Edward Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

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 juncture 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.

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