Cllr Warren O'Toole

18/08/2024

After speaking with many older family members all across County Wexford one thing they they have all mentioned is
"The Little Jobs Service "

https://www.wld.ie/programmes/little-jobs-service/

In summary, an annual fee of between €90-€130 is paid and the service, which is operated by the TÚS Programme, aims to provide small maintenance, repairs and gardening jobs in the homes of older and vulnerable people throughout County Wexford.

To qualify you need to be in receipt of either a state pension or a non-contributory pension.

An annual subscription of between €90-€130 is paod

The sercice provides the following small repairs and maintenance:

• Power washing small areas

• Installing handrails

• Moving items to an attic

• Hanging curtains, curtain poles

• Moving furniture

• Tacking down carpets

• Weeding and other small outdoor jobs

• Grass cutting in small gardens

• Potting plants

• Home security and safety measures such as, installing security chains on doors and installing non-wired smoke alarms.

I am interested to know if the people of Wicklow feel this is something older family members or neighbours would avail of.

Communities cherish everyone and by caring and looking out for older members of society we are caring for our generation and the next

15/08/2024

🚨🎭🤝 COMMUNITY MEETING 🆘♻️🫂

Calling all community groups and community organisations that are HOMELESS

On Tuesday 2nd of September I will be holding a public meeting in conjunction with and in Arklow community action resource centre to get feedback from groups that don't have a long term secure space to allow their groups to flourish.

A commitment that was made pre election was to work for a community centre and this remains.
We are looking for 1 or 2 representatives from any group that need a Permanent space to carry out their valuable work.

Arklow is unfortunately unique in the fact that there isn't a community centre where groups can have a room to carry out their valuable functions. We need a building with multiple entrances, different rooms to host many groups at once, storage areas for groups equipment, a main space for large gatherings and shows.

Serious capital investment and infrastructure needs to be put into the town .

Some questions to ponder would be....
Why don't we have a community hall ?
Do we not deserve one ?
but most importantly when are we getting one?

Special thanks to Arklow community action resource centre that are hosting and for the amazing work they do for the community, they and along with so many others need long-term security, please share with someone who needs space.

Communities build communities.

13/08/2024

🪒✂️✂️OFF WITH THE BEARD ✂️✂️🪒
Going For a great cause , littlewarriors.

Any support is greatly appreciated

https://www.idonate.ie/event/cllrwarrenbravestheshave

09/08/2024

Being a father of a son who has down syndrome and Autism, from time to time I found it to be a lonely , isolated place with not much opportunities to discuss the situation .
I will be starting a men's group for father's, carers, siblings or whatever male figure may need it. This group will meet at the end of every month with the first one at the end of August.
This will be a safe, private space where men can come to share their experiences , knowledge or whatever else they want to say or not.
This is open to people from far and near.

Our circumstances may not be the same but we feel the same worries and stress and those concerns are as important to one as it is to another.

Communities build communities, we do because we care.

To determine size of venue please pm if interested.

PLEASE SHARE WITH SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED

05/08/2024

The Tinahely show, which has been running since 1935 .
A fantastic day out for all the family, which takes place every August Bank Holiday Monday.

The Tinahely Show welcomes 20,000 + visitors every year and has something for everyone.

During the summer in Ireland there's no such thing as bad weather, it just depends on your attitude towards it.
Let not the weather dampen your day

Y14KR88

04/08/2024

🌊True heroes 🌊

The life boat crews that unselfishly make sure anyone who uses the sea is given the peace of mind that they can enjoy the water safe in the knowledge that they have this amazing resource should they need it.
Their lifesaving work is essential, often difficult and dangerous but they do it.
Today is a day where we can show them a bit of support and appreciation.

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever

03/08/2024

Delighted to sponsor some refreshments for the AGB players heading off to Silverpark GAA grounds, home of Kilmacrud Crokes, to represent Wicklow in the LGFA U15s All Ireland club 7-a-side tournament.
Best of luck to the 12 players and their coaches, AGB abú

02/08/2024

⚽🧩🤝UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF THE FERNHILL GREEN🤝🧩⚽

Something that Arklow is lacking in and has little investment in over the years is maximising the outdoor spaces .
I am committed to ensuring that this changes .

Take a look at the video I have put together , a vision of what could be with investment and community spirit.

Playing pitches for use by the whole community

- increasing physical activity
- improving mental and physical health
- promoting social interaction
- creating community spirit
- assisting lowering crime rates

With the assistance of local resident Peter Clare we have created a committee that is willing to assist with the upkeep of the pitch areas .

Nobody should underestimate the power of the outdoors.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FtAeztT5xckA1Vn98

26/07/2024

Another busy weekend for Arklow with Arklow sailing Clubs regatta. Sailing activities will comprise of three key events. Saturday the ISORA ( Irish sea offshore racing association ) will race 50 miles from Dun Laoghaire to Arklow, with competitors expected to be arriving into Arklow around 17.00 .
Later on there will be a mini regatta .
On Sunday the Arklow Bank offshore race will be another beautiful sight to behold as yachts depart approx 10.00 .
Arklows is such a proud seafaring town .

On Sunday the Vaultfest youth festival🌞🌞
At the skate park ,coral leisure 12 -4pm .
Local performances and stalls
BBQ burgers and sausages
****FREE EVENT****
Christine Dunne Firmo
East Coast Samaritans - Arklow Branch
All kinds of amazing
Arklow RNLI
Arklow Silver Band
Arklow Ukulele Players
The Colour Club ArklowTimes.ie
Sunbeam House Services
Na Cailíní
Arklow Community First Responders
Promote Arklow Page. If its happening in Arklow its on here
The House Group
Arklow Music and Arts (AMA)
The Spud Guns
Sean Fox

Showcasing such a wide range of talent

23/07/2024

More great News for the continued support for the blue way in Arklow with the announcement of changing facilities at the cove.
I believe the next vital step is getting much needed toilet facilities like the one's in the image's below from Cahore beach. Discussions around this have begun and I will do everything to ensure that this is successful.

The Wicklow Coast Blueway is a Wicklow County Council initiative that will recognise, develop and promote the many rowing, swimming, sailing and kayaking opportunities along the Wicklow Coast.

New maritime recreation facilities along the Blueway have already been funded. These developments are at different stages of completion and include:
- Greystones: accessible boardwalk
- Wicklow Harbour: toilets and outdoor showers
- Brittas Bay: upgraded toilet facilities, accessible toilet and outdoor showers
- Arklow South Beach: new boardwalk replacing the current boardwalk
- Arklow, The Cove: changing facilities to be installed

You can find a timetable of the summer maritime recreation activities and contact details for the various activity providers and clubs here: https://visitwicklow.ie/blueway/

For more information about the Wicklow Coast Blueway please visit: https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/News-Events/the-wicklow-coast-blueway-initiative-is-coming

20/07/2024

A busy weekend planned around the leisure (dry) Centre.

Today many extremely talented artists will take part in "Arklow Graff Jam " with this year's theme being PEACE . Always powerful and inspiring insight from this collective that show us love is the key to everything ♥️

Followed tomorrow by Arklow community Excellence (ACE) family fun day from 2-5 , so much going on showcasing some of what our community has to offer, we build strong inclusive communities by working together for the common goal of the good of all , a great day to be had.

This area is a vital vibrant part of our community, a place that welcomes visitors from far and near.
We need to continue to develop this area and ensure it reaches its full potential delivering a top class facility and amenities that will ensure current and future generations will benefit.
An application for funding has been submitted to do a serious upgrade on the centre bringing it to world class standards, if successful this will be the first phase of a larger project to develop the remaining green area to the rear of the building and ultimately a state of the art all weather running track and athletics field .
Together we can achieve great things and I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure we achieve what is the best for our community

18/07/2024

On the 6th June 2024, SSE Renewables submitted an application to An Bord Pleanála to build an offshore wind park of up to 56 turbines, located approximately 6km off the coast of Co. Wicklow and Co. Wexford on the Arklow sandbank.
Public consultation run's for 8 weeks and finishes on the 7th of August.

I am really interested to hear people's opinions on this?

The blue box below shows what is currently there , the pink outlines the 56 proposed new turbines.

SSE are currently seeking letter's of support.

Have all the concerns been listened to, is there alternatives.
Comment below and let me know your thoughts ...

There are a few things I'm waiting for clarification on but I think with the limited time remaining discussions need to be had

https://secpa.ie/?sfnsn=wa

16/07/2024

# # # # # # UPDATE # # # # # #

Works have begun on the boardwalk at south beach Arklow.
Weather permitting these work's should be completed by the weekend.
This is such a valuable amenity that is used by so many.
This is part of the green flag, coast scheme and is a fine example of different groups pulling together to achieve something great.The volunteers that help maintain the area, Arklow tidy town's and the local council .
Looking forward to seeing this area reaching it's full potential. There's plenty of discussions and I believe we will achieve an outstanding area that locals and visitors will look forward to using.
Every positive action will complement the next and our community's will proudly strive.

09/07/2024

Seabreeze Weekend, Fri 12th - Sun 14th

Notice from Wicklow County Council on road closures in Arklow and a timetable of events for the weekend. Let's hope the weather improves!
Remember "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing"

*****Wicklow County Council hereby gives notice of the temporary closure of the following public road. This is to facilitate the Arklow Seabreeze Festival 2024.

Road to be closed: R772 – Main Street, Arklow. From the Bank of Ireland to the Junction at Bridge Street.

Period of closure:
Saturday 13th July 2024 from 06:00pm to 12:00 midnight
Sunday 14th July 2024 from 01:00pm to 12:00 midnight

Alternative Routes • Lower Main Street to Navvy Hill to The Wexford Road.
• Wexford Road to the Navvy Hill to South Green to Bridge Street.
• St. Mary’s Road to the Navvy Hill to Wexford Road or Lower Main Street.

*Access will be maintained for Emergency Vehicles*

Traffic management will be in place along the diversion routes. Marshals will also be in place at main points on Main Street and Bridge street.*****

08/07/2024

Just a reminder Shelton Abbey Open Prison are holding an open day tomorrow Tuesday 9th July, 12.00 - 4.00 pm.

A great opportunity to learn the history of Shelton Abbey before it became an Open Prison, explore the grounds and all donations going to Talk To Tom (Futuers In Mind).

Talk to Tom is a community-based charity focused on su***de prevention, mental health awareness, and bereavement support.
Unfortunately this is something that has touched most of us.

The recent publication of the Mental Health Commission’s annual report for 2023 showed the lack of funding and priority from Government is affecting services across the state, but particularly in Wicklow

There are no Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services , or Intellectual Disability beds available in the whole of Wicklow.

There are a total of 46 beds available in County Wicklow, which are exclusively for adult Mental Health patients.

This is not good enough.
The services Talk to Tom provide are invaluable.
Support if you can .

(0818)303061

[email protected]

28/06/2024

Today was the first sitting of the Arklow district council since the elections.
I did have a little giggle to myself but am looking forward to bringing a different personality and perspective to the chamber's.
Even though today was the first day in the chamber, I have had many engagements with different individuals ,clubs and organisations . Many valuable discussions have been had with the public and staff.
The staff within the office's have been courteous and very informative and I believe great things are going to happen.
South Wicklow has been neglected but by building our communities the possibilities are endless.
Future generations deserve to be proud of the things we achieve now.

21/06/2024

FYI

19/06/2024

When you have people that do from the heart amazing things happen

🏊Sensory swim Coral Leisure Centre Arklow this Sunday at 4 . Inclusion in our town 🌞🌻🌈Famlies welcome, carer goes free .See you there 🏊

18/06/2024

The elements can be harsh , resulting in damage to the boardwalk at south beach , Arklow.
I'm assured that the work on this will commence in the coming weeks .
This will include a slight extension to ensure wheelchair accessibility so everyone can enjoy this fantastic area of natural beauty. It will consist of a new more sustainable design that will blend in nicely and last for many years .
I will keep you updated.

13/06/2024

It will be a few more days before I get my first introduction to how the council chambers work, I'm intrigued and excited.
Really appreciate all the support, post's, messages, calls, really feels like the beginning of a great community .
There's a clear mandate and people want results, this is new to me but I'm so lucky to have John Brady TD and Cllr Dermot 'Daisy' O'Brien by my side , the experience and wisdom that these 2 gent's have are invaluable.

11/06/2024

Feeling very grateful . I am delighted and humbled to have been elected as a representative for the people of the Arklow municipal district .
There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes and I can't thank enough the people who helped me throughout the campaign , family , friends , colleagues . You all know who you are and I am so appreciative of the time and effort everyone invested for me.
To those who voted for me this is a good day for all of us and thank you all. I am here to represent the people and democracy allows us to vote for whoever we want , I look forward to engaging with everyone to help our communities and to have a positive impact on people's lives.
A special thanks to Shiela Busher ,a community activist that I have the utmost respect and admiration for , looking forward to working with her and complete her vision .
To Dee Ryan who is simply the best, no word's can express my gratitude and love ❤️.

09/06/2024

Congratulations to Cllr Pier Leonard and Cllr Pat Kennedy who were reelected last night.

It is still all to play for and will now come down to transfers.

Nail biting stuff!

A special thanks to those who went above and beyond to support me yesterday and throughout this journey.
You know who you are and without you all I could never have attempted to give this a bash.

07/06/2024

All done, proud day.
Best of luck to all the other candidates, much respect to them all.

Thanks to everyone

07/06/2024

Myself and Elect Shiela Busher took a walk down the street of Arklow yesterday to talk to some of the business owners, most highlighting the same issues

- Inconvenient parking , removal of space's
- Rates
- Clarification of where the rates they pay go
- State of public toilets
- Dog litter
- Lighting

All the businesses gave huge credit to the work that the put in.

The last canvass of the campaign finished up in Aughrim. A beautiful village and the same issues arising that we have seen in other areas .
Great response once again.

Get out and Vote and let's unlock the potential these areas have

07/06/2024

Well that's the first part of this campaign over with.
Today is the second part, the vital part to ensure that we achieve what we set out to do but it's up to you to do it, vote for me and Elect Shiela Busher today and see what real community people can achieve.

I've been so humbled by the outpouring of support, there's been high's and lows with laughter and tears. I see the change people want, I feel the hurt people feel, I hear their stories that have fallen on deaf ears .
We need communities to thrive .
We need communities to prosper.
We need communities to be supported .
We need the people making the decisions to be accountable for their failings .
We need change

Thank you all for your words of support and encouragement over the last few months.

Get out and use your Vote but please encourage family, friends, colleagues, neighbours to do the same.

Things don't change if you don't vote.

06/06/2024

O'Toole Warren 1

06/06/2024

Important information

WHEN- Friday, 7th June

NO POLLING CARD?- You can still vote by bringing a valid ID to your polling station

BALLOT PAPER- Remember to use numbers , marking a 1 beside your first choice.(1, 2, 3, 4, )

For those you are not voting for leave the box empty.

SPOILT- If you use X or ✓ yout vote will NOT be counted. Do not make any other mark on the ballot paper.

CASTING YOUR VOTE- Confirm your name and address. You may be asked for identification so have your ID ready for inspection.

STAMP- Make sure your ballot papers are stamped by staff. If they are not stamped they will not be valid.

BALLOT BOX-Fold your ballot paper, return and place it into the ballot box at the same station.

05/06/2024

Still trying to get out to speak with as many people as possible .
I've been blown away by the support and encouragement .
There is genuine anger and frustration , people deserve better than to be ignored by sitting counsellors .

Face to face communication is essential and so appreciated.

A lot of conversations need to be had in person.
Tones need to be heard, facial expressions need to be seen. People need to be given the respect to let them have their say, regardless of the point of view.
The Arklow LEA is big , there are many communities that want someone who understands and cares .

I've repeated this everywhere, there needs to be accountability.

Big shout out to my niece and pal for coming in from Gorey to lend a hand and also to the two O'Leary men for offering to help with leaflet drops. It blows me away when people offer their time to support me. I'd say some day I will be returning the favour for Bobby! Cheers lads.

05/06/2024

04/06/2024

Just what was a needed ....a weekend with the crew, spending time out in nature.

We are so fortunate to be surrounded by amazing beaches , woods and other beautiful area's.

And here we go into the final run up....to election week!
Some great coverage in the Wicklow people this week from Elect Shiela Busher and myself regarding a much needed purpose built community centre and road safety measures. I will have another piece in the paper this week and on east coast FM this morning at 11 .
These things are completely new to me but like everything I will run at them head first never shying away from any challenge