‘I realise that I am more resilient than I thought’ – Melanie Corrigan on life as a county council cathaoirleach
The Wicklow People“I think it’s much easier the second time around, especially when it comes to navigating the different channels within the council, I’ve become a lot more productive, and less of my time is being wasted.”
That’s according to councillor Melanie Corrigan, who was elected Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council earlier this summer and has found a new rhythm to her role as she navigates the new pressures it brings, like having to be the centre of attention.
“Since my election in June, when Cllr Paul O’Brien, who has been a great personal support, passed the baton onto me, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to different places around the county that I’ve never been to before.
“There is a certain respect that is needed for people in the county, you have to be dressed for the part.
“I’m also getting more used to getting my picture taken and being more prominent in those pictures. I’m quite tall and used to gravitate towards the back of a group when photographers were around.”
Melanie’s elevation to chair is somewhat significant, considering the county leas cathaoirleach role is also held by a woman, and four of the five municipal districts in Wicklow will be chaired by women over the next year.
This follows a raft of resignations by female councillors since 2022, when all their seats were filled by men.
“This doesn’t play too much on my mind to be honest. There are strong female voices in the council, and we do make a conscious effort to support each other.
“I’d like to think I’m a positive role model for others in the council chamber. Caroline Winstanley, who is my district colleague in Bray is now sitting with me at the table and I want to provide her with as much guidance and support as possible in the time ahead.”
A native of Enniskerry with a background in farming, Melanie’s father Harry Williams is president and a co-founder of the Kilmacanogue Horse Show, which celebrated it’s 53rd year in 2025.
Melanie’s life before becoming a Fine Gael councillor included running a business in Bray with her husband, while actively working with many volunteer groups, schools and sports clubs in the area.
Having her fingers on the pulse of the challenges and opportunities for both individuals and businesses in the area ultimately helped her get elected on the first count of the local elections in 2019, a great result for a rookie on her first electoral campaign. Melanie was re-elected in 2024 after serving five years for the electorate in Bray West.
“Not being a first-time councillor anymore, I’ve realised that your role as a public representative means you can only help change the world at a very slow pace. Once you accept that, you can find a rhythm and focus on the issues that matter most to people. Local level is where you see the changes happen, but often it will take years before you see major headline projects get over the line.
“I don’t think the public fully realise how public issues are handled, there are a lot of bureaucratic hoops you need to jump through. I’ve learned to prioritise what’s important and keep pushing for movement on issues that need to be addressed urgently.”
Becoming a councillor has allowed Melanie the opportunity to have a greater impact in her local area.
“This is something I feel privileged to have been able to do. I love this community, I have lived here all my life and chose to bring my family up here, I believe in the people, the beauty of the natural area, and in everything it has to offer.
“The role does come with its own challenges. The dynamics of using social media can be very frustrating and responding to followers online who only want to give out and complain can be hard, but I generally find people are quite receptive to us as a group of public representatives and the work we do.”
When asked about what the most pressing issue is for her a year into this council term, Melanie said a new area plan for Bray is of the utmost importance.
“The local area plan for the town is critical, it’s important that we get that document adopted soon as the national guidelines are changing all the time. Our last area plan is already a year and a half out of date and a similar plan for Greystones is also on the way.
“A traffic study is Bray is also important as the level of traffic has increased substantially in recent years.”
Following a public consultation process at the end of last year, Wicklow County Council is currently reviewing the existing area plan for Bray (2018-2024) and preparing an updated version for the Bray Municipal District, (affecting Bray town and its environs, Enniskerry and Kilmacanogue).
Topics addressed in the plan include everything from housing to urban design, tourism and retail, heritage and biodiversity, infrastructure and transport.
Following the local authority’s AGM in June, Melanie now has the distinct privilege of leading the council over the next year, which includes chairing council meetings.
“There are a lot of personalities at full council level, everyone is pushing for their own issues for their respective districts. You must be impartial, everyone else needs to have the chance to speak.
“There are a lot of issues that probably would be dealt with quicker if only one member spoke about that issue. As chair, I’m conscious of the time and I want to make sure the council meetings run as efficiently as possible.”
Having come through two election cycles already, Melanie says there are some key lessons she’s learned about life in local politics.
“If life in local politics has taught me anything, it’s to assume nothing and expect the unexpected. No one could have foreseen a global pandemic or a war in Ukraine that have presented challenges at global, national and local level.
“I’ve also learnt that you need to listen to people and try and understand where they are coming from. Being a councillor is not a nine to five job, and I realise that I am more resilient than I thought I was, and that sometimes the most important work of all are the things that go unnoticed.”
Becoming an elected member of Wicklow County Council has also helped Melanie raise local issues at a national level.
“What happens at local level often makes its own natural way to being raised at national level in the Dáil, although you never really know what issues will strike a chord with people, the public are my boss and it’s important to make sure they feel seen and heard.”
Melanie was surprised when she first was elected in 2019, but she acknowledges the growth opportunities it has allowed her.
“Now that I’m in my second term I’ve noticed the role of councillor is becoming more of a career path for some, despite the increase in demand on your time. I know I do it because I love it.
“Would I recommend it to somebody who may be considering it at some point in the future? Yes, but be conscious of the amount of time it takes up.”