Enniscorthy flooding the worst in decades

The scene at the flooded William Barker bridge over the River Slaney at Enniscorthy today. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

Enniscorthy is on high alert tonight after the River Slaney burst its banks with both bridges closed to traffic and many business premises under water.

Schools will remain closed on Wednesday. Irish Rail services are suspended as Enniscorthy resembles a canal and bus services have been transferred. Please contact your transport company for more details!

The town succumbed to many days of rainfall and 30mm falling on Monday night alone and has flooded the quays, Templeshannon and Island Road. Otherwise, it is business as usual in the town with traffic restrictions in place.

Wexford County Council crews will remain on duty tonight ensuring safety measures are adhered to. The floods have been described as ‘severe’ and the worst seen in the town in about 30 years.

More bad news indicates that there is plenty more rain to fall and experts say that Enniscorthy could be under flooding for several days to come!

The alarm was raised shortly after 3am on Tuesday morning when both bridges were closed to traffic. Sandbags were distributed throughout the day as the speed of the water increased and the levels were much greater.

Assistance was provided to the residents of Island Road and all are safe tonight.

A family including a newly born baby were successfully rescued from their home on Templeshannon Quay.

Slaney Search and Rescue had a busy day and ferried people across Templeshannon which proved popular.

This afternoon a number of families were rescued from their homes at Riverview Court by Enniscorthy Fire Service and Civil Defence as the flood waters advanced and trapped them in their homes.

This evening crowds gathered in Abbey Square and Slaney Place to view the scene as wheelie bins, beer barrels, street furniture, tractor tyres and logs were swept away by the fast-flowing water.

While concerns were raised about the Seamus Rafter Bridge where “the water flows over the bridge” it was noted tonight that the old stone bridge is within inches of getting blocked!

There is also extensive flooding on the N80 at Ryland Road in Bunclody. The road is closed to traffic for the foreseeable future.

The only shred of good news emanating from today’s flooding events is that the weather has been calm and there are no reports of power cuts.

Major floods hit Enniscorthy again

Members of Slaney Search and Rescue ferrying people through Templeshannon floods this afternoon. (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh in Enniscorthy

The River Slaney in Enniscorthy has burst its banks with both bridges closed to traffic and many business premises under water this afternoon.

Wexford County Council and Slaney Search and Rescue volunteers were on alert from 3am as heavy rainfall caused the river to burst its banks.

Residents on Island Road have been assisted while people are being ferried through Templeshannon by boat courtesy of Slaney Search and Rescue volunteers.

Sandbags have been provided and a parked car has become completely submerged at Abbey Quay.

The operation has been working well with the immediate emphasis on safety. Many Council workers and engineers are observing the situation on the ground with the support of An Garda Siochana.

Roads into the town are closed. Schools have been closed. And BREAKING NEWS schools will be closed again tomorrow (Wednesday). Rail services have been suspended.

However, it must be said that Enniscorthy is open for business with the flooding only affecting riverside premises and services, although diversions may be necessary.

Flooding is also affecting other areas including Edermine, the Irish National Heritage Park, Bunclody, Clohamon, Blackwater, Castlebridge and the Ahare River at Castletown is completely impassable.

A Status Yellow rain warning is in effect for Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow and Waterford until 11pm.

The entire country also remains under a Status Yellow wind warning until the same time as Storm Chandra passes over the country.

Enniscorthy roads budget runs out early…

ENNISCORTHY COUNCIL OFFICES (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting

At the January Enniscorthy Municipal District Council meeting, councillors were surprised by the roads budget and its distance coverage.

The meeting was informed that the roads budget for the district is €2.1 million and that covered a mere 13 kilometres last year!

In 2026, due to higher material costs, the unchanged budget covers just 12 kilometres!

Members informed the engineer about district roads needing repairs and new potholes appearing, but this was prior to heavy rains and Storm Chandra’s challenges.

Cllr Jackser Owens raised concerns about flooding on Island Road and urged for sandbags to be provided to properties along the River Slaney.

Since the meeting things have got worse in and around the town. A small pothole has emerged on the right-hand lane as we drive onto the William Barker bridge. It was noticed today and won’t heal itself.

There is a serious surface deterioration on Lymington Road (some call it Parnell Road) which leads onto Duffry Street (some call it Pig Market Hill) and joins with the top of Wafer Street where an unknown amount of money was spent on footpaths late last year.

A well-known blocked gully is located on Mill Park Road at the intersection with The Folly; it has been created by the mechanical sweeper and, during periods of heavy flow, can cause significant splashing onto pedestrians. It has been there for years now despite complaints from the locals.

Wexford facing road infrastructure challenge?

By Dan Walsh

Many rural roads throughout County Wexford have been adversely impacted by the unusually wet weather. According to Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin TD, their condition is deteriorating rapidly. “The roads are deteriorating before our eyes,” he declared.

Due to limited funding, it seems unlikely that any significant improvements will be made any time soon.

Teachta Ó Súilleabháin told WexfordLocal.com that “County Wexford alone faces a funding deficit of €190 million for rural roads. This situation is completely unacceptable.”

“Wexford County Council has worked tirelessly to stretch the minimal budget received each year to complete desperately needed works. However, it is not solely the responsibility of local authorities to fund our annual roads budget.

FIONNTÁN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN TD

“I want to acknowledge and commend the Directors of Services in both Wexford and Wicklow County Councils, along with our district engineers, for their professionalism and dedication. Unfortunately, their efforts can only bring us so far.

“Our roads are rapidly deteriorating, causing significant disruption for road users and presenting serious road safety risks across our counties.

“I am calling on the Minister to allocate the 2026 roads funding based on road condition, rather than the existing model, which allocates funding per kilometre. If such a change is not possible currently, then I am requesting that the Minister provide additional emergency funding in Budget 2026 to address the roads that are now crumbling and, in some locations, becoming almost impassable.

“It is deeply unfair that motorists are being burdened with rising vehicle maintenance costs as a direct result of inadequate road surfaces.

“I am therefore renewing my call on the Minister to provide the necessary funding to help us respond to what has become a genuine roads emergency,” concluded Teachta Ó Súileabháin.

Derelict and vacant property in the news

By Dan Walsh

Wexford County Council has issued its five-year retrospective infographic on Derelict and Vacant Property within County Wexford.

The Planning Department is responsible for dealing with derelict property within the county in accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990.

This Act allows the council to enforce the remediation of such sites by serving notices directing owners to clean up the sites, prosecute owners who do not comply with notices served and make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) if the property continues to remain derelict.

BARRACK STREET, Enniscorthy, since demolished. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

A total of 386 inspections took place on derelict or vacant property in 2025 with 136 formal notices under the Derelict Sites Act issued during this period.

The Infographic details the Derelict Sites Process and explains the various notices served under the Act.

During 2025, 300 open files were under investigation, 66 new derelict files were opened, and 42 files were closed.

Derelict Site Levies amounting to €325,850 were issue to 29 property owners during 2025. At the end of 2025, 149 properties are now officially on the Derelict Site Register.

Over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, the number of properties on the Derelict Site Register in Wexford County Council increased from 54 in 2021 to 149 in 2025.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan commented, “I acknowledge the good work being done here by the Derelict Sites Team in Wexford County Council. The figures showing the increase in activity over the five-year period demonstrates a real focus on dereliction and property vacancy in our towns and villages and throughout our rural communities”

Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe added; “Wexford County Council will continue to resource and act forcibly on dereliction throughout our county by utilising the Derelict Sites Act and where necessary, using our powers to CPO property where owners refuse to resolve dereliction and vacancy.”

Two Wexford winners this weekend

By Dan Walsh

JAMIE SCALLAN had a winner at Lismore today. (File Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

Despite the heavy going and wet conditions all three scheduled point-to-point fixtures this weekend survived and racing went ahead, although it was a quiet one for the Wexford raiders with only two victories.

Kieran Roche who trains at Adamstown is having his most successful season to date and saddled his 15th training career winner when Be Useful, in the Michael Kenny colours, came home six lengths to the good in the mares maiden race for five-year-olds at Lismore, Co. Waterford today (Sunday).

The winning rider was Jamie Scallan with Colin Bowe’s Push Push (Barry O’Neill up) taking the runner-up spot.

Blackwater handler Grace Kelly celebrated her first point-to-point win at Tyrella, Co. Down, yesterday Saturday), with Another Classic taking the maiden race for five-year-old geldings by three and a half lengths.

Ridden by Shane Cotter, Another Classic was running in the colours of the Bridge Stables Partnership comprising of Larry Kelly, Colm Hearne and Mickey Sweeney and she is for sale.

Barry O’Neill had a winner at Tyrella too! West of Idaho for David Christie by one and a quarter lengths in the maiden race for geldings six-year-old plus.

Next Sunday, February 1st the Wexford Hunt races at Ballinaboola, New Ross, takes place with the first four-year-old race of the year on the card. First race at 1pm.  

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Nash to new role

BISHOP GER NASH

By Dan Walsh

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Montemayor, has informed Bishop Ger Nash that Pope Leo XIV has appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory, to take effect today (Sunday, January 25th) when Bishop Niall Coll is installed as Bishop of Raphoe.

In a statement to WexfordLocal.com, Bishop Nash said that this new role will be in addition to his current position as Bishop of Ferns.

“I thank Pope Leo for the trust and faith he has placed in me with this appointment, and I resolve to carry out my pastoral and administrative duties in both dioceses to the best of my ability.

“I very much look forward to working with the priests, diocesan staff and the people of the Diocese of Ossory. I know that there has been much change in the diocese over a short number of years but am confident that we can all work well together to build on the proud traditions of that diocese.

“I am very conscious that this appointment also affects the Diocese of Ferns. I thoroughly enjoy my work and role as Bishop of Ferns and will continue to do so. I consider it a great privilege to be part of that diocese and have always felt a warm and genuine welcome. “However, with this extra responsibility, I will not have the same time to devote to every aspect of my life and work in Ferns. I am very confident, though, that we have good strong systems in place in Ferns, a wonderful body of clergy, hardworking diocesan staff and no shortage of people willing to step up to the mark when called upon.

In conclusion, Bishop Nash said; “May we all continue to pray for each other and our dioceses, that God will continue to bless us with the abilities to spread his word, to proclaim his kingdom and to live in his peace.”

Tributes to accomplished horse breeder

DR JACK MURPHY (Pic; Sean Curtin Press 22)

By Dan Walsh

The death has occurred of Dr Jack Murphy, Ballymacar, New Ross, who was a distinguished equine business lecturer and accomplished sport horse breeder.

Dr Murphy suffered a fatal medical emergency while driving at Maudlins Lower, near New Ross last Tuesday and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was aged 67.

A native of Donanore, Enniscorthy, Jack was a member of Bree Hunt Club in his early days. He was also a playing member of Enniscorthy Rugby Club.

He was appointed by the Minister for Agriculture to the Irish Horse Board in 2013 and progressed from Director to Chairman from 2017 to 2021. He continued to be a Director from 2021 until his passing.

He was also a lecturer in the School of Business at Maynooth University where he taught on the BBS Equine Business programme.

He built Dolmen Sport Horses at New Ross into a recognisable name in sport horse breeding and together with his wife, Dr. Karen Hennessy and children, Molly and Hannah, the Dolmen prefix became associated with athletic, marketable horses.

Paying tribute, the Irish Horse Board said; “Jack leaves a legacy that will endure the policies he helped shape, the horses he bred, the people he mentored. The sport industry has lost a committed director, a thoughtful educator and a dedicated breeder.”

FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Jack (Dr.) Murphy, ‘Dolmen Lodge’, Ballymacar,    New Ross and formerly of Donanore, Enniscorthy.

Jack is predeceased by his beloved father Simon.

Deeply regretted by his loving wife Karen (Hennessy), daughters Emma, Lorna, Molly and Hannah, his mother Mary, sisters Mary and Anne, brothers Danny, Jimmy, Simon and Stephen, grandchildren Darragh, Zoe and Ruairí, son-in-law Conor, also Catherine, sisters-in-law, brothers- in-law and mother-in-law Helen, relatives and a large circle of friends.

May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.

Reposing in Browne’s Funeral Home, Enniscorthy (Y21 H3K5) on Sunday (January 25th) from 12 noon concluding at 7 o’clock.

Funeral arriving to St. Mary’s Church, Cushinstown on Monday (January 26th) for Funeral Mass at 11 o’clock. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

‘Bag It Bin It’ campaign launched in Castletown

Pictured at Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown were; Back row left to right; Cliona Connolly, Caroline Sinnott, Jill Latimer Environment Section Wexford County Council, Cabrini Desmond, Dog Warden Wexford County Council, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council Cllr. Joe Sullivan and Emer Russell Principal Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown. Middle Row; Jonah Curran and Theo Curran. Front row; Students from Castletown National School, Darcy Neville, Molly O’Connor Kavanagh, Veronika Steilovska, Emily Quinn, Ciaran Molloy and Conor Molloy.

By Dan Walsh

Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council presented a copy of the educational anti-dog fouling resource pack for primary schools to Principal Ms. Emer Russell and students at Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown last week

The ‘Bag It Bin It’ education pack which has been sent out to all primary schools in Co. Wexford aims to bring the topic of dog-fouling into the classroom through a variety of lesson plans and activities.

Cllr Joe Sullivan stated that “Great work has been done to raise awareness of the issue of dog fouling on footpaths, trails and parks, but this education pack has heightened the significance of this amongst our students. “They have learned about the health hazards it can pose, and how harmful it is to the environment. All dog owners have a civic responsibility to clean up after their dogs and if we all bag it and bin it, we can protect our communities, our wildlife and our outdoor spaces,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.

Cliona Connolly, Environment Awareness Officer, Wexford County Council, said; “We all know dog poo is unsightly, and discarded poo can pose a health risk as it contains harmful bacteria and parasites. Parents with buggies, children, wheelchair users and the visually impaired are particularly at risk of stepping in or wheeling through dog poo, and being exposed to health implications, not to mention the unpleasantness and inconvenience of getting poo on shoes, hands or wheels.”

Cabrini Desmond, Wexford County Council’s Dog Warden stated; “Most dog owners act responsibly but those who do not clean up after their dogs create a serious environmental and public health issue for everyone else.”

Emer Russell, Principal of Scoil Ghormáin Naofa said; “We were delighted to welcome Cllr Joe Sullivan Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council along with Cabrini Desmond, dog warden and members of the environment section to our school to launch the Bag it Bin It initiative.

Rathangan Church needs major repairs

CLLR JIM CODD at Rathangan Church (Pic; WexfordLocal.com)

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

At the January Wexford County Council meeting, Cllr Jim Codd inquired about securing €1.3 million for major repairs to Rathangan’s prominent church, known locally as “the cathedral in the fields.”

Rathangan church, a heritage site, needs funding to repair its deteriorating roof. Cllr Codd said locals have asked him to help find sources of funding.

Cllr Codd noted that protecting our history requires professional work, which is expensive and can be a significant burden. “Gone are the days when local tradesmen would make themselves available and freely give their time to community restoration, but health and safety and regulation has ruled that out,” stated Cllr Codd.

Liz Hore, Director of Services at Wexford County Council, concurred with Cllr Codd about the expense of restoring heritage. Nevertheless, she assured that the Council would review the Rathangan project and help seek out any available funding.

Cllr Codd expressed gratitude for Ms. Hore’s enthusiasm regarding the project.

HISTORY & HERITAGE; Rathangan church. In 1863 a decision was made to build a new church at Rathangan, but legal difficulties related to the lease of the site delayed the project, and in June 1870, problem solved and the foundation stone was laid.

The church is a Gothic cruciform building. Seven arches resting on Cork red marble pillars separate the nave and the choir from the side aisles.

The east window was the concept of Rev. Garret O’Toole P.P. from 1853 to 1875 and depicts scenes from the Scriptures. The church is built of red conglomerate stone from the local quarry at Nicharee, with Carlow granite forming the dressings of the doors and windows.

The tower and spire, 135 feet (41.148 metres) high to the top of the cross, form a conspicuous landmark in the locality and, consequently, the church is often referred to as “the cathedral in the fields.”

The church is dedicated to The Assumption and St Laurence O’Toole and took place on October 3rd, 1873. The architect was Richard Sinnott of Wexford, and the builder was James Wilkinson of Enniscorthy.