Transport Bosses To Hear Renewed Calls To Maintain Herbert Road Junction in Bray

Minister for Transport to hear from local interests in preserving the Herbert Road today

The latest meeting regarding the future of the Herbert Road in Bray will take place today with members of Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Minister Darragh O'Brien

Residents have vociferously protested against the potential closure of the route outlining the potential damage that could occur within the local community in Bray.

The Herbert Road is one of the town's four main arteries, while many residents believe its closure to make way for a bus corridor in the area simply cannot be justified.

Its closure they suggest would force more traffic onto already congested routes while creating safety issues in the town centre.

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady is amongst those who'll attend today's meeting with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Transport Minister Darragh O’ Brien to discuss the latest steps to preserve the Herbert Road.

Following a high-profile meeting of various Wicklow Oireachtas members in July with various power brokers at government buildings, a group of consultants were appointed to consider the next steps.

Deputy Brady says he'll continue to push strongly to stop the closure of the Herbert Road:

''What's most important is that TII hear a clear and unified opposition to the illogical closure of the Herbert road. This road is a vital artery into Bray and closing it would have a devastating impact on residents, on schools, businesses and emergency services. 

He has tempered expectations of the meeting and insisted the pressure lies at the door of the department:

''I want to very clear, TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) do not make policy. They only implement it. The responsibility lies with the government and the Minister for Transport and their abdication of responsibility on this issue will not be accepted.''

He says the fight will not end:

''I will continue to stand firmly with the people of Bray to keep the road open. So whilst its an important meeting today with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, this is only more step along the road to ensure the powers that be hear a strong message that the Herbert Road needs to be kept open.''