Work on new Wexford town cycle path to commence in next year – ‘There will be shared active travel for pedestrians and cyclists’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

A new active travel scheme in Wexford town will see the creation of cycle lanes and widened footpaths in the Clonard and Beechlawn area next year. Expected to begin construction in Q2 of 2026, the works will take up to six months to complete and see new active travel infrastructure linking residential areas to, among others, Wexford General Hospital, the Mercy School, St Peter’s College, and the SETU campus.

At the July meeting of the Wexford Borough District (WBD) Mark Finnegan of RPS Consultants presented details of the scheme to councillors prior to it being made available for public consultation in September.

Explaining that the principal objectives of the scheme are to provide continuous segregated cycle facilities and safe and convenient crossings at junctions, Mr Finnegan said that, upon completion of the project, additional safe space would be available for people of “all ages and abilities”. As part of the works, road space will be reallocated to enable “enhanced facilities for active modes” with road surface improvements carried out where necessary.

In addition, the proposed scheme intends to create enhanced links to surrounding housing estates, new “cycle friendly” roundabout layouts, and the “formalisation of parking arrangement at front of shops”.

Following the presentation, the Wexford Borough councillors offered their thoughts with some seeking further clarification on a number of issues.

Describing the plan as “fantastic” and “very much-needed”, Councillor Tom Forde asked whether it would result in a reduction of parking spaces for those living in Liam Mellows Park.

"We’ve tried to keep the existing number of parking spaces there, we don’t want any shortfall,” replied Mr Finnegan. “But we will be talking to all stakeholders during the public consultation at the end of September.”

With some junctions in Clonard already considerably narrow, Cllr Robbie Staples feared that the new addition of cycle lanes and wider footpaths will make life even more difficult for motorists.

“Are parts of the road going to be wide enough to deal with the traffic, in particularly with the heavy goods vehicles?” he asked.

“The road width will be 6.5m to ensure there is sufficient road space and larger vehicles can progress safely,” replied Mr Finnegan. “And there will be a shared active travel space with a continuous infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.”

One of the most notorious sections of road included in the scheme is the double roundabout beside Clonard Church. However, there are no plans to alter its layout when works commence next year.

“I understand there’s constraints and you’ve left it as it is,” noted Cllr Leonard Kelly. “You have to get off your bicycle there. It’s a dangerous pinch point. Is there any potential solution there?”

Cllr Kelly also requested that a 3D render of the scheme be presented to the public in September.

On the roundabouts, Mr Finnegan said his team had “carried out a survey” there and decided “it was best to keep the status quo for motorists”.