South Wicklow greenway moves to next stage of planning

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has signed the order to move the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway into phase three of planning.

This will allow Wicklow County Council to procure a technical adviser to develop the detailed aspects of the route prior to its development.

The move follows a recent public meeting in Tinahely, where local representatives discussed the greenway’s potential for tourism and safe connections for walkers and cyclists.

Concerns were raised about the proposed route impacting Aughrim village, with residents worried about planning considerations for infrastructure and traffic management.

€500,000 funding had been allocated this year, but the project has been bound by bureaucratic challenges for more than 14 years.

Following a separate meeting at County Buildings, delegates of a new committee representing the interests of residents were informed about the council’s dedicated greenway team. Previously it was managed by their general projects team.

Slight amendments have been made to the emerging preferred route due to environmental considerations. The route itself is currently being finalised and will be brought forward to design stage and planning.

Future changes are only expected if required by survey results or other planning considerations.

It will then be sent to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for approval with an expectation that will be approved by the end of the year.

Cllr Peter Stapleton, who attended the meeting advised that all affected landowners will be written to in advance of the publication of the route, so they know where they stand.

The council is currently progressing with the tender process for the appointment of a consultant to lead the design of the greenway and get the project through planning. It’s expected they will be appointed by Christmas.

Wicklow Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne has welcomed the decision and says the project will be transformative for tourism and business in Arklow and across South Wicklow.

“It has strong support, and we need to get it started, even on a phased basis, as soon as possible."

He praised the work of the community team who are promoting the project and everyone involved in seeking to advance the greenway.

Minister O'Brien has vowed to make sure the project doesn’t face any further delays.

"Greenways are incredible assets for the communities where they are built. I'm very committed to ensuring that the Wicklow project now moves forward swiftly and I'm grateful to Malcolm, John Mullen and all those who have come behind this greenway in the community."