Works on pedestrianisation of New Ross street expected to begin in early 2026

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The pedestrianisation of New Ross’s Quay Street is expected to begin in earnest at the start of 2026 following confirmation that the design process has now begun. Waterford-based company Malone O’Regan Consulting Engineers have been appointed to carry out the design and construction-related consultancy services for a project which has been funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (€865,000) with a further €216,000 provided by Wexford County Council (WCC).

At the July meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) Councillor Michael Sheehan said that, upon completion, the newly-pedestrianised street would signal an era for New Ross.

“This will be when the town pivots from a post-industrial to tourist-based,” he said as he requested a timeframe for the works.

“We’ll be starting the meetings with Malone O’Regan as soon as possible and the design will be brought to the members when it’s ready,” replied district manager Alan Fitzhenry. “The hope is to have that done by the end of the year. And then have the contractor on site at the start of 2026.”

Meanwhile, with the new Norman Visitor Centre expected to open in the summer of 2027, Cllr Sheehan has asked the owner of the Docks Hotel site be contacted once more.

“Can we write to the owner and give them one last chance to engage on the future of that development?” he asked. “If they decide they don’t wish to do anything with it I believe we should start initiating compulsory purchase order (CPO) proceedings. The town needs a hotel.”

Mr Fitzhenry confirmed he would write to the owner of the site to request an update.