Arklow – like much of rural Ireland – is suffering from neglect and dereliction, yet at the same time there are some rural towns thriving in the country. Towns that have transformed themselves have shown that it doesn’t happen by chance but comes from local people and their representatives collaborating in a new energetic approach to revitalising their town. The Arklow Chamber today has asked all our Public Representatives to demand more on our behalf, and we here in the Chamber will work to support them in any way we can to deliver for everyone who cares so deeply about the future of Arklow.
A draft “Urban vision for Arklow” is available below and is being developed for submission to the Wicklow County Council local town plans later this year. Action is required on several fronts, including:
- The Main Street and Lane-ways highlighting opportunities for existing local entrepreneurs and long established businesses to generate jobs.
- Traffic management and infrastructure development in the town communicating all works clearly and comprehensively to all stake-holders allowing businesses to plan for disruption and new opportunities.
- Developing the potential of Strongbow’s Castle known as the Ormonde Castle locally which lies in ruins near the courthouse – but which has significant tourism and job potential.
- Promoting the value of our local woodland and green belt tourism potential, with walks, trails and cycling routes. This has led to major economic benefits in towns like Westport, yet Arklow, a town bordered by significant woodland and forest trials, has had no significant proposals accepted to exploit this natural amenity. A similar situation exists with the potential of our river and our harbour.
- For years we’ve all watched high street business open in Arklow and close again, as the town appears incapable of supporting viable businesses, we need a Town action plan to tackle this together.
Please let us know what you think – chamber@arklow.ie
Lets work together on this!