Campaign Launched To Save Arklow's Rainbow Crossing

Installed in December 2021, the crossing was created following a proposal and sustained campaigning by Filmmaker, LGBTQIA+ activist, and Co-founder of Wicklow Pride, Dave Thomas.

Arklow now risks becoming the first official body in Ireland to erase such a powerful public statement of LGBTQIA+ visibility.

“This is not just about paint on a road. It is about what that paint represents—equality, dignity, and recognition,” said Dave Thomas.

“To remove it now, at the start of Pride Month, sends a toxic and deeply harmful message—not just to us here in Arklow, but to LGBTQIA+ people across Ireland. It feels like abandonment. It’s an astonishing display of ignorance and a failure to understand or stand by our community.”

Despite repeated appeals to the Minister for Transport, no support or intervention has been offered.

Dave is now calling on Tánaiste Simon Harris to act swiftly, visit the crossing, and help save it before it is too late.

“We are asking the public, our allies, and our leaders to speak up,” Thomas added. “We cannot allow Ireland’s first permanent Pride Rainbow Crossing to be scrubbed from existence. To do so would be an act of erasure—not just of colour on tarmac, but of the lives, identities and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people across this country.”

In a statement issued to East Coast FM, Wicklow County Council said they "remain fully committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion and celebrate diversity, including expressions of solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community.

The Council supports and participates in the annual raising and flying of the Pride Flag during the month of June at County Buildings and in our district offices and libraries across our six municipal Districts.

Pedestrian crossings are regulatory road markings, and as such, it is not open to Wicklow County Council to ignore the detailed specifications set out.

The NCBI make the point that clear, consistent design of road crossings is a safety imperative for the blind community. Until revisions are made to current legislation the Council is not in a position to accede to this request.

Traffic signs and road markings are provided in accordance with signs regulations or directions of the Minister of Transport.

We welcome and encourage suggestions for alternative ways to demonstrate this support in a manner that ensures accessibility and safety for all members of the community.”