€5.7m regeneration funding announced for Wicklow as two major coastal projects approved
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council is set to benefit from a major injection of regeneration funding after the government confirmed €5.7 million for three local projects under the first round of the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.
The announcement includes €5.4 million for the Murrough Waterfront Park Enhancement in Wicklow town and €150,000 each for plan development at Wicklow Quay and Arklow Quay.
The Murrough allocation represents one of the largest awards in the country and marks a significant step forward in transforming one of Wicklow’s most recognisable public amenities.
District councillors in Wicklow have welcomed the announcement, describing the Murrough allocation as hugely significant for the town.
In a joint statement they said the funding represented a major step forward in creating “an outstanding waterfront amenity for the wider community” and acknowledged the extensive work carried out by staff in preparing the successful application.
In Arklow, Cllr Peir Leonard expressed similar appreciation for the €150,000 awarded for the Quay Plan Development.
The funding will allow Wicklow County Council to advance detailed planning and design work for the quay area, which has been the focus of ongoing discussions about regeneration and public realm improvements. Cllr Leonard said the award was a welcome boost.
The Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, announced by Government earlier in the day, aims to support projects that can revitalise town centres, enhance public spaces and strengthen local economies.
Wicklow’s allocations fall under Category 1B, which supports projects that are either shovel ready or capable of moving quickly into delivery once funding is secured.
Commenting on the allocation, the local authority’s chief executive Emer O’Gorman said the funding will provide strong basis for sustainable development in those areas.
“The recently completed Murrough Pump Track was the first stage in enhancing this area and this funding will allow us complete the enhancement of the promenade and surrounding public spaces,” she added.
The announcement was also welcomed across the political spectrum. Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Harris said the funding was about investing in communities and ensuring town centres remain places where people want to work and live.
Wicklow Wexford Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne said the €150,000 awarded for the Arklow Quay Plan Development was a positive development for a historic part of the town.
He said the funding would help lift the landscape of the area and bring new life into a part of Arklow that has long been identified as having significant regeneration potential.