Council working to curb coronavirus challenges
WICKLOW County Council is working to address a number of issues which have arisen due to the arrival of Covid-19 in Ireland.
With many sporting and leisure activities unavailable because of the conronavirus crisis, people have instead been flocking to the outdoors for their recreational pleasure. This has led to challenges in the likes of Laragh, Brittas Bay and Glendaloguh in relation to poor parking, overcrowding and the failure to adhere to HSE social distancing guidelines.
The Local Authority is working to provide more parking spaces in Laragh, while Brittas Bay North and South carparks are both open and no parking charges apply.
Meanwhile, tenants of council properties who have experienced a drop in household income should contact the council offices for advice in relation to rent payments.
A deferral of rates payments for the most immediately impacted businesses has also been announced by Government and the council is working on introducing new measures to assist businesses.
Head of Finance, Mr Brian Gleeson, said: ‘Wicklow County Council is currently reviewing the measures necessary to implement this initiative and will issue further communications in due course. Wicklow County Council is also cognisant that in a prolonged Covid-19 situation the categories of ratepayers experiencing difficulties may change and we will therefore be taking a pragmatic approach during this period and engaging with those ratepayers with regard to flexible payment options. However, for ratepayers fortunate enough to not have been impacted to date, it is critical they continue to contribute to national efforts to maintain the economy by continuing to pay their rates.’
Wicklow County Council Buildings remain open including the Municipal District Offices of Bray, Arklow, Greystones, Wicklow and Blessington/Baltinglass. However, members of the public are urged not to attend the offices unnecessarily and to avoid bringing children into public buildings. Online and postal services can be availed of as an alternative; motor tax applications can be processed online and renewal applications may be forwarded to the Council by post. Planning applications may also be submitted by post.
All Wicklow libraries are closed, but services remain. Swimming pools in Bray, Arklow, Greystones and Wicklow town are all closed. Wicklow Gaol is also shut to the public, as are all Wicklow County Council playgrounds.
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive, Frank Curran, said: ‘ The challenges in dealing with COVID 19 are being monitored daily by the Wicklow County Council Crisis Management Team and all efforts are being made to ensure a continuity of services across our key operations which also involves liaising with Government Departments and Agencies across the Eastern Region. We urge the public to adhere to HSE guidelines on social distancing and keep themselves informed of measures to combat the spread of the virus.’
Members of the public with additional queries regarding Wicklow County Council services are encouraged to contact us by telephone (0404) 20100 or by email: corporate@wicklowcoco.ie.