Wicklow beach parking chaos can be solved with shuttle bus, according to councillor
The Wicklow PeopleCalls have been made to introduce beach shuttle bus services to tackle the ongoing problems with traffic and parking at beaches in Wicklow.
Speaking after a weekend of gridlock at Brittas Bay and Magheramore, Cathaoirleach of the Greystones Municipal District Cllr Lourda Scott said the National Transport Authority (NTA) need to provide a viable solution as the situation is no longer acceptable.
During the good spell last weekend car parks were reportedly full by early morning and drivers were left circling or abandoning cars in illegal parking locations.
“We need to make it easier for families, young people and visitors to get to the coast without depending on a car.” said Cllr Scott.
“This is something the NTA could sort out quickly. The demand is there. The routes are there. What we need is action, otherwise we will be having the same conversation next summer.”
Cllr Scott also raised concern about the lack of access for emergency services access and how it affects locals who are trying to do their daily business.
“People just want to get to the beach and enjoy the day. It shouldn't be this stressful. I would like to see a pilot beach shuttle scheme for Wicklow with regular services from key towns to Brittas Bay and Magheramore.”
“If this was in place over the summer weekends, it would take pressure off the car parks, reduce traffic on country roads and give people a simple, safe way to get to the beach.”
Cllr Scott has urged the National Transport Authority to act now and introduce pilot beach shuttles in Wicklow before the summer is over.
“We need to make it easier for families, young people and visitors to get to the coast without depending on a car. This is something the NTA could sort quickly. The demand is there. The routes are there. What we need is action, otherwise we will be having the same conversation next summer.” she added.
Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore has also renewed calls for the introduction of a dedicated coastal bus service to serve Wicklow’s beaches and seaside villages, following chaotic scenes in Brittas Bay last weekend when the heatwave attracted huge amounts of visiting motorists.
Over Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, Wicklow gardaí issued over 100 fixed penalty notices to vehicles which were parked in such a manner as they were blocking access to other motorists, as well as potentially restricting access to the emergency services.
Ms Whitmore, has been raising the need for a coastal Local Link service since she was a local councillor back in 2017.
In 2022 she reiterated need for a local service to facilitate the huge increase in visitors at various beaches along the east coast of the county during the summer months.
She said: “Every time the sun shines, we see the same story, cars lining the roads, gardaí towing vehicles, and families left with no safe or sustainable way to access our beautiful coastline. We need a coastal service running from Arklow to Brittas Bay, Magheramore, Wicklow town, and on to Greystones. This would not only reduce traffic and illegal parking, but also open up access for people who don’t drive, young people, older residents, and tourists alike. The lack of transport options is a barrier to both local communities and sustainable tourism.”
“People want to enjoy our coastline without contributing to congestion or risking fines. But without a reliable bus service, they’re left with no choice. This is a basic public transport issue, and it’s long past time for action. I am calling on the NTA and the Department of Transport to prioritise a seasonal or year-round coastal route that serves the villages and beaches along the Wicklow coast.”
“This isn’t just about beach days, it’s about connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and making our county accessible to everyone. It is high time we get the service Wicklow deserves.”