Councillor highlights mental health challenges in Wicklow – ‘Too many of us are not even willing to talk about it’

His campaign was formally launched by Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary, at The Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely, the event attended by Ireland South MEP Candidate Cynthia Ní Mhurchu, Senator Pat Casey, Senator Malcolm Byrne and several of Cllr Mullen’s Wicklow colleagues.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Calleary remarked: “Nearly five years ago, I promised that if John Mullen was elected, he would work day and night for everyone in this district.

“I have known him for nearly 30 years, since college, and I want to acknowledge his thoughtfulness, passion, commitment and hard work.

"That is what we need in local government, and I’m proud of the work he has done for you over the last term.”

Delivering an impassioned address, Cllr Mullen began by paying tribute to the late Pat Doran, who gave him “such great support and advice”, and Pat’s son and good friend James “The Bear” Doran, who passed recently.

After praising friend and colleague Councillor Vincent Blake, who will retire imminently after decades of service, Cllr Mullen highlighted several initiatives and projects he has been proud to be involved in over this current term.

“One of the proudest and most worthwhile organisations that I have worked with, and I had the pleasure of helping them launch their 40th Anniversary Celebrations, is Carnew Community Care,” Cllr Mullen continued.

“During the lockdowns, our small but dedicated team of volunteers and the staff of Carnew Community Care delivered over 10,000 meals to vulnerable people in our district.

“We also grew the service to deliver groceries, medicines and, most importantly, we were sometimes the only other human being to have a face-to-face chat, to ask how they were coping, to smile, and say how strange this new world was, but to communicate our sense of being in this together.”

Cllr Mullen stressed his devotion to improving mental health services and their importance to the community.

“During the last five years, I have helped establish the West Wicklow Mental Health Network and have sourced funding and support for positive mental health initiatives such as the ‘Hello how are you’ campaigns and coffee mornings, which we have held in this building,” he said.

“Working closely with organisations such as Tinahely Men’s Shed and our local mental health experts, there are several key facts that need to be called out and addressed.

“We have made massive progress in treating illnesses such as Covid and certain cancers. Yet, when it comes to mental health, too many of us are not even willing to talk about it.

“It is essential that we talk openly about our mental well-being and that we are honest about the strains and traumas of life that we will all face. Our failures to do so are literally killing too many people.”

Outlining work done by him and his colleagues on the Wicklow County Development Plan to deliver housing, Cllr Mullen said: “I am happy to report that we have built more new social and affordable homes in Baltinglass, Carnew, Shillelagh and Tinahely during the last four years than were built in the previous 15 years.

“Wicklow, as a county, is one of the best performing council areas in the delivery of new state-of-the art, A-rated and universal access homes for rental and for affordable purchase and we will continue to ramp this up over the years ahead.

“This area of Wicklow has farm families and small businesses at the heart and indeed the soul of our economic and social lives.”

Cllr Mullen spoke about the progression of the Arklow/Shillelagh Greenway, increases in funding for the Roads Programme and for rural footpaths over the last five years, and also spoke about the Baltinglass Town Centre Renewal Project and the future expansion of Colaiste Bhride in Carnew.

Cllr Mullen is among 10 candidates running for election within Wicklow’s Baltinglass Electoral Area, which has six seats on Wicklow County Council.