State Agency Tell TD's Herbert Road Closure Is Government Policy As Fight Goes On

Local TD's inform Transport Infrastructure Ireland again how proposals to cut off Herbert Road from Bray would have a hugely damaging impact on residents and businesses

A meeting of local representatives has heard that €3m of public money has already been spent on planning and consultancy fees for the N11 bus corridor.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland have informed the four Wicklow TDs that it is government policy to close Herbert Road for the bus corridor project.

Sinn Féin TD John Brady has confirmed that the CEO of TII admitted that the the level of opposition to the closure of Herbert Road is unprecedented.

Deputy Brady says not a single assessment has been carried out on what impact keeping Herbert Road open would have for the town of Bray.

Deputy Brady said.

“Three million euro of taxpayers’ money has already been blown, and yet not a single assessment has been carried out on what impact — if any — keeping Herbert Road open would have. Across the entire bus corridor network, cars are allowed to turn left onto adjoining roads, cutting across and entering through bus corridors. Allowing that on and off Herbert Road would certainly not be unprecedented — it is the accepted norm and would have minimal, if any, impact on the operation of a bus corridor.

Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris said the meeting yesterday provided an opportunity to all public representatives to highlight the need for transport chiefs to find solutions that protect Herbert Road residents and maintain access to the town.

Minister Harris emphasised that proposals which cut off Herbert Road from the town would have an unacceptable impact on residents and businesses.

During the meeting, TII officials outlined that their statutory role is to safeguard the public from dangerous roads and ensure that standards are maintained at a national level. They explained that while part of the scheme is designed to provide a dedicated bus corridor, it is also essential that traffic movements for all road users are supported.

Officials acknowledged the widespread unrest caused by the proposals and confirmed that no scheme can progress without Wicklow County Council’s approval.

Speaking after the engagement, the Tánaiste said:

 “I want to thank the local residents and Herbert Road campaigners who have worked tirelessly to protect the interests of residents. I stand with them.

The next steps now to meet with senior officials in Wicklow County Council and Chief Executive Emer O’Gorman.”

The Tánaiste confirmed he will continue to keep residents updated directly on progress, as further discussions take place with TII and the Department.