Alternative to Herbert Road Closure A Priority - Simon Harris Confirms Appointment of Consultants to Explore Options

The Tánaiste and Wicklow representatives met Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien to outline their shared opposition.

Alternative solutions to closing Herbert Road are being sought as a priority.

The Tánaiste has announced a team of consultants will be appointed in the coming weeks to consider a viable alternative to the proposed closure. 

It follows a key meeting organised by Simon Harris this afternoon (09/07/2025) between Wicklow representatives from all political parties and Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien.

At the meeting in Government Buildings, the Tánaiste stressed the need for Herbert Road to remain open and that “ill-thought-out proposals” for a closure should be “ditched once and for all.”

In response, Minister O’Brien confirmed he'll write to Wicklow County Council to formally outline the views, concerns, and opposition shared by both the Tánaiste and local Oireachtas members during the meeting. This aims to ensure local authority officials are fully aware of the strength of opposition on this matter at both local and national levels.

The Tánaiste and Minister O’Brien are organising a follow-up technical meeting with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and inviting the CEO of Wicklow County Council to attend. This meeting will serve as a crucial opportunity for Herbert Road residents’ concerns to be conveyed directly to the officials responsible for progressing the project. The Tánaiste has made it clear that their views must be heard and that every effort must be made to stop the road’s closure. now 

Consultants will soon be appointed to explore alternative solutions that acknowledge the strong objections raised by both the public and elected representatives.

Speaking afterwards, the Tánaiste said:

“I am very pleased that Minister O’Brien facilitated my request for an urgent meeting so that we could set out in detail the deep concerns held by residents and businesses in Bray and the surrounding areas. I stressed to Minister O’Brien that this plan is ill-thought-out and should be ditched once and for all.

I very much welcome the fact that the Minister has acted on these concerns, and I am pleased to have received confirmation that a team of consultants will be appointed in the coming weeks. They have been tasked specifically with finding an alternative solution to the road’s closure.

This is a very positive step and comes on the back of a constructive campaign from residents and businesses. I was pleased to personally brief residents on this development immediately after my meeting with Minister O’Brien and my fellow Oireachtas colleagues in Wicklow. We are all fully united in ensuring Herbert Road remains open."

The Tánaiste concluded:

“We will continue to keep the pressure on and make sure local voices are heard and respected. Herbert Road must remain open, and this process now offers a real opportunity to deliver a better, more balanced solution.