Exhibition highlighting the achievements of modern local Government over the past 125 years now on display in Wicklow County Buildings
Monday 13th May, 2024
An exhibition marking the 125 years since the original formation of Wicklow County Council is now on display in the foyer of County Buildings in Wicklow Town, and will be available to view for the remainder of May.
The first local elections, held in April 1899, changed the landscape of local government in Ireland dramatically. These elections followed the enactment of the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898. The extension of the franchise beyond the landed gentry allowed many more to vote, bringing democracy to Irish local government and huge success to national candidates. It is of particular significance that women were given the franchise, albeit a limited one, for the first time in Ireland in the 1899 elections.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in collaboration with Local Government Archivists and Records Managers, have produced this national exhibition exploring the history and development of local democracy in Ireland.
Including items from the Wicklow County Archives, the exhibition looks at earlier forms of local government such as the Grand Jury, the introduction of proportional representation and the role of women. It also explores the evolution of many local authority services such as Roads, Social Housing, Town Planning and Libraries.
The expanded role of local authorities over decades includes Archives, Arts, Heritage and Biodiversity. County Councils have partnered with local communities in developing Creative Ireland initiatives, including Cruinniú na nÓg and the Decade of Centenaries. The development of Enterprise, Film, Sports Partnerships and Tourism is also supported by county councils.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Aoife Flynn Kennedy commenting on the exhibition said “It is important to mark this anniversary of the foundation of local government, looking back on how local authorities have evolved from those early years, to the amazing range of services offered today”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman said “I am delighted to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Wicklow County Council and proud to see the development of our council over the years and looking forward to serving the people of Wicklow into the future”.
The public are welcome to view the exhibition in County Buildings, Station Road, Wicklow Town during the office opening hours of 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.