Minister Ryan turns sod on €3.5m upgrade of Bray railway station in Wicklow

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has turned the sod on a €3.5 million project that will transform Bray railway station in County Wicklow into a transport hub.

In a boost to local commuters, the project aims to improve infrastructure for all modes of active and public transport, including buses, taxis, walking and cycling.

When completed, which is expected to be in spring 2025, the hub at Bray’s Daly Station will have new widened footpaths and pedestrian crossings, better facilities for cycling and walking and realigned bus interchange facilities that will make customers more comfortable and safer.

There will also be improved bus parking and taxi spaces, as well as new seating areas, cycle parking zones, and plenty of tree planting.

Designed by Atkins Réalis Consultancy, with Contractors David Walsh Civil Engineering carrying out the construction works, the project promises to complement the heritage of the station buildings.

A Wicklow County Council Active Travel project, it has been funded by the National Transport Authority and is supported by Irish Rail, with works to be carried out on a phased basis, and access to businesses, residences, public transport and amenities maintained throughout.

Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District Cllr Melanie Corrigan said: “We were delighted that Minister Ryan was able to join us here at Bray (Daly) Train station to officially mark the commencement of works on the Bray Transport Interchange scheme. We welcome the commitment of funding from the Department and the National Transport Authority for this project, which upon completion will see much needed safety improvements for all those who access this busy are.”

Speaking at the sod-turning, Minister Eamon Ryan said: “This new transport hub is going to transform the area around Bray train station and encourage more people to choose public transport. We are seeing throughout the country that when we improve transport infrastructure and facilities, people respond so positively.

“Bray is a wonderful, thriving town and it is about to get even better with this new plan from Wicklow County Council, for locals and commuters first, but also to the many people who visit.”

During his speech Minister Ryan also referenced the work being done by local Green Party TD Steven Matthews to bring a battery electric train service to Wicklow town. Deputy Matthews has also worked in the background on this project.

Speaking after the sod turning, Deputy Matthews said: “I’m delighted that our Green Party colleague Minister Eamon Ryan attended to turn the sod on the new public plaza which will give station road a much needed facelift.

“The interchange work commenced in February with the installation of a large surface water drainage system. I worked with Irish Rail and Wicklow County Council so that under track drainage was carried out in 2023 during routine rail maintenance works.

“The safety features included in the design will make it easier and safer to walk, cycle, catch a bus or train. The junctions at Adelaide Road and Quinsborough Road are being made accessible, safer and easier to cross for everyone going to the station or seafront.

“This upgrade will improve the experience for the thousands of journeys that start and end at Bray Railway Station every week and provide a public transport gateway to Bray that we can be proud of.

“I was so involved in this project from the start in 2018 during early design, planning process and supporting budgets for the NTA to fund the project and it’s wonderful to see the work begin.”

Local Green Party Councillor Erika Doyle echoed Deputy Matthews’s sentiments and added: “While it will be disruptive during the construction, the benefits to all those using the station or living beside it will last much longer.”

Though not in attendance, Taoiseach Simon Harris, who is from nearby Greystones, hailed the progress of the project, which he believes will have a significant impact.

“The scheme put forward by Wicklow County Council is set to have a significant impact on people from across the county, providing high quality infrastructure and public spaces to go alongside our wonderful Daly Station in Bray,” he said.

“With the project now going ahead we are set to get a renewed energy and activity in the local area which small businesses will undoubtedly be glad to get.

“Improving Wicklow’s public transport infrastructure remains a top priority for me as Taoiseach and as a proud representative for the area.

“I know from speaking to local residents in Bray how enhanced public transport can transform activity in the community so I want to see us drive forward these projects as soon as possible.”

He added: “I want to particularly thank my Fine Gael colleagues Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, and Cllr Melanie Corrigan, who have played such a huge part in driving Bray projects forward since they have been elected.”

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