Five-year plan unveiled to manage rapid growth and protect historic Wicklow village’s identity

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Delgany Tidy Towns has set out an ambitious vision for the future of the village with the launch of a five-year strategic plan aimed at helping the community respond to rapid growth, while protecting the character and identity of the village

The plan, covering the period from 2026 to 2031, was presented by Tidy Towns representative Aileen Lennon to district councillors in Greystones at their September monthly meeting, and comes with some specific goals for the next two years.

Drawing on 45 years of experience within the village, as well as recommendations received through the national Tidy Towns competition, the strategy seeks to provide a practical roadmap for how the community can adapt to changing circumstances over the coming years.

Among the key challenges identified are the expansion of residential estates, concerns around pedestrian and cyclist safety, the management of construction related traffic, and the need to provide more opportunities for new residents to become part of community life.

The lack of dedicated community space for people moving into the area was highlighted as a particular concern.

Rather than focusing solely on beautification projects, the organisation’s vision extends to wider social, environmental and technological issues that are increasingly shaping life in modern communities.

The strategy is built around five priorities that organisers believe will help Delgany remain a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

A major focus will be on helping new residents integrate into the community. With the population continuing to grow, the committee believes that creating stronger links between long-established residents and newcomers will be crucial to maintaining the village’s sense of identity and belonging.

Another priority involves responding to the impacts of increased traffic and ongoing construction activity. The group has identified pedestrian and cycling safety as key concerns and intends to work with public bodies to advocate for improvements that support safer and more accessible movement throughout the village.

Environmental sustainability and biodiversity will also remain at the heart of Delgany Tidy Towns’ work. Building on achievements of recent years, the committee plans to deepen its environmental initiatives and continue promoting biodiversity projects that enhance local habitats while engaging residents of all ages.

One of the most forward-looking aspects of the strategy is its emphasis on technology. Committee members spoke about the need to become smarter in the way the organisation communicates with residents and visitors. This includes strengthening the Delgany Tidy Towns brand to improve engagement.

Artificial intelligence was identified as one area that could play a positive role in helping the group develop future strategies. Ms Lennon stressed that technology should be used to enhance participation and accessibility rather than replace traditional community engagement.

By December 2026, the committee hopes to have installed 15 QR-code heritage blocks around the village. These will allow residents and visitors to access information about Delgany’s history through their mobile devices, creating an interactive heritage trail that combines education with technology.

Further expansion of the heritage initiative is planned, with a target of having 40 QR-code locations operational by 2028. The project is intended to celebrate Delgany’s unique history while creating a stronger sense of place for both existing residents and people moving into the area.

By 2027, organisers hope to see both Men’s Shed and Women’s Shed initiatives operating in the area. These projects are expected to provide valuable social opportunities, helping to combat isolation while encouraging skills-sharing and volunteerism.

A community garden at Archers Wood is planned as part of the same phase of development. The garden is envisaged as a shared space where residents can meet, learn and work together while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.

One of the most significant milestones outlined in the presentation is the completion of Delgany’s first comprehensive community survey in 2028. The survey is expected to provide insight into local priorities and concerns, helping to shape future projects.

Ms Lennon emphasised that the five-year strategy is not intended to be a static document. Instead, it will remain under constant review, allowing the committee to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities as they arise.

The group is not currently seeking additional funding for the strategy. Ms Lennon explained that they first want to gain a clearer understanding of where resources will be most effective before making financial requests.

The presentation received a positive response from the elected members.

Cllr Lourda Scott offered practical assistance and advice to support the group’s work. Cllr Stephen Stokes praised the effort that had gone into developing the strategy and noted that it contained something for everyone within the community.

Cllr Louise Fenlon Gaskin highlighted the success of Heritage Day during Heritage Week in August, describing it as an impressive event. Cllr Mark Barry commended the presentation, calling it a vision filled plan for the future.