South Wicklow greenway momentum questioned as councillors await key project timelines

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Concerns about the pace of the Arklow–Shillelagh Greenway have intensified again as councillors pressed officials for clearer answers on what progress has been made since consultants were appointed earlier this year.

The discussion at a recent council meeting revealed growing unease that the project, long anticipated by communities along the route, may be losing momentum, at a stage where early progress is considered crucial to maintaining public confidence and keeping the overall timeline on track.

Cllr Peter Stapleton opened the exchange by seeking a detailed update on developments since the preferred route was published seven months ago, and consultants were appointed at the beginning of April to lead Phases 3 and 4 of the project.

He noted that one of the key commitments made to councillors and to the Greenway Community Committee was the delivery of a detailed project timeline by the consultants.

Such a timeline, he argued, is typically produced at the outset of a major infrastructure phase and should take no more than a few weeks to prepare.

The absence of this document has fuelled concerns that progress may be slipping into what he described as a “black hole” between the council and the consultants, with neither side providing the level of visibility expected at this stage.

Director of services Joe Lane acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that the council is still awaiting a report from the consultants.

This report, which will include the project plan, is expected within the weeks, though he was unable to give an exact date.

He said the council would aim to provide quarterly updates once the reporting structure is in place, adding that the immediate challenge is “detailing exactly where the progress is going”.

The broader context for the project was outlined in a recent written parliamentary reply from the Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, who confirmed that the project completed Phase 2, the option‑selection stage, in late 2025.

The preferred route for the new Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway in Wicklow.

This milestone established the preferred route corridor and allowed the project to move into the more detailed design and environmental evaluation stage.

Roughan & O’Donovan have been appointed as technical advisors to lead the project through Phase 3 and Phase 4, which will include statutory processes.

Phase 3, the minister explained, is a detailed and complex stage that incorporates technical, environmental and social considerations identified earlier in the process.

It will also determine the precise land footprint required for the greenway and involve extensive engagement with affected landowners and stakeholders. The minister previously noted that Phase 3 is expected to take up to 24 months to complete.

He outlined the immediate tasks for the coming months, including engagement with the Greenway Committee and landowners, procurement and execution of engineering and environmental surveys, and the advancement of design development.

These activities align with the areas where councillors are seeking greater transparency and clearer timelines.

He also confirmed that his Department has committed €300,000 to the project for 2026, reiterating his support, and expressing confidence that the scheme will continue to progress.

While his response provided a structured overview of the national process and funding, it did not directly address the local concerns about the pace of consultant activity or the absence of a detailed project timeline.