The plan was to mark the 200th anniversary of the first lifeboat station established in Ireland by honouring its members as the grand marshals of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Arklow, Co Wicklow. That was until mid-January, when out of frustration and burnout the long-time committee all resigned.
With €1,000 in the bank and an insurance cost to cover the parade coming in at €6,500, the committee of long-time and dedicated volunteers had had enough.
“Last year it was €4,000 for just two hours’ insurance coverage and now this year it has increased to €6,500,” outgoing chairman Dean Dickenson tells The Irish Times.
“A decade ago we used to get insured for about €800; the increased costs are extortionate. This is for 15 to 20 marching bands and about 20 floats and an array of businesses’ vehicles. To be fair, we get a grant of €1,500 from the council, but we have to pay it back then for the road c
Continue Reading on The Irish Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.