Council has no plans to purchase old Eir depot in Arklow
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council has no plans to purchase the vacant Eir building on the Emoclew Road in Arklow, which has been on the market since 2023.
The former depot on a 2.9-acre enclosed site at the Croghan Industrial Estate consists of commercial and industrial buildings, including a mix of offices, storage buildings and lockups, with an overall floor area of 126,324 sq ft.
There is customer parking at the front of the main office building, with truck turning provisions within the compound and a security office at the front gate.
The property itself was zoned for ‘Employment’ under the Arklow and Environs Local Area Plan (2018 – 2024).
The site received widespread national news coverage in the early part of 2024 when hundreds of Arklow residents began nightly protests, organised by the ‘Arklow Says No’ group, opposing potential plans to use the property as an IPAS centre.
The plans were later withdrawn after department officials cited the “significant conversion/refurbishment works needed on the property.”
Over a year and a half later, interest is growing amongst residents to turn the former depot into a multipurpose community centre.
Councillor Warren O’Toole has drafted a proposal calling on Wicklow County Council to purchase the site and invest in the town’s future.
Cllr O’Toole believes the space could house a multi-use theatre and operate as “a thriving hub for multiple groups at once.”
“Yes, this will take major investment but there are multiple funding avenues available. Government grants, social enterprise income, community support and EU inclusion funds. The first step is acquiring the property.”
“I believe this is a solid investment in Arklow’s future not just for today but for generations to come.” he added.
In response to Cllr O’Toole’s proposal Wicklow County Council issued a statement saying: “We have worked with and will continue to work with any community in the county in the development of community centres.”
“We will utilise all available grant schemes, whenever possible, to further that aim.”
The statement concluded, “In relation to the vacant Eir building on Emoclew Road, Arklow, this building does not feature in the Council’s plans.”