Oireachtas committee hears lack of action on dereliction in Wicklow holding Arklow renegeration back

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Heritage experts have told an Oireachtas committee that Arklow could benefit significantly from the State’s expanding THRIVE programme, a major national scheme providing up to €7 million per project to restore derelict or vacant heritage buildings in town centres.

The comments came during a session examining heritage led regeneration, where concerns about long term dereliction in Arklow were raised alongside examples of successful revitalisation in other towns.

Wicklow Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne opened the discussion by highlighting the transformation of the Market House in Gorey, describing it as a model of how public sector leadership can re energise a town centre. He noted that the project exemplifies the aims of THRIVE — the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme — which provides 100pc grants to local authorities to renovate and adapt publicly owned heritage buildings.

The scheme, co funded by the Irish government and the European Union has a national budget of €85–€120 million depending on the funding round, with individual awards of up to €7 million for capital works.

“Gorey shows what can be achieved when local authorities, community groups and national supports align,” Deputy Byrne said. “But Arklow faces a very different challenge, and I would ask the witnesses to address that directly.”

Donough Cahill of the Irish Georgian Society said THRIVE had become a “key catalyst” for change because it allows the public sector to take on projects that would not be commercially viable for private investors.

Under Strand 1, local authorities can receive €40,000–€200,000 to develop integrated urban strategies and identify suitable heritage buildings for reuse. Under Strand 2, they can secure €2–€7 million to renovate or adapt derelict buildings in public ownership.

“THRIVE empowers local authorities to reimagine heritage buildings and bring them back into sustainable use,” Mr Cahill said. “Once the public sector takes the first step, it often unlocks further investment.”

But Deputy Byrne pressed the panel to focus specifically on Arklow, where An Taisce has repeatedly documented widespread dereliction, particularly among historic buildings on the main street and near the harbour.

Recent assessments by An Taisce describe Arklow as one of Ireland’s most problematic towns for dereliction, especially in its historic centre and port area. The criticism focuses on the failure to register derelict sites and apply the 7pc annual levy intended to discourage vacancy. This means historic buildings, already vulnerable due to industrial decline, remain locked in private ownership without incentives for reuse.

Ian Lumley of An Taisce acknowledged the success of projects in Gorey and Athy, including the Shackleton Experience, but said Arklow’s situation is more severe due to the collapse of its traditional industries.

He compared it to Waterford, which faced similar decline but succeeded in regenerating its centre through strong local authority leadership and strategic use of national funding supports.

“Arklow stands out because of the scale of industrial loss,” Mr Lumley said.

“But what really distinguishes it is the lack of effective use of the Derelict Sites Act. Despite the visible dereliction, very few properties have been registered.”

He contrasted Wicklow County Council’s approach with that of Carlow, which he described as “far more proactive” in using derelict sites legislation to discourage long term vacancy.

He noted that the government’s plan to have the Revenue Commissioners collect the 7pc annual levy on derelict sites should strengthen enforcement, but only if councils first register the properties.

Mr Lumley said Arklow urgently needs a landmark project to shift public perception and create a focal point for regeneration. He suggested that the town’s maritime heritage and seafront offer significant potential for a flagship development but warned that the main street must also receive sustained attention.

“Arklow needs a strong, visible intervention,” he said. “A maritime attraction could be transformative, but it must be accompanied by action on dereliction. Otherwise, any new investment risks being overshadowed by the surrounding decay.”

The committee also heard that THRIVE is specifically designed to address the kind of challenges Arklow faces. The scheme targets key towns and urban centres, funding the renovation of publicly owned heritage buildings that have architectural, historical or cultural significance. It aims to reduce vacancy and dereliction, support the Town Centre First policy, and embed the principles of the New European Bauhaus, sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion.

Ministerial statements accompanying the scheme’s launch emphasise that THRIVE gives local authorities “the tools to bring Ireland’s heritage buildings into the 21st century” and “breathe new life into towns and urban centres across the country.”

Deputy Byrne said the committee would consider raising the issue with relevant government departments, noting that Arklow “deserves the same opportunities that have been delivered elsewhere.”

The session concluded with broad agreement that heritage led regeneration can play a transformative role in revitalising town centres but only when supported by proactive enforcement, strategic investment and strong local leadership.