Business owners warn active travel scheme in north Wicklow could hit access, traffic and customer convenience
The Wicklow PeopleBusiness owners in Greystones have raised fresh concerns about elements of the proposed Active Travel Scheme, warning that some of the planned changes could have significant implications for access, traffic movement and customer convenience.
The concerns were relayed to district councillors at their September monthly meeting by cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Barry, as the project advances through the statutory planning process.
Wicklow County Council has confirmed that all valid submissions from the public will be carefully reviewed before the scheme moves to its next stage.
The scheme, which aims to improve walking and cycling infrastructure across the town, includes significant changes to Victoria Road, Church Road, the town centre, Mill Road and Burnaby Lawns.
Councillors Stephen Stokes and Louise Fenlon Gaskin highlighting the planters on Church Road in Greystones
Among the most contentious elements of the proposal is the planned alteration to the railway bridge at Greystones Harbour.
The planning report confirms that the restricted width beneath the bridge has led designers to propose a one-way shuttle traffic system regulated by traffic lights, while also providing footpaths on both sides of Victoria Road.
Business representatives have expressed concern that the bridge already serves as a critical access route to the harbour, marina, beach and surrounding businesses.
They fear that reducing traffic movements to a single lane could create congestion and delays, particularly during busy tourism periods and peak commuting times.
Questions have also been raised about proposals at Greystones Railway Station. The planning report confirms that existing bus bays are to be converted into a paved pedestrian area, with buses operating from on-street stops instead.
The scheme states that the reconfiguration is intended to improve pedestrian space and increase passenger holding capacity at the rail station.
Cllr Stephen Stokes is among the strongest voices against those plans.
He believes removing the layby will result in buses stopping directly in the traffic lane while passengers board and disembark. With multiple bus services operating through the area, he argues that the proposal could affect traffic flow and public transport reliability.
Accessibility has emerged as another key issue. Residents have highlighted the importance of convenient access to financial institutions including Bank of Ireland, AIB, Core Credit Union and PTSB.
Concerns have been raised that the current proposals do not appear to provide dedicated drop off facilities, or additional accessibility measures for older people and those with limited mobility who rely on vehicle access to essential services.
While the planning report states that facilities for people with mobility and visual impairments will be improved through measures such as tactile paving, flush kerbs and raised crossings, some local stakeholders believe further consideration should be given to the needs of elderly residents and customers with reduced mobility.
The report states that accessibility and social inclusion are among the project’s stated objectives.
After Cllr Barry sought clarification on the timeline for the project, now that the public consultation window has closed, district administrator Helena Dennehy indicated that the Part 8 planning process must run its course before any further decisions are made.
Ms Dennehy advised that all valid submissions received as part of the consultation process will be carefully reviewed and considered before the scheme progresses to the next stage.