Eh, Cairn, Where’s That Archers Wood Playhouse…?

Fancy!

t was back in May 2024 that Cllr Lourda Scott pointed out the fact that it was then a full year since her successful An Bord Pleanala appeal to stop Cairn Homes abandoning a promised community building in Archers Wood.

And then, a mere seven months after that, the developer giant responsible for doubling the size of Greystones finally snapped into action.

And began shuffling papers for another three months before planning was finally filed and then approved in March 2025. And then, silence. Zilch. No event on the horizon.

In case anyone’s forgotten, here’s the original approved planning permission…

Development relating to a Large-scale Residential Development consisting of modifications to the Strategic Housing Development permitted under ABP Ref.: ABP-305476-19, as amended by ABP Ref.: ABP-311676-19.The proposed modifications to the previously approved development will consist of:
The provision of a single-storey Active Open Space Building (c.206 sqm) located to the north-west of the overall permitted SHD lands adjacent to the playing pitches comprising a multi-purpose room (c.101.5 sqm) with 2 no. changing room areas of c.26 sqm, ancillary changing room for referees (c.10sqm), storage area (c.17.5 sqm.), kitchenette (c.6 sqm), WC facilities as well as the associated omission of a 2-storey split level residential amenity building of c.325 sqm and all associated site development works. The proposed development also consists of retention permission for the following works: Reconfiguration of the open space area located to the east of the apartment buildings that includes active outdoor gym equipment and enhanced passive open space at Bounded by the Kilcoole Road (R761) to the east and Priory Road to the west, Eden Gate and Glenbrook Park to the south, within the townlands of Farrankelly & Killincarrig, Delgany, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

Cllr Scott is now calling on Cairn Homes to get its commitment together.

“It is incredibly frustrating that six years after planning permission was granted for Archers Wood, the community building is still not available for local groups,” she stated today. “People have moved into hundreds of homes, yet basic facilities that were promised as part of the development remain undelivered.”

“I was contacted this week by Sporting Greystones, who told me they have children and adults using the pitches every week without access to toilets or changing facilities. At the same time, Greystones Family Resource Centre is struggling to find community space to use, creating uncertainty for services that support families across our community. These are two very different organisations, but they are both facing the same problem. We simply do not have enough community buildings.”

Cllr Scott is calling for Wicklow County Council to introduce clearer enforcement mechanisms and structured delivery requirements.

“The Council should require a detailed, legally binding Community Infrastructure Delivery Plan for all large scale developments. This should set out exactly when community buildings, and other essential infrastructure will be delivered, linked to clear housing occupation thresholds.”

“There also needs to be a willingness to enforce these conditions properly. If infrastructure is not delivered on schedule, there must be consequences, including the ability to restrict further phases of development, until commitments are met.”

“We are being asked to support continued housing growth, but it must come with the infrastructure needed to sustain it.

“Otherwise, we are failing both new residents and existing communities.”

You can check that Wicklow County Council planning approval here, and get in touch with Cllr Lourda Scott by email here.