Wexford District Court round-up: Fishing companies guilty of employment infringes, illegal hedge cutting and social welfare offences
Wexford PeopleA number of matters arising from workplace inspections, environmental offences and social welfare breaches were before Wexford District Court recently, with Judge John Cheatle presiding.
Employment of non-nationals on trawlers
Two fishing companies appeared before the court in connection with the employment of non-nationals who did not have permission to work in the State.
Inish Trawlers Limited, which operates out of Kilmore Quay, pleaded guilty to offences under employment legislation. The court heard that an inspector from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) carried out an inspection of the business on October 10, 2023, during which breaches were identified in relation to employment records.
The inspection found that an Indonesian man was working for the company without permission to work, despite having arrived in Ireland in 1997 and lacking a valid work permit since 2007. The court also heard that on two further occasions inspections were carried out on vessels operated by the company, including one in Howth, where additional non-nationals were found working without valid permission.
Solicitor for the company, Catriona Walsh, told the court the men were being paid for their work but did not have the appropriate permission to work in the country. She said one of the men was now in discussions regarding a citizenship application, having lived in Ireland for approximately 28 years, and added that two of the workers had been staying on board a vessel as they did not have accommodation.
The court heard Inish Trawlers had one previous conviction for similar offences dating back to 2021, when it had been dealt with under the Probation Act. On this occasion, Judge Cheatle imposed a fine of €1,200, allowing six months to pay.
In a similar matter, Alan and Joseph Foley of Ramsgrange, New Ross, appeared before the court after employing two non-nationals without valid work permits as part of their crew. The court was told the men had approached them at the pier seeking work and were employed on the vessel for a two-week period.
Judge Cheatle applied the Probation Act on condition that the defendants pay €750 towards the costs associated with the prosecution, and adjourned the matter to March 23 to allow for payment.
Fine for hedging during nesting season
A man has plead guilty to an offence of hedging during the nesting season.
The court heard that Rafael Sanctuary of River Lodge, Harpoonstown, Wexford, was hedging land at Gardanaus Great, Wexford. Sanctuary had contracted a friend, Shane Hayes, to carrying out the works on the land which he was leasing with the intention of buying at the time.
During the hedging approximately one kilometre of hedge rows had been destroyed, including bramble and hawthorn. During the nesting season, which takes place from March 1 up to August 31 annually, these hedges provide shelter for various wildlife animals.
Judge Cheatle fined the accused €500 allowing six months to pay.
Suspended sentence for disability claimant
A New Ross man entered a plea of guilty to an offence of failing to notify a change of circumstances.
The court heard that the partner of Paul Egan, with an address at 6 Woodbine Close, New Ross, Wexford, had started employment with Egan failing to notify the department of social welfare of his change in circumstances. This led to the defendant claiming an excess €28,660 over a two-year period.
Eileen O’Neill, solicitor for the accused, informed the court that Egan was of the view that it was up to his partner to notify the department which the accused now realises is incorrect. The solicitor stated that repayments are being made by way of deductions.
Judge Cheatle imposed a three-month sentence suspended for 12 months.
Fine for failure to keep employment records
A Cork based company was fined in connection with a failure to keep employment records, a failure to pay the national minimum wage rate, and failure to provide payslips.
The court heard that on October 14 2025 a WRC inspection was carried out at Londsdale Motors Limited with a company address at 12 Commerce House, 14 Washington Street, Cork, when the failures came to light.
The employer made admissions on the date that a cleaner is employed by the company who is not paid the minimum wage rate. Since the inspection the company has not engaged and no records have since been provided to the WRC.
Judge Cheatle imposed a €1000 fine giving the company six months to pay. The Judge also directed that the associated costs in the sum of €750 be paid by the company.