Today marked the third Wicklow County Council meeting of 2025.
After the standard agenda items—including approving the previous minutes and formally agreeing to the disposal of lands (typically former local authority homes now being sold on)—we had the honour of welcoming Her Excellency Mrs. Kairi Kuna, the Estonian Ambassador, to address the Chamber.
Visit from the Estonian Ambassador
Personally, I find the world a strange and somewhat uncomfortable place at the moment. Wars and their impact on the most vulnerable, as well as the rhetoric from certain leaders, can be unsettling. Now, more than ever, friendship, understanding, and connection matter.
I was delighted to welcome Her Excellency Mrs. Kairi Kuna to the Chamber and to hear about Estonia, particularly their advancements in digital infrastructure and their sustainable, wood-based construction methods. I hope to visit Estonia one day and experience its beauty first-hand.
Park & Ride – Ashford
The proposed Park & Ride facility at M11 Junction 16 (Ashford) was presented for adoption. Similar to other proposed facilities, this initiative aims to provide commuters with the opportunity to link with bus services, ultimately reducing traffic on the N11.
The proposal includes:
210 spaces on currently unzoned lands
13 spaces for those with mobility impairments
21 designated EV charging spaces, with an additional 21 spaces prepped for future EV expansion
The benefits of the facility were widely discussed and welcomed. There were strong calls for its swift implementation to avoid delays, similar to what has happened with the previously approved Park & Ride at Fassaroe. The proposal was formally approved by the Chamber.
County Wicklow Heritage Plan
The draft County Wicklow Heritage Plan was presented for final adoption. Originally approved in November 2024, the updated version now includes modifications based on nine public submissions received during the consultation period.
The only additional amendment proposed was:
Action 29 [New Action] – Support community engagement and new partnerships to research, protect, manage, and celebrate landscapes of high heritage significance at The Glendalough Valley and The Baltinglass Hillfort Complex, exploring opportunities for World Heritage Site Status as relevant.
The Heritage Plan establishes a framework for how Wicklow County Council will manage and protect the county’s natural, built, and cultural heritage over the next five years.
The Heritage Officer, Deirdre Burns, was widely commended for her work. Having served on the Heritage Committee (May 2019 – June 2024), I have seen firsthand the incredible efforts of Deirdre and the many dedicated individuals across Wicklow who tirelessly safeguard our county’s heritage. We are incredibly fortunate to have their skills and commitment.
The amendment was approved, and the plan is now formally adopted and ready for implementation.
Taking in Charge of Estates
The process of ‘taking in charge’ refers to the formal handover of estate roads and infrastructure to the Council for ongoing maintenance. Typically, this occurs after a new estate has been developed, but I continue to be surprised by the number of small laneways and estates that remain under private responsibility.
At this meeting, the estates at Ashcroft (Delgany) and Sika Wood (Enniskerry) were officially taken in charge.
Blessington Local Area Plan 2025
Unsurprisingly, this agenda item dominated the meeting, given its significance. The Blessington Local Area Plan (2025–2031) will guide development in the area for the next six years, making it of critical importance to the community.
The process involved:
A draft plan being publicly advertised
A six-week submission period
A thorough review of submissions, with responses compiled into a final document
The Council considering the document before formal adoption
Wicklow County Council staff made themselves fully available throughout the process, holding several meetings with local and external Councillors to ensure familiarity with the plan and proposed amendments.
Given the thoroughness of the process, it was understandable that frustration arose when, just before the meeting, one Councillor requested a two-week extension and a special meeting, submitting a last-minute amendment with limited details late on Sunday night.
While any Councillor has the right to propose amendments—even on the day of the meeting—this approach did not allow proper time for consideration.
Debate centered around the extension request, as well as the commitment of Councillors in preparing for the plan. It was noted that the Blessington Plan had received the same level of scrutiny and attention as the Wicklow Plan, and further delays were unwarranted.
In the end, members voted not to delay the plan and proceeded to review and vote on each amendment accordingly. A final vote was held, and the plan was formally adopted.
Of course, discussions in the Chamber weren’t exclusively about the plan—as is often the case, unrelated topics crept in, including debates over where certain members do or do not live. Grandstanding for the sake of it remains a personal pet peeve of mine, particularly when such an important issue is on the table.
However, what truly mattered was that those who put in countless hours of effort—from community members to Council staff and engaged Councillors—saw their hard work acknowledged by ensuring the matter was dealt with as planned.
(Those who didn’t? Well, they’ll likely enjoy some media coverage—but that’s politics for you!)
Final Thoughts
This report, as always, is a brief summary of key points discussed at the Council meeting. It does not cover every topic or contribution made by Council staff and elected members.
It also reflects my personal perspective—others may have different takes on the discussions and decisions. However, I hope it keeps you up to date on some of the most significant topics on the table.
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