Latest news with #EmerO'Gorman
Irish Independent
23-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
EU project to focus on Wicklow river's ability to slow down water flow
Wicklow County Council, in partnership with the Wicklow Uplands Council, the East Wicklow Rivers Trust and LAWPRO, has been selected to participate in the project, which aims to improve how Europe manages water, land and climate risks, as one of eight associated regions, chosen from over 70 applications. Each participating region will develop strategies to implement sponge measures - nature-based solutions that help retain water, reduce flood and drought risks and restore ecosystems. Wicklow's project specifically focuses on restoring the upper Aughrim River's ability to slow down water flow. The SpongeWorks team in Wicklow look forward to collaborating with landowners in the upper Aughrim River catchment and the Aughrim community to identify opportunities and co-create solutions that will benefit everyone involved. Wicklow is the only region from Ireland selected for this project and will collaborate with areas from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Greece, Hungary, Belgium, Italy, Finland, Spain, Ukraine and Montenegro. All participating regions will work together, sharing knowledge and building mutual capacity. The goal is to implement sponge measures that can be scaled up, supported by new tools for their execution and the inclusion of sponge strategies into local governance and planning. SpongeWorks is a leading initiative in Horizon Europe for nature-based climate adaptation, bringing together 28 partners and 23 knowledge institutions. The project is focused on developing practical, scalable solutions for the implementation of sponge measures, addressing key issues related to effectiveness, financing, governance and stakeholder engagement. The name 'SpongeWorks' reflects the capacity of our soils and habitats' ability to absorb excess rainfall like a sponge. Sponge measures aim to protect and enhance the landscape's capacity to absorb rainfall, releasing it more slowly back into our rivers. Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O'Gorman stated that the Aughrim River project will strengthen partnerships in addressing the challenges of building climate resilience in our river catchments. 'This initiative will lead to reduced flooding, improved water quality, soil protection and restoration of biodiversity,' she said. 'Better water retention in the uplands will also ensure a reliable water supply throughout the year.'
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Clarity sought on future of new south Wicklow greenway
A preferred route has yet to be published as the engineering team behind the project finalise their engagement with local landowners. Public consultations took place across south Wicklow – in Arklow, Aughrim and Shillelagh – in early October 2023 to gather input on the emerging preferred route and invite the public to provide feedback before the preferred route is decided. Cllr Peter Stapleton sought an update at the July monthly meeting of Wicklow Council and stated that there was some anxiety amongst communities along the 38km route in relation to the delay in publishing the final preferred route which is a crucial element in the planning process. Addressing the Chief Executive Emer O' Gorman, Cllr Stapleton said: 'I note just in your report there has been a slight update to talk about the meeting that happened in April but apart from that there's no update on the progress report that was listed in the Chief Executive's Report when I joined the Council a year ago.' 'I hate the word task force, I think the public is basically allergic to it at this point, but maybe some of regular meeting between your team and elected reps would be great.' Ms O' Gorman confirmed that a meeting will be organised to provide an update on the project. The move comes after members of the Arklow and District Chamber of Commerce recently met with Wicklow/Wexford TD Brian Brennan to discuss key opportunities and challenges facing the local business community. Among the topics raised was the future status of the greenway which received a funding boost earlier this year worth €550,000.
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Local property tax rate in Wicklow decided for 2026
Local authorities have the power to vary the basic LPT rate on residential properties in their area, by increasing or decreasing the local adjustment factor by up to 15pc. The rate in Wicklow has remained unchanged for the past four years. Councillors were informed that retaining the LPT at its 6pc variation rate would provide an additional €1.4m in discretionary funding, with Wicklow, Greystones, Arklow and Baltinglass Municipal Districts due €263,901 each and Bray Municipal District receiving €351,868. The funding is then ring-fenced for discretionary use by the elected members of the five Municipal Districts which help to support a variety of local projects including footpath repairs, public realm initiatives and supporting local community organisations. Some of these projects include Ferrybank footpath repairs in Arklow, the construction of footpaths in Blessington Graveyard the repair of the Esplanade bandstand roof and painting of Victorian seatback at Bray Seafront and the refurbishment of toilets at Wicklow Seafront. The issue was a source of heated debate among councillors during their monthly meeting on Monday, when Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O' Gorman told members the tax intake helps to cover the cost of hiring new staff and providing a range of local council services, including libraries, public lighting, housing and community grant schemes. 'The council is not awash with money and the current model of local government does not empower local representatives to serve their constituents as we'd expect in other countries.' 'The current model of local government that was adopted in 2014 is here to stay. Call me cynical but I believe it's not going away, and I don't expect it to change anytime soon.' 'The public are always judging us on our performance. Extra outdoor staff will make the council more visible amongst the community. They will help us to fill gaps that exist in each of the districts.' Fine Gael's Cllr Sylvester Bourke was the first member to support the motion, calling for the rate to stay put. ADVERTISEMENT 'Given the high cost of living, I believe maintaining the current rate is the right move although I acknowledge this may pose a challenge for the council to draft future budgets'. Echoing those sentiments Social Democrats representative Cllr Danny Alvey said now is not the right time to raise the rate. 'I welcome the fact that some of these funds are being allocated to fund MD activities. Some of these activities have been very important for local communities in my district.' In the end, 19 councillors voted in favour of keeping the same rate, 10 voted against it, while three were not present for the vote. Independent voices in the chamber took aim at Fine Gael and the Social Democrats for supporting the motion, with Cllr Joe Behan branding the LPT as an 'outrageous form of double taxation'. 'Before 2014 exchequer funding helped to cover the costs of running the council. The move is wrong and unfair, I believe the deal was already done before today's debate.' Fellow independent Cllr Tom Fortune said he doesn't agree to taxing the family home in principle. He said he felt that the LPT has destroyed families since it was introduced in 2013. 'This vote isn't going to change anything,' he said. 'Councillors are being used but are entitled to their view. LPT is not a sustainable way to help fund the work of the council. The National Transport Authority already controls a lot of the money that will be ringfenced with no real say in how it's used.' 'The proposal is crazy, we're playing silly games and arm-wrestling with council officials This debate is a complete waste of time, the way local government is being run is disgraceful.' he added. Cllr Peir Leonard acknowledged the council needs money to operate but singled out people in Wicklow who are struggling with the cost of living, 'some of them in silence'. 'How sustainable is the model of LPT going forward with the current housing market?' she asked. 'Especially with the lack of supply in Arklow.' Her district colleague Cllr Miriam Murphy expressed her disappointed that only three submissions were received during a public consultation on the matter. Cllr Gerry O'Neill queried why there was no mention of where money could be saved, believing that funds have been 'wasted' on certain projects, using the stalled Blessington Greenway as an example. Meanwhile Cllr John Snell criticised using an ordinary council meeting to review the situation saying, 'there are now winners here today, people are already suffering.' Separately Sinn Féin's Cllr Dermot 'Daisy' O'Brien said people don't see the benefit of how the LPT is used, describing the levies imposed as extortionate. 'LPT is more like a bailout from central government, the move is very convenient as there is already quite a healthy government surplus.' 'The proposal to fund public sector pay is out of this world, I'm asking here today to reduce rate by 15 pc.' Nobody seconded his proposal. Following some testy exchanges, Labour's Cllr Paul O'Brien took the floor to restore some calm to proceedings. 'I commend Cllr Bourke and Cllr Alvey for their stance on the matter in council chamber here today. We all need to work together. During my year as chair, I always tried to make sure that everyone's voice was heard. Of course, everyone's entitled to their view but that doesn't mean we shouldn't treat each other with respect. 'All this cynical talk is nonsense. The LPT is a tax on the wealthy, and it's making a difference. 'The reality is that if LPT is reduced, local services in our county will suffer as a result.' he added. Last week Wicklow County Council received word it will be allocated an additional €4,458,940 annually starting in 2026, allowing more flexibility and investment in local services and infrastructure. The funding increase comes because of changes made to how LPT funds are allocated. The changes are part of a broader Government reform of the LPT system, which also includes a revaluation of properties in November 2025 and a new requirement that additional retained funding be directed in part toward urban regeneration and local infrastructure improvements.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
New heritage plan for Wicklow will ‘connect people and places'
The fourth plan for County Wicklow, which was developed by the Wicklow Heritage Forum before being adopted by Wicklow County Council (WCC) earlier this year, contains six key objectives it will focus on, including protecting our heritage, connecting people and places, sharing and celebrating our heritage, promoting collaboration and partnership, building and sharing knowledge and responding to climate change. After officially launching the plan, WCC cathaoirleach, Cllr Melanie Corrigan, commented: 'This new Heritage Plan for County Wicklow outlines an ambitious strategy for how Wicklow County Council will collaborate with others to protect and manage our heritage for the benefit of all in the coming five years, from 2025 to 2030. 'This plan builds upon the significant achievements of previous Heritage Plans and sets new goals for the preservation of heritage.' 'This Heritage Plan strongly aligns with Wicklow County Council's commitment to protecting, conserving, and promoting our heritage in all its forms, ensuring it continues to play a valuable role in our economic, social and cultural lives,' WCC chief executive Emer O'Gorman added. Praising the dedication of forum members for their hard work and continued commitment to implementing the plan's actions, Wicklow Heritage Forum chair Cllr John Snell, highlighted several key successes from the previous Plan, including the Wicklow Barn Owl Project, the Wicklow ICAN Network, the Glendalough Community Excavations, the Decade of Centenaries Programme, digitisation efforts from the Wicklow Archives and Local Studies Libraries, the Wicklow Swift Project, the Wicklow Community Archaeology service and the Historic Graveyards recording initiatives. Local authority liaison officer with The Heritage Council, Ms Patricia Fallon, commended Wicklow County Council for its commitment and leadership in preparing a fourth County Heritage Plan. 'The Heritage Council is dedicated to partnering with Wicklow County Council and other local authorities across Ireland to enhance heritage protection and ensure local heritage needs are adequately resourced,' she said. 'We have collaborated with Wicklow County Council for over 20 years through the Heritage Officer role, co-funding County Heritage Plan programs and supporting local heritage infrastructure. We look forward to continuing and expanding this partnership in the future.'
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Tánaiste not responding to Wicklow County Council over N11 junction closure opposition
Bray People Today at 06:33 The chief executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O' Gorman has been asked to review a decision that will see the closure of the Herbert Road Junction in Bray. There has been widespread opposition to the proposals, which form part of the N11/M11 Bus Priority Interim Scheme. Residents protesting the move recently assembled at the sod turning on the new Fassaroe Park and Ride Facility to hand deliver a letter to the chief executive asking her to keep a promise that she would raise their concerns with the Tánaiste Simon Harris and Transport Minister Darragh O' Brien. Following a question from Cllr Joe Behan at the June meeting of Wicklow County Council, Ms O'Gorman indicated she had written to both the Tánaiste and Mr O'Brien with no response. 'All I have gotten is an acknowledgment from the Department of Transport, from the minister's office, nothing further by way of correspondence.' Cllr Melanie Corrigan highlighted the 'huge' public concern that exists around the proposed closure and called on council officials to explore other options to facilitate a bus corridor along the route. Responding to Cllr Corrigan, Ms O' Gorman said they are currently preparing tender documents for phase three of the scheme. 'As part of that process, as part of the brief, we want the consultants to further assess and examine alternatives to the Herbert Road that's currently set out as part of the preferred option. So that will be written in to the new tender document that will be going out shortly.' Speaking after the meeting, a spokesperson for Mr Harris stressed that the Tánaiste 'has made his position on keeping Herbert Road open very clear'. They added: 'He met in person with the residents' group last Tuesday at Kilbride Church, where he reaffirmed his commitment to opposing the closure. 'He also agreed to arrange a meeting between Herbert Road residents and Minister O'Brien. 'Chief executive Emer O'Gorman recently confirmed, in the Wicklow Council chamber, that she has been contacted weekly by the Tánaiste's office regarding the issue.' In addition, the Tánaiste has sent more than 3,000 letters to local residents about the Herbert Road. He has also previously written to the Transport Minister about his opposition to this closure. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
