All systems go for Arklow’s long-awaited pottery centre

WICKLOW County Council is hopeful that it can achieve €2 million in grand funding to build the long-awaited Arklow Pottery centre and museum.

Director of Services Michael Nicholson said that planning permission has been approved for the three storey building on Abbey Lane which will include a restaurant, pottery museum and public space.

He confirmed that now planning permission has been approved, the council can seek funding in the region of €2 million.

Cathaoirleach Miriam Murphy said that ‘it is great that it is coming to a reality after all these years’.

‘This will be a brilliant feature for the town and I thank all those involved,’ she said.

Cllr Tommy Annesley commended Mr Nicholson for the council’s work and paid tribute to local pottery enthusiast Irene Sweeney and the people of Arklow who have done tremendous work in furthering the project.

Mr Nicholson concurred and said that while he was updating the members, there are many stakeholders involved including Arklow Chamber of Commerce, Arklow Town Team and a volunteer committee. Cllr Annesley raised concern about a water services connection but was assured that as the site was previously connected, there would be no increase in discharge and so the project would not be forced to delay until the opening of the town’s new waste water treatment plant.

Prior to work commencing, an archaeology and heritage report must be prepared due to the site’s proximity to the old Abbey Graveyard.