An integrated traffic/transport plan for Bray

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Recently, The Independent published an article suggesting that Bray councillors are not doing enough to address traffic issues in the town. While public scrutiny is an important part of democracy, I feel it’s important to clarify that much work has been happening behind the scenes, work that may not yet be visible to residents or local media.

The person interviewed for the article has not engaged with councillors for updates or sought our views on the current situation. While the Transport Committee has not yet met formally, there has been significant preparation to ensure that when it does, it won’t become “just another talking shop.” The goal is to deliver tangible progress, not endless discussion.

At the most recent Transport Strategic Planning Group meeting, a body I do not sit on, I submitted a request through the Chair for the creation of an Integrated Traffic Plan for Bray. Unfortunately, this request was not initially welcomed. However, after speaking directly with engineers at that meeting, it became clear that there was some confusion about what such a plan would actually entail.

To be clear: we are not asking for more studies or surveys. There is already a wealth of existing data and reports — on cycleways, pedestrian routes, traffic volumes, and more. What we are calling for is an integrated plan that brings all of this information together in a coordinated and practical way.

This plan would allow us to take a holistic view of transport in Bray,  understanding how road users, cyclists, and pedestrians interact, and ensuring that all existing and proposed projects align with a shared vision for how people move through our town.

Other councils have already demonstrated what is possible. Kilkenny County Council, for example, has developed an excellent integrated transport plan that could serve as a model for Bray. It’s strategic, realistic, and designed to guide practical action, exactly what we need here.

The first step now is to meet with the lead engineer to clarify what is needed and to crystallise a path forward. While the traffic element of the Local Area Plan touches on some transport issues, it does not go into enough detail to tackle Bray’s specific traffic challenges effectively.

I believe strongly that this kind of integrated approach, one that connects data, planning, and real-world action, is the way forward. Bray deserves a transport plan that works for everyone: drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users alike.