‘We don’t want to become an N11 on ramp’ – Residents oppose Delgany one-way plan

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Concerns have been raised about proposals by Wicklow County Council to make traffic in Delgany village one way, in an effort to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure around the Convent Road.

Convent Road in its current state does not provide facilities to cater for pedestrians to safely navigate and cross along the route.

District councillors in Greystones were presented with a report during their July monthly meeting, with seven options being proposed.

Representatives from the Active Travel team within Wicklow County Council believe option 4 is the best way forward and has reached phase 3 – the preliminary design stage.

Option 4 would provide for a one-way system with widened footpaths and additional room for increased public realm spaces. It does not, however, allow cyclists to travel by bicycle northwards along the road.

Cyclists would have to either divert eastwards to Delgany Wood Avenue or dismount and walk their bicycle northwards.

Members of the Delgany Community Council don’t believe the options available have been fully explored and properly evaluated.

Chairperson Paul Armstrong said they have been engaging with councillors on the issue for years.

“We all know that the road and the paths in the village centre are a disgrace. They are dangerous and we receive emails from locals about this on a regular basis.

“Cars and trucks fly through the village at speed putting pedestrians at risk.”

Under the proposed one-way scheme that will go to consultation from the end of August, there will be no parking for residents who don’t have their own private parking, with one single on street car parking space reserved for disability parking.

The proposed plan would mean no parking in the village apart from spaces that are in privately owned business car parks including the Wicklow Arms and the Horse and Hound.

“This will make Delgany very challenging for anyone older who might be less able to walk but not eligible for a disability badge.” said Mr Armstrong. “We are worried that the same volume of traffic will use the village and that it will become a fast access route for the N11.”

The council are calling for “a viable village where people can have a sense of community and where businesses can continue to thrive”.

“We published an excellent public realm plan two years ago, following consultation with locals. We are simply not willing to allow our village to become an ‘on ramp’ for the N11.” said Mr Armstrong. “We plan to host an online meeting once the plans are on display and open for public consultation.

“We believe that there is a way to do this that will create a real heart for Delgany and that will allow our village centre businesses to continue to operate.” he added.

The new road option is also unworkable for Anthony Farrelly of Farrelly Butchers as there is no loading bay for animal drop offs for the last abattoir in County Wicklow.

“This has implications on animal welfare and safety as well as the benefits of local food sourcing. This has been a prior priority posed to Wicklow County Council to solve with any road scheme.

“Accessible parking is also a concern as the current option for has a parking space that is not adjacent to any of the local businesses on the north side of convent Road.” he added.