What we do
It all began with an informal group of local business owners…
Things were simpler in the earlier years! Today the challenges have grown to include guarding against overdevelopment, dealing with the effects of the climate crisis including the coastal erosion that has seen much of those yellow sands disappear. Today Courtown competes with Ryanair flying off to sunnier climes rather than another village further down the coast! Todays visitor is looking for quality experiences, great food, culture and a chance to relax in nature. A far cry from those that were fondly called “the bucket and spade brigade” back in the 1970s or the “bathers” in the 1950s and 60s!
The community needs more resources and support with facilities for our teenagers, elderly, and those suffering hardship caused by the cost of living crisis. The role and demands on the Community Council have changed considerably over the decades
In 2020, abiding by new legislation, the Charities Regulator required all charities to adapt the Charities Regulators Governance Code in order to maintain their charitable status. What this essentially means, all fundraising, grant applications, volunteer jobs etc are all fully compliant and law-abiding! Allowing us to draw down funding from a variety of sources both national and European.
All charities are now required to meet the comprehensive, new Governance Laws set out by the Charities Regulator. Behind the scenes, our team have worked diligently to ensure CCC's compliance with the Charty Regulator's Governance Code.
In the public realm we've also been working on local environmental projects, community development, community health and safety, and we've been communicating with local stakeholders to provide opportunities for the people, environment, culture and economy in Courtown to thrive throughout the coming years.
We have won numerous awards recognising our commitment to restoring the biodiversity in the natural areas surrounding the village. We have hosted Tourism Ireland as they research developing international tourism in Wexford with the new ferry routes in Rosslare Europort to France and Spain.
We will continue to work as a voice for the community and a resource for those that need us!
Over the past five years, Courtown Community Council has served as the designated community group for a range of key local projects in Courtown and Riverchapel. These initiatives span environmental, infrastructural, and community development areas, and include:
Key Projects:
Courtown Pier Enhancement Works – Funded by the Town & Village Renewal Scheme
Community Coin-Operated Telescope – In partnership with SSE Arklow
Courtown–Kiltennel Walking Trail – Under the Wexford Walking Trail initiative
Riverchapel to Courtown Linked Walkway – Town & Village Renewal Scheme
Completion of the Gorey–Courtown Footpath – Supported by the Active Travel Programme
Smart Village Community Strategy – Facilitated by Wexford Local Development (WLD)
→ Led to the establishment of the Courtown Regeneration Partnership working group
Courtown–Riverchapel Circular Economy Plan – Funded by the Community Foundation of Ireland
Development of the Courtown.org Website
Awards & Recognition:
Keep Wexford Beautiful Awards – Winner of ‘Best Community Coastal Management Initiative’ for three consecutive years
Gorey Awards 2024 – Shortlisted for Charity of the Year
Collaborating Stakeholders:
Wexford County Council
Wexford Walking Trails
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Coillte
An Taisce
Pobal
Coastwatch.org
Clean Coasts
Gallivanting.ie
Kate Kos (local artist)
North Wexford Historical Society
Bat Conservation Ireland
Seal Rescue Ireland
SSE Renewables
Courtown Heritage Group
Town Centre First Programme
Meals on Wheels Gorey Courtown
Garda Síochána
Irish Coast Guard
Tus Scheme
Brita Ireland and
LAWPRO
Courtown Harbour has been a holiday destination since the railway first arrived in the nearby market town of Gorey. Generations of Dubliners have made the annual trip “down to the Sunny South East” Courtown became synonymous with sunshine, 99’s, yellow sands and the glittering sea!
Over the years the Courtown Community Council was formed by local business owners who wanted to ensure that these families would keep returning every summer, and also to make sure Courtown continued to be a wonderful place to live year round.
