Plans for parking upgrades and new bus shelters in Bunclody come with an air of mystery

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

An air of mystery surrounds proposed works to upgrade parking and install new bus shelters in Bunclody. While local councillor Barbara Anne Murphy has welcomed plans to introduce new parking in The Mall she said she is being left in the dark regarding the details of the works.

“I’ve been told there is a plan for parking at The Mall and for new bus shelters in the town, but it’s being done by two people in the council who I’ve never heard of.,” she said at the September meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD). “They’re working with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the roads department, but they’re working in the background and we don’t know what they’re at or what they’re doing.”

Ordinarily, councillors would be requested to sign off on any significant roadworks in the district prior to their commencement, but Cllr Murphy said she wanted to be kept in the loop while the plans for Bunclody were being drawn up.

“I’d like to see what it is they’re doing in advance of them bringing a finished plan to our meeting for adoption,” she continued. “Who do we need to invite to our meetings to ensure we’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date information on what’s happening in our area?”

Thankfully, district engineer Neil Dempsey was privy to marginally more information than Cllr Murphy, although not much more.

“I’m aware of the works in The Mall but haven't seen any plans or drawings,” he said. “The works are being done through the active travel team so they would be your point of contact.”

Wexford County Council’s (WCC) active travel team delivers infrastructure upgrades to support safer walking and cycling in the county.

Separately, Cllr Murphy also had a query about an accessibility audit being carried out in Bunclody, citing a lack of disability parking in the town centre as well as a “lot of trip hazards”.

“Myself and the access officer are trying to nail down a time to visit Bunclody and carry out an accessibility audit,” replied Mr Dempsey. “We will bring the area technician to look at the toilets and things like that.”