Second St Patrick’s Day parade in Wicklow in jeopardy over high insurance costs

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

The future of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Carnew is uncertain following the resignation of the organising committee, citing workload, rising insurance costs and inflation.

In a statement shared with Baltinglass district councillors at their January monthly meeting, the committee confirmed it has made the “difficult decision” to step down, citing increasing workload, rising insurance costs, ongoing inflation and the lack of new volunteers willing to join the committee.

The committee said that while the decision was taken “with a very heavy heart”, the small number of organisers remaining meant it was no longer possible to continue in its current form.

The organisers expressed their gratitude to the municipal district officials for its help and continued support over the years, as well as past and present committee members who contributed to the parade’s success.

Local businesses were also praised, alongside clubs, sponsors and volunteers who supported the event, and grand marshals who led the parade each year.

In response councillors paid tribute to the work done by the committee over the years and their efforts to highlight the importance of community involvement. In 2025 the Little Acorns Playschool celebrated its 25th anniversary by taking on the role of Grand Marshals at parade, where they led crowds of primary schools’ students, GAA club members, vintage cars, pipers and machinery through the village.

At this stage, it is unlikely that a new committee can be formed in time to ensure the 2026 parade goes ahead. A decision has already been made to cancel the event entirely, however district officials indicated they would be willing to support the formation of a new committee and consult with newly established town team to see what role they could play in the future.

The cost of insurance at the 2025 parade is estimated to have cost somewhere in the region of €5,000 and €10,000.

A figure of €6,500 was cited at the January monthly meeting of district councillors in Arklow, when they were informed that the entire organising committee were also stepping down after 10 years with immediate effect due to, amongst other factors, the high cost of insuring the event.

The future of the parade in Arklow remains unclear, however district manager Leonora Earls said there is still hope, referencing a similar situation that occurred in Wicklow town last year, believing a public appeal could help the situation.