One-way plan for town in Wicklow pushed into 2027 as tender timeline slips again

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

The long-awaited one-way traffic system for Rathdrum has been pushed back, after engineers confirmed that the tendering process will not begin until mid-October and construction is now unlikely to start before early 2027.

The revised schedule was outlined at the latest meeting of district councillors in Arklow, where Cllr Pat Kennedy pressed officials for clarity on when the scheme would finally move forward.

District engineer Avril Hill told councillors that the tender documents are being finalised and are expected to be issued in the middle of October. She said the council aims to appoint a contractor by the end of the year, but warned that the start of works will slip into January or February 2027.

Ms Hill said the design team has been working through final adjustments and statutory requirements, and that the tender package is now close to completion.

She insisted the timeline is realistic given the volume of preparatory work involved, adding that once a contractor is appointed, the council expects a relatively swift mobilisation period, with the aim of delivering the scheme early in 2027.

Cllr Pat Kennedy said the community has been waiting years for the one way system, which is intended to ease congestion and improve safety in the town centre.

He noted that businesses and residents have repeatedly asked when construction will begin and said the latest update shows the project is still struggling to gain momentum.

Cllr Kennedy said he welcomed the commitment to issue the tender next month but stressed that the council must ensure there are no further slippages.

The one‑way plan has been a recurring item at district meetings, with councillors regularly seeking updates on design progress, funding, and coordination with other works in Rathdrum.

Earlier this year, officials indicated that the tender would be released in September, raising hopes that construction could begin before Christmas. The new timeline confirms that this will not happen, and that the earliest start date is now the first quarter of 2027.

Ms Hill said the council will provide another update once the tender is published and will brief councillors on any issues that arise during the procurement process.

She said the project remains a priority for the district and that the team is focused on delivering a scheme that meets traffic, safety, and accessibility needs.