Tammy Byrne

Community & Voluntary College Representative to the Housing SPC

Tammy has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to community development and volunteerism in Arklow through a wide range of leadership and service roles.  As Founder of Arklow Community Events (ACE) and a Charity Trustee, Tammy has worked to create inclusive initiatives that bring residents together, celebrate civic pride and promote volunteering throughout the town. Through ACE she has supported and delivered community events that recognise the contribution of volunteers, encourage active citizenship, and provide opportunities for people of all ages to participate in community life.  The work of ACE focuses on acknowledging and celebrating civic duty, strengthening community spirit and creating platforms where volunteers and community groups can work collaboratively for the benefit of Arklow. 

In her profession role as Manager of the Arklow retail store for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Tammy supports charitable fundraising that directly assists individuals and families experiencing hardship, while also encouraging volunteering and community engagement through the store. 

As a Community First Responder, she volunteers her time to support emergency services in the locality, providing vital assistance when residents need it most.  Tammy also serves as Secretary of Arklow Autism Friendly Town, advocating for accessibility, awareness and inclusion for autistic individuals and their families, and a Treasurer of the Churchview Residents Association, supporting local representation and neighbourhood initiatives. 

She is also the Volunteer Coordinator for the annual Arklow St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where she mobilises and supports a large network of volunteers to deliver one of the town’s most important community celebrations. 

Tammy further contributes to the cultural life of Arklow as PRO and Coordinator for Arklow Pantomime Creations, helping organise productions tht bring together volunteers, performers and families while raising funds and awareness for local causes.  Through all of her roles she is a strong advocate not only for the organisations she is directly involved with, but for the wider community and voluntary sector. 

Tammy believes strongly that when community groups support each other, share resources and ‘join the dots’ between initiatives, communities thrive and flourish.  She actively promotes collaboration between organisations, encourages partnership working and regularly highlights the work of other groups to ensure that collective efforts are recognised and strengthened. 

Tammy has also previously engaged with initiatives organised by Wicklow PPN, including participation in the Community Roadshow, where she supported efforts to encourage community groups to become involved in local decision-making structures.  Her work demonstrates a clear commitment to strengthening the community and voluntary pillar by empowering volunteers, promoting collaboration and ensuring that community voices are heard and valued.