Wexford pedestrianisation works ‘going to have a profound effect on the town’ as start date moves closer

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The announcement that a new flagship Dunnes Stores is to open 15 minutes from New Ross in Ferrybank, Waterford, has had some sounding the death knell for south Wexford’s economy. So news that the long-awaited project to pedestrianise Quay Street in New Ross is now just months away has provided a much-needed boost for the region.

At the September meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) Cllr Michael Sheehan requested an update on a project which will see Quay St redeveloped into a plaza-style setting with outdoor dining options for visitors and locals alike.

“Is it still the intention that we will be going ahead with this in early 2026?” he asked. “This is a project that is going to have a profound effect on the town, especially now that we’ll soon have a Dunnes Stores on our doorstep in Ferrybank.”

Confirming that the project was progressing as planned, district manager Alan Fitzhenry said the intention was to have it go out to tender by the end of the year with contractors on site by late February, early March of next year. The works are expected to continue throughout the summer of 2026.

The project has been funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (€865,000) with a further €216,000 provided by Wexford County Council (WCC).