Bray Harbour’s €7.14m Makeover

atest press release from Steven Matthews TD, issued on Monday, March 15th 2021…

Green Party Deputy Steven Matthews has welcomed €7.14m in URDF funding for Bray Harbour.

Commenting on the funding Deputy Steven Matthews said, “I’m delighted to secure this funding for much needed improvements to our beautiful harbour area.

“We started working on plans many years ago when I was Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District. We want to protect and enhance the public harbour area for all residents, visitors and local businesses. The area is loved by the people of Bray but it needs some improvement. Whether you sail, enjoy water sports, go for a walk or just sit and feed the swans this huge funding will improve all those aspects for locals and visitors. The connection to the Victorian promenade will be improved as will pedestrian and cycling links northwards towards Shanganagh.

“The enhancement of our public harbour has always been a priority of mine and this funding will make this a reality. All works to the public area will require consultation and will be carried out with the highest environmental protection for the biodiversity that exists in our harbour and with full regards for the local residents.”

The Bray Harbour project is being funded under Call 2 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). The URDF part-funds projects aimed at enhancing urban areas to make them more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest.

Works envisaged include:

• Amenity and Public Realm – extension of amenity areas, improvement of streetscape, parking, cycle provision and sporting facilities
• Promenade Board Walk – linking the promenade with the harbour
• Cycle Bridge – to relieve a pinch point at the Dargle Bridge crossing
• Relocation of boat storage to the north of the harbour

“The overall vision is to re-imagine and regenerate the strategically located waterfront area of Bray,” says Matthews. “To increase economic activity, amenity, and connectivity to public transport, the sea-front and esplanade.

“The aim is to deliver a vibrant public amenity that will be of great benefit to residents and visitors alike.”