Bringing Hope Closer to Home: Tiglin Presents to Wicklow County Council

It was a privilege to welcome representatives from Tiglin to a recent meeting of Wicklow County Council, and their presentation left a real impression on the chamber.

For those who may not be familiar with the organisation, Tiglin is a registered Irish charity with deep roots right here in County Wicklow, based in Ashford. For years they have been doing quiet, vital work, providing residential rehabilitation programmes, supported housing, frontline services, and youth outreach to people affected by addiction, homelessness, and social exclusion. They believe in every person's potential, and they back that belief with action.

What struck councillors during the presentation was not just the ambition of Tiglin's mission, but the scale of what they have already achieved. In 2024 alone, the organisation supported over 220 residents in supported housing and 134 people through rehabilitation centres. Their Lighthouse café in Dublin city centre served over 100,000 hot meals, acting not just as a place to eat, but as a gateway to connect vulnerable people with the wider support they need.

Tiglin also runs a 9-month residential rehabilitation programme, significantly longer than the industry norm of around three months, because they know real recovery takes time. It is that kind of evidence-based, person-centred thinking that has earned them the respect they clearly hold across the sector.

Several councillors were quick to praise Tiglin's track record, and the discussion that followed was genuinely energised.

The prospect of Tiglin expanding its presence into Bray was, for me, the most exciting part of the conversation. I was glad to raise it directly.

My own daughter travels to Greystones to attend Tiglin's youth café, and it has been a wonderful resource for her and for the young people who use it. I told the council that I would love to see that replicated here in Bray, and I went further by raising the possibility of a building that could be explored for that purpose.

Mr Ganly, representing Tiglin, responded warmly. He made clear that the organisation is "really open to discussions" and spoke passionately about why youth work sits at the very heart of what Tiglin does. Investing in young people, he said, is essential to preventing addiction and homelessness before they take hold, and he is absolutely right.

Bray is a town with enormous community spirit, but like every town in Ireland, it faces real challenges around youth services, addiction, and support for those on the margins. Having an organisation of Tiglin's calibre, and warmth, active in our community could make a tangible difference to the lives of local families.

I look forward to continuing these conversations with Tiglin and with my fellow councillors. If you have views on what services you would like to see in Bray, or if you know of suitable premises that could be part of this discussion, I would love to hear from you.

Watch this space.