Old Eir site in Arklow has a new owner with plans for major development
The Wicklow PeopleThe old Eir building on the Emoclew Road in Arklow has a new owner who reportedly has plans for a major development on the site.
The former depot, which has been on the market since 2023, is based on a 2.9-acre enclosed site at the Croghan Industrial Estate and 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.
The property itself was zoned for ‘employment’ under the Arklow and Environs Local Area Plan (2018 – 2024).
The site received national news coverage in early 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The plans were later withdrawn after department officials cited the “significant conversion/refurbishment works needed on the property”.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 the summer, Cllr Warren O’Toole drafted a proposal calling on Wicklow County Council to purchase the site and invest in the town’s future.
Cllr O’Toole believed the space could house a multi-use theatre and operate as “a thriving hub for multiple groups at once”.
In response to Cllr O’Toole’s proposal Wicklow County Council issued a statement saying they would “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.”
Speaking on this latest development Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford, Brian Brennan believes this is the beginning of a positive new direction for the site.
“I was contacted over the weekend by a number of constituents in relation to the old Eircom site on Emoclew Road Arklow who noticed activity on the site for the first time in years.
“On foot of these contacts, I have reached out and met with the new owner, who clearly outlined his vision for this site and his hope to open several commercial units, subject to planning permission.
“He has a proven trade record in bringing an old site to life by setting up commercial businesses and he has confirmed that he will share a copy of the drawings with me when drawings are complete.
“I also called the auctioneer who sold this site and he has reaffirmed the new owner’s intention.”
Subject to planning, Deputy Brennan believes the new plans to bring this site back life will be hugely positive for Arklow.
“The development will provide space for new and expanding business, which in turn will provide much appreciated local employment.
“With plans in train for over 1,000 new houses in the town, this type of investment is a vote of confidence in the future of Arklow and will assist in the development of the town and surrounding area in South Wicklow.”
Deputy Brennan says it is imperative that infrastructure in the town matches growth in tandem with these developments.
“We need to provide the facilities to ensure that people who live and work in Arklow and South Wicklow have the best possible quality of life and opportunity available to them.”