Tánaiste Simon Harris Confirms Meeting with Minister for Transport to Stop Herbert Road Closure

Simon Harris described the plan to close Herbert Road as “illogical” and “stupid”.

Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris has confirmed he has secured a critical meeting with the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, to stop the proposed closure of Herbert Road in Bray.

The meeting, which will take place on Wednesday 9th July, was arranged directly by the Tánaiste following a series of engagements with residents and campaigners and weekly engagements with the Minister for Transport.

Simon Harris has now formally invited all Wicklow Oireachtas members across all parties to attend the meeting.

Speaking today, the Tánaiste said:  

“From day one, I made a commitment to the residents of Herbert Road that I would use every lever available to stop this damaging and stupid proposal. 

Today, I am delivering on that promise. I have secured a meeting with the Minister for Transport and invited every Oireachtas member from Wicklow to join me, because we must stand together on this.”

Simon Harris is warning the plan to close Herbert Road would cause lasting damage to Bray and the surrounding areas.

“This plan makes no sense. It is a deeply flawed and poorly thought-out proposal that must be stopped. As a resident, a TD, and as Tánaiste of this government, I will not support the closure of this vital route.”

Wicklow TD Simon Harris has consistently voiced his opposition to the closure and has already raised the matter directly with Wicklow County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. He has also welcomed indications that alternatives to the closure may be on the table as part of Phase 3 of the transport plan.

“Our goal must be to keep Herbert Road open, while also delivering effective public transport solutions.

The Tánaiste concluded by paying tribute to the strength of the community campaign, the local Councillors, in particular Cllr Melanie Corrigan and Ned Whelan and reaffirming his commitment to seeing this proposal withdrawn.

“I will keep leading this opposition until common sense prevails and Herbert Road is protected for the future.”