Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has welcomed the inclusion of a vital clause in the latest tender document for Phase 3 of the National Transport Authorities’ project, which ensures that engineers must consider alternatives to the closure of the Herbert Road.
However, Deputy Brady has also expressed deep disappointment that An Tánaiste Simon Harris has ignored his requests for some weeks, asking him to facilitate a meeting with the Minister for Transport and a delegation of local residents and businesses to discuss the impact the road closure will have on them.
Deputy Brady said:
“The clause included in the tender documents to progress to Phase 3 of the proposed N11 Bus Priority corridor is a hard-won and welcome addition. It ensures that engineers must examine options to keep Herbert Road open while still facilitating the development of the bus corridor along the N11.
This is an argument I and many others have made from the very beginning — that this is not a case of either-or. Public transport improvements and the preservation of Herbert Road can and should happen in tandem, without negatively impacting residents or businesses in the Bray area.
While this clause is a small but positive step forward, its true value will lie in the recommendations that emerge from this phase, and even more so in the decisions made on implementing those recommendations. What matters most now is that we continue pushing to ensure Herbert Road remains open for the benefit of the entire community.”
He continued: “The potential closure of this road would have a devastating impact on Bray and the surrounding areas. It is not just a local inconvenience – it would lead to serious traffic congestion, do huge damage to local businesses, and make daily life far more difficult for residents across the town and beyond. It also raises serious concerns for emergency services and their ability to respond to incidents in the area. This clause is an important tool in our campaign to ensure that the Herbert Road stays open, but it is vital that we keep the pressure on”.
Speaking on his request for An Tánaiste Simon Harris to facilitate a meeting with his government partner, the Minister for Transport, and local residents Brady said: “People deserve to be heard, particularly as their concerns were not considered in the public consultation process. I have asked Simon Harris to facilitate a meeting with himself and the Minister for Transport to directly hear residents’ voices, but my request for this has been ignored. It is disappointing and disrespectful that this is the case”.
“It is even more concerning that it was revealed at a recent council meeting that neither Simon Harris nor Darragh O’Brien have responded to emails from the Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council regarding the closure of the Herbert Road. That shows a worrying lack of leadership and engagement on an issue of huge importance to the community”.
Deputy Brady was clear that he supports public transport improvements but insists they must not come at the cost of damaging the town. “I want to be very clear – I am not opposed to the bus corridor. In fact, I welcome any initiative that increases and improves public transport in the county. But closing the Herbert Road is not the solution. We can improve public transport and keep the road open – these are not mutually exclusive goals”.
“The inclusion of this clause in the tender means the door is still open. Now we must keep the pressure on, ensure that all options are properly considered, and fight to keep the Herbert Road open for the good of the entire community” he concluded.
ENDS