Cllr Warren O'Toole

08/06/2026

STOP THE GAME

It's not called Move The Game, it's called Stop The Game.

08/06/2026

.......... MEN'S HEALTH WEEK..........

Is a timely reminder that looking after our physical and mental wellbeing is something we should all prioritise.

I'm delighted to see two new programmes being offered locally to help men take those first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Whether it's getting comfortable in the water through the Men's Beginner Swim Programme or building fitness gradually with the Men's Couch to 3K Walk-to-Jog Programme, these initiatives provide a supportive and welcoming environment for men of all ages and abilities.

As a member of the Wicklow Local Sports Partnership Committee, I'm delighted to see practical programmes like these being delivered in Arklow. Good health doesn't happen by accident , it starts with small steps, support and opportunities within our community.

If you've been thinking about becoming more active, this could be the perfect time to start.

🏊‍♂️ MEN'S BEGINNER SWIM PROGRAMME
📅 Starts: 16th June
📍 Coral Leisure Arklow
⏰ 8:00pm – 8:30pm

🎟️ Limited spots available! Tap the link in our bio to book, or visit wicklowlsp.ie/upcoming-events to secure your place.

🏃‍♂️ MEN'S COUCH TO 3K (WALK TO JOG)
📅 Starts: 17th June
📍 Coral Leisure Arklow
⏰ 6:30pm

Register today 👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mens-couch-to-3k-walk-to-jog-arklow-tickets-1991199061996?aff=oddtdtcreator

Places are limited for both programmes, so please book early if you're interested.

06/06/2026

People are working harder than ever, yet many are finding it harder to make ends meet.

Higher energy bills, rising grocery costs, increasing rents and mortgages, and hidden charges are putting enormous pressure on households across Wicklow and Wexford.

It's time for real action on the cost of living crisis.

📅 Monday 8th June
🕢 7:30pm
📍 Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy

All welcome.

🗓️ Wexford Public Meeting on the Cost of Living

Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy
Monday, 8th of June at 7:30pm

This public meeting is part of our ongoing campaign to demand real action on the cost-of-living crisis and secure meaningful support for workers and families.

Come along, have your say, and help us keep the pressure on to make life more affordable for you and your family.

All are welcome.

04/06/2026

⚡ Ireland now has the highest household electricity prices in the European Union.

⚡ Irish households are paying approximately 52% more for electricity than the EU average.

⚡ Families, pensioners and small businesses are struggling with rising energy costs while Ireland continues to have some of the most expensive electricity in Europe.

⚡ Access to affordable electricity is not a luxury – it is a necessity.

The Government must explain why Irish households are paying the highest electricity prices in the EU and what action will be taken to bring costs down.

We are repeatedly told that Ireland is an economic success story.

Yet Irish households are paying the highest electricity prices in the EU.

Families, pensioners and small businesses don't pay their bills with headlines about investment or promises of future jobs.

They pay them with money from their own pockets.

Costs here are 52pc greater than the average of our counterparts in the bloc – and data centres are being blamed

03/06/2026

Following representations made a number of months ago, I am pleased that Wicklow Co Co have carried out remedial works in front of the toilets beside the fishermen's huts on the Quay. They have extended the ramp and put in a drain .

A persistent issue with water pooling at the entrance ramp had resulted in mud and debris being left behind as the area dried out. Given that these facilities are intended to be fully accessible, this was a matter that needed to be addressed.

The completion of these works is very welcome and is an important step before these facilities finally open. I have requested an update on the expected timeframe for opening the toilets and have been advised that this is currently awaiting the appointment of a new Harbour Master.

This area is one of Arklow's most valuable outdoor amenities and has enormous potential. With the right investment, funding and vision, it can become an even greater asset for residents and visitors alike. By continuing to improve spaces like this, we can create a town that is more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

03/06/2026

Best of luck to all students starting their Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate exams today.

Remember to stay calm, take time to get some fresh air and look after yourselves over the coming weeks.

These exams are just one chapter in your journey.

For those who thrive in the exam system and for those who don't, there are many paths to success and just as many opportunities ahead.

Believe in yourselves

Wishing you all the very best of luck.

22/05/2026

This is a really exciting opportunity and covers so much .
It's up to the public to have their final say.

Wicklow County Council is preparing a new Local Planning Framework (development plan) for Arklow.

Proposed amendments to the Draft LPF that was published last year are now on display.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Submissions and observations on the proposed changes, and associated environmental reports, are invited from everyone – including children and groups representing children.

Submit via https://arklow-lap-wicklow.hub.arcgis.com/

The closing date for submissions is Friday, 29th May 2026 (5pm).

All documentation is available online at: https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/Services/Planning/Development-Plans-Strategies/Local-Area-Town-Settlement-Plans/Arklow/Arklow-Local-Planning-Framework-Variation-to-the-Wicklow-County-Development-Plan-2022-2028/Proposed-Material-Alterations?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcVpjSnFFVG5IUU92ekVJOHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5DeAOdDbURbN_3OO_xB2tjyIE6b3rbHO_r4nZRSjKKw6Bc-i9MjrqVybyfkQ_aem_hSKzV-wnj9wh4nOdk3JKoQ&brid=YWdncwE-2n58LWKoClCwPXIwCZ2K

As well as in the below locations:
• Wicklow County Council, County Buildings, Station Road, Wicklow Town
• Arklow Municipal District Office, Castle Park
• Arklow Library, Main Street

22/05/2026

Great to attend the recent Wicklow Local Sports Partnership meeting in Avondale and to meet the athletes, coaches and volunteers preparing for the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland Games this June .

As a member of the Wicklow Local Sports Partnership committee, I see first-hand the important work being done across the county to improve access to sport, encourage participation and promote inclusion for people of all ages and abilities.

It was fantastic to see the dedication, positivity and community spirit of everyone representing Team Wicklow. Wishing all athletes, coaches and volunteers the very best at the Games.

21/05/2026

Record rents.
Record evictions.
More pressure on ordinary families every single month.

The FG and FF housing policy is failing people. We need rent cuts, a ban on rent increases and an end to no-fault evictions.
Housing should be about secure homes not investor profits.

12/05/2026

I want to address a number of serious and inaccurate allegations that have been made publicly about me.

The Autism Friendly Town programme is a nationwide initiative developed through AsIAm and one of the first steps in that process is the formation of a local community committee to help guide and deliver the initiative within the town.

I was originally approached to help establish and support this initiative and this has been acknowledged publicly throughout meetings, statements and press releases relating to the Autism Friendly Town journey.

From the outset, my intention was always to support the initiative in a positive and inclusive way. People from across the community were invited to become involved in both the committee structure and wider volunteer groups and there is clear documented correspondence and timeline evidence relating to these matters.

My approach has always been both as a parent and as someone who wanted to help create something positive for the community.

I will not be engaging in online arguments or personal attacks. My focus remains on continuing to support positive work within the community.

My son Alex, who has Down syndrome and autism, is and always has been the reason why disability advocacy and inclusion matter so deeply to me personally. For over 23 years I have fought his corner, played active roles in numerous campaigns locally and nationally and continue to do so outside the remit of the Autism Friendly Town initiative.

This has always been about trying to help build a more understanding and inclusive town not just for autistic people and their families but for the wider community, regardless of abilities.

I want to thank the individuals , committee members, volunteers and everyone else who over the years contributed towards making Arklow a more inclusive town for everybody.

The focus should remain on continuing the positive work being done within the community.

The Autism Friendly Town initiative has always been and will continue to be, an open community committee and initiative. New people are always welcome and encouraged to become involved.