Wicklow councillors push for EU funding as twinning association warns of missed opportunities
The Wicklow PeopleArklow’s long‑established international partnerships may be on the cusp of a new chapter after a robust discussion between district councillors at their June monthly meeting, where they voiced strong support for the Arklow Twinning Association and called for a coordinated effort to secure significant European Union funding.
The association, founded in the early 1980s and now entering its fifth decade, has 11 active committee members and continues to facilitate school exchanges, cultural visits, and international group trips.
Representatives told councillors that, while the organisation remains vibrant, rising costs and limited resources mean that council support is “vital” to sustaining its work.
Paul Meagher, speaking on behalf of the association, outlined its history and ongoing activities, including plans for local choirs to attend an international festival next April.
He emphasised that twinning has long served as a bridge between communities, offering young people and adults alike the chance to experience other cultures and build lasting relationships.
But Mr Meagher also said that Arklow communities are missing out on major opportunities under a range of schemes, including the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme, a €1.55 billion fund, the largest ever created by the EU to support democracy, civic participation, equality, and community-level engagement.
The CERV programme, which runs from 2021 to 2027, is designed to strengthen democratic participation, promote equality, and support grassroots connections across Europe. Crucially for towns like Arklow, one of its four strands — Citizens’ Engagement and Participation — directly funds town twinning, civic exchanges, cultural events, and cross‑border partnerships.
Typical grants for twinning projects range from €15,000 to €50,000, while larger transnational initiatives can receive hundreds of thousands of euro.
Mr Meagher warned that this funding has not been accessed for Arklow, largely due to the administrative complexity of EU applications and the lack of dedicated local capacity to prepare them.
Mayor of Chateaudun, Fabien Verdier, Claire Lawless, Cllr Pat Kennedy, Deputy Mayor of Aberystywth, Kerry Ferguson, Leonora Earls and then cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Tommy Annesley at a reception hosted by the Arklow Municipal District Twinning Associations in 2022.
“This is funding designed for communities like ours,” he said. “But without the resources to apply, we are missing out on opportunities that could transform what we can offer.”
He urged the district to “seek serious funding” for programmes that could be developed within the town, arguing that the scale of the CERV fund means Arklow could significantly expand its international engagement if it had the right support structures in place.
Several councillors agreed, noting that while the potential benefits are substantial, the process of applying for EU funding is often daunting.
Cllr Warren O’Toole observed that many counties “don’t have the resources to apply for this funding”, pointing to the technical expertise required to navigate EU systems. Without dedicated support, he said, smaller towns risk being left behind.
District manager Leonora Earls acknowledged that there are “a lot of hoops to get through” when dealing with EU programmes but said the council could investigate the matter further. She noted that with the right partnerships and planning, the town could be position to compete more effectively for European funds.
Despite the challenges, councillors were unanimous in their praise for the Twinning Association.
Cllr Sylvester Bourke described the association as “a very important part of our cultural identity, well worthy of continued support”. He said the group’s work over the past 40 years has strengthened Arklow’s international reputation and provided invaluable experiences for local residents.
Cllr Pat Kennedy agreed, calling twinning “hugely important for the district and county”. He proposed that the chair of the district should sit on the association’s committee to ensure stronger communication and alignment between the council and the group.
A plaque unveiled by the Mayor of Chateaudun, Mayor Fabien Verdier and then Cathaoirleach of Arklow, Cllr Pat Kennedy in 2023. The plaque is located close to a mural painted by students from the Anatole France Secondary School, as part of a school project.
His suggestion was met with broad approval, with several councillors noting that improved communication could help prevent opportunities from “getting lost” and ensure that the association’s needs are clearly understood at district level.
One of the most concrete proposals came from Cllr Peir Leonard, who highlighted the expertise available within the Wicklow County Partnership.
She suggested establishing a working group to explore how Arklow could move forward with EU funding applications and develop a more strategic approach to international engagement.
“A working group could be set up to review how to move the proposal forward,” she said. “Establish communication lines with the district to ensure that nothing gets lost.”
The idea of a working group gained traction among councillors, many of whom argued that a more structured, collaborative approach is essential if they are to access larger funding streams and expand the town’s international activities.
The discussion underscored a shared recognition that Arklow’s twinning relationships main a valuable asset in the town.
Councillors expressed admiration for the volunteers who have kept the programme alive and stressed the importance of supporting them with the relevant resources and administrative backing needed to grow.
With the EU’s CERV programme offering unprecedented funding for civic participation and international cooperation, councillors signalled a clear appetite to ensure that the people of Arklow do not miss out on future opportunities.