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An Cathaoirleach

Office of An Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council

An Cathaoirleach is the First Citizen of the County, taking precedence over all others, except the President, when attending events or functions within County Wicklow.

An Cathaoirleach is elected at the Annual Meeting every June and serves for a one year term. The responsibilities of An Cathaoirleach include the following:

  • Chairing of Council Meetings
  • Representing the Council at local, national and international events
  • Bestowing Civic Honours on groups and citizens within the County
  • Bestowing the Freedom of the County

An Leas-Cathaoirleach is also elected at the Annual Meeting every June. They deputise for An Cathaoirleach in the event that they are unable to attend a meeting or event.

Current Office Holder

Councillor Paul O’Brien was elected Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council at the Council’s Annual Meeting held on June 21st, 2024.

A member of the Labour Party, Councillor O'Brien has been serving as the representative for the people of Wicklow and Wicklow Municipal District since his initial election to Wicklow County Council in 2019. 

Councillor O'Brien, who holds a degree in history, politics & social justice from UCD, has pursued a varied career and currently serves as a full-time public representative. 

Previously, he worked as a primary school substitute teacher. 

Passionate about community involvement, Councillor O'Brien has been actively engaged with local organisations such as the Sea Scouts, Wicklow Swimming Club, and the Irish Soccer Referees Society, where he officiates in the Wicklow League & LSL. 

He has previously held esteemed positions, including a six-year tenure as the national president of the Irish Soccer Referees Society and a twenty-year term as the Chairperson of the Wicklow branch. 

Additionally, he has provided support to the Wicklow Swimming Club and held the role of club captain in the past.

The current Leas-Cathaoirleach is Councillor Melanie Corrigan, a member of the Fine Gael, party and Councillor for the Bray Municipal District.

Photo of Councillor Paul O'Brien

Invitations to events

Representation by the Cathaoirleach at events outside of Wicklow County Council (Civic Receptions/ Official Openings / Unveilings by Wicklow County Council or at Municipal Districts/ Outside Events)

Email: Cathaoirleachevents@wicklowcoco.ie  

  • The Cathaoirleach, or his/her deputy, is the representative of Wicklow County Council at all Civic Receptions.
  • The Cathaoirleach, or his/her deputy, is the representative of Wicklow County Council at all official openings of nationally funded projects and events taking place in the County.
  • The Cathaoirleach, or his/her deputy, is the representative of Wicklow County Council at National Launches.
  • The Cathaoirleach of the respective Municipal District, or his/her deputy, may represent the Municipal District to acknowledge achievements in sporting, cultural, academic, scientific, political achievements in their Municipal District area when presenting a Scroll of Civic Achievement or a Scroll of Recognition following prior consultation and agreement with the Cathaoirleach of the Council.
  • The Cathaoirleach of the respective Municipal District, or his/her deputy, may represent the Municipal District at official openings of locally funded projects and events taking place in their Municipal District area, following prior consultation and agreement with the Cathaoirleach of the Council.
  • In the event that the Cathaoirleach or his/her Leas-Cathaoirleach is unavailable to officiate at an official event the Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District in which the event is to take place, or his/her deputy, may represent Wicklow County Council at such an event.
  • The Chain of Office will be worn at Civic Receptions / conferral of civic honours/Special events/ other official receptions/events in which the Cathaoirleach  is invited to attend or by the Leas Cathaoirleach in his/her absence.   The Cathaoirleach of the relevant Municipal District when present shall also wear the chain of office.