Herbert Road closure in Bray
Deputy Timmins opposed the proposed closure of Herbert Road in Bray, warning of congestion and disruption to residents, businesses and emergency access. The Taoiseach said the project was under the transport planning process and that the relevant authorities were advancing options for the wider N11-M11 scheme.
I want to raise the issue of the proposed closure of Herbert Road in Bray. It is an essential route for residents, emergency services and local businesses and almost everyone in the town and the wider area is against its closure. The closure of the junction will create significant traffic congestion in north Wicklow. Closing Herbert Road and improving the bus corridor should not be mutually exclusive. A more balanced approach would be to terminate the southbound bus lane before the Herbert Road junction.
As a result of BusConnects, the recent loss of the 145 bus route, which serviced many estates on or near Herbert Road, is causing significant hardship for elderly residents. For example, residents in this area, who once had a direct bus to Loughlinstown hospital, now must swap buses or walk what are often unsustainable distances to the new bus stops.
Sustainable investment in rail infrastructure is the most effective long-term solution for this area. Fast-tracking the Luas green line extension to Bray and Fassaroe would provide reliable and efficient alternatives to car travel.
Comment on this
It is time to support the entire community of Bray.
Comment on this
My understanding is, while the Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to the national roads programme, it is TII that is responsible for the delivery of the national roads programme. It has informed the Department that Wicklow County Council has just completed the option selection phase for the N11-M11 bus priority scheme. The project team made presentations to elected members of Bray municipal district, Wicklow County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The options selection report details the proposed extensive enhancement at junction 7, which will make the operation of the junction more efficient and resolve much of the delay apparently currently being experienced as well as handling the revised traffic pattern after implementation of the scheme.
It seems there needs to be further engagement with TII. In terms of BusConnects, that would be an NTA responsibility. I can alert the Minister for Transport that the Deputy has raised the specifics of that but engagement with TII and the responsible authorities is key.