Revealed: Which Wicklow councillor has business given job by council and how many are landlords
The Wicklow PeopleA councillor whose company carried out work for Wicklow County Council, another whose spouse supplied goods to the local authority, and several members with substantial land and property interests are among the disclosures contained in the council’s newly published ethics register.
The annual declarations offer a rare glimpse into the private business, property and community interests of those making decisions on behalf of the county, while also showing that a significant number of councillors reported no declarable interests whatsoever.
The returns are made under Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001, the law that requires councillors to set out any private interest that might overlap with their public role.
Cllr Mark Barry is the only member who reported that his company carried out work for the council during the period. His form states that SIS Pitches undertook track and pitch refurbishment works in Greystones for Wicklow County Council.
Cllr Barry also declared a family home in Wicklow and a farm with associated buildings in Tipperary, along with a directorship in the Mermaid Arts Centre.
Whilst not her own business interest, Cllr Melanie Corrigan disclosed that her spouse supplied school fruit to Wicklow County Council during the period, placing her among the small number of councillors with a household connection to a council contract.
Land ownership is one of the most politically sensitive issues in Wicklow, and several councillors declared significant holdings. Long-serving councillor Sylvester Bourke, who is a farmer by trade, reported multiple agricultural properties, including land at Killiniskyduff, Seabank and Coolboy, all used for farming.
He also declared a rental property at The Pines in Arklow. In addition, Cllr Bourke noted that his wife owned more than three acres in Ballycoog, and that he is a joint owner of a house in Meadow Vale.
While farming is a common occupation among rural councillors, the combination of multiple farms, rental property and spousal ownership of land for sale places him among the most land invested members of the council.
Other councillors also reported property interests though, with Cllr Lourda Scott declaring a half share in a family home, a rental property and her parents’ home. Aoife Flynn Kennedy, before she stood down from the local authority, declared a family home in Bray.
Cllr Peir Leonard declared a family home in Arklow. Cllr Corrigan also reported an interest in her home in Enniskerry, which includes two attached apartments used as holiday lets.
Several councillors hold directorships in organisations that interact with the council.
Cllr Leonard declared a voluntary directorship in Arklow Arts Centre. Cllr Barry declared his role with the Mermaid Arts Centre. Cllr Ned Whelan declared a directorship with East Coast Credit Union in Bray. Cllr Gail Dunne also declared his links as a director to the Enterprise Park at the Murrough in Wicklow town.
Some councillors hold extensive voluntary roles that, while unpaid, give them influence across community groups and local initiatives.
Cllr Jason Mulhall had the most extensive portfolio here. He listed roles with Blessington Tidy Towns, the West Wicklow Environmental Network, Blessington Community College, Burgage Manor Residents Association, Tramway Theatre, Blessington Town Team and Blessington Day Care.
Cllr Leonard also reported multiple voluntary roles, including involvement in Arklow Town Team, St Patrick’s Day events, an arts collective and the East Coast Drugs and Alcohol Task Force.
Cllr Joe Behan’s return highlights the kind of community-based interests that often appear in the register but rarely draw attention. He lists membership of the boards of management at Ballycoog National School and St Fergal’s National School, roles that carry responsibility for governance, staffing and oversight of school operations.
A notable feature of the 2025 register is the number of councillors who declared no interests at all.
Councillors Avril Cronin, Louise Fenelon Gaskin, Gerry O’Neill, Paul O’Brien, John Ward, John Snell and Patsy Glennon were among those who submitted their forms with no land, no business roles, no shareholdings, no contracts and no gifts.
Other councillors declared professional or business roles that do not relate to land.
Cllr Peter Stapleton reported ownership of Ballinacor Consulting, including full shareholding and a directorship. Cllr Ian Neary declared employment as an embroidery machine operator.
Cllr Mulhall declared work as an IT consultant. Cllr Stephen Stokes declared part-time work as an actor. Cllr Duddy declared his profession as a barrister.
These disclosures show the range of professional backgrounds on the council, from small business owners to legal professionals.
Across all declarations, councillors reported no gifts or services above the statutory threshold. This uniform absence is not unusual, as councillors typically receive few high value gifts, and the threshold is designed to capture only significant benefits.