Wicklow Town has a strategically important location on the M/N11 and rail corridor, at the centre point of the coastal area of the county. It is an active, enterprising town that provides higher order services and facilities to the town and the environs of Rathnew, Ashford, Glenealy, Roundwood and Rathdrum. Wicklow is known as the ‘County Town’ and plays a significant role in the delivering of agency functions such as local authority, health services and education. Wicklow Town and environs has a population of 13,468, which is expected to increase to 24,000 by 2028.

Wicklow Town is situated on one of the principal national routes, which links to the M11 and the M50, and is located only 60 minutes from Dublin Airport and approx 50km from Dublin City Centre. It is serviced by a daily freight and intercity passenger train service to Dublin as well as an hourly bus. The Greystones DART park and ride services is located some 24kms from the town and the LUAS park and ride at Carrickmines is 35 minutes away by car.

Commercial activity

The town has a well-established economic base, comprising a large number of small to medium-size enterprises and a wide range of commercial activities. A range of high-quality existing and developing business parks and commercial enterprises are located in Wicklow, Rathnew and Newtownmountkennedy. The Wicklow Enterprise Centre provides space and a range of support services to client companies and local entrepreneurs.

The town’s competitive advantage is driven by its strategic location, well-developed transportation network and a skilled workforce. Wicklow is an important location for film-making based largely on the presence of Ashford Studios, home to the popular television production Vikings. Wicklow County Council has applied zero planning development contributions to this sector in recognition of the importance of this sector to the Co. Wicklow economy.

The recent construction of the Wicklow Port Access and Town Relief Road Scheme has relieved traffic congestion in the town centre and services substantial zoned lands on the outskirts of the town.

Wicklow Port

Strategically located south of Dublin on the east coast of Ireland, Wicklow Port is serviced by a purpose built port access road which services businesses throughout the country via the national primary network. The north and south quays where cargo operations take place have berth-side warehousing facilities. There are a number of commercial maritime businesses operating out of Wicklow engaged in stevedoring, logistics and transport and maritime engineering. The commercial vessels utilise the port facilities for cargo such as timber, glass and scrap metal. The port welcomes business and allows flexible cargo handling and working hours.

Retail

There are many reasons why Wicklow is an excellent location for retail business. Wicklow is a vibrant business town offering a retail experience ranging from bespoke shops and family-run businesses to boutiques and specialist food stores. An active Chamber and Town Team works to incentivise job creation as well as improving the general lifestyle for business and residents alike.

Enterprise, education and innovation

Situated 4kms to the north of Wicklow Town, the Wicklow County Campus is situated on a holding of 55 acres and zoned ‘College Campus’. The Campus is a centre of excellence developed in partnership between Wicklow County Council and the Institute of Technology Carlow, offering a range of internationally recognised higher education and training opportunities and home to the Wicklow Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

Leisure and entertainment

Wicklow is a vibrant town with a wealth of leisure facilities and activities to suit all ages. The Wicklow environs offers fine hotels, shops, restaurants and evening entertainment Top attractions that are a must to visit are Wicklow Historic Gaol, Glendalough Monastic Site, Mount Usher Gardens and Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens.

The town offers a wide range of things to do from live entertainment to offering a base to tour the Garden County. Wicklow is host to the Round Ireland Yacht Race and the Wicklow Regatta festival attracts a lot of visitors during the summer.

Key assets for economic development and employment

• A sophisticated modern and well-developed town on the doorstep of Dublin
• Easy access to the M50 via the N11/M11, Dublin Airport, Euro Route E01 (n11/M11) from Rosslare to Dublin – Belfast Corridor
• Well developed business parks and modern office accommodation – space to grow your business
• The availability of 6.7 acres of zoned and serviced land at Ashford owned by Wicklow County Council as well as the availability of zoned and serviced land in private ownership
• Excellent telecommunications and internet infrastructure
• Strong and vibrant retail sector, active Town Team and Chamber of Commerce
• Proximity to universities and third level institutions so employers can expect to recruit from a highly skilled and educated workforce
• Wealth of leisure, entertainment and tourism products
• A quality of life that can only be described as unique