Report on works at town square

ROAD works as part of the Fitzwilliam Square Scheme are expected to commence in the next few weeks.

District Engineer Kevin Scanlon provided up update on the scheme’s progress at Monday’s meeting of Wicklow Municipal District.

Most of the works currently taking place involve the wall and railings at Fitzwilliam Square. The railings will be repaired in-situ rather than having to be removed.

An archaeologist is on site at all times because of the important heritage aspects of the area. Work on the first road section will commence in the coming weeks and will require traffic diversions.

The scheme involves the creation of a multi-functional space within Wicklow that will improve accessibility, enhance the presentation and public realm of the historic town core at Fitzwilliam Square.

The lower side of the square will be pedestrianised and Bridge Street made one-way, which will enable the widening of the footpaths.

Part of Church Street will also be made one-way from the junction with Bridge Street to the entrance to the Church Street Car Park. This, along with the footpath widening on Church Street and narrowing of the roadway on Abbey Street, will improve accessibility in the town centre.

Mr Scanlon also said he would look into how many trees in Fitzwilliam Square will be kept and how many will be removed, and will report back to the District Councillors with the results.

Cllr Mary Kavanagh said she had asked for a report on the trees.

‘I was told that the sycamore trees and the cherry blossoms had no significant historical value. I asked for them to be pruned back but was told it was too late at this stage. They are causing cracking of the wall and are growing up under the road. I would have loved to have seen the trees kept but hopefully they will be replaced with something different.’

Cllr Gail Dunne also asked about warning signage coming into Wicklow town to make people aware that the works are taking place.

‘Some companies on the South Quay are saying trucks and lorries that aren’t coming in through the Port Road are finding it difficult. They are coming down by The Beehive and coming into town unaware the works are taking place,’ he said.