By Dan Walsh at Council Chamber, Wexford
Many people in attendance at the election of Mayor of Wexford held in the Council Chamber, Wexford, on Tuesday evening, were impressed by the positive and ambitious future view of Wexford pledged by the Mayor Vicky Barron in her opening speech.
WexfordLocal.com publishes the full speech in the hope that people with influence will read it and throw in their support and investment behind Mayor Barron’s ambitions for a better Wexford for all.
“Is é le bród agus buíochas mhór, go humhal ‘s go híseal, a sheasaim os bhur gcomhair inniu chun glacadh le hoifig Mhéara Loch Garman ónár gCathaoirleach agus iarmhéara, Garry Laffan. Go raibh maith agat a Garry as do chineáltas, do fhoighne agus do chothroime agus tú ag comhlíonadh do dhualgas le bliain anuas.
“Is é seo ceann de na honóirí is mó i mo shaol, gur dtoghfadh mo chomhchomhairleoirí mé, agus gabhaim buíochas ó chroí libh as an muinín atá agaibh asam.
“It is with immense pride, gratitude, and humility that I stand before you today to accept the office of Mayor of Wexford from our outgoing Cathaoirleach and Mayor, Garry Laffan. Thank you Garry for your kindess, your patience and fairness in how you carried out your duties over the last year.
“To be elected by my fellow councillors to serve as Mayor is one of the greatest honours of my life. I thank you sincerely for the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
“I pledge to serve this county and its people with dedication, integrity, and compassion. I pledge to honour the role, and all it entails. The privilege of wearing these robes, the wearing of the mayoral chains which hold the names of those who have gone before us, the civic duties which honour both our town and its people, will all be undertaken with humbleness and gratitude. “Thank you most sincerely to my wonderful Labour Party colleague, Catherine Walshe for her friendship and for the wonderful role model she is, having already served as Mayor of our District of Wexford.
“Today is also a significant moment for another reason. As one of the few women to hold this office, I am acutely aware of the women who came before me — women who challenged barriers, demanded equality, and created opportunities for future generations. “This moment belongs not only to me but to
every woman who has ever been told that leadership was not for her. It’s for every woman watching in who has been told not to run for office. For those who think politics isn’t for them. Politics is for you. It must be shaped by you.
“My journey into public life has always been shaped by a belief in fairness and opportunity. As an educator, I have spent my career witnessing the transformative power of education. I have seen how strong communities, good schools, supportive families, and public services can change lives. I have also seen the challenges faced by many families and communities and the inequalities that still exist.
These experiences have shaped my politics and my values. I believe in a society where every child has the chance to thrive, where older people are respected and supported, where workers are treated fairly, where women are equal, where consent is always sought and never assumed, where diversity is welcomed, and where nobody is left behind. As Mayor, I will strive to be a voice for those values.
“I want to be a Mayor who listens. A Mayor who is visible in all communities across our district. A Mayor who celebrates what makes Wexford special while never being afraid to speak up for those whose voices are too often unheard.
“Wexford is a district with enormous strengths. We are rich in culture, heritage, creativity, and community spirit. We are home to people who volunteer their time, support their neighbours, build local businesses, coach young people, care for loved ones, and quietly make our communities stronger every day. They are the real heart of Wexford.
“The challenges before us are significant. We need more affordable housing. We need stronger public services. We need vibrant town centres, sustainable development, quality jobs, and action on climate change. We need to ensure that economic progress benefits everyone, not just a few. But I am optimistic.
“I believe that when people work together, when communities are empowered, and when leadership is guided by fairness and inclusion, there is very little that cannot be achieved. As Mayor, I want to focus on building a vibrant, thriving and ambitious Wexford.
“I want Wexford to be recognised as a district where enterprise is encouraged, where innovation is supported, and where businesses of all sizes can flourish. From our indigenous enterprises and family businesses to new start-ups and international investors, economic growth must remain at the heart of our vision for the future.
“A vibrant county needs vibrant town centres. Dereliction and vacancy have a real impact on community confidence and economic activity. We cannot accept empty buildings and neglected streetscapes as inevitable. We must be ambitious in tackling dereliction, supporting regeneration, and bringing life back into our towns and villages. Every vacant building represents an opportunity—for housing, for business, for community use, and for renewal.
“One of my key priorities during my term as Mayor will be the establishment of a Mayor’s Forum for Wexford. This forum will bring together representatives from business, education, tourism, community organisations, the arts, agriculture, local government, and young people. Too often, people work in silos despite sharing the same goals.
“The Mayor’s Forum will create a space where stakeholders can come together, identify challenges, share ideas, and develop practical solutions for the future of Wexford.
“As I begin my term as Mayor, I do so with optimism and enthusiasm. I believe in Wexford. I believe in the talent of our people. Wexford people are creative. I believe in the strength of our communities. And I believe that by working together, we can create a county that is more prosperous, more vibrant, and more inclusive for everyone.
“Let this be a year of ambition. A year of partnership. A year of renewal. And a year in which we continue building a Wexford that future generations will be proud to call home.
Thank you for this extraordinary honour. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.”
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