Significant Progress Made On Active Travel Projects In Wicklow

6 Active Travel Projects have been completed while 6 others are significantly progressed.

In February of this year, over €8 million was allocated from the National Transport Authority to fund Active Travel Projects across Wicklow.

This investment was dedicated to projects that develop new and improved walking and cycling infrastructures including the development of segregated cycles lanes and widened footpaths, new walking and cycling bridges and new pedestrian crossings.

As of December, 12 Wicklow Active Travel Projects have been progressed with half of them already completed.

Speaking today, Minister Simon Harris said: “Active Travel Projects and the investment from Government in these projects are of huge importance to me and to the people of Wicklow who benefit from these schemes that seek to improve walking and cycling infrastructure throughout the county.

“As an avid walker, I see the direct benefit from these projects and the life they inject into communities and villages.

“I am delighted to confirm 6 Active Travel Projects have been completed in Wicklow, these include:

-       Footpath Improvements at Deputy’s Pass, Glenealy (Arklow MD)
This scheme provides for 511m of upgraded footpaths with public lighting along the R-752 between Deputy’s Pass and Glenealy Railway Bridge.

-       Footpath Improvements at Valley Heights, Carnew (Baltinglass MD)
This scheme provides for 161m of upgraded footpaths (including public lighting) along the L-72274 between Valley Heights Housing Estate and Carnew National School.

-       Improved Glenart pedestrian link (Arklow MD)
This Pedestrian accessibility link has now been improved at the rear of the Woodlands housing development located between Lamberton and Glenart. The works involved the construction of a pedestrian access ramp, handrails and the installation of public lighting.

-       Ashford to New Developments footpath (Wicklow MD)
This project sought to improve pedestrian facilities along the R-764 by widening the footpath and upgrading the public lighting.

-       Priory Road Footpath (Greystones MD)
This project included the provision of new footpath on Priory Road, Delgany linking the new Archers Wood and Eden Gate developments to Delgany village.

-       Arklow North Cycle and Pedestrian Scheme (Arklow MD)
This project included the construction of cycle and pedestrian facilities on the R-772 Dublin Road. The scheme involves construction of a footpath and segregated cycle facilities on the R-772 between the M11 Junction 11.

 “I know from regularly speaking to Wicklow County Council that they have been working very hard on a number of other projects which are very significantly progressed, these include:

-       Improvement works at Bellevue Junction in Delgany (Greystones MD)
This project includes the upgrading of the junction of the R-762 and Bellevue Hill. The project will improve pedestrian accessibility and safety and enhance village centre aesthetics by widening and landscaping the paved pedestrian areas, upgrading public transport facilities, undergrounding services, and upgrading public lighting. Surfacing was recently completed here.

-       Improvements on Kilcoole Road Pedestrian and Cycle routes (Greystones MD)

This project includes the provision of 500m of new footpath and 500m of cycle track along the R-761. Works are being progressed by the NTA deliverables team and I am told works are substantially completed here.

-       Safe Routes to School for St. Kevin’s National School, Greystones (Greystones MD)

This project includes infrastructure for schools to increase walking and cycling as the preferred travel mode where possible and improve safety at front of schools. These works are to date substantially completed. The County Council is currently waiting on ESB power disconnection to install signage while high friction surfacing has already been completed.

-       Safe Routes to Schools: St. Johns Senior National School, Arklow (Arklow MD)

This project will ultimately provide infrastructure for schools to increase walking and cycling as the preferred travel mode where possible and improve safety at front of schools. These works are also, to date, substantially completed. High Friction Surfacing will be completed once weather permits.

Safe Routes to Schools: SS Michael and Peter Junior School (Arklow MD)
This project seeks to improve road safety and make the areas adjacent to the schools safer, so that children can be encouraged and facilitated to walk and cycle to the schools safely. Current works on this project are substantially completed and High Friction Surfacing will be completed once weather permits.

-       Lastly the Arklow South Cycle and Pedestrian Scheme (Arklow MD)

This project includes the provision of 2.8km of segregated cycle track along the R-772 Wexford Road, Arklow between Knockmore Roundabout and M11 Junction 21. The scheme will also seek to construct 1.4km approx. of pedestrian footpath. Works continue to progress, with drainage and utility works on northbound carriage to be completed.. This project should be completed by Q2 2024.

Minister Harris concluded: “These are all very important projects which are set to make a significant difference to people in Wicklow who chose to travel in a much more sustainable manner and are seeking also to improve physical and mental health well being.

 “I am delighted that so many projects are being actively pursued by Wicklow County Council, these projects significantly improve local life, connect suburbs, local villages who have lost touch because of dangerous roads overused by cars.