Lack of action on proposal to close key Wicklow artery is slammed – ‘Too little, too late'

Irish Independent

05-07-2025

These are just some of the words used by elected representatives in Bray following a presentation from the Stop the closure of the Herbert Road campaign group at the municipal district meeting on Tuesday evening.
Since Easter numerous protests have taken place in the area, as residents look to call a halt to plans to close what is viewed as a vital access route to the town – the Herbert Road junction – to make way for the N11/M11 Bus Priority Interim Scheme.
The campaign group has grown from just 10 key members when it was formed in April to over 2,300 followers and counting on its Facebook page. In recent weeks over 10,000 leaflets have been distributed to local estates.
Despite the calls for the scheme to be paused for a review, Wicklow County Council has indicated it will progress with its plan, which is being developed in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport.
The council has said previously it is 'committed to ensuring that the closure of each direct access point is considered carefully' and the implementation of any major road improvement features 'will improve journey times for the residents of east Wicklow'.
Local resident Clare Finnegan started the campaign from a picnic table over three months ago. Speaking during the meeting she said they won't stop until a proper solution is found.
'The invitation to speak in the chamber here this evening is too little, too late, but we will remain humble, we will grow strong as our councillors continue to do nothing. The core idea of government is that the government is held accountable to the people who elected them. We call on you to do more for our community which needs your support at this critical time.'
'The town of Bray needs a traffic management plan. 773 buses will be delayed over the course of any given day if the closure goes ahead. This junction is a vital artery for Bray - linking communities, supporting businesses, and ensuring access to schools, homes, and the seafront.'
'Despite their critical role in this process, TII has shown little willingness to explore viable alternatives, instead treating this move as non-negotiable, even though the scheme does not depend on the removal of this junction.'
'When we attended the monthly meeting of Wicklow County Council in April, we found the comments from the Chief Executive Emer O' Gorman to be dismissive, with inconclusive information from engineers. We were told bus corridors are the way forward.' she added.
Having received a pledge from Ms O'Gorman during that meeting to contact the Taoiseach and Transport Minister about the issue, Ms Finegan also grasped the opportunity in June to present Ms O'Gorman with a letter during the sod turning of the Fassaroe Park and Ride facility asking for an update, delivering a second letter seeking a meeting with representatives from the NTA.
Meanwhile churchwarden of Saint Brigid's Church Gordon Lennox warned elected members in the chamber that compulsory purchase orders for the bus corridor will make access impossible for hearses, wedding cars, and anyone with mobility needs.
'The church lies at the bottom of Herbert Road, and it has been serving families since the 1860s. The building is a protected structure. If the county council move ahead with this plan, they may be in breach of its own county development plan. There is also a consecrated burial ground in the church grounds, with many family members of residents buried there.'
The junction of the N11 and Herbert Road, in Bray, with the entrance to Kilbride Church, which would be closed off to make way for the bus corridor.
Separately local businessman Donal Egan highlighted the potential toll on businesses if the plans go ahead. He cited a statement issued by the Bray Chamber of Commerce.
'The closure of one of only four key access and egress points to Bray will inevitably cause increased congestion both within the town and on major surrounding routes such as the Southern Cross and the Dublin/Bray Road. This will lead to longer delays and higher costs for businesses operating in Bray.
'Bray already experiences significant traffic challenges during weekends and peak summer periods due to the high volume of day visitors. Removing Herbert Road as an access point will only worsen the situation, making Bray less accessible and potentially deterring visitors.'
'There is growing frustration among residents who feel their voices are being ignored. It is unacceptable that the expressed concerns of local elected representatives are not being considered in the decision-making process.'
Councillors widely praised the group for their efforts in highlighting the issue with Cllr Joe Behan stating it was 'the most powerful grassroots campaign I have seen in the town over the last 40 years'.
'This proposal will cut 25 per cent of the access available to the town. It is a cheapskate solution to improve public transport in the area. The move will be dangerous for traffic.
'You all must be praised for holding fire to elected members feet.' he added.
Cllr Melanie Corrigan who was left 'speechless and overwhelmed' following the presentation, commended the group for leading their campaign with dignity and respect.
'It's an appalling situation, I will work to try and stop the plans going forward.' she added.
Cllr Dermot Daisy O' Brien acknowledged the people powered campaign that has grown in prominence and impact.
'Does the will of the people matter in this process? What's at stake is clear for residents. Up to now though, their concerns have been dismissed. We need to think about the future of the town.' he added.
To date, over €1.45 million has been spent on the scheme which Cllr Malachai Duddy branded as a 'complete waste of money' and 'a form of imprisonment for residents', while Cllr Ned Whelan called it the 'stupidest' plan he's ever heard of.
Cllr Ian Neary apologised for the lack of action from the elected representatives, while paying tribute to the work of the campaign.
Cllr Caroline Winstanley informed the chamber that the proposed closure will be an agenda item for the July meeting of the Municipal District's traffic and transport subcommittee.
Cllr Erika Doyle called for better communication and community engagement from the relevant state agencies. As Cathaoirleach of the district she will also write to the council's chief executive to express their concerns and reiterate their support for the campaign on behalf of the eight local councillors.
Attention now turns to Tánaiste Simon Harris, who has invited all Wicklow Oireachtas members across all parties to attend a meeting with the Transport Minister Darragh O' Brien to discuss the issue.
The meeting on July 9 is expected to be met with further protests by the campaign group outside the gates of Leinster House.
Sinn Fein TD John Brady is also due to submit a petition which has amassed thousands of signatures against the proposal since the start of the campaign.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme