Cullenisnew cathaoirleach
CLLR Shay Cullen is the new cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District having taken over the chain of office from Cllr John Snell after his year long spell as chairman.
Warm tributes were paid to Cllr Snell for his achievements during his term as cathaoirleach.
‘The biggest compliment I could give is that you (Cllr Snell) are probably the most dedicated Councillor in the County of Wicklow. You are always there and available to meet the public, no matter where they are,’ said Cllr Cullen.
Cllr Snell thanked his fellow councillors and council staff for their assistance over the past 12 months, especially for their help during Wicklow Commemorates 1916.
Outlining his plans for the next year, Cllr Cullen emphasised that his main areas of focus will be housing, rural roads and tourism.
He said particular attention had to be paid to social housing due to the growing housing list. While welcoming developments taking place across the district, Cllr Cullen emphasised the need to ‘keep pressure on Irish Water’ to address concerns around ‘sewerage capacity in our villages which in turn will address more housing developments.’
He plans to work closely with the District Engineer to ensure the local road networks are continuously maintained, while he was also keen to see rural road improvements across the district. He described tourism as ‘close to my heart’ and felt east Wicklow has the best tourist attractions the county has to offer, such as Glendalough, Mount Usher Gardens, Kilmacurragh Gardens, Brittas Bay and numerous walks.
‘I would like to enhance and expand what we have to offer and get people from around Ireland and abroad to come and visit Wicklow and experience all that is great about our county, like our county town which has so much to offer. Apart from the history of Wicklow Gaol, we also have the Black Castle, the Murrough and one of my personal favourites, Wicklow Head.
‘We must deliver to improve all that is good about Wicklow town and to help us do that I would like to be part of the new initiative “Kick Start” that some business people in Wicklow have developed. We as councillors have to look at options and solutions to help new and existing businesses strive forward and I think the “Kick Start” programme will be a great success for all involved and the town as a whole.’
His wishlist also included the increasing of the district discretionary fund so that further lighting, footpath and other public realm projects could be achieved.
Cllr Daire Nolan was elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach.