MailerLite Councillor Caroline Winstanley Fri, 27 Feb 26 23:38:02 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/women-for-election-event I spoke to students from Loreto Bray about my journey into politics and my experience of being a female councillor. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/women-for-election-event Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:41 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/occupied-territories-bill Wicklow Councillors call on the government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/occupied-territories-bill Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:09 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/chinese-new-year-celebration Thank you to the Ireland China Education College for inviting me to their Chinese new year celebrations. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/chinese-new-year-celebration Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:55 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/the-costly-charade-of-votes-without-impact My personal reflection on the full Wicklow County Council Meeting: 10/02/2024. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/the-costly-charade-of-votes-without-impact Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:42 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/light-outages-across-wicklow An update on the ongoing saga on light outages across the county. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/light-outages-across-wicklow Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:58 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/cinematic-threads-from-film-to-craft Today,I attended the launch of this fantastic event, which celebrated some of the best Wicklow craft practitioners. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/cinematic-threads-from-film-to-craft Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:08 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/one-of-my-most-asked-questions An update on the Bray victorian shelters. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/one-of-my-most-asked-questions Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:58 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/uisce-eireann-updates Uisce Eireann met with Wicklow Councillors to provide updates on issues within the County. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/uisce-eireann-updates Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:57 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/discretionary-fund-allocations-2025 Find out how Bray Councillors have allocated discretionary funding. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/discretionary-fund-allocations-2025 Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:54 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/st-patricks-day-parade-bray Judging my first St Patrick's Day Parade https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/st-patricks-day-parade-bray Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:00 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/changes-ahead-the-future-of-autism-assessments-in-ireland In Dáil Éireann on Thursday, the Tánaiste, Simon Harris alluded to changes in the delivery of autism assessments. Read more her to find out what is on the horizon. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/changes-ahead-the-future-of-autism-assessments-in-ireland Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:56 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/m11n11-bus-corridor-update-fate-of-the-herbert-road-junction At the Bray MD council meeting on the 01/04/25 we received a presentation on the preferred option for the proposed bus priority scheme. Here is a summary of the proposal. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/m11n11-bus-corridor-update-fate-of-the-herbert-road-junction Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:20 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/dfi-self-advocacy-toolkit Wanting to set up an self advocacy group in your organisation? This tool has everything you need to get started. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/dfi-self-advocacy-toolkit Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:18 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/east-coast-fm-interview I was invited to speak on the Declan Meehan show about the closure of the Herbert Road junction. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/east-coast-fm-interview Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:02 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/brays-first-rough-sleepers-count Bray has carried out its first official rough sleepers count to identify and support those experiencing homelessness, with plans to repeat the initiative twice a year. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/brays-first-rough-sleepers-count Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:21 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/comhairle-na-nog-national-showcase-2025 A national celebration of youth voice and activism, the Comhairle na nÓg Showcase brings together 400 young people from across Ireland to highlight the impactful work they’ve done to influence decision-makers on the issues that matter most to them. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/comhairle-na-nog-national-showcase-2025 Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:50 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/the-hidden-problem-of-derelict-properties-in-wicklow-and-how-you-can-help We're asking for your help - We’ve launched a short questionnaire to gather local knowledge about derelict properties in Wicklow. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/the-hidden-problem-of-derelict-properties-in-wicklow-and-how-you-can-help Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:23 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/tidying-up-bray-seafront Bray seafront has been getting some much-needed attention, with the council carrying out clean-ups, repairs, and general maintenance. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/tidying-up-bray-seafront Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:07 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/dereliction-survey-in-the-press I was interviewed by Tom Galvin at Bray People about dereliction in the county. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/dereliction-survey-in-the-press Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:21 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/wurzburg-and-bray-young-people-take-over-the-council-chambers Students from Würzburg and St Kilian’s wrapped up their exchange in Bray with lively debates on key issues for young people across Europe. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/wurzburg-and-bray-young-people-take-over-the-council-chambers Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:07 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/day-at-the-dail A productive day at the Dáil, addressing critical issues in education reform, domestic abuse prevention, and strengthening party collaboration. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/day-at-the-dail Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:04 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/ending-the-postcode-lottery-wicklow-to-introduce-fairer-rent-scheme Wicklow County Council is finally set to unify its rent schemes—bringing fairness to Bray residents and ending the postcode lottery in social housing assessments. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/ending-the-postcode-lottery-wicklow-to-introduce-fairer-rent-scheme Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:11 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/10-years-of-marriage-equality-why-showing-up-still-matters A decade on from Ireland’s marriage equality vote, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/10-years-of-marriage-equality-why-showing-up-still-matters Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:01 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/keep-the-rent-caps I attended a rally calling to the Government not to scrap rent caps and tenant protections and make housing more affordable. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/keep-the-rent-caps Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:47 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/oqqxjz-the-sanctuary A Visit to the Sanctuary: Starting Something New for Young People with ADHD https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/oqqxjz-the-sanctuary Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:10 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/international-level-crossing-safety-awareness-day-2025 As part of my ongoing commitment to public safety and awareness, I am highlighting the importance of responsible behaviour at level crossings in recognition of International Level Crossing Safety Awareness Day. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/international-level-crossing-safety-awareness-day-2025 Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:03 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/standing-up-for-human-rights-at-local-level-why-im-submitting-a-suspension-of-st Here's why I'm raising concerns about the Bray Air Show's sponsorship. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/standing-up-for-human-rights-at-local-level-why-im-submitting-a-suspension-of-st Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:50 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/sbrpyh-bray-airshow-update Lockheed Martin will no longer sponsor Bray Airshow https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/sbrpyh-bray-airshow-update Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:51 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/improving-accessibility-in-wicklow-new-bye-law-will-tackle-footpath-obstructions I'm delighted to announce that Wicklow Council have committed to improving footpath safety and accessibility! https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/improving-accessibility-in-wicklow-new-bye-law-will-tackle-footpath-obstructions Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:47 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/leas-cathaoirleach-of-wicklow-county-council For the first time ever, Wicklow County Council has an all-female leadership team. Here’s how it happened. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/leas-cathaoirleach-of-wicklow-county-council Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:22 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/update-on-the-neurorehabilitation-centre-in-bray-co-wicklow Find out here when it will open and what has delayed the service. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/update-on-the-neurorehabilitation-centre-in-bray-co-wicklow Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:15 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/herbert-road-updates An update on the M11/N11 J4 to J14 Improvement Scheme as it moves into the design phase. What’s next, what’s being considered, and how it could affect traffic across Bray. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/herbert-road-updates Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:05 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/tinahely-show From friendly animals and local competitions to standout quilts, community tents, and a Labrador who stole the show. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/tinahely-show Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:46 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/stand-in-peaceful-solidarity-for-palestine-join-us-in-greystones Show your support for Palestine! https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/stand-in-peaceful-solidarity-for-palestine-join-us-in-greystones Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:16 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/meeting-catherine-connolly-in-wicklow-town I met with Catherine Connolly in Wicklow Town — a conversation that reinforced why I’m supporting her in the upcoming presidential election. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/meeting-catherine-connolly-in-wicklow-town Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:06 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/standing-with-the-indian-community-in-dublin I joined a protest in Dublin to stand with the Indian community and call for respect and safety for all migrants in Ireland. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/standing-with-the-indian-community-in-dublin Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:59 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/her-outdoors-week-rowing-with-bray-rowing-club https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/her-outdoors-week-rowing-with-bray-rowing-club Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:02 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/canvassing-in-kilmacanogue Canvassing in Kilmacanogue gave me the chance to hear directly from residents about what matters most to their community. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/canvassing-in-kilmacanogue Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:43 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/deputy-ambassador-of-palestine-attends-greystones-solidarity-gathering https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/deputy-ambassador-of-palestine-attends-greystones-solidarity-gathering Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:52 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/update-on-herbert-road-and-n11m11-bus-priority-interim-scheme-bpis Wicklow County Council has provided an important update regarding the future of Herbert Road and the ongoing N11/M11 Bus Priority Interim Scheme (BPIS). https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/update-on-herbert-road-and-n11m11-bus-priority-interim-scheme-bpis Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:48 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/update-on-bray-wanderers-changing-place-project Progress continues to be made on the long-awaited Changing Place facility at Bray Wanderers. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/update-on-bray-wanderers-changing-place-project Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:45 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/school-secretaries-and-caretakers-begin-indefinite-strike-for-fair-pensions School secretaries and caretakers are the backbone of our education system, the people who keep schools running, support teachers, and make sure our children can learn. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/school-secretaries-and-caretakers-begin-indefinite-strike-for-fair-pensions Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:54 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/heather-kinsellas-joy-at-signal-arts-centre Heather Kinsella’s debut exhibition Joy at Signal Arts Centre lives up to its name, filling the gallery with vibrant colour https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/heather-kinsellas-joy-at-signal-arts-centre Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:42 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/sportability-day-2025 A celebration of inclusive sport with activities for all ages and abilities https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/sportability-day-2025 Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:44 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/wicklow-council-presidential-hustings Here are my honest reflections on the hustings, the politics behind the votes, and why I’ve chosen to stand with Catherine Connolly. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/wicklow-council-presidential-hustings Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:19 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/bray-to-greystones-cliff-walk-update I recently attended an information session on the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, where RPS presented their final assessment report. Here’s what I learned. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/bray-to-greystones-cliff-walk-update Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:49 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/an-integrated-traffictransport-plan-for-bray Recent media coverage has questioned whether Bray councillors are doing enough to tackle traffic issues, but much of the real work is happening behind the scenes, to deliver a truly integrated transport solution for our town. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/an-integrated-traffictransport-plan-for-bray Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:14 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/national-womens-enterprise-day-2025-tinakilly-house-hotel Great insights and connections at National Women’s Enterprise Day 2025 in Tinakilly House Hotel. Achance to hear from local business owners and share experiences with others on the same path. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/national-womens-enterprise-day-2025-tinakilly-house-hotel Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:12 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/launch-of-the-wicklow-children-and-young-peoples-plan-2025-2027 The launch of the Wicklow Children and Young People’s Plan 2025–2027 brought together people and organisations working to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Wicklow. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/launch-of-the-wicklow-children-and-young-peoples-plan-2025-2027 Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:13 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/a-movement-of-hope-reflections-on-catherine-connollys-campaign-and-presidency A campaign that stayed true to its values and proved that decency still wins. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/a-movement-of-hope-reflections-on-catherine-connollys-campaign-and-presidency Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:30:53 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/when-delay-means-decline-the-cost-of-waiting-for-dbs-surgery Parkinson’s patients waiting for life-changing surgery despite a clear solution already within reach. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/when-delay-means-decline-the-cost-of-waiting-for-dbs-surgery Sun, 30 Nov 25 14:31:17 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/cliff-walk-update-committee-membership-process-and-progress At recent Wicklow County Council and Bray Municipal District meetings, changes were agreed to expand the Cliff Walk Management Committee. I was elected to the committee in December, fully aware of the challenges and scrutiny involved. In January, when an additional community representative was proposed, I suggested considering expertise from Sport Ireland’s Trails Section to address a clear gap in recreation and technical knowledge. This proposal was not a criticism of any community group, but an effort to ensure the right expertise was at the table. Following a democratic vote, my proposal was agreed, despite significant criticism and a misleading account circulating publicly. The committee has now met for the first time and received a detailed engineering report outlining the significant challenges involved in reopening the Cliff Walk, particularly due to the protected status of Bray Head and the resulting planning and environmental requirements. All members share the same goal: reopening the Cliff Walk safely as soon as possible, and further updates are expected at the next meeting in the coming weeks. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/cliff-walk-update-committee-membership-process-and-progress Fri, 13 Feb 26 07:59:27 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/standing-with-disabled-people-at-leinster-house-why-an-emergency-winter-payment- I attended Leinster House to stand with people with lived experience of disability and organisations including the Disability Federation of Ireland, Early Onset Parkinson’s, Access for All and the Irish Wheelchair Association, who are calling for an Emergency Winter Disability Payment. Disabled people face significantly higher living costs and are being disproportionately impacted by rising energy and household expenses, yet Budget 2026 failed to deliver a permanent cost-of-disability payment. A once-off €400 emergency winter payment would provide urgent relief to over 300,000 people while the Government continues to delay long-promised supports, and would be an important step towards dignity, equality and fairness for disabled people. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/standing-with-disabled-people-at-leinster-house-why-an-emergency-winter-payment- Mon, 19 Jan 26 16:57:12 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/her-sports-awards-2025 I attended the 2025 Her Sport Awards presented by Lidl at The Helix, where over 800 people from across women’s sport in Ireland came together to mark the year that was. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/her-sports-awards-2025 Tue, 27 Jan 26 15:03:43 +0000 https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/homelessness-in-bray-growing-challenges-and-the-need-for-local-support Homelessness in Bray is on the rise, with more people sleeping rough, living in cars, or relying on temporary accommodation. While the county’s homelessness team is based in Wicklow, accessing support can be difficult for vulnerable residents. The post highlights the challenges, recent discussions about having a local homeless officer in Bray, and the need for more accessible, local solutions. https://carolinewinstanley.ie/updates/homelessness-in-bray-growing-challenges-and-the-need-for-local-support Tue, 27 Jan 26 15:28:31 +0000