Start date set for improvement works in Wicklow village
The Wicklow PeopleImprovement works in Killincarrig village are due to get underway in the spring of next year.
A suite of improvement works were first given the green light by district councillors in Greystones in 2023, following a discussion among the elected members to get assurances over several issues that had arisen ever since the plans first came to light in May 2020.
Under the Active Travel Scheme, Wicklow County Council proposed several measures to improve the safety of all road users, along the R761 Lower Kindlestown Road through the village of Killincarrig, with the project aim to improve the pedestrian and cyclist facilities in the village.
This will be achieved by removing telecommunications infrastructure from footpaths and putting them underground; widening footpaths through the area, and, removing on-street parking to facilitate the installation of cycle paths through the area.
The main junction in the village will also become signalised to improve pedestrian, cyclist and vehicular flows through the area whilst also improving safety.
While providing an improved level of service for pedestrians, it would also facilitate safer linkages to public transport, schools and community services, while encouraging a shift away from motorised forms of transport and promote healthy living and wellness through walking.
A non-statutory public consultation on the scheme was held in June of 2020, with a report subsequently being issued to councillors. Following review and discussion at the April 2021 Greystones Municipal District meeting, the elected members formally agreed the plans for these works, which retained a loading bay/set down area in front of the shop should be proceeded with.
In the chief executive’s report, councillors heard that it was “evident that there is support for a village enhancement scheme for Killincarrig.”
“It is clear that there is support for measures to reduce vehicle speeds, provide a safer environment for vulnerable road users and to maintain a sense of place in the village,” it added.
The report did address the 25 submissions received during the public consultation process, which raised concerns about various aspects of the proposed scheme.
Some raised fears over access to their properties and the accuracy of mapping used. Safety concerns regarding various aspects of the design were also raised.
Some respondents also had concerns about the safety of the provision of cycling facilities on the R761 and suggested re-routing of cycle facilities through housing areas in the vicinity of Killincarrig.
Most concerns that were received related to the removal of car parking spaces along the R761 and reduction in the number of spaces on Castle Villas.
The county council feel these are considered a vital part of the Killincarrig Village Enhancement Scheme and their removal is necessary “to improve safety and enable the space to be re-allocated to public realm which will facilitate the provision of a more accessible, comfortable and safer village centre.”
The Council will remove parking restrictions on Castlefield terrace (10 spaces) prior to the scheme getting underway, with potential for another 20 spaces “within a four-minute walk of the village centre”.
There will also be provision for age-friendly spaces to be added.
Following a query from Cllr Tom Fortune during the latest Greystones district meeting, officials indicated the works will get underway in April 2026.