What is it?

We want the future planning and development of the Wicklow/Rathnew area to include enforceable provisions that deliver on the necessary sports and recreational facilities for the community. We have undertaken an audit of existing sports facilities and the future needs which are detailed below. Any residential development in the town should directly address the deficit in facilities.

Over the last 40 years, our population has doubled, yet our sports and recreational facilities have largely stood still. With our community projected to reach 35,000 residents by 2040, we need to ensure that sports and recreational facilities in the town are delivered to cater for the growing population.

We are happy to embrace the projected growth. Wicklow 2040 is a unified collective of sports clubs, recreational groups, and the Town Team. We are standing together to deliver the necessary sports/recreational facilities and we would like your support.

The Vision: A Unified Approach

We want a master-planned infrastructure that supports a healthy, connected lifestyle.

HOW?

1. Create an Infrastructure that will facilitate growth

To breathe, the town needs to move. We are campaigning for:

The Circular Route: A completed Ring Road stretching from the Rocky Road to Marlton Road and out to the Old Wicklow Lighthouses. This isn't just for cars; it’s a dedicated loop for walkers and cyclists to navigate the town safely. This road would be built similar to the Hawkstown Road which has been a hugely successful piece of infrastructure for the town.

Transport Hub: A modern Park and Ride facility to serve our growing commuter population and ease town-centre congestion.

Ballyguile Mór Scenic Park: Developing the peak of Ballyguile Mór into a public park, providing a breathtaking gateway to the Circular Route.

North Quay Development: A dedicated facility to unlock the potential of our coast for water-based recreation and sports.

2. Use the planning system to ensure sports deficiencies are addressed.

New residential planning permissions should be contingent on developers either delivering new sports facilities directly or contributing significantly to a central fund for existing club expansions.

Sports Facilities Audit

  
    
        Club / Group
        Current Focus
        2040 Target Facilities
        Membership Goal
      


    
        St. Pat’s GAA
        Overcrowded
        2 additional grass pitches + Full 3G Pitch + Clubhouse
        1,500
      

        Wicklow Tennis
        250 on Waitlist
        10 Courts (Indoor/Outdoor), 4 Pickleball, 4 Padel
        1,500
      

        Wicklow Rugby
        Access Issues
        Safe road access, Full-size 3G pitch + Juvenile 3G pitch
        1,500
      

        Wicklow Rovers
        Capacity Limit
        1 All-weather + 2 Full-size grass + Juvenile pitch
        1,000
      

        Wicklow Town AFC
        Under-resourced
        1 All-weather + 2 Full-size grass + Juvenile pitch
        750
      

        Basketball
        No Home
        2 Indoor pitches (IBA spec) + 1 Outdoor practice
        500
      

        Inbheer Dee AC
        Temporary Trail
        2km Lighted Tarmac Trail + Tartan drill area + Throws
        500
      

        Squash
        No Facilities
        2 Courts + Viewing Gallery + Changing Rooms
        500
      

        Vartry Rowing
        No Storage
        Dedicated ground-floor storage near harbour slips
        400
      

        Rathnew Boxing
        No Permanent Home
        2 Permanent Rings (IABA spec) + Gym & Storage
        300
      

        Blue Dolphins
        Inclusion
        Integrated access across all upgraded club sites
        200
      

        Rathnew GAA
        Capacity Limit
        Full Size Astro pitch & Grass Pitch. Juvenile Astro pitch
        1,200
      

  

Join the Movement

Wicklow 2040 is about ensuring that the town our children inherit is more than just a collection of houses—it’s a vibrant, active, and connected community.

Be part of the vision. Together, we can ensure that as Wicklow grows, our quality of life grows with it.

If you want to see the vision come to life we need your support.

This is an opportunity for the people of Wicklow and Rathnew to have their say on how their town should be developed.

Leaving your details supporting our vision is hugely important as are any comments or observations you may wish to send .

Your support can deliver the best sports clubs facilities for our kids .