Packed Woodenbridge Meeting Demands Action on Arklow–Shillelagh Greenway

Locals are demanding faster delivery of the long-delayed Arklow–Shillelagh Greenway, as local leaders and politicians pledge support and Wicklow County Council prepares detailed planning work

More than 200 people packed the Woodenbridge Hotel in the past week for a major public meeting on the long-awaited Arklow–Shillelagh Greenway, sending out a unified message: deliver the project without further delays!

Business owners, community leaders and residents from Arklow, Woodenbridge, Aughrim, Annacurra, Tinahely and Shillelagh all called for urgent progress on the 14-year-old proposal.

Strong Support — and Strong Frustration

Speakers throughout the evening expressed overwhelming support for the greenway but deep frustration at the slow pace of development.

Many insisted local villages “cannot wait another six or eight years” and urged Wicklow County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and national government to prioritise the project and work directly with affected communities.

Cross-Party Presence

The meeting, chaired by John Mullen, drew a significant political lineup, including:

Deputy Malcolm Byrne

Deputy Fionntain O’Súilleabháin

Deputy Brian Brennan

Cllr Peter Stapleton

Cllr Pat Kennedy

Cllr Orla Flynn

Deputy Malcolm Byrne praised the community effort and confirmed that both the Minister for Transport and Fáilte Ireland are available to meet on the project.

Deputy Brian Brennan described the greenway as a “game changer” for South Wicklow tourism and business, stressing the need to treat landowners with respect.

Deputy Fionntain O’Súilleabháin highlighted the route’s potential as a national tourism asset, while Cllr Orla Flynn said the turnout showed that “people power matters”.

Council Updates and Next Steps

Cllr Peter Stapleton outlined three key groups that must work together:

• 1. Public representatives
• 2. Wicklow County Council and TII
• 3. Local communities and landowners

He confirmed that the Council aims to appoint a consultant in January to lead Stage 3 (detailed design) and Stage 4 (planning preparation)—a process expected to take 18–24 months before submission to An Bord Pleanála.

The Council has also committed to hosting public roadshows in Arklow, Aughrim/Woodenbridge and Tinahely/Shillelagh early next year to give residents direct access to the project team.

Community Calls for Clarity

During a Q&A session, speakers raised concerns about communication gaps, planning delays and the absence of TII representatives at the meeting.

Local residents argued that other greenways have progressed more quickly and questioned why no preferred route has yet been published.

Business owners highlighted opportunities for rural regeneration, increased footfall and improved village infrastructure. Others asked whether the route could be opened in phases, but were told current TII rules require delivery as a complete corridor.

''People, Politics and Passion — Now the System Must Keep Up”

Chair John Mullen outlined the project’s 15-year history and stressed that over 70 landowners must be kept fully informed throughout. He reported that Stage 2 has now been signed off and the project is advancing toward Stage 3 and publication of a preferred route.

Mullen thanked volunteers and urged more people to join the committee’s efforts, adding:

 “The packed room in Woodenbridge shows that the people are ready, the businesses are ready and our public representatives are on board. We now need Wicklow County Council, TII and national government to match that urgency.”

Cllr Stapleton confirmed that regular structured meetings between the community and Council have been agreed, with the coming months seen as critical for delivering visible progress.

About the Arklow–Shillelagh Greenway

The proposed greenway would run off-road from Arklow Train Station through Vale Road, Woodenbridge, Aughrim, Annacurra and Tinahely to Shillelagh, creating a major new walking and cycling route for South Wicklow.

Committee Chairman John Mullen also spoke with East Coast FM news:

He outlined the progress of the project "We had confirmation from the County Council that TII had confirmed we completed stage two of the seven-stage Greenway process, and we now have permission to enter phase three."

He said that the committee, community and officialdom will maintain calls for accountability and commitment for the long-awaited project: "We have faith in the County Council and TII, but the ‘yellow cards have been issued’—we are keeping the pressure on to ensure this project proceeds at pace."

He added that there has been plenty of consultation with landowners in the area "The emerging preferred route will be published and initially communicated to the over 70 landowners affected along the route," adding "We have over 90% buy-in from landowners, which is a huge improvement and should help speed up the process."

The timeline has been a sticking point throughout the long wait for a plan on the greenway but Mr. Mullen is confident that is very much in hand: "Some public representatives suggested a six- to eight-year timeline, but we believe we can expedite that process, especially now that the preferred route has been established."