Latest news with #WicklowMunicipalDistrict
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.
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Wicklow Town Team seeks to recruit volunteers at open day
The Town Team consists of a coordinating body of local volunteers drawn from active stake-holders, community groups, the voluntary sector, and business organisations that work in co-operation with the local Wicklow Municipal District for the benefit of the local community and its environment. So far the Town Team has secured more than €1 million in funding for projects that have made a significant difference to the town. Among the key projects that the Town Team have achieved are the Wicklow Connectivity Project, which included murals and a golly trail, the popular heritage trail, the backlighting of historic and civic buildings, the development of the Wicklow town website, and other key projects that enhances the visual appearance of Wicklow town. Other projects that are in progress currently are the East Coast Greenway, the pump bike track on the Murrough, a new pilgrim walk from Wicklow town to Glendalough and plans for the Black Castle area to enhance its visual appearance and improve its access for the community and visitors to the area. Pascal Burke, chair of the Town Team, said: 'These projects would not happen without the dedicated work of Wicklow Town Team members who work closely with the local Municipal District and Wicklow County Council to secure funding for projects focused on improving our town environment, promotion of tourism, the arts, sporting/recreational development, community development, and climate action and sustainable energy.' The Wicklow Town Team will hold an open day in the Assembly Hall, Wicklow town, this Saturday, May 3, from 11am to 2pm, and they are interested in hearing from community members who have a passionate interest in any of the work carried out by their working groups.
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Funding for Wicklow Pride Festival is approved by officials
The event is due to take place in Wicklow town on Saturday, July 5, starting from the Abbey Street car park and winding its way through the streets of Wicklow. The parade will be followed by a gathering at the Black Castle, featuring music, stalls, food, family fun and entertainment from a variety of speakers and performers. This event is free entry and sensory-friendly zones are available. At the April monthly meeting of Wicklow Municipal District, held on Monday, councillors were informed that the organisers behind Wicklow Pride Festival were hoping to secure €5,000 from the district. Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'I have to commend the festival organisers for all of their hard work. Sadly, the world seems to be lurching back to the dark days, and we seem to be going backwards on a lot of progress made. 'The LGB community have fear out there and there is a lot of hate and division on social media. During the dark days after the economic crash and bailout, one of the only bright days was the same-sex marriage referendum, and it was great from a personal perspective that the public came out in such force and supported the referendum. 'Obviously, we have other festivals we need to support, such as St Patrick's Day and the regatta, but I think we should at the very least match last year's contribution of €2,500, which was an increase on the year before.' Cllr Dany Alvey said: 'It's a fantastic festival and a very important one. It also attracts people from all over the entire county. I met a lot of people last year and it was their first time in Wicklow town. It's also very good for the local economy as well.' A sponsorship request was also issued to the district from Wicklow Safe Haven, a new community-based organisation formed in Co Wicklow to raise the awareness about the levels of domestic abuse taking place and help those affected. Any funding provided will have to come from the discretionary funding and the elected members are keen to meet with the Wicklow Safe Haven volunteers in-person before making any sponsorship decision.
