St Patrick’s Day parade in Arklow under threat as committee step down
The Wicklow PeopleThe elected members and officials from Arklow Municipal District will have to stand in and help organise this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in the town, after the committee behind the annual parade all stood down, with only eight weeks to go until the big day.
The elected members were informed of the news at their January monthly meeting, after district administrator Alvina Brehony informed members of correspondence received from committee chair Dean Dickenson.
In a letter addressed to the elected members, Mr Dickenson outlined that he and the rest of the committee could not continue in their roles due to an increasing lack of interest in organising the event, and the high cost of insurance.
The letter states that all six committee members have decided to step down with immediate effect after ten years, with the decision being made “with a heavy heart”.
“We reached this decision after concluding that we can’t see ways to continuing operating.” the letter reads.
The rising cost of insurance also cited as one of their main concerns. The price of running the event in 2025 is estimated to have cost in the region of €6,500.
In response Cllr Miriam Murphy said she was taken aback by the development.
“I don’t know what to say. Volunteering at local level is very difficult. It was run very well; I probably see their point. I want to pay tribute to the committee, they ran the event very efficiently.”
Cllr Pat Fitzgerald said he wasn’t surprised that the committee has decided to step down, referencing the drop in attendance at the event in recent years.
Cllr Peir Leonard believes it affords a new opportunity for the town to step up to the plate.
“Coming together as a community is so important, we need to maximise resources within the council to get a plan in place. A good co-ordinator is needed, who could take the stress out of organising it. It’s not rocket science; we need to utilise groups in the area to make sure it happens.”
Both Cllr Pat Kennedy and Sylvester Bourke expressed their sadness at the prospect that a parade may not take place this year, believing “it’s a rite of passage for many people in the town”.
District Manager Leonora Earls, referencing a similar situation that occurred in Wicklow Town last year, believes a public appeal could help the situation.
“Municipal district staff are not able to run the event, but we are happy to facilitate conversations among the community.
“The committee’s concerns about the high cost of insurance in the town is down to companies backing out of providing that kind of insurance.”
“Time is ticking as notice of road closures need to be signed off on the first week of February. The MD staff will ask the committee to put an appeal out on social media”, she said.
A proposal was also made to approach the Arklow Town Team to see what role they might play going forward.