Wicklow County Council receives ‘significant negative response’ to closure of N11 exits for bus corridor

Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has highlighted the “negative response” to the consultation process on the closure of the N11 access to Herbert Road in Bray to facilitate a bus corridor.

Between September and November last year, Wicklow County Council carried out a public consultation to determine public attitudes to a proposed N11 / M11 Bus Priority Interim Scheme. The level of opposition to the plans has been confirmed by the Council in an update issued recently.

“A significant negative response was received during the public consultation to the proposed closure of the N11 access to the Herbert Road,” it said. “Further environmental studies and traffic analysis have been completed on elements of the emerging preferred option. As a result, further consideration is being given to the preferred options at J8 Kilmacanogue, J7 Bray south (including Herbert Road access) and J6 Fassaroe (including the R117 access)."

Welcoming the Council’s completion of the consultation process, Deputy Brady said he looks forward to the full consultation report.

“In November, I submitted a Sinn Féin petition opposing the plans as they had been presented to the public,” he said. “The strength of public opinion on the issue can be seen from the 1,853 signatories to the petition. In addition, there were a further 1,152 submissions, including one which I submitted in my own name, in which I outlined the reasons for my strong opposition to the existing plans.

“It is absolutely clear that the primary issue of concern for members of the public which was evident across the submissions to the Council concerned the closure of the Herbert Road Junction, and the installation of a traffic lights system at Hills Garage in place of the existing roundabout.

“A recent update from the Council has confirmed the strength of opposition to the proposal to close the N11 access road at the Herbert Road. The reality was that the original traffic plans as they have been presented are unworkable and would result in a disaster for motorists and residents who currently use the Herbert Road Junction, and the Hills roundabout.

“The council have carried out further environmental studies and traffic analysis on elements of the emerging preferred option. It is critical that whatever the emerging preferred option is, it needs takes cognisance of the level of community opposition to the original proposal,” he continued.

“I further call upon the Council to listen to the voices in the community who have and continue to express widespread opposition to a scheme which if it is allowed to go ahead will create traffic chaos in Bray,” he concluded.

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