Latest news with #WicklowMunicipalDistrict
Irish Independent
05-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wicklow Courthouse and extra parking need to be a priority to allow town flourish
Speaking during the June meeting of the Wicklow Municipal District, Cllr Paul O' Brien expressed the need to 'stamp out the negativity that has crept into the way they carry out their work in recent months'. In agreement Cllr John Snell said they were at a political disadvantage if only the chair and vice chair are elected to these teams, which allows them access to their meetings. Currently the team's steering committee comprises the seven chairs of their working groups, a representative from Wicklow Town and District Chamber of Commerce, two elected members of Wicklow Municipal District and officials of Wicklow County Council. In response Cllr Danny Alvey said the team will always welcome feedback and input from elected members in the district. 'Town teams are important entities that need more support. We are working closely with town regeneration officer Stephen Clarke to get a similar team set up in Rathdrum. Any other future teams will be set up subject to funding being made available.' he added. The Wicklow Town Team which advocates in the town's best interests recently held a meeting with the Tánaiste Simon Harris looking for support to advance several projects. Among the main issues raised was the long-vacant Wicklow Town Courthouse the lack of car parking spaces close to the town centre and the stalled progress of the East Coast Greenway.
Irish Independent
26-06-2025
- Irish Independent
TikTok video sparks concerns over security at old Wicklow courthouse
Footage has appeared online of prominent Northern Irish TikTok user Jamie Robinson gaining access and documenting the state of the building on Market Square for his thousands of followers. The old courthouse has been lying vacant since 2010 when the district court transferred their operations to Bray due to health and safety concerns at the courthouse. Circuit court sittings had already relocated from Wicklow town to Bray in 2008. During the June meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, Independent Cllr John Snell raised concern about how security measures were breached that allowed Mr Robinson gain access to the building. Cllr Snell believes it was a concerning development and called for better monitoring controls of the building. Cllr Graham Richmond indicated he is working with Tanainste Simon Harris to try and determine the future use of the site. In response district administrator Georgina Franey said local officials don't maintain the court and that it remains in the hands of the OPW although archivist Catherine Wright has asked for permission to access the building. Following a parliamentary question submitted by Wicklow TD John Brady in May, Justice Minister Jim O' Callaghan said a structural and internal review of the site is currently being compiled by the Courts Service.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wicklow harbours and fishing facilities to get significant enhancements as latest funding drops
The funding through the Fishery Harbour Centres and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme will assist Wicklow County Council in the maintenance and development of fishery and aquaculture linked marine infrastructure in their ownership. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will administer the programme and will co-fund up to 75pc of the eligible project costs, up to a maximum reimbursement of €187,500, with the local authority co-funding the remaining costs. A grant of €187,500 has been allocated towards underwater concrete repair works at the east pier in Wicklow Harbour, with the full cost of the project estimated at €249,700. €45,000 has been allocated for main entrance works at Wicklow Port, with a total project estimate of €60,000. A grant of €26,250 has been provided for pedestrian and vehicle roller gate infrastructure at Arklow Harbour, at an estimated project cost of € €35,000. €187,275 has been reserved for the installation of CCTV and access control systems at Wicklow and Arklow Harbours, with the full cost of the project estimated at €249,700. In welcoming the funding, cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District Cllr Gail Dunne said: 'The east pier has been undermined by the sea and it has been a long-term problem so any funding provided will prove really helpful. 'The works due to take place at the entrance to Wicklow Harbour will involve some dredging to keep the main entrance clear to help improve the depth of the harbour so bigger ships can come in. Some works have taken place previously and this should help to further improve the harbour. 'Most ports in the country already have CCTV and access control systems in place. It's important to have the proper security in place for the movement of timber and different things down at the harbour.' Tánaiste Simon Harris also welcomed the announcement and said this was a significant boost to marine infrastructure in Wicklow. ADVERTISEMENT 'This is a vital and welcome investment in Wicklow's marine infrastructure. The increased total value of individual projects across the country in this year's allocation gives local authorities the opportunity to continue the ongoing development and enhancement of harbour and fishing facilities, while also allowing for some marine leisure developments, benefitting different cohorts of users. 'These projects will ensure our harbours are safer, more secure, and better equipped to support local communities, businesses, and tourism. I am proud to have supported this funding and will continue to advocate for investment in our coastal infrastructure.'
Irish Independent
10-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Joy for volunteers that saved St Patrick's Day in Wicklow town at cathaoirleach's reception
The new committee was hastily formed with less than six weeks to go before St Patrick's Day, but pulled out all the stops to ensure that thousands of visitors once again flocked to Wicklow town to watch what is always the biggest and best attended parade in the Garden County. Vera Earls proudly led proceedings as the grand marshal of the parade Wicklow Municipal District hosted a cathaoirleach's reception on Monday, April 28, just before their monthly meeting, to honour the Wicklow St. Patrick's Day Committee. The elected members used the occasion to pass on their gratitude to the committee, which includes Carol Byrne, Mark Hogan, Anthony Hill, and Arthur Williams. With the exception of Arthur Williams, all committee members were new recruits who came together to ensure that the county town held a successful parade. Acknowledging the short timeframe and the challenges faced by the newly formed committee, Wicklow Municipal District manager Brian Gleeson said: 'This committee was instrumental in ensuring that the parade continued in Wicklow town, with a record number of participants. Your organisational skills and resilience are a testament to each of you.' Leas cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District Cllr Graham Richmond expressed his delight in presenting awards to the committee members, adding that it was a fantastic and fun parade. He praised the foresight and commitment of district administrator Georgina Franey, stating: 'Each and every one of you should be proud of your achievements. I hope this encourages more volunteers to join the committee. You are a group full of community spirit, which is evident in how well you interact, and we commend you for this.'
Irish Independent
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow Male Voice Choir to receive funding for twinning trip to Germany
Twinning arrangements between towns and areas in different countries help to develop a better understanding of other nationalities and cultures, and Wicklow town is twinned with Eichenzell, as well as Montigny-Le-Bretonneux in France and Montigny-Le-Bretonneux in France. At April's monthly meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, the elected members were informed that up to 37 members of Wicklow Male Voice Choir will join the Wicklow Twinning Committee as they head over to Eichenzell from June 20 to June 22, at a total cost of €14,500 for flights. While the choir will subsidise some of the costs, they still have their accommodation to pay for. The flight costs are exasperated by the large costs involved in flying all of their instruments over, while they are also required to bring two professionals along with them. The choir hasn't made the trip over to Eichenzell since 2011 and in June are due to perform at an Irish night taking place at the cultural centre, which will be attended by the local mayor. They have also been invited to an official reception where they will be representing Wicklow. Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'I wish them well. Everyone knows how positively I feel about twinning. It opens up so many doors to different local community groups. It's a coming together pf peoples from different countries. I have to say Eichenzell give a lot back to us in Wicklow as well. I know there is a delegation from Eichenzell who are meant to be coming over to Wicklow for the regatta and Taste of Wicklow, so if we had any funds in the twinning budget to assist the male voice choir, then that would be great.' Cllr John Snell commented: 'The choir mainly consists of senior citizens who have contributed a life-time to doing their best and what is right. They come from all walks of life. It's not just Wicklow town they will be representing, but County Wicklow and Ireland as well.' It was agreed to provide the choir with €2,000 from the twinning budget to assist with the costs of the trip.
