable energy – but it will require political will, community backing, and persistence.
• Don’t sell out early. Think globally.
Greentech HQ were sponsors of the President’s Lunch.
– M.F.
Aimee Connolly of Sculpted with Aimee, Brian Cody, Kilkenny, Denis O'Brien and Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber. Cillian Joyce, Eoin Thompson, Alison Stone and Derek Joyce.
Chamber President Ed Murphy invites investment in campaign to create indigenous business in County Wexford
Ed Murphy, the new President of County Wexford Chamber of Commerce, is asking the business people of the county to put their hands in their pockets for a once in a lifetime opportunity to create and build indigenous business. Instead of a traditional appeal to Dublin to get the big multinationals into the county, he said, “Ninety per cent of our objective is to create our own indigenous successful businesses. FDI is a very small part of the strategy.”
He is supported in his plea by one of Ireland’s biggest entrepreneurs, billionaire Denis O’Brien together with many of the business leaders in the chamber of commerce. Denis O’Brien said it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
Ed Murphy, who himself is a successful entrepreneur having worked in the US
and Australia and built a number of businesses in Ireland, said, “This will ensure that Wexford businesses continue to survive and hopefully thrive. This is not a cost, this is an investment in belief.”
The funds would be used as part of a proposed campaign to support and promote existing businesses, lobby for a more favourable business environment, research of major opportunities, training and mentoring and supports to help existing business keep up to date with modern technologies and work practices, and business start-up programmes.
He invested personally in creating a notfor-profit innovation centre of excellence called GreenTechHQ in Enniscorthy to support business start-ups and scale-ups and help create future-driven worthwhile
jobs for young people. The reason is he said, “because our sons and daughters should not have to leave Wexford to succeed”.
His first step in his quest and that of the Chamber of Commerce is to raise a very modest €100,000 from local businesses which in the context of other campaigns is a pittance for the ambitious task.
For the past five years, he has focused on the Dublin-based multinationals closest to Co. Wexford. Today, more than 40 businesses have offices in his not-for-profit GreenTech HQ at Senan House, Enniscorthy, and hundreds of jobs have been created.
Now, he said, “Dublin’s creaking infrastructure is Wexford’s opportunity.”
He was addressing 320 of the county’s entrepreneurs and staff members who
Above left: Eamon Buttle, David Fallon, Alison Stone, Dave Power, and Eoin Thompson. Above right: County Wexford Chamber people –Anne O’Dwyer, New Ross, Lavinia White, Wexford, Aislinn Cody and Agnes Wolff, Wexford. Below left: Denis O’Brien and Liz McGonigal of GreenTechHQ. Below centre: Ed Murphy, President of County Wexford Chamber, and Denis O'Brien. Below right: Jimmy Gahan.
had paid €250 each to attend his first Chamber President’s Lunch, held at the Riverside Park Hotel and Leisure Club, Enniscorthy. More than 100 people had to be turned away.
The attendance heard exhortations and tips from billionaire entrepreneur Denis O’Brien, Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted with Aimee, the cosmetics brand, Brian Cody, the several times successful Kilkenny hurling manager, and Kevin Doyle, the footballer and now entrepreneur and television football pundit from Cornwall, Killurin, to join in the Chamber campaign.
The Waterford broadcaster Teresanne O’Reilly of the new business, Twelve, moderated the fireside chat with billionaire Denis O’Brien and young entrepreneur Aimee Connolly who built an international business which now has a turnover of €40 million and more than 100 staff. She built it from scratch on her kitchen table in 2016 at age 23.
The chamber’s new chief executive officer Paula Roche moderated the interview with Brian Cody and Kevin Doyle. She is involved in the Chamber Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2028 which focuses on business growth, community and economic development.
In the attendance were some of the county’s leading business names employing thousands of people locally, nationally, and across the rest of the world. Among them were well known local politicians, county council executives, accountants, lawyers, and management and HR consultants. They included Michael Dempsey of Rosslare Strand who is a colleague of Denis O’Brien, Rory Fanning of Slaney Foods, Joseph Wallace of Wallaces Wellingtonbridge, Tim Quinlivan, Patsy Asple, David Power, HR consultant, John Dempsey of Airconmech, John Murphy of John A. Sinnott, Michael Hayes of O’Brien’s Sandwich Bars, Bill Kelly, Rosslare Strand, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, and Eamonn Hore of Wexford County Council.
In his speech, Ed Murphy said that Wexford is ‘standing at a moment of enormous opportunity, and can be a centre of excellence for innovation, start-up and scale-up businesses”. He said: “However, if we all want this future, we must work together in Wexford to create the infrastructure and conditions for it.”
We must demand It
We must be more demanding said Ed Murphy:
- More demanding of ourselves as business leaders.
- More demanding of government and its agencies.
- More demanding of our education and training institutes.
- More demanding of local government.
Not confrontational – but confident. Not negative – but united and collaborative.
– M.F.
Above left: Ed Murphy, Ian Mernagh (new CEO of GreenTechHQ), Paula Roche (CEO, Co. Wexford Chamber), and Kevin Doyle (former international footballer). Above right: Ed Murphy (President of County Wexford Chamber) with Hayley Crosbie, New Ross, Jo Flood, New Ross, Emer Kirwan, Taghmon, and Bernadette Denby, Wexford town. Below left: Ger O’Leary, Bree, Brendan Crowley and Lorraine Crowley, Coolballow (Wexford Bus). Below right: When Patsy Asple was a boy, he wanted to be a film star. Instead he became a high class accountant and business manager.
Denis O’Brien tells Wexford business people to learn from Monsignor Horan and Michael O’Leary and “bludgeon the Government to avoid one of the great misses of all time”
Billionaire entrepreneur Denis O’Brien told more than 320 business people at the President’s Lunch held in honour of Ed Murphy, the new president of County Wexford Chamber of Commerce, at the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy “not to take bullshit from political people who are not with you”.
He said: “We have massive talent in this country, great entrepreneurs but we’re all being crippled by nobody working in the civil service, people not showing up for work. It’s a load of b*****ks.
“There used to be a greater relationship between the business community and political leadership. Now, instead of people working together, there’s a decoupling. The government are kind of frozen.
“Ireland has loads of potential, but Wexford has potential squared because of your offshore potential and what can happen in Rosslare Port.
“Wexford has this phenomenal position-
ing. You’ve got green energy. You could build data centres here, you could bring more technological companies here.
“There’s lots of industries that we have as foreign directors that are going to go out of fashion. Wexford could be at the next element of the curve as such and can have higher living standards, higher wages, and greater economic development.
“This is a kind of a Monsignor Horan moment. He built Knock Airport in five years. He bludgeoned the government to do something.
“You have eight Oireachtas members who are very good members of the Oireachtas. You have a Minister, you have a number of TDs and people in the Senate. It’s how you force them. How many of you have ever put your hand up and said, ‘I will go with you to the constituency office, and I’ll do it every week until we get our way. If you don’t grasp this opportunity, it’ll be one of the great misses of all time.’
“You can’t leave it to a few. Ed Murphy, the new President of County Wexford Chamber, might be a Monsignor Horan. But the rest of you (members of the Chamber of Commerce) need to actually pony up. Look at the potential in Wexford. Here you have 3.3% of the population, but you get only 1.3% of the IDA jobs. Just look at that disparity.
On climate change obligations, he said: “We’re going to end up writing a cheque for probably 20 billion at this rate. Because somebody is not making the decision!”
“There has to be a kind of a Michael O’Leary moment here where the cap in Dublin Airport was just wrecking everything, wrecking our reputation internationally, stopping investment. It was absolutely bizarre. And only when he said, ‘I’m going to take a campaign on NBC, CBS, and ABC for Paddy’s Day,’ suddenly somebody got galvanised to do something about it.“ – M.F.
Above left: John Murphy, Ballindaggin, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Greystones, Douglas Kidd, Enniscorthy. Above centre: Joe Fox, Castlebridge and Eamonn Hore, Wexford County Council. Above right: Margo O’Hanlon and Sean Connick. Below L-R: 1. Joseph Wallace, Wellingtonbridge. 2. Kieran Dowling, John Paul Construction, Denis Murphy, Castlebridge, and John Dempsey, Airconmech. 3. Laura Kelly and Bill Kelly, Rosslare Strand. 4. Ronan Power, CEO, Solar Ireland.
Supports available from LEO, Wexford
The Market Explorer Grant is open to small enterprises (with between 1 and 50 paid employees) that meet the following criteria:
Operate as manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services businesses and are solvent as demonstrated in the financial statements supplied and have current tax clearance from Revenue.
Are not currently clients of Enterprise Ireland or IDA.
Operate commercially and are established and trading for at least 12 months, registered, and carrying on activity within the area of the Local Enterprise Office.
Have demonstrated intention to internationalise i.e. have completed Export
Accelerator or similar LEO Exporter Programme or have developed an internationalisation plan or have initial small-scale exports that can be increased.
The amount of the grant is to a maximum of €10,000 or 50% of eligible costs.
Support for the Market Explorer for Business grant applies when eligible companies seek to explore either a new geographic market for an existing product/service or an existing geographic market for a new product/service.
The grant will support first-time and small-scale exporters to undertake essential market research and to support the development of viable and sustainable market entry strategies in new geo-
graphic markets for businesses. The financial assistance proposed will provide support towards costs incurred in researching new market opportunities for products and services.
The eligible activities supported under the Market Explorer grant can be supported under the following cost categories:
Market Research
In Market Consultancy
Trade Fair Attendance
Trade Fair Exhibition
Overseas Travel
Subsistence
Please contact Local Enterprise Office Wexford for further information. n
Green for Business support
The Green for Business support is a free consultancy programme designed to help small businesses become more sustainable. Through up to two days of expert consultancy, businesses can work with a specialist Green Consultant who will identify practical, impactful changes tailored to your business.
Whether it’s cutting costs, improving efficiency, or enhancing your reputation, going green can give your business a competitive edge — while also benefiting the environment.
What’s in it for your business?
• Lower operating costs • Better use of energy, water, and materials • Reduced carbon footprint • Enhanced brand image and customer appeal • Greater resilience to climate change.
Eligibility:
The Green for Business support is open to all enterprises with 1-50 employees except those involved in activities that the Local Enterprise Offices consider as ineligible for example primary agricultural businesses – farms or as involving an unacceptable reputational risk: gambling including ‘gaming’ (as defined in the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956), adult entertainment, tobacco products, and
cannabis-based products which are not authorised as medicines).
The enterprise must be established, registered, and operate within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office. The enterprise must operate in the commercial sphere.
Turnover is in excess of €30,000 annually. The business is trading in excess of 6 months.
Companies forming part of a holding group, franchise, linked companies etc. are only permitted to make one application. Multiple applications will not be considered.
LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE
Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93
info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie
Contact: 053 9196020
Email: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie n
Reward with purpose. Shop local.
Looking for a meaningful way to say thank you to your team or clients? The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card is the perfect choice.
Under Revenue’s Small Benefit Exemption Scheme, employers can reward employees with up to €1,500 per year, tax-free, using non-cash benefits like the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card.
No PAYE, PRSI or USC applies. You can reward the €1,500 in any value combination. The County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card – which can be spent in 200 participating outlets – is a simple, meaningful way to say thank you that benefits your employees and County Wexford.
Say ‘Thank You’ to your staff today. Check out: https://corporate.townandcitygiftcards.ie/county-wexford-shop-local-gift-card/
It’s flexible, easy to use across Co. Wexford, ideal for staff rewards, incentives and corporate gifting. This card keeps it local – and keeps it thoughtful.
So celebrate the people who make your business great while supporting the businesses that make Co. Wexford thrive. n
For all County Wexford Chamber news: www.countywexfordchamber.ie and https://www.facebook.com/CountyWexfordChamber n
Simplify Your Business Journey with the National Enterprise Hub (NEH)!
Finding the right support to start or grow your business shouldn't be complicated. The National Enterprise Hub offers a streamlined solution, consolidating over 250 essential resources – from grants and funding to training and expert guidance –on to one intuitive website. Whatever your business stage, NEH provides the resources you need to thrive. Discover more at www.neh.gov.ie or contact NEH for tailored assistance and further details. Your business growth starts here! Proudly supported by the Government of Ireland. n
Hidden obesity
Irish veterinary charity warns hidden obesity crisis may be shortening pets’ lifespans:
46% weigh their pets annually or not at all.
80% feed treats or human food daily or several times a week.
Irish pet owners could be unknowingly shaving years off their pets’ lives by underestimating their weight, according to new research and veterinary advice from The Irish Blue Cross.
The survey of Irish pet owners found that more than threequarters of respondents believe pet owners underestimate how many pets are overweight or obese. Despite this, only 28% of owners described their own pet as overweight, suggesting a significant gap between perception and reality when it comes to recognising unhealthy weight in pets.
Almost half of respondents reported that they weigh their pet annually or not at all, making it harder to spot gradual weight gain before it becomes a serious health issue. Alarmingly, one in three owners who believe their pet is ‘about the right’ weight also report being unable to easily feel their pet’s ribs, a widely accepted sign that a pet is overweight.
Dr Laura Mock, Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross, explains: “Excess weight doesn’t just affect how a pet looks, it can affect how they feel, how they move, how they breathe, and even how long they live. Many owners don’t realise that gradual weight gain can quietly shorten a pet’s lifespan.
“Carrying extra weight can make pets more likely to develop conditions like arthritis and diabetes which can be expensive to treat, as well as detrimental to pets’ quality of life.”
The research also highlights how everyday feeding habits may be contributing to the problem. Four in five owners (80%) said they regularly feed treats or human food to their pet daily or several times per week, adding extra calories that can quickly accumulate, if not carefully managed.
The charity is urging pet owners to take early action and work
with their veterinary team to help pets reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Dr Ciara Sweeney, Veterinary Surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross, continues: “While weighing pets regularly is important, weight alone doesn’t tell the full story. Understanding your dog or cat’s body shape and condition, including being able to feel their ribs easily with a light touch, helps determine if your pet is the correct weight for their breed, size, and build.
“We recommend weighing your pet’s food rather than using a measuring cup as, even a small amount of extra food every day can really add up. It’s also important to remember that feeding guidelines on pet food are just that, so please ask your Vet or Vet Nurse for advice about how much to feed your pet.”
The charity is calling on owners to regularly monitor their pet’s weight and body condition, be mindful of treats and portion sizes and view weight management as part of preventative healthcare. For more information, visit www.BlueCross.ie n
It’s the beginning of March 2026 and we've just come through one of the longest periods of rain on record in Wexford. Johnstown Castle has both the Dept of Ag research station there and also the HQ of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), and they have being monitoring the weather. They say that it was the wettest November, December, and January since they began recording! Most people around will tell ye you don't need a weather station to tell ye that!! But yesterday the sun came out, the weather was mild and Spring was truly in the air. You could see a palpable lift in people’s mood. It’s amazing to see how much we are affected by the weather and sunshine.
The animals are healthier too when they're out basking in the sunshine. It provides the essential Vitamin D that we all need. Because we don't get enough sunshine it’s imortant to suppplement our diet in Vitamin D3. It needs to be an oil-based supplement so powdered or aqueous versions are not as effective. Our elderly dogs and cats will benefit from this too as Vit D3 helps calcium absorbtion among other things. This is an essential vitamin to
with Joe Kavanagh of the Moyne Veterinary Hospital
help keep bones and muscles strong as our animals age.
We used to get this Vitamin in our diet years ago from the fat of pigs for example. They were farmed outside and absorbed the Vit D naturally and stored it in their fat which in turn we ate when they were slaughtered. Today most of our pigs are indoors all the time and hence don't get the chance to absorb the sunshine vitamin, hence we don't get it in our diets either.
Farming For Nature is a growing group of farmers who are working with the land creating biodiversity, farming with less or no chemicals, and rearing animals in a more sustainable way. Supporting these type of farms lends to a healthier environment and a healthier human.
The old adage, 'We are what we eat’ is true for the animals and ourselves so feeding them nutritious, simple, non-processed foods will stand to them in the long run.
Enjoy the Spring and soak up those magical rays of sunshine. It lifts the mind, body, and spirit of us and our companion animals. n
If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please email Slaney News at: slaneynews@gmail.com
OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK):
9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm
Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment):
is the founder and editor of the online automotive magazine Changing
and a jury member for Irish Car of the Year. Find out more about her editorial and commercial copywriting services at www.changinglanes.ie
TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS
The Toyota Corolla Cross has done well in Ireland since it first launched in late 2022, establishing itself among the brand’s bestsellers like the RAV4, Yaris Cross, Corolla and C-HR. It sits between the popular Yaris Cross and RAV4 in the Toyota
range, with a five-seat layout and hybrid powertrains. It's often described as the SUV version of the longstanding Corolla. That’s a great place to start and the latest facelift gives it miles more presence than before. While the C-HR remains the style icon of Toyota’s compact SUVs, the Corolla Cross
at least now looks like a more cohesive member of the brand’s line-up.
In Ireland the range kicks off at €39,325 for the Luna, from €42,605 for the Sport, from €44,985 for the Sol and from €49,490 for the new GR Sport.
native Caroline Kidd brings
arrive in Ireland. Caroline
Lanes
Toyota Corolla Cross
Inside, Toyota has made a few updates for 2026. A new centre console design makes it feel less cramped and houses a new gear shift knob, smartphone storage area, sliding storage box and two cupholders. Like before, there’s a full digital driver display and 10.5-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All versions feature a wireless smartphone charging pad. Toyota says Android connectivity and charging speed have been improved.
Interior
Other standard features include a reversing camera, heated front seats, dual zone automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control and many other safety features. Sport versions like the one tested add keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors, heated steering wheel, and even more safety equipment like blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
The Corolla Cross is a five-seat SUV designed with practicality in mind. While it occupies a similar price point to the C-HR in the Toyota range, its traditional boxy SUV shape makes it feel roomier than a Corolla or C-HR. Legroom is okay but some mid-size SUVs like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai offer more legroom for
rear seat passengers. Still it’s an upgrade on the Yaris Cross. Isofix points are included on the two outer seats, while passengers also get a pull-down armrest, separate climate vents and USB-C ports.
The boot is a good size at 473 litres, offering a wide opening and good depth for stacking items. Sport models and above feature a handy powered tailgate.
Toyota has made a few improvements to make the Corolla Cross more comfortable for passengers. There’s more sound insulation, particularly on higher grades and a three-layer inner dash silencer minimises engine noise.
The Corolla Cross is offered in Ireland with Toyota’s well-proven 1.8litre hybrid with 140hp. The more powerful 2.0-litre hybrid (200hp) is reserved for the new GR Sport
grade. In Ireland, only front wheel drive versions are offered, though all wheel drive is available in some markets.
I was testing the 1.8-litre hybrid and it’s a good match for the Corolla Cross. It’s not a sporty car by any means but acceleration is fine (0100km/h in 9.9 seconds). Toyota has improved the refinement and responsiveness of its hybrid over the years. It handles confidently without being exciting or engaging to drive. The hybrid doesn’t get too noisy under acceleration, but there is some road and tyre noise at high speeds on the motorway.
The Corolla Cross is efficient in real world driving. My average consumption after a week of testing was 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Motor tax is €190 per year.
The Toyota Corolla Cross occupies a handy middle ground in the Toyota range between the Yaris Cross and the RAV4. Following the update, it now looks sharper and feels more refined. While it won’t thrill keen drivers and rear legroom trails some larger compact SUV rivals, it makes a strong case with its comfortable drive, generous boot, excellent fuel economy and equipment levels. n
The Slaney Olympic AC 10km, sponsored by Campion Insurance, took place on Sunday 15th February at the Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, on a course consising of two laps, with a gentle 94-metre elevation gain over 10 kilometres.
This chip timed event had cash prizes for breaking the course record (Male/Female), 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male & female finishers, veterans and teams of four.
All finishers received a beautiful custom medal.
This event would not have been possible without generous sponsorship from: Campion Insurance, EuroSpar Bunclody, Value Centre Wexford, and Liam Cooper & Sons Ltd. n
Below
Below
Bottom left: Enjoying the occasion.
Bottom centre: Some of the runners.
Bottom right: Brian Kinsella.
Above: KC and Dave Jordan.
Right: Teresa Malone and Tommy McElwaine.
Below left: Side by side on the final lap.
centre: Andy Nevin and Megan Reilly.
right: Soistfa Sicsna and Andrejs Babahina.
Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA Dinner Dance
Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, 14th February 2026
Above left: Paige and Keegan Stedman and Joseph Obasohun. Above right: David Dunne and Ciara Moore. Below left: Paul and Catherine Nolan. Below centre: Mairead Dunne. Below right: Josh Doyle and Jessie Grant. Bottom left: Ann Marie Keane and Daryl Freeman. Bottom right: Rachel Murphy and Stephen O’Toole.
Congrats Derek Enniscorthy Greyhound Racing
Wexford’s Derek Kent has been elected as the 42nd President of the GAA.
The former Leinster GAA chairman will succeed Jarlath Burns in the position.
Derek was elected during the GAA’s recent Annual Congress at Croke Park. He will serve a three-year term from 2027. He previously served as Co. Wexford Chairman between 2017 and 2020. n
Ladies –Get Into Golf!
A new 'Ladies Get Into Golf' programme is being introduced by Enniscorthy Golf Club designed both for women who are completely new to golf and would like to try the sport, as well as people who would like to get back into the game, in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
It includes four one-hour coaching sessions with the Club Professional, a buddy system with existing lady members for support on the course, and opportunities to get out and play as confidence grows.
The club is hosting an Information Evening on 31 March at 7pm in the club for anyone who would like to learn more. No previous experience is needed and all are welcome.
To Book or Enquire: Contact Marie on 087 385 5996. n
Racing resumes in Enniscorthy on Thursday 5th March. First race starts at 8pm.
Derek Kent
Enniscorthy District GAA Awards
Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, 27th February 2026
Words & pics by Maria Nolan
The 5th Annual Enniscorthy District GAA Awards were held at Riverside Park Hotel on Friday 27th February where recipients from eleven of the twelve clubs in the District were recognised for their dedication, commitment and service to their clubs, communities and county.
A night of tremendous celebration of the generous and selfless GAA volunteer, it was nothing short of preordained that the announcement was made midway through proceedings that former County Chairman Derek Kent had been elected Úachtaráin Tofa or President Elect of the GAA declaring that one of his main priorities during his three-year tenure will be
the GAA Volunteer.
Well done Derek on being elected with such a magnificent mandate and with such an uplifting priority for we all know how important the volunteer is to the continuation of the Association.
Each of the eleven Enniscorthy District nominees were applauded in citations from their clubs read aloud by MC for the event Martin Fitzhenry with all emphasising the trojan work, commitment, loyalty, and devotion epitomised by recipients – Breda Flood, Oulart/The Ballagh; Robert Keating, Cloughbawn; Michael Kehoe, Bunclody; Pat Campion, Davidstown/Courtnacuddy; Tom Breen, Monageer/Boolavogue; Philip Howlin, Duffry Rovers; Mark Morrissey, Rathnure St. Annes; Seamus Heffernan, Oylegate/Glenbrien; Larry Parle, Ballyhogue; John Morris, Marshallstown/Castledockrell; Padge Skinner Walsh, Rapparees/ Starlights, who were then presented with their awards by County Vice Chairman Miceal Mahon.
Davidstown/Courtnacuddy were declared Club of the Year 2025 and all the clubs were thanked for their wonderful achievements last year winning five adult hurling championships out of a possible seven competitions as well as adding
two football championships to the list of District honours.
An extremely well attended and most enjoyable and uplifting evening.
All of us crave appreciation, whether it is the pat on the head of a youngster, the clap on the back of a player, or the genuine ‘thank you’ to a club member who has dedicated his or her life to the GAA, it is essential, and if we do not continue to show our appreciation to those who give us their loyalty and allegiance then we will lose them and if we lose the volunteer we lose everything.
So keep up the good work Enniscorthy District. n
Above: Enniscorthy District award winners. Below left: Padge Skinner Walsh, Rapparees/Starlights award winner, with Maria Nolan. Below left: Padge Skinner Walsh, Rapparees/ Starlights, with John Browne.
Rapparees/Starlights GAA honours
Skinner Words & pics by Maria Nolan
Rapparees/Starlights nomination to the recent Enniscorthy District Awards was stalwart clubman Padge Skinner Walsh.
A name, a voice, a presence, on sidelines, in dressing rooms, on the fields of play, at reunions, victory celebrations or crushing defeats Padge Walsh, known to all in the county and beyond as Skinner, is synonymous with Wexford GAA and the Rapparees/Starlights.
The distinctive voice, whether raising the passions in the dressing room, bellowing instructions from the sideline, calling for the pass in the heat of the game, shedding tears of joy at the celebrations, offering the shoulder to cry on in defeat, or belting out A Father and Son or Fiddler’s Green at the post-match sessions, is instantly recognisable as Skinner.
Commanding, fiercely passionate, yet kind and compassionate, Skinner wears his heart on his sleeve, there is and has never been any doubt where his loyalties lie, true to his club and true to his county, there is scarcely a child playing GAA in County Wexford over the past forty years who doesn’t know Skinner or at the very least, has heard of him.
From a GAA background, his father Jim Skinner Walsh and his uncle Brendan prominent Enniscorthy players of their time, and his uncle Martin Doyle a dedicated coach and mentor, Padge began his career at an early age training in St. Patrick’s Park and winning a Leinster Colleges with Enniscorthy CBS.
He very quickly became a prominent part of Rapparees/Starlights history, winning a minor hurling title, the first ever U-21 football title for the Starlights, playing senior for the Starlights as a minor in the senior football final of 1979, and going on to play for them in four different decades winning one senior football title and playing his last game for the club in junior football in 2006 at forty-five.
He captained the winning Starlights team of 1983 and captained the 1993 Rapparees team that lost out to Cloughbawn in a replay of county final that year.
He has had a distinguished career with his county playing all grades of hurling and
football, minor and U-21, playing senior football with Wexford for eight years and captaining Wexford in the Centenary Cup in 1984.
He played senior hurling for Wexford for two years and won the junior hurling and football double in 1992.
When his playing career ended Skinner wasn’t happy to just fade into the background, the passion for the games still burning as brightly as ever in his soul he turned his attention to passing his love and his skills to the next generation of young hurlers and footballers, the desire to see his club and his county excel the driving force behind everything he does.
He has managed at every level and every grade at Rapparees/Starlights – U-12, U14, U-16, Minor, U-21 for the past twenty years winning numerous underage titles with a continuous stream of Enniscorthy youth, his proudest moment being the club’s first ever All Ireland Feile Football title in 2009.
He managed the Rapparees to two senior hurling finals in 1998 and 2001 and won the intermediate football title in 2013 and U-21 football as manager in 1985.
He has served his county as a senior hurling selector and a selector at U-21 and minor hurling and as well as working with a plethora of development squads and is currently a selector with the Wexford over 40s.
Skinner is a selector with the Rapparees senior hurling team this year and continues to coach, manage and mentor our U-14 hurlers and footballers.
If you go to McCauley Park, Bellefield, of a summer’s evening and you don’t hear Skinner’s voice instructing, mentoring, cajoling, or just having the craic, then there’s something amiss.
We would like to pay tribute to his tremendously supportive family, wife Mary, and children Niamh, Sinead and James, who have always been so proud of his achievements.
Long may he continue to pass his passion, love and skill of all things GAA to the youth of our town as he often tells them, ‘Liverpool and Man United don’t know you’re alive, it’s the Rapps and the Starlights who’ll be walking with you on that final journey out to St. Mary’s.’
He is part and parcel of the very fabric and pulse of our club and I am proud to call him a good and true Rapparees/Starlights man with a heart of purple and gold, and I will finish with a memory of his retort to a steward at the Leinster Final in 1996 who tried to stop himself and the late Micheal Foley from coming on to the Croke Park pitch after the game. ‘Come out of our way, my good man, we don’t want any trouble but we’ve waited 28 years for this and neither you nor God are going to stop us today.’
Needless to mention the steward stood out of Skinner’s way, wouldn’t you! n
Padge Skinner Walsh, Rapparees/Starlights, with family members and club stalwarts.
The Sinking of the Pomona 1859 Words & pics by Maria Nolan
I was delighted to be part of the audience at our beautiful Enniscorthy Castle for the recent Sinking of the Pomona Sunday afternoon talk by Castle historian Paul Byrne who gave a most informative insight into the sinking off the coast of Wexford in 1859 with the tragic loss of over 400 crew and passengers.
An American ship sailing between Liverpool and New York carrying cargo and emigrants, it floundered off the coast at Blackwater in bad weather with only 24 people surviving the terrible ordeal, mainly crew members.
It is thought that the ship’s captain, one Charles Merrihew, misjudged his position causing the ship to travel west toward Ireland rather than south.
Charles Merrihew, along with his first and second mate, went down with the ship so perhaps we will never know what really happened to the ill-fated Pomona, running aground on the Blackwater Bank on that tragic day, 27th April 1859, the only survivors being a small number of people in a lifeboat who reached the shore to raise the alarm.
Those who perished were mainly from England, Ireland, and Scotland and little seems to be known about them or indeed about those who survived, perhaps there is scope here for a small project and exhibition for the people of Blackwater. Many of the artefacts from the ship are currently on display at the Castle including the ships figurehead – the Goddess Pomona – the goddess of fruit, and one of the ship’s anchors which has been in position at the Castle door for many years. There were six anchors in all I believe and another one can be found at Kilmuckridge.
A very well attended and interesting talk on Wexford maritime history and part of the current exhibition ‘Waters of Wexford’ introduced to the Castle by former manager Mico Hassett and is only the first of many being planned by new manager Maura Bell who is doing her utmost to increase Castle footfall and bring our amazing Wexford history to a wider audience.
Keep up the good work Maura I look forward to many more talks and lectures to come. n
Left: Maura Bell, Manager of Enniscorthy Castle.
Right: Castle historian Paul Byrne.
New Ross student wins national history competition
Peig Morrissey from St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross, has been named Junior Cycle Winner for her history project: How Tom Ryan had an Impact on Irish and Local History.
The competition was organised by the Department of Education and Youth in partnership with Frances Moss, Director, Drumcondra Education Support Centre and Dr. Caitríona Ní Cassaithe, Assistant Professor in History Education in the Institute of Education, Dublin City University.
It was supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport; An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta; and the Heritage Council.
Welcoming the news, Minister James Browne TD said: “The All-Island Schools’ History Competition is a wonderful opportunity for young people to engage with our local history in Wexford, as well as think about how past
events shape our lives today. Young people have a valuable opportunity to explore creative ways to celebrate the rich diversity of legacies that we all share across this island.
“I’m a bit of a nerd for history myself and I am so thrilled to see local students engage with it. History shapes who we are, and it’s more than text on a page. It should be interrogated and learned from. It can prompt really useful discussions, debates, and even arguments. It’s so important that we keep those conversations around history and local events alive, whether it’s through studying or reading, art or poetry.
“I am absolutely thrilled for St Mary’s and in particular for Peig. I know Peig worked so hard on the projects, but I commend everyone who entered, students and teachers alike regardless of whether they were named as a winner. It is a really important skill to participate in events like this.”
Dr. Caitríona Ní Cassaithe said: “The submissions showed how history can be active, exciting and meaningful when students are given the opportunity to explore it for themselves.” n
Launch of ‘The Past’ by the Ui Cinsealaigh Historical Society Words & pics by Maria Nolan
Another fabulous edition of The Past by the Ui Cinsealaigh Historical Society was launched at Enniscorthy Library by Chairman John Garahy on Thursday 27th February.
A neat publication featuring six very different aspects of our history from Bannow to the Hook, to Enniscorthy to Wexford.
Author Ian Magahy writes about St. Mary’s Church, Bannow, erected by the Normans circa 1170.
Photographer Liam Ryan delves into the ponderous granite spheres of the Hook peninsula from 1860 describing their journey from Loftus Hall to their current guardianship of a haggard.
Archaeologist Niall Garahy, a native of Enniscorthy, tells of his interest in the Franciscan Friary founded in 1460 which ran from the Salthouse Lane near the Riverside Park Hotel to the Bank of Ireland at Abbey Square.
Liam Dunbar, retired from An Post, relates the fascinating story of his present-day home at 1 St. Clair’s Villas, Enniscorthy, a sailor’s and soldier’s cottage allocated to his grandfather in 1923 fulfilling the promise of the British government following WWI to provide ‘homes for heroes’.
Solicitor John Garahy, Chairman of the Ui Cinsealaigh Society, explores the trial of
Bob Lambert TD at Wexford Circuit Court in 1924 when he was charged with criminal offences arising from the Civil War. Rosemary Hartigan from Mulgannon writes about the marvel that was rural electrification brightening not only the countryside but also the lives of its women.
A historical gem, well worth a browse, bringing little known aspects of our past out into the light.
What a diverse look at our past by these wonderful contributors. Well done to Ui Cinsealaigh for this marvellous publication. n
Maria Nolan with contributors Niall Garahy, Liam Dunbar and Liam Ryan.
L-R: Michael Murphy and Margaret O Neill. Ian Kidd, Graham Cadogan and Barry Lacey. Willie French and John Bowler.
John Garahy and V Rev James Hammel.
There was standing room only at Enniscorthy Library on Thursday 27th February to hear historian Bernard Browne talk about the Palatine settlement in Ireland in July 1709 with the bulk of the immigrants from South West Germany coming to and many remaining in Wexford and Limerick with names like Hornick, Poole, Hess, Jacob, Keough, Miller, Frizelle, Ryder, Young, Switzer, Black, Harmon, Ivers, Rynhart, Whitney, and Wise still very much with us today.
Introduced by John Garahy, Chairman of the Ui Cinsealaigh Historical Society, Bernard explained that the settlement of the Palatines in Ireland was part of England’s policy to introduce more Protestants into the country during the reign of Queen Anne.
Coming from an area near Heidleburg in South West Germany, the Palatines suffered greatly during the bad winter of 1708/1709 and with great sympathy for these ‘refugees of conscience’ John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, was given the responsibility of bringing them to London. Of the 13,000 who travelled, 2,000 of them were Catholics and they were given the option of becoming Protestant or joining the army.
A History of the Palatines Words & pics by Maria Nolan Medieval Ferns
When London began to tire of these foreigners ‘taking the bread out of the mouths of our own people’ (sound familiar?), it was decided to settle some of them in Ireland, with a scheme to place them on Protestant estates around the country, each Landlord being offered a financial inducement to allow Palatine families settle on their lands.
They were settled on estates in Gorey and Old Ross – on the Ram estate in Gorey and at Tintern.
They were diligent tillage farmers embracing good husbandry, growing flax,
hemp, tobacco, and potatoes.
A serious people who tended to marry among themselves, with a different look and a different temper to the Irish, many of them were disappointed to land in Ireland thinking that they were going to the Carolinas in the Americas.
They were considered to be a straight and honest people, upright in all their business dealings, content with a life on the land they were producers par excellence and have contributed significantly to Wexford becoming known as the Model County. n
Want to try something new and very different this month? Then try the Medieval Ferns Experience at Ferns Community Centre which tells the fascinating story of Ferns’ medieval history in an interactive and fun way. Using audio-visual sensory and virtual reality, it really gives a great insight into power shifts in the Ancient Capital of Leinster.
Opening hours for November to May are 11am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday with last admission at 4pm. Phone: 089-4946972.
Email: medievalfernsexperience@fernsvillage.ie https://www.facebook.com/MedievalFernsExperience Entry fee is €6. Seniors/Students €5. Children under 12 are free. Guided walking tours of the key historical sites in Ferns village are also available costing €10. n
Damian Cullen and Bernard Browne.
A reminder to landowners
Wexford County Council wishes to remind landowners and occupiers of land that it is illegal to cut, grub, burn, or destroy vegetation in hedges or ditches between March 1st and August 31st.
The only exception to this is if there are grounds to act for road safety reasons.
Examples of hazards might be dead or dying trees, ditches or hedges interfering with traffic, blocking footpaths, obscuring road signs or obscuring a view of the road ahead. You are required to fell, cut, log, trim or remove such trees, ditches and hedges. Adequate signposting should be provided and the Council and Gardai notified before works commence.
Liability for damage or injury resulting from such hazards will rest with the landowner/occupier. n
Bring your own cup and save!
GET 50C OFF TAKEAWAY COFFEE/TEA AT MERAKI CAFE & LOUNGE AT THE IFA CENTRE, ENNISCORTHY.
‘Bring Your Own Cup’ – a great way to reduce our carbon footprint and keep our town looking stunning. n Meraki Cafe & Lounge at the IFA Centre, Enniscorthy.
A special Pop-Up Community Clothes Swap celebrating International Women’s Day will take place on Sunday 8th March, 12–4pm, at the Meraki Cafe Lounge at the IFA Centre (Y21 N9F5).
Bring 1–5 items of clean, pre-loved clothing and swap them for fabulous new-to-you pieces. It’s sustainable, stylish, and a great way to refresh your wardrobe. n
These six ‘R’s can save our planet!
Refuse single use plastics (bags, cups, etc)
Rethink your choices
Reuse as much as possible
Repair before you replace
Recycle all packaging and plastic bottles
Rot all your organic stuff and put it back into the soil n
Can you help?
Do you have a few hours to spare a month? Find yourself bored mid week evenings or at the weekend? Want to make your town a better place? Please contact Enniscorthy Tidy Towns: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown Email: enniscorthytt@gmail.com n
Report illegal dumping
Wexford County Council has three methods to log illegal dumping complaints:
1. Call: 053 919 6000
2. Email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
3. Website to report illegal dumping: https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/waste-and-recycling/report-illegal-dumping n
Enniscorthy Community Allotments (ECA) has been approved for a Local Waste Prevention Grant, which it will use to restore unwanted tools for reuse by its members.
So have a look around your house/shed for tools that ECA can restore, and please leave them at the ECA shed reception. n
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns volunteers are doing a lot of work at present on their anti-dog-fouling campaign including the use of stencils and spray paint to spray “Bag It, Bin It” messages on footpaths which are prone to dog fouling. Dog poo contains harmful bacteria, is unsightly, gets on shoes, buggies, wheelchairs etc and, of course, is a big problem for visually impaired people. The Tidy Towns group is pleading with dog owners to practise responsible dog ownership, pick up after your dog and bin that poo. n
Net zero construction symposium
The High Performance Building Alliance (HPBA) is an Irish government and UN approved Centre of Excellence, dedicated to addressing climate change through industry informed research and upskilling, to optimise the sustainability of the built environment.
HPBA was established by Wexford County Council in collaboration with Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board with a goal of addressing skills gaps of the building industry in their ability to respond to the demand for A rated houses. Wexford became the first county in Ireland to have all their new build local authority homes rated as NZEB. WWETB developed the NZEB specifications, followed by relevant training programmes and began delivery from the first NZEB pilot training centre in Ireland. This centre is located in Enniscorthy and has since been replicated, with the training rolled out nationally to five other regional centres designated by government policy. In 2021 HPBA joined the UNECE High Performance Buildings Initiative (HPBI) and represents Ireland at global level as one of nine Centres of Excellence.
The High Performance Building Alliance (HPBA) hosted a highly successful Net Zero Construction Symposium in Wexford on Wednesday, 21st January, gathering leading voices from across Ireland’s construction, sustainability, and innovation ecosystems. The event, opened by Cllr. Garry Laffan, Mayor of Wexford and Chair of the HPBA Board, brought together an impressive array of technical experts, policymakers, and industry practitioners committed to reshaping Ireland’s built environment for a net-zero future.
The symposium, organised by HPBA CEO Amanda Stewart, convened specialists spanning circularity, biobased materials, business support consultancy, modern methods of construction (MMC), supply chain logistics, skills and education, and applied research. The collective purpose was clear and urgent – to examine Ireland’s pathway to decarbonisation and the modernisation of its housing and construction sectors, especially in the context of accelerating housing delivery amid growing calls for sustainable transformation.
Yet amidst the optimism and collaboration, a critical insight emerged: while innovation is thriving within individual domains such as materials, energy, and skills, Ireland currently lacks a coordinated strategic framework that connects these activities into a coherent national approach.
This absence of integration, delegates warned, is leading to
“relative chaos” – where the drive for urgent action risks undermining long-term sustainability, capability, and value. The symposium highlighted the particularly noticeable absence of lifetime value considerations in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) solutions, signalling a gap between innovation and long-term planning.
However, the event also showcased the collaborative spirit that sets Wexford and the South East apart. By convening a broad spectrum of expertise and fostering open dialogue, the HPBA is actively creating a platform for alignment and collective action – the very antidote to the fragmentation currently hindering progress nationally.
“This symposium represents more than a conversation – it’s a movement,” said Cllr. Garry Laffan, Chair, in his opening remarks.
“Through the HPBA, Wexford is positioning itself as a South East leader in high-performance, low-carbon building. Our strength lies in working together, across disciplines and sectors, to engineer real value for Ireland’s future.”
The success of the Net Zero Construction Symposium marks an important step forward – both for Wexford’s emerging leadership role and for Ireland’s wider journey to a resilient, high-performance built environment.
www.hpba.ie n
HPBA Board: Dr Karina Daly, WWETB; Amanda Stewart, HPBA CEO; Pascal Harte, SETU; Breege Cosgrave, Wexford County Council; Liz Hore, Director of HPBA and Wexford Co.Council Director of Services.
Speakers at the High Performance Building Alliance’s Net Zero Construction Symposium.
A credit to their school, families, and communities
Students of Coláiste Bríde Secondary School, Enniscorthy, helping out Enniscorthy Tidy Towns (ETT) during February by cleaning up at The Prom and other areas around the town. A spokesperon for ETT said: “A big thanks to the school and teachers for linking in with Tidy Towns. These students are our future and we can see the care, respect and passion they have for our town and environment. They are a credit to their school, families, and communities.”
Wexford Town Sustainable Energy Community
Wexford Town Sustainable Energy Community (WTSEC) was founded following the lead up to and the passing of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act in the Summer of 2021. A small group of Wexford town people with a ‘Think Global, Act Local’ ideal came together. Following research, training and meetings they decided to form a local-town-based Sustainable Energy Community. They registered with Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) under their national Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) programme in December 2021 and were approved in early 2022.
On approval they were assigned an SEAI-sponsored Wexford County SEC Mentor through the South East Energy Agency (SEEA).
Over the past few years the main activity has been reaching out to community groups, residents and business associations in and around Wexford Town. n
WTSEC’S VISION
Wexford town will be a sustainable, energy efficient and environmentally friendly place for everyone.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to reduce energy usage and reliance on fossil fuels, through a just transition to increased energy efficiency and sustainable energy sources. This will be achieved by raising awareness, empowering local communities and direct actions in Wexford Town.
OUR SCOPE
Our geographical scope is limited to the Wexford Urban area (Wexford Town) as identified in the Wexford Town and Environs Development Plan 2013 to 2019, Zones 4 to 20.
Sustainable Energy Communities exist to help chart the energy usage of their local area & identify “opportunities” for energy efficiency improvements. We have conducted an Energy Master Plan (EMP). The EMP is an evaluation of Wexford Town’s energy usage and a vehicle to progress the town on the road to carbon neutrality.
A new permanent exhibition at Johnstown Castle
The Irish Heritage Trust has unveiled a new permanent exhibition in the first stage of transforming the visitor experience at the Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, and marking the very beginning of an ambitious redevelopment that will continue through 2026 and 2027.
Over the mid-term break, children and families from across Wexford and beyond descended on Johnstown Castle to take part in a lively soil science event with the scientists from Teagasc to celebrate the unveiling of the exhibition. The atmosphere inside the Museum was one of curiosity and excitement, as young visitors rolled up their sleeves to examine soil samples, carry out simple experiments and quiz scientists about what lies beneath their feet.
The workshops, led by Teagasc soil scientists Fiona Brennan, Luiz Lopez Sanguli and Karla Burke, gave children the rare opportunity to engage directly with working researchers. In a setting steeped in agricultural history, they learned how to test soil, why nutrients matter and how scientific discovery has shaped Irish farming.
The timing was fitting. The new permanent exhibition ‘Changing Farming Fortunes’ places soil science centre stage, telling the remarkable story of how Johnstown Castle became a national hub for agricultural research. At its heart is the story of Dr Tom Walsh, known affectionately as “The Doc”, who in 1948 led the National Soils Laboratory from the Castle. Faced with poorly nourished land and low productivity, his team surveyed and analysed tens of thousands of soil samples, building the scientific foundations that would help transform Irish food production in the decades that followed. Their motto, In Scientia Copia – in science there is plenty – captured the optimism of an
era when research began to reshape farming fortunes.
Speaking about the first in what will be four new permanent exhibitions, Dr Emma O’Toole of the Irish Heritage Trust says, “Once complete, the exhibitions will reimaginate the Museum’s extensive collection through a strong narrative thread that links science, estate life, machinery, and the rural home. Changing Farming Fortunes explores the evolution of Irish agriculture through the lens of soil, sustainability, and innovation, and three other themes will reveal what daily life was like on a busy 19th-century agricultural estate, open a window into the kitchens and living spaces of earlier generations, and showcase the clever and sometimes curious contraptions once used to plant, harvest, and transport food, celebrating the ingenuity of farming communities.”
Together, each of these themes creates a more cohesive and immersive experience, appealing to families, school groups, agricultural enthusiasts, and curious young minds alike. The char-
acter-led approach, including the figure of “The Doc”, helps younger audiences connect with complex ideas about soil health and sustainability, while older visitors can reflect on how dramatically farming has evolved within living memory.
The launch of the first permanent exhibition was the first step in a wider timeline of development that will unfold across 2026 and 2027. Each phase is designed to encourage repeat visits, ensuring there is always something new to discover.
Since 2019, Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens has been under the stewardship of the Irish Heritage Trust, following Teagasc’s decision as site owner to entrust the organisation with its care. The partnership continues to blend heritage and science, positioning the Estate as both a place of memory and a place of forward-looking research.
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens is open year-round, 7 days per week, see https://johnstowncastle.ie/ n
Enniscorthy Tidy Towns makes progress with ‘Slaney Sculpture’
The Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group has secured the services of Wexford Woodcarving to work their magic on a large tree stump on The Prom in Enniscorthy (see photo below).
Wexford Woodcarving hopes “this new sculpture becomes a symbol of community and rebirth after the recent flooding, featuring a selection of wildlife from the Slaney herself. Quickly being dubbed ‘the Slaney Sculpture’, we are looking forward to the unveiling in a couple of weeks!”
Follow the Enniscorthy Tidy Towns group on: https://www.facebook.com/EnniscorthyTidyTown
And please consider volunteering. enniscorthytt@gmail.com Tel: 053 923 6518. n
Please note...
To log a report regarding any dumping, street litter, road oil spills and potholes, ring Wexford Council on (053) 919 6000 or email: customerservice@wexfordcoco.ie
You will receive a log number to refer to if you need to call again.
You can also ask to register for group or individual cleanups of your environment.
Senator Byrne raises illegal dumping issue
Speaking in Seanad Éireann last month about illegal dumping, Senator Byrne said:
“Every week local residents are in touch with me and my office about illegal dumping.
“Tonight I call for legislative change to:
Name and Shame. Anyone convicted of illegal dumping should have their name published by the Council.
Increase the fines from the current €150 on the spot fine and the current maximum of €3,000 for a court fine.
Introduce a separate stricter penalty if you are convicted of dumping in a water way, on a beach or in an area of conservation like our rural walks.”
See: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1988129781740762 n
Enniscorthy Water Treatment Plant.
Uisce Éireann’s €30m boost safeguards two local supplies
More than 38,000 Uisce Éireann customers in Co. Wexford can take comfort in the knowledge that both the Enniscorthy Regional and Wexford Town Water Supplies have now been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of vulnerable supplies.
Investment of more than €30 million across the two large supplies has ensured the continued delivery of safe and reliable water for homes and businesses across both Wexford communities.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD welcomed the positive update from the EPA:
“Continued and serious investment in Wexford’s drinking water infrastructure is critical. I want to see more resilient water supplies for communities across this county. Robust water services are essential to the overall development of villages and towns.
“I have prioritised funding for water infrastructure as Minister and Uisce Éireann will continue to progress works to improve infrastructure in our area to improve water services for Wexford.
“I am working closely with Uisce Éireann to drive critical improvements to water supplies in our county. Today’s news in relation to water supply is most welcome particularly after the difficult few weeks Wexford has experienced from a flooding perspective.”
Pat Duggan, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Manager at Uisce Éireann, said:
“We are fully committed to identifying and addressing risks to drinking water quality. Our key focus remains the protection of public health through the provision of safe, clean, and secure water supplies for local communities.
“These critical upgrades ensure ongoing compliance with drinking water regulations and significantly reduce the risk of future water quality issues.
“This investment ensures the continued delivery of safe, clean drinking water to the people of Wexford town and Enniscorthy, enabling local communities to thrive.”
Over recent months Uisce Éireann has been busy delivering upgrades in both towns. The finish line is clearly in site on the €19 million upgrade to the Ennis-
corthy Regional Water Supply. The investment ensures a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development. The project involved the replacement of the raw water intake to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant, the replacement of 2km of water main, the construction of a new pumping station and the upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant.
Meanwhile, the €12.5 million upgrade at the Newtown Water Treatment Plant which serves customers in Wexford Town and the surrounding areas is nearing completion. It has modernised and improved the key water treatment processes at the plant.
While the delivery of both upgrade projects at the water treatment plants at Enniscorthy and Wexford Town are coming to a close, the works completed so far have facilitated the removal of both supplies from the EPA’s list of vulnerable water supplies. Works at both locations will be fully completed in early spring.
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and waste-
water services for the people of Ireland. The company says, “We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment.”
To find out more visit the Uisce Éireann website at water.ie
Newtown Water Treatment Plant upgrade project
Uisce Éireann is nearing the completion of works to upgrade the Newtown Water Treatment Plant (WTP). This critical investment of €12.5 million will benefit customers in Wexford Town and surrounding areas, ensuring the continued delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source. Although the overall project is not completed yet, the works undertaken to date have facilitated the removal of the Wexford Town Water Supply Scheme from the EPA’S Remedial Action List.
Upgrades as part of this project include:
New flocculation tank to optimise the flocculation process.
Provision of enhanced flocculation by pH
Enniscorthy Water Supply Scheme.
Slaney environmenT
correction (pre-clarification), coagulant and polyelectrolyte dosing and associated control.
Upgrade works to the clarifiers with the installation clarification aids and new sludge bleeds.
Filter upgrade works to include dual media and run-to-waste facilities.
Treated water pH correction upgrades.
Electrical upgrade works.
Provision of a new standby generator.
Upgrades to instrumentation, control and automation.
Health and safety upgrades.
Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme
Uisce Éireann is approaching completion on a €19 million upgrade to the Enniscorthy Regional Water Supply Scheme. The project which will benefit over 12,000 consumers, will ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for Enniscorthy and surrounding areas, as well as allowing for future growth and development.
The project includes the following works: Replacement of the raw water intake at
Clonhaston to transfer water from the River Slaney to the Vinegar Hill Water Treatment Plant (WTP) - completed.
Replacement of 2km of interconnecting raw water main - completed.
Construction of a new pumping station –nearing completion.
Upgrade of the water treatment facilities at Vinegar Hill WTP – nearing completion.
Landscaping and all associated site development works – ongoing.
Creagh Water Treatment Plant Upgrade (Gorey)
Uisce Éireann is progressing an upgrade of the Creagh Water Treatment Plant. This project will benefit over 7,000 customers in Gorey, ensuring the delivery of a clean, safe drinking water source.
These upgrades are required to ensure continued compliance with drinking water regulations and reduce the risk of water quality issues in the future. The completed upgrades will modernise and improve the water treatment process at the plant, ensuring raw water is treated to the water quality standards as required by the European Union Council Directive and Regulations. n
