Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Dublin

Journalist at East Coast FM

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Articles

83 People Across Wicklow Registered As Homeless In April

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The Department of Housing figures show it's an 11% increase on a year ago. The data shows there's 4,775 children growing up in B&Bs and Hotels around Ireland. The total numbers accessing emergency accommodation increased between March and April by more than 160. The homeless issue is most acute in Dublin where there are 11,211 people registered as homeless including 3,559 children.
Crews Working To Restore Water To Customers In Arklow Following Power Outage

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Customers should start to see water supply returning by 4pm this evening, however, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges. Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues.
Concerns Raised Over Lack Of Secondary School Places In Greystones

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Speaking after submitting a parliamentary question to Minister for Education Helen McEntee and receiving what she described as a “deeply inadequate response,” Cllr Lourda Scott said:“The Department’s repeated assurances that every child will have a school place ring hollow when we are now at the end of May. I flagged this exact issue this time last year and specifically warned of impending issues and a contingency plan to be put in place for 2025.
Schools In Wicklow Receive Significant Funding Boost for Building Works and ICT

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

This investment of nearly €2 million will support both primary and special education schools in Wicklow. The funding will be distributed across two essential areas: €800,000 for minor building works and over €1 million to enhance ICT resources. In a statement Tánaiste Simon Harris said, “These two funding streams will make a tangible difference in the delivery of education across Wicklow.
Rathdrum Town Team Formed To Support Community And Town Regeneration

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The Rathdrum Town Team unites local stakeholders, business owners, community groups, and public representatives who share a vision of promoting sustainable growth and well-being in Rathdrum. The team will focus on strategic actions to support local businesses, improve public spaces and elevate Rathdrum’s profile as a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors. The formation evening for the team saw strong local support, with Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District Cllr.
Irish Rail Advise Of Disruption To DART And Commuter Services Over June Bank Holiday Weekend

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Customers are advised to check times before travel from Saturday 31st May to Bank Holiday Monday 2nd June inclusive for revised schedules, at www.irishrail.ie or at the Iarnród Éireann app. Major works will take place between Connolly and Blackrock from Saturday to Monday inclusive, affecting Southside DART and Rosslare Intercity services. Revised train times will be in place on all routes, please check times before travel at www.irishrail.ie or the Iarnród Éireann app.
Campaign Launched To Save Arklow's Rainbow Crossing

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Arklow now risks becoming the first official body in Ireland to erase such a powerful public statement of LGBTQIA+ visibility. “This is not just about paint on a road. It is about what that paint represents—equality, dignity, and recognition,” said Dave Thomas. “To remove it now, at the start of Pride Month, sends a toxic and deeply harmful message—not just to us here in Arklow, but to LGBTQIA+ people across Ireland. It feels like abandonment.
Leave No Trace Ireland Launches “Love This Place” 2025 Campaign

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

Throughout the summer, "Love This Place" will roll out: A digital storytelling campaign featuring voices from across Ireland: farmers, walkers, dog owners, and community groups. On-the-ground events and clean-up days coordinated with local authorities and environmental groups. Education initiatives and social media toolkits for influencers, schools, and tourism partners.
Newly Refurbished Community Park Opens In Baltinglass

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The park recently underwent a significant refurbishment, which included the creation of a new 1.5 km tarmacked looped walking track around its perimeter, a new playground, a basketball court, outdoor tech ball and table tennis tables, as well as tree and hedge planting. Funding for the project was allocated by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Sports. The total investment in the park amounted to approximately €700,000.
Land Development Agency To Deliver Over 300 Homes In Shankill

1 week ago | eastcoast.fm | Hugh O'Farrell Walsh

The new A-rated apartments are being delivered in Woodbrook and include 102 one-bed and 226 two-bed homes. The homes are being delivered in partnership with Castlethorn, through the LDA’s Project Tosaigh initiative. The completed homes are then owned by the LDA and made available as cost rental or sold by the LDA in partnership with local authorities through affordable purchase schemes. In this case, all of the 328 Woodbrook apartments will be made available as cost rental.