Town in Wicklow could see construction begin on new Main Street one-way system before Christmas

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

The planned one-way system in Rathdrum has moved into its final phase of pre‑procurement preparation, with district officials in Arklow confirming that the project is on track to go out to tender within the next month.

If timelines hold, the earliest realistic date for a contractor to be on site is November 2026, marking a major turning point for a scheme that has been in development for more than two decades.

Design work is now almost complete, with engineers finalising the last remaining details.

Footpath widths, one of the outstanding design elements, are currently being agreed, signalling that only minor adjustments remain before the tender package is ready. The road safety audit, a key statutory requirement, has already been completed, removing one of the final barriers to progression.

Engagement with Uisce Éireann and ESB is progressing to ensure all necessary service interfaces and contracts are in place ahead of construction.

These discussions typically occur at the tail end of the design phase, further indicating that the project is approaching procurement readiness.

Drawings and technical documentation are now near completion too, aligning with the planned tender timeline.

Officials say the scheme has reached a stage where the design team is focused on finishing touches rather than structural changes, allowing the project to transition smoothly into the procurement process.

The momentum behind the scheme follows unanimous political support from councillors, who recently endorsed the project after officials reviewed 55 public submissions.

While the consultation raised issues such as loading facilities, planter placement and streetscape aesthetics, none of the concerns required major amendments to the design.

Consultants have returned submissions for clarification to ensure all outstanding matters are properly addressed before tendering begins.

District engineer Avril Hill has reassured councillors that parking on the lower section of Main Street will not be significantly affected, and that planter placement will be guided by planning regulations.

She also noted that Ardhavan House, where parking for elderly residents has been highlighted — lies outside the current scheme boundary and will require separate surveying before any future works can be considered.

With funding secured and a quantity surveyor currently refining cost estimates, expected to be in the region of €500,000, the project is now positioned to move from long‑standing concept to imminent delivery.

The tender process is expected to commence within weeks, paving the way for contractor mobilisation later in the year.