ABOUT WICKLOW TOWN & DISTRICT CHAMBER

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Working for you

We are the recognised voice of business and are a strong lobby group within County Wicklow. We aim to build a strong business environment in Wicklow Town & District.

As your local Chamber, we support our members in many ways to help their business succeed and grow. Many of our members are small and medium-sized business owners, and together can unite as a powerful voice that can lobby and represent our members interests.

We offer our members ways to grow and develop their business, see our membership benefits here.

We have been involved in the creation and running of many popular events including the creation of the Wicklowtown.ie website, our yearly Dinner Dance & Business Awards, and the always exciting Taste of Wicklow!

Since we arrived in Wicklow in the Summer of 2020, Wicklow Town & District Chamber has been an invaluable resource to us here at King’s Gala. The level of support provided by Wicklow & District Chamber has been second to none.

Marie Corrigan, Hr Manager, King Group

2023 Chamber Council

Stephen Delaney

President

The current president of the
Wicklow Chamber

Founder of the Shoe Box since 2018, they will be celebrating their 5th year in business this year. A native of Brittas Bay, Stephen attended De la Salle College Wicklow Town. He also serves on the boards of Holy Rosary NS, Colaiste Chill Mhantain and Wicklow & District Credit Union.

Stephen has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2017 having served on numerous Chamber committees and initiatives.

Since joining the chamber, he has seen how the organization and business as a whole have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic over the last number of years which proved to be unpredictable, challenging and often frustrating for all businesses not just in Ireland but indeed globally – and most certainly – locally. “None of us expected what would enfold nor were we prepared for the changes that we have had to make to both our business and personal lives. I would like to say well done to the chamber and all of you here for steering your business through this challenge”.

 

Billy O’Reilly

Wicklow Hire & Sales

Ronan Short

IT Support 4 U

Anna Thornton

DNG Thornton Properties (Vice President)

Stephen Delaney

The Shoe Box (Chamber President)

John Smith

Smiths of Wicklow (Treasurer)

Wendy Doyle

Wendy Doyle Solicitors

Samantha King

King Hair & Beauty

Matt Forkin

Forkin Estates (Past President)

Ed Horgan

ELH Electric Events

History of the Chamber

Wicklow Town & District Chamber of Commerce was formed on May 12th, 1948 by the Wicklow Development Association, chaired by State Solicitor A.B. Cullen. On May 28th, the first meeting was held. Its stated aims were to “act and agitate in Wicklow’s economic and social interests.”
The first AGM of Wicklow Chamber of Commerce in July 1948 elected Yorkshire man and Managing Director of the Dublin & Wicklow Manure Company, Albert Pearson as President.

About Wicklow Town

Wicklow Town

Wicklow Town is the administrative centre of County Wicklow, situated on the east coast of the County at the mouth of the Vartry river. Wicklow is located 30 miles (50kms) south of Dublin, in the southern Hinterland of the Greater Dublin Area and one mile off the National Primary Route N11, on the east coast railway line.

The Local Economy

Wicklow is a County Town and hosts the headquarters of Wicklow County Council in addition to the offices of Wicklow Urban District Council. Industrial activity (light, medium and heavy) is accommodated in an industrial zone discretely located to the north of the town and adjacent to the Harbour, which accommodates a mix of port-related and tourism-related activity.

This solid manufacturing and commercial base are complemented by a busy professional services sector (legal, accountancy, insurance, banking), and tourism/recreation sector (tourism attractions, guesthouses, sports clubs).

The Town Centre itself is a truly unique offering of local retailers that provide boutique shopping with independent local retailers, as well as delicious culinary experiences in modern cafés, bars and restaurants.

Amenities / Quality of Life

Wicklow Town, although less than one hour from the amenities of Dublin City centre, is surrounded by some of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Country.

Within the town itself, there are many natural and historical attractions such as the Murrough, Wicklow Port, Wicklow Gaol and The Black Castle. Just a short drive away and you can visit the beautiful Mount Usher Gardens, The National Garden Exhibition Centre, Powerscourt Estate, Avondale House and Forest Park, Glendalough, and the Parnell National Memorial Park in Rathdrum.

The mountains, lakes and coastal areas all around offer a vast range of leisure options for residents including swimming, diving, climbing, walking, riding, and fishing. The town has many gyms, a swimming pool, and sports clubs of all kinds including soccer, GAA, rugby, tennis, sailing and golf. Food and drinks are well-serviced in the town with many high-quality restaurants, coffee shops, cafés and bars within the locality.

Many exciting events are held throughout the year including the Taste of Wicklow and the Wicklow Regatta.

Thinking About Joining?


PAST PRESIDENTS

PRESIDENTS

2020

2021-2022

Matt Forkin

2019

2018 – 2019

Robin Bradley

2017

2017

Dianna Sheridan

2016

2016

Pascal Burke

2015

2015

Josh McKenna

2014

2014

John Sinnott

2013

2012 – 2013

Roy Conway

2011

2010 – 2011

Denis Fielding

2009

2009

Martina Robinson

2008

2007 – 2008

Pascal Burke

2006

2006

John Hodgin

2005

2004 – 2005

Dirk van der Flier

2003

2003

David Lavelle

2002

2002

Edward Lalor

2001

2000 – 2001

Facthna J. Whittle

1999

1998 – 1999

John Slattery

1997

1996 – 1997

Anne Lait

1995

1994 – 1995

Patrick Doyle

1993

1992 – 1993

Gus Cullen

1991

1991

Leo Murphy

1990

1990

Eamonn Sheridan

1989

1988 – 1989

Fintan Tallon

1987

1987

Edward Lalor

1986

1985 – 1986

Denis Hipwell

1984

1983 – 1984

Brendan T. Newsome

1982

1980 – 1982

Basil S.C. Phelan

1979

1978 – 1979

Denis Teevan

1977

1976 – 1977

Patrick X. Clarke

1975

1973 – 1975

Laurence Cullen

1972

1971 – 1972

Basil S.C. Phelan

1970

1967-1970

John Kane

1966

1966

John A. Toner

1965

1965

Norman J. MacEachern

1964

1962-1964

Eugene P. Farrell

1961

1956-1961

Norman J. MacEachern

1955

1948-1955

Albert Pearson

1948

1948

New History to Wicklow Town. First Presidents: Albert Pearson

PRESIDENTS

2020

2021-2022

Matt Forkin

2019

2018 – 2019

Robin Bradley

2017

2017

Dianna Sheridan

2016

2016

Pascal Burke

2015

2015

Josh McKenna

2014

2014

John Sinnott

2013

2012 – 2013

Roy Conway

2011

2010 – 2011

Denis Fielding

2009

2009

Martina Robinson

2008

2007 – 2008

Pascal Burke

2006

2006

John Hodgin

2005

2004 – 2005

Dirk van der Flier

2003

2003

David Lavelle

2002

2002

Edward Lalor

2001

2000 – 2001

Facthna J. Whittle

1999

1998 – 1999

John Slattery

1997

1996 – 1997

Anne Lait

1995

1994 – 1995

Patrick Doyle

1993

1992 – 1993

Gus Cullen

1991

1991

Leo Murphy

1990

1990

Eamonn Sheridan

1989

1988 – 1989

Fintan Tallon

1987

1987

Edward Lalor

1986

1985 – 1986

Denis Hipwell

1984

1983 – 1984

Brendan T. Newsome

1982

1980 – 1982

Basil S.C. Phelan

1979

1978 – 1979

Denis Teevan

1977

1976 – 1977

Patrick X. Clarke

1975

1973 – 1975

Laurence Cullen

1972

1971 – 1972

Basil S.C. Phelan

1970

1967-1970

John Kane

1966

1966

John A. Toner

1965

1965

Norman J. MacEachern

1964

1962-1964

Eugene P. Farrell

1961

1956-1961

Norman J. MacEachern

1955

1948-1955

Albert Pearson

1948

1948

New History to Wicklow Town. First Presidents: Albert Pearson

PRESIDENTS

2020

2021-2022

Matt Forkin

2019

2018 – 2019

Robin Bradley

2017

2017

Dianna Sheridan

2016

2016

Pascal Burke

2015

2015

Josh McKenna

2014

2014

John Sinnott

2013

2012 – 2013

Roy Conway

2011

2010 – 2011

Denis Fielding

2009

2009

Martina Robinson

2008

2007 – 2008

Pascal Burke

2006

2006

John Hodgin

2005

2004 – 2005

Dirk van der Flier

2003

2003

David Lavelle

2002

2002

Edward Lalor

2001

2000 – 2001

Facthna J. Whittle

1999

1998 – 1999

John Slattery

1997

1996 – 1997

Anne Lait

1995

1994 – 1995

Patrick Doyle

1993

1992 – 1993

Gus Cullen

1991

1991

Leo Murphy

1990

1990

Eamonn Sheridan

1989

1988 – 1989

Fintan Tallon

1987

1987

Edward Lalor

1986

1985 – 1986

Denis Hipwell

1984

1983 – 1984

Brendan T. Newsome

1982

1980 – 1982

Basil S.C. Phelan

1979

1978 – 1979

Denis Teevan

1977

1976 – 1977

Patrick X. Clarke

1975

1973 – 1975

Laurence Cullen

1972

1971 – 1972

Basil S.C. Phelan

1970

1967-1970

John Kane

1966

1966

John A. Toner

1965

1965

Norman J. MacEachern

1964

1962-1964

Eugene P. Farrell

1961

1956-1961

Norman J. MacEachern

1955

1948-1955

Albert Pearson

1948

1948

New History to Wicklow Town. First Presidents: Albert Pearson

PRESIDENTS

2020

2021-2022

Matt Forkin

2019

2018 – 2019

Robin Bradley

2017

2017

Dianna Sheridan

2016

2016

Pascal Burke

2015

2015

Josh McKenna

2014

2014

John Sinnott

2013

2012 – 2013

Roy Conway

2011

2010 – 2011

Denis Fielding

2009

2009

Martina Robinson

2008

2007 – 2008

Pascal Burke

2006

2006

John Hodgin

2005

2004 – 2005

Dirk van der Flier

2003

2003

David Lavelle

2002

2002

Edward Lalor

2001

2000 – 2001

Facthna J. Whittle

1999

1998 – 1999

John Slattery

1997

1996 – 1997

Anne Lait

1995

1994 – 1995

Patrick Doyle

1993

1992 – 1993

Gus Cullen

1991

1991

Leo Murphy

1990

1990

Eamonn Sheridan

1989

1988 – 1989

Fintan Tallon

1987

1987

Edward Lalor

1986

1985 – 1986

Denis Hipwell

1984

1983 – 1984

Brendan T. Newsome

1982

1980 – 1982

Basil S.C. Phelan

1979

1978 – 1979

Denis Teevan

1977

1976 – 1977

Patrick X. Clarke

1975

1973 – 1975

Laurence Cullen

1972

1971 – 1972

Basil S.C. Phelan

1970

1967-1970

John Kane

1966

1966

John A. Toner

1965

1965

Norman J. MacEachern

1964

1962-1964

Eugene P. Farrell

1961

1956-1961

Norman J. MacEachern

1955

1948-1955

Albert Pearson

1948

1948

New History to Wicklow Town. First Presidents: Albert Pearson

PRESIDENTS

2020

2021-2022

Matt Forkin

2019

2018 – 2019

Robin Bradley

2017

2017

Dianna Sheridan

2016

2016

Pascal Burke

2015

2015

Josh McKenna

2014

2014

John Sinnott

2013

2012 – 2013

Roy Conway

2011

2010 – 2011

Denis Fielding

2009

2009

Martina Robinson

2008

2007 – 2008

Pascal Burke

2006

2006

John Hodgin

2005

2004 – 2005

Dirk van der Flier

2003

2003

David Lavelle

2002

2002

Edward Lalor

2001

2000 – 2001

Facthna J. Whittle

1999

1998 – 1999

John Slattery

1997

1996 – 1997

Anne Lait

1995

1994 – 1995

Patrick Doyle

1993

1992 – 1993

Gus Cullen

1991

1991

Leo Murphy

1990

1990

Eamonn Sheridan

1989

1988 – 1989

Fintan Tallon

1987

1987

Edward Lalor

1986

1985 – 1986

Denis Hipwell

1984

1983 – 1984

Brendan T. Newsome

1982

1980 – 1982

Basil S.C. Phelan

1979

1978 – 1979

Denis Teevan

1977

1976 – 1977

Patrick X. Clarke

1975

1973 – 1975

Laurence Cullen

1972

1971 – 1972

Basil S.C. Phelan

1970

1967-1970

John Kane

1966

1966

John A. Toner

1965

1965

Norman J. MacEachern

1964

1962-1964

Eugene P. Farrell

1961

1956-1961

Norman J. MacEachern

1955

1948-1955

Albert Pearson

1948

1948

New History to Wicklow Town. First Presidents: Albert Pearson