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Irish Independent
15-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
More than €150,000 paid in expenses to Wicklow councillors so far this year
Expenses are paid out under a range of categories and are generally made available to cover the costs incurred by councillors as they carry out their representational duties. Funds are provided to pay for broadband and phone bills, insurance, training, attendance at conferences and mileage. The travel and subsistence elements are calculated by reference to the distance from each councillor's home to council headquarters and is calculated on an annual basis and paid in monthly instalments. Data published by Wicklow County Council up to end of June 2025 shows the Sinn Fein councillor in Bray, Dermot Daisy O'Brien, received the highest amount with €5,445.60. His district colleague in Bray, Green Party councillor Erika Doyle, was the second highest, with her expenses running to €6,083.61, followed by Independent councillor Jason Mulhall, who claimed €5,867.86. Among the other high earners were Fine Gael's Peter Stapleton, who received €3,874.74, and Labour's Paul O'Brien who took home €3,738.51. Cllr O'Brien, who was cathaoirleach of the council until June of this year, was also reimbursed €2,094.85 for a trip abroad between the March 13 and 19. As council chair, he represented Wicklow during the St Patrick Day festivities in New York. Cllr O'Brien separately received €1,107.13 for travel expenses to Wurzburg in Germany as part of a county delegation to celebrate a partnership agreement between the city of Würzburg and Bray that has been in place for over 25 years. Cllr Stephen Stokes and Cllr Patsy Glennon were also part of the delegation between the May 8 and 11 and received €1,186.02 and €872.27 respectively in travel expenses. Councillors Tom Fortune and Peir Leonard were among the other highest independent members compensated with sums of €4,025.58 and €4,115.22 respectively, followed by Cllr Gerry O' Neill at €3,657.06. At the lower end of the list are Cllrs John Snell, Shane Langrell and Graham Richmond who all claimed €2,196.58. Meanwhile Cllr Aoife Flynn Kennedy, who resigned from local politics in March, was paid €2,054.03 up to the end of June, with a final payment of €691.29 transferred in May. So far to date in 2025, more than €7,360 has been paid to allow seven elected members attended a variety of workshops, seminars and conferences across the county. The highest individual bill came to €1,867.17 to allow Cllr Paul O'Brien attend engagements with the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and a conference on corporate governance. Cllr Pat Kennedy received the second highest subsidy of €1,813.56 to attend seminars hosted by the AILG. Councillors Avril Cronin, Graham Richmond, Ned Whelan, Warren O'Toole and Patsy Glennon were also reimbursed for their attendance at events hosted by the AILG in various locations with a combined total cost of €1,860.60. Cllr Shane Langrell also received €718.81 to attend the Local Authority Members Association's spring conference in Kilkenny.
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
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Two more Wicklow towns added to Moby e-bike scheme
Each e-bike comes equipped with features that support safer, more convenient travel, including automatic gearing, GPS tracking and long-lasting batteries with a range of up to 70 km. Recognising that the hilly terrain in Wicklow can be a barrier to conventional cycling, the council has partnered with Moby to offer a practical and accessible solution. Cllr Paul O'Brien launched the scheme on Friday, June 13, in what was his final official duties as Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, before passing on the chain of office to Cllr Melanie Corrigan. He stated: 'This is a smart, climate-focused initiative that will make a real difference to how people move around our towns. By offering a clean and convenient alternative to the private car, we're reducing congestion, cutting emissions, and improving the quality of life for our residents and visitors. This is a practical step toward a more sustainable future for County Wicklow.' He added: 'The scheme was a huge success when launched in Bray and was also recently launched in Greystones. I worked hard before my time was up as Cathaoirleach to make sure the scheme came to our county town. We are always seeing different schemes and initiatives taking place in Bray or Greystones, so it was great to see Wicklow town and Rathnew being treated the same. 'Obviously, we hope the scheme provides a big tourism boost, and I know from talking to the local chamber of commerce, they get a lot of requests from tourists and visitors looking to rent bikes. However, the e-bikes aren't just for tourists, we want everyone to use them, including residents of Wicklow town and Rathnew. The e-bike docks are dotted throughout Wicklow town and Rathnew, near to schools and attractions such as the Black Castle ad the Murrough. "E-bike stations are also strategically located near public transport hubs, schools, sports centres, tourist sites and residential areas, making it easier than ever to leave the car at home. "I also hope the e-bikes get the respect they deserve. I know there were some issues in Greystones with e-bikes being discarded along footpaths, and I hope we don't encounter the same issues in Wicklow and Rathnew.' Users can rent and return bikes through the Moby Move app, with designated parking stands and virtual zones helping to manage the service sustainably. The scheme operates 24/7 with flexible pricing, including pay-per-use options. New users will receive €10 in free ride credit to encourage them to try the service and make the shift toward smarter travel. CEO and founder of Moby Thomas O'Connell commented: 'Our goal is to support Wicklow County Council in making sustainable travel an easy and appealing choice. "Whether commuting, connecting to public transport, or exploring the area, our e-bikes offer a reliable and zero-emission alternative to driving. We're proud to help Wicklow lead the way in smarter mobility.' ADVERTISEMENT To further support this shift, Wicklow County Council's green team and climate action team will launch a workplace travel survey from July 21. This survey will form part of the TFI smarter travel behaviour change programme and will gather insights into how council staff are adapting their travel habits in light of new mobility options like the Moby e-bikes available in Bray, Greystones and Wicklow town. In addition to the bike scheme, a shared electric pool car will also be made available at county buildings.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Boon for Wicklow cyclists and walkers as construction starts to improve busy road
Chapel Road between Delgany and Blacklion is a busy section that has been under appraisal for some years. It was felt that pedestrian and cycle facilities along this road do not form a coherent, attractive or safe experience, in particular, for young children travelling to and from school, with St. Laurence's National School located along the road. Construction of the Chapel Road (Delgany) Pedestrian and Cycle Infrastructure Improvement Scheme to address this has now commenced and should reach completion in the second quarter of 2026. The scheme was proposed several years ago and was included in the Greystones Local Area Plan 2013 – 2019. It will involve upgrades of key sections of the road from the Convent Road Roundabout to Blacklion Manor Road, improving not only the footpaths and introducing new cycle track facilities, but also widening and realigning the road, to enhance safety and access for all road users. This will link in seamlessly with existing cycle and pedestrian facilities previously completed on Chapel Road, ensuring a continuous, accessible route for all. The scheme also includes the construction of two permanent bus stops, further supporting sustainable, integrated travel options for the area. Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'This journey didn't happen overnight. The project received Part 8 Planning approval in January 2020, and the necessary land was secured through a compulsory purchase order approved by An Bord Pleanála in February 2022. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant funding commitment which has made this project possible. It is 100pc funded by Wicklow County Council through development contributions, a testament to our commitment to reinvesting in the communities that make Wicklow such a vibrant and connected place to live.' Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O'Gorman added: 'At its core, the scheme addresses the current gaps in pedestrian and cycle safety, particularly for our youngest road users—children walking or cycling to school. By delivering a safer and more coherent route, we are supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion and providing a more pleasant environment for all. 'I would like to thank DBFL Consulting Engineers, for designing and managing the construction of this scheme, as well as our appointed contractor, Coffey Group, whose team is currently hard at work on site and to the communities who have supported and advocated for this work— thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. It's an exciting day for the community and a significant step forward for active travel in Wicklow. 'We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the everyday lives of our residents and visitors alike.'
NZ Herald
28-05-2025
- NZ Herald
How a day of football celebrations turned to chaos in Liverpool
The driver of a car that ploughed into a crowd, injuring 65 people, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and driving while under the influence of drugs, British police said. The mood in Liverpool had been jubilant. Paul O'Brien and his family had flown in from Ireland to celebrate
