One-Way Or Another?

The writing’s on the road…

atest press release from Delgany Community Council and Delgany Village Business Alliance (DVBA), issued on Friday, December 17th 2021…

Representatives of Delgany Community Council and the Delgany Village Business Alliance (DVBA) attended the Greystones Municipal District meeting on Tuesday 14th of December.

During that meeting councillors were informed that funding for a proposed village centre road and footpath improvement scheme was no longer available. Delgany Community Council and DVBA were shocked and very disappointed to hear that the village centre improvements planned for early 2022 will not be proceeding. This is the second time that the village has lost out on funding for much needed road improvements.

Delgany Community Council chairperson, Paul Armstrong stated, “The needs of the Delgany Community are simple but they are extremely urgent and they must be prioritised. We want to ensure the safety of road users, particularly vulnerable road users. We need proper footpaths that allow people to walk safely through the village. We also need a road traffic plan that allows access to the village without causing gridlock.

“It is essential that the issue of road traffic and associated safety risks be addressed as soon as possible before there is a serious accident. Several developments have been given planning permission in the last year and this will increase the risk associated with HGV traffic in the village and increased traffic as developments come on stream. We cannot have a situation where pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable road users continue to be exposed to this ever increasing risk.

“Wicklow County Council receives large amounts of money in the form of levies gathered from developers as a result of new developments in the Delgany area. This money must be re-invested into ensuring the safety of the community in Delgany and visitors to our village. It is unacceptable that Delgany should continue to suffer the impact of an expansion in population and traffic without any of the essential improvements to our roads and footpaths in the village centre which are required now.

“Footfall in the village has increased significantly in recent time and will continue to increase as new businesses open. We are all delighted to welcome the re-opening of the Wicklow Arms as a great addition to our thriving business community. Customers of local businesses are walking on footpaths which have been unsafe and sub standard for many years.

“Cars are parking on the narrow footpaths forcing pedestrians out on to the road. Delgany Community Council and local businesses have shown themselves willing to engage to come up with practical and workable solutions to our traffic problems.”

Patti Shields, spokesperson for the Delgany village Business Alliance, echoes Paul’s comments. “In our capacities as representative groups (DCC/DVBA) we have worked together in an unprecedented manner to align on the priorities of our growing village and have actively communicated those needs to both the representation from WCC and our elected officials. The safety issues presented by the poor condition of footpaths, illegal parking and the speed and volume of through traffic cannot be ignored, and must be addressed immediately.

“We will continue to work towards a solution that brings our village not only to an acceptable and safe standard, but also provides a sense of community and vibrancy for all who come to experience Delgany – our businesses, our amenities (like the Burial Ground and Heritage Trail), and our unique village community atmosphere. We have strong ‘destination’ businesses already in the village and more investment and businesses coming forward in 2022 – and our ability to provide safe and proximate access to our customers is paramount.

“We also need to provide a plan that works for some of our most unique businesses, like the abattoir that serves Farrelly’s Butchers, which is one of only three operating in all of County Wicklow. We look forward to continuing our work with the DCC and the community to attract the proper investments and funding to make Delgany village live up to its full potential, however we must put a priority forward to solve the safety issues immediately.”

DCC Chairperson, Paul Armstrong concluded by saying “We are calling on all of our elected representatives to champion our village for immediate investment We need a plan to bring our village centre road and footpaths up to an adequate standard to ensure safety for everyone as a matter of urgency.

“The current situation is unacceptable, unsafe and cannot be allowed to continue.”