Speakers’ Corner: Cllr Mark Barry

Mark Barry APR24

ith the local elections set for Friday, June 7th, we have once again sent out our Speakers’ Corner questionnaire to the local wide-eyed hopefuls.

Starting with the 11 candidates running in the Greystones Electoral Area, we’ll then open the floor to the other 4,845 upstanding Wicklow citizens currently stepping into the ring for 2024.

Up for grabs, 32 councillor seats across this great county of ours, with all the hopes and dreams – plus prestige, pressure, resentment, ridicule and mediocre pay – that such an exalted position entails.

Suffice to say, there are plenty of candidates to choose from, from the strong, silent types who simply, quietly get on with their work in the community to the loud, social media-shagging self-promoters who seem to leave little time for any actual graft. We’ve been reporting on this town daily for 12 years now, and the one thing we’ve become very, very wary of is the black arts of stolen valour. Feckers sticking their flag in other people’s hard work by racing to share the good news first on Facebook, Instagram and beyond, slyly hoovering up all the likes, thanks and praise in the process. It’s akin to waiting at the finish line and throwing your arm around the winner for a quick selfie, owning their victory online before they’ve even had time to catch their breath.

With fellow Social Democrat, Jennifer Whitmore NOV16

So, whatever your party loyalties and your political leanings, it’s worth taking a moment to look beyond the glitter. These people will be your eyes and ears – and big mouth – down in Wicklow County Council, after all.

In the meantime, on with Speakers Corner 2024, and Social Democrat councillor Mark Barry. First, a quick bio…

With Garda Maria Curtis FEB18

With 19 years of residency in Charlesland along with his wife and two sons, Councillor Barry has been an active and committed member of the community.

He has demonstrated his dedication to community safety by launching the Charlesland Neighbourhood Watch, and contributing to a secure and vigilant local environment.

Taking to the pitch with son, Josh… APR24

Additionally, he has fostered social bonds through the creation of a local walking group, promoting a healthy and connected community.

Currently serving as the Vice Chairman of Eire Og Greystones, Cllr Barry is deeply involved in sports leadership. His commitment extends to coaching and managing both the camogie and senior hurling teams, showcasing his passion for local sports development.

And now for those insightful, revealing and strangely moving Guide questions…

What inspired you to become involved in local politics?
I was motivated to become involved in local politics because I recognized that decisions impacting our lives are constantly being made by others. Whether it’s determining the facilities available in our community, such as spaces for new businesses to thrive or areas for different age groups to gather, or how our taxes are allocated, these decisions have a significant impact. Personally, witnessing the lack of proper planning, zoning, and overall investment in our town of Greystones, particularly in relation to the growing population, inspired me to take action. I realized that if ordinary individuals like myself and you didn’t
actively engage in politics, these detrimental decisions would persist.

Of your work so far are there any particular achievements that you particularly proud of?
I have had the privilege of working alongside Jennifer Whitmore since 2017 on various projects, and there are several achievements that I am particularly proud of.

Additionally, I am proud work we all done in advocating for the establishment of the Greystones Community National School, ensuring quality education for our children, and proudly sit on its board for the last 7 years.

With David O’Reilly and Sharon Felton… MAR24

I have also had the opportunity to work with dedicated individuals in Charlesland, where we have built a strong neighbourhood watch program. More recently, we have started a winter social walking group and have been actively involved in setting up South Greystones communities.

Furthermore, I have been deeply involved in the growth and development of the Camogie club in Eire Og over the past 10 years. I have been on the Clubs executive for 13 years and i am proud to have witnessed its membership increase from 250 to 2,000, with a noteworthy 52% female representation. This growth is mirrored in other clubs across the district, and I am grateful to be surrounded by exceptional individuals who contribute to their success.

Being nominated by GUAFC, GRFC, and Eire Og as a chair on the Greystones town’s teams over youth, sport, and wellness sub-group is a source of great pride for me. I am excited to continue working on behalf of the community and contributing to its progress in the future.

Looking forward, what are the main goals that you would like to achieve over the coming years?
In the foreseeable future, my primary objectives revolve around addressing the significant challenge of limited space for existing and new clubs in the district. I am committed to fostering improvement by exploring opportunities to repurpose open green spaces into functional areas for local children to play, establishing dedicated spaces for youth clubs, and creating venues for local artists to showcase their work, fostering a sense of community appreciation.

Furthermore, recognising the pressing issues of climate change and biodiversity, I aim to facilitate collective efforts in transforming our habits. To achieve this, I advocate for sustained investments in expanding cycle paths and introducing electric bikes (E-bikes) to Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, and Newcastle. This strategic initiative not only aims to link our district but also contributes to a reduction in our carbon footprint. Continuous investment in active travel infrastructure is essential for realising these environmentally conscious goals.

To turn a fine Mayor Quimby quote into a question, ask not what you can do for your county, but what you can do for your county…?
I find great fulfilment in leveraging the vast talent and expertise within our communities.

My role involves bridging the gap between the Council and various community groups, utilising my knowledge and skills to facilitate the successful realisation of much-needed projects.

Summer Stars at the library… SEPT23

As a dedicated team player, I actively engage with diverse facets of our community, spanning sports, special needs, elder care, arts, and youth initiatives. My focus lies not in personal victories but in championing the countless volunteers who selflessly step up every day to enhance our community on multiple fronts. I am convinced that by continuing to contribute in this manner, I can consistently add value and play a vital role in achieving positive outcomes for Greystones, Kilcoole, Delgany, and Newcastle.

If being a politician doesn’t work out, have you got a Career B in mind? Dancer? Magician? Traffic warden…?
For starters, I’ve showcased my dancing prowess for the benefit of Greystones Community National School, where our rhythmic endeavours translated into a substantial sum for enhancing outdoor facilities.

So, yes, you could say a backup career on the dance floor is a definite contender.

Cllr Mark Barry with his wife, Ingrid Darmody, and sons, Dean and Josh DEC22

But that’s not all – catch me on Saturday mornings or during the St. Patrick’s Day parade, orchestrating the flow of traffic at Eire Og. It’s not exactly pulling rabbits out of hats, but ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles is a skill I’ve mastered over the years.

So, whether it’s twirling on the dance floor or conducting traffic like a seasoned pro, I’ve got a couple of alternate acts waiting in the wings if the political spotlight ever dims.

Finally, Trump or Biden?
That’s like having to choose between a rock and a hard place.

You can find out more about Mark Barry here, follow on Instagram here or Facebook here, and get in touch directly on email here. You can also check out the other Speakers’ Corner entries here. More Speakers’ Corner here.