€300,000 allocated to progress plans for new Wicklow greenway

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has allocated a further €300,000 to progress plans for the Arklow to Shillelagh greenway.

The project is currently progressing from Stage 2 to Stage 3 of the national greenway delivery process, with the local authority expected to appoint a consultant soon to lead detailed design and environmental assessment work.

WCC intends to appoint the consultant to lead Stage 3 – the detailed design and technical work – and Stage 4, which prepares the project for planning, with an estimated 18 to 24-month timeline for those stages before making a submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Following a meeting between a recently established committee comprising residents and stakeholders and WCC, the local authority has committed to holding public roadshows in Arklow, Aughrim/Woodenbridge and Tinahely/Shillelagh to give residents and landowners direct access to the project team and further information.

The Options Study Phase of the project has now concluded with the confirmation of the preferred options to be brought forward to the design and environmental evaluation phase.

The report concludes that a high-quality off-road amenity for walking and recreational cycling would have immediate local appeal, but with sufficient scale would also attract visitors from the wider region also, making the valley corridor a new regional destination.

“The route of the trail connects with towns and villages to bring about economic benefits with increased demand for coffee shops, food and drink and accommodation, as well as new opportunities in bicycle hire and shuttle services,” the report states.

The route uses sections of the former railway line as it offers a relatively flat, continuous and 'ready-made' route that explores both the natural and built heritage along the route.

A total of €1.25m is being allocated under greenways funding for Wicklow to further develop major routes including €300k to continue developing the Greystones to Wicklow Greenway and €350k for the Kilmacanogue to Southern Cross Road link.

Welcoming the latest funding allocation, Wicklow Wexford TD Brian Brennan said the project will be a game changer for the south Wicklow area.

“We are starting to see some movement on it in recent months and I will continue to push to ensure that this project comes to fruition.”

“The more we invest in our rural infrastructure, the more we increase the quality of life for our communities, making South Wicklow an even better place to live.”

The funding also incorporates several projects that will support active travel to and from rural schools, connecting them to residential areas and making them safer for children, including €70,000 for Scoil Mhuire na nAird in Shillelagh to increase walking and cycling and improve safety at front of the school; and €200,000 for New Zebra / Controlled Crossing and upgraded footpath to link Kilcommon National School in Tinahely.

Several projects are also being funded in Arklow town, improving the ability for pedestrians and cyclists to access schools, sports facilities and amenities on foot or bike and making junctions safer.

Wicklow County Council has been allocated €7 million in total to fund Active Travel projects in County Wicklow in 2026. Aside from this figure, an extra €500,000 has been allocated for the Bus Enhancement Programme and €115,974 for Transport Studies in both Arklow and Bray.

Other projects receiving funding include

Baltinglass Active Travel River Crossing Study €150,000 for the study on provision of pedestrian bridge across the River Slaney.

Blessington Main St. to Deerpark €500,000 Development of R410 to Blessington Main Street Active Travel scheme.

Active Travel Bridge (Wicklow Train Station to Port Access Route) Pathfinder €500,000 for new cycle and pedestrian bridge connecting the Port Access Road to Wicklow train station.

Wicklow Town Active Travel €200,000 for the Provision of active travel facilities from Wicklow Town Centre to Train Station.

€200,000 for each Municipal District for the provision of pedestrian crossings at various locations in the Wicklow MD area.

Scoil Naomh Brid, Talbotstown €50,000 to provide infrastructure for schools to highlight presence of school and reduce speeds at front of schools.

St. Brigid's National School, Manor Kilbride Provide infrastructure for schools to highlight presence of school and reduce speeds at front of schools €50,000

Wicklow Educate Together NS €50,000 Provide infrastructure for schools to highlight presence of school and reduce speeds at front of schools.

Bus Stop Enhancement Programme €500,000 Upgrade of bus stops in various locations across the county in agreed locations, including the installationof bus poles and hardstanding areas

Chief executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, said the support to further Active Travel infrastructure across the county is crucial.

“It will allow our Active Travel team to further progress the delivery of invaluable schemes across the county. Our completed schemes, like the Bray Transport Interchange - is an example of the works we can carry out with the continued support and funding received from the NTA.”

Joe Lane, director of services for transport and infrastructure delivery said: “We are delighted with the investment from the NTA. Their continued support is paramount and allows us to progress our schemes across the Municipal Districts. It will enable us to continue with our goal of every resident using active travel options in their daily lives, as we have provided them with a practical and safe choice to do so.”