Wicklow village Newtownmountkennedy has new masterplan launched
The Wicklow PeopleWicklow County Council, in collaboration with the Newtownmountkennedy Town Team have launched a new Town Centre First Masterplan for the area.
The plan marks a significant milestone in advancing the national Town Centre First policy, which supports the renewal and regeneration of towns across Ireland.
ACT consultants led the process, which over recent months has seen them work closely with Wicklow County Council, the Town Team, residents, businesses and key stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the future of Newtownmountkennedy.
As part of this work, three public consultation events were held, allowing residents, business owners, community groups and local representatives to contribute their ideas.
The masterplan sets out a series of strategic actions focused on public realm enhancement, active travel and mobility, economic development, environmental resilience and community facilities. It also provides a clear roadmap for the sustainable development of the town in the years ahead.
At the heart of the plan are five interconnected themes: mobility, public realm, nature assets and green spaces, community services, and employment and commerce. Each theme forms a coherent strategy for delivering positive change in the area. The plan has acknowledged future growth in the town could be challenging without a proper secondary school for children living in the area.
Land was zoned for community and education purposes as part of the local area plan for the town as far back as 2002, with the expectation it would be used to build a secondary school for the growing population in the wider area, but there has been no movement from the department over the past two decades.
Among the other challenges highlighted by the consultants include the lack of doctors, dentists and mental health services. There are no civic spaces or library services, and the garda station is only staffed on a part time basis.
At the launch of the plan on December 8, Mairead Hunt, Town Centre First National Coordinator, noted that more than 50pc of identified Town Centre First projects have been completed or are currently in progress, representing over €100 million in investment since the policy’s inception in 2022.
Reacting to the publication of the plan Cathaoirleach of the Wicklow Municipal District, Cllr Graham Richmond believes it is about ensuring that our towns remain vibrant, accessible and thriving places to live, work and visit.
“The masterplan is an excellent example of how community input and evidence – based planning can come together to deliver a long – term vision for a growing town.”
Chief executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, welcomed the publication of the plan, noting how it provides a clear and practical framework to guide future investment in the area.
“Through the Town Centre First approach, we can enhance public spaces, strengthen local business activity and also improve connectivity in a way that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.”
Meanwhile the chairperson of the local Town Team, Jen Quinn, remarked on how the plan is the culmination of many months of consultation and planning.
"It will, in time, have an extremely positive impact in the area from an economic, social and environmental perspective.” she added.