Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady has hit out at the Minister for Transport and the National Transport Authority over the delays in opening the fully completed Fassaroe Park and Ride facility in Bray, describing the situation as ‘deeply frustrating’ and ‘completely unacceptable’.
Deputy Brady has criticised the Government for what he says is the consistent pattern of announcements without delivery, as commuters across Wicklow remain stuck in worsening traffic while vital infrastructure lies idle.
Deputy Brady said:
“This facility in Fassaroe is fully built and ready to go.
“It should already be reducing traffic on the N11 and helping commuters get to work quicker, yet instead it’s locked up, fenced off, and lying idle.
“This is exactly what people are fed up with – endless Government announcements, photo opportunities, and press releases, but a complete failure to actually deliver real, usable infrastructure.
“This is a particularly egregious example as this facility is complete, but yet it seems the preparatory work was not done to bring it into immediate use.
“There are 388 parking spaces, including 26 for mobility-impaired users and 42 with electric vehicle charging capability.
“This is a significant public investment, and it is simply unacceptable that it is not yet operational.
“Commuters in Wicklow are stuck in growing tailbacks every single day while this brand new facility sits unused.
“It defies logic and highlights a complete failure to plan from the Minister and National Transport Authority.
“Recently the NTA confirmed that the planned Park and Ride for Rathnew and Ashford, which received approval from Wicklow County Council last year for 200 spaces, has now had its funding pulled and pushed back until at least 2027.
“Once again, plenty of political spin but a complete failure to deliver.
“Communities are being promised improvements that simply are not materialising.
“I will be raising this directly with the Minister for Transport and the National Transport Authority, and demanding that the facility be opened immediately.
“People deserve better than delays and excuses.”
ENDS