Wicklow Town Team welcomed presentation of the Draft Report on the Black Castle
Wicklow Town Team welcomed a presentation at their November 27th meeting from Town Regeneration Officer Stephen Clarke of the Draft Report on the Black Castle.
Following funding secured by Wicklow Town Team from the Town & Village Renewal Scheme through the Department of Rural & Community & the Gaeltacht, a series of public consultations were held in recent months, to explore ideas to enhance the public lands at the Black Castle, while protecting its heritage and natural environment. Residents, local groups, and community representatives came together at walking workshops, a photo exhibition and a number of sessions at Wicklow Library.
This project which is a collaboration between Wicklow Town Team, Wicklow County Council & Wicklow Municipal District. Public consultations were facilitated by Studio Idir consultants, who took on board all of the feedback from the community engagements sessions. Key themes & feedback from the public focused on improving accessibility, recreational & visitor facilities, supporting biodiversity and preserving the heritage of the area. Wicklow Town Team were delighted with the strong response and engagement from local residents and the wider community who turned out for all of the public events and participated in the "Have Your Say" initiative to share their ideas for the future of the historic site.
The Draft Report includes a number of proposals for improvements to the existing carpark and picnic areas, enhancing of biodiversity, conservation works on the existing castle ruins, new picnic tables, benches, bins & signage and improving online information.
The final report will form the basis for the planning process which will provide further opportunity for public consultation.
Chairperson of Wicklow Town Team, Myra Porter thanked everybody who took the time to get involved in the project by attending the public consultation sessions, submitting photos and ideas, making submissions and engaging in updates based on their feedback. The community engagement was invaluable in preparing the draft plan.
