Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD turns the sod on a transformative new transport hub in Bray.

Thursday, 18th April

Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan TD, was in Bray earlier this afternoon to mark the commencement of works for a transformative new Transport Hub in Bray which will bring together better facilities for buses and taxis, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure, all connected to the (Daly) train station.

A significant €3.5million of funding has been allocated in 2024 by the National Transport Authority to the Wicklow County Council project, which demonstrates the importance of the scheme within the county this year. Construction on the project is estimated to be completed in 12 months, subject to favourable conditions.

The key features of the project consist of the following:

• Construction of realigned bus interchange facilities to provide a more comfortable and safer experience for customers, with better bus parking and taxi spaces.
• Upgrading of pedestrian and cyclist facilities in the area, through the provision of new widened footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
• Landscaping features to enhance the public space, installation of new seating areas, tree planting and introduction of cycle parking.

The project will provide a high-quality transport interchange that complements the heritage of the Bray station buildings, which first opened for passengers back in 1854. The project, which has been facilitated and supported throughout by Iarnród Eireann, is designed by Atkins Réalis Consultancy, with Contractors David Walsh Civil Engineering carrying out the construction works. 

Commenting on the event, Taoiseach Simon Harris said, ‘As Taoiseach and as a TD for Wicklow I am delighted to see this project move forward with today's sod turn. This scheme is set to have a significant impact on people across the county providing high quality public spaces to go alongside the historic station buildings we are already lucky to have. With this project going ahead we will see renewed energy and activity in the local area which small businesses will no doubt welcome. I want to thank Wicklow County Council and the National Transport Authority who have worked tirelessly to get this over the line. I look forward to seeing the result.’

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. The Government is committed to transforming the way we travel in Ireland, and this is evidenced in the significant investment we have allocated in recent years to the Active Travel and Public Transport projects around the country. This is a great example of how this investment is being spent for people and for communities.’

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 area’.

Deputy Chief Executive Michael Nicholson commented, ‘On behalf of Wicklow County Council, we are delighted with the investment from the Government in this vital Active Travel project, one of many being rolled out across the county. Ultimately the project will benefit the key transport modes of walking, cycling, taxi, bus and rail at the station, and will encourage a modal shift from private vehicles to more sustainable modes of transport.’

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: ‘We are delighted that the Bray Transport Interchange project is now underway. It will greatly enhance the customer experience for our existing customers and with the increased multi-modal interchange will make DART travel even more attractive to potential future customers’.

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority said: ‘This scheme is a great example of the work we are doing in collaboration with Local Authorities like Wicklow County Council to make sustainable travel a more attractive option for commuters across Ireland. Enhancing facilities to support the various transport modes of walking, cycling and public transport, along with an improved public realm, will encourage more of us to consider choosing an alternative to the private car.’

Also in attendance at the event were Bray District Manager Lorraine Gallagher, Wicklow Elected Deputies and Bray Elected Members along with representatives from the National Transport Authority, Iarnród Éireann, Atkins Réalis Consultancy, David Walsh Civil Engineering, Dublin Bus, Go Ahead Ireland, Finnegan’s Bray and staff and members of Wicklow County Council.

Works will be carried out on a phased basis, with access to businesses, residences, public transport and amenities maintained throughout. Alternative access routes required during construction will be highlighted in advance with all stakeholders.

Wicklow County Council would like to thank the public, businesses and transport providers within the area for their patience and co-operation throughout the duration of works. Progress updates can be found on the Active Travel section of the Wicklow County Council website, www.wicklow.ie/Active-Travel