Wicklow-Wexford TD calls on council to build new roundabout in Gorey

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow Wexford, Brian Brennan has urged the Council to use whatever measures available to them to progress the development of Ballyloughan Roundabout.

The proposed roundabout which was expected to serve an adjoining business park will not be built after the national planning authority upheld an appeal blocking its progress.

he roundabout, which was due to situated at the junction of the R772 and L5032 beside the Ballyloughan Industrial Estate, was initially given planning permission by Wexford County Council (WCC) in 2024; but, following an appeal from a local resident, An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) has ruled that the roundabout should not be built.

Planning permission was submitted by Tom and Pat Redmond in July of 2024 and subsequently granted (with conditions) by WCC the following month.

Speaking on the matter to Wexford Weekly, Brennan said:

“The Ballyloughan Business Park is in a prime position at the outskirts of Gorey to facilitate business, industry, employment and growth in the town, but is seriously hindered by access.

“Currently the Park houses some of the best Wexford home grown businesses such as John Bass Tyres, Brennan Electric, Bolands of Gorey, Curragh Woods Landscaping, Whizzy Internet, Peak Fitness, and Bodibro and there are several additional lots ready for new business.

“This roundabout would open up the Park for further development but as it stands, the refusal may have the opposite effect, hindering growth and potentially losing jobs and industry from Gorey to other areas with more favourable access.

“It is my understanding that this lack of critical infrastructure is deterring at least one major business from moving to the Park and it is possible that the outcome of this decision may make it likely that new businesses will look elsewhere.

“Most importantly the junction as it stands is simply dangerous and presents a massive safety risk to drivers especially if it continues to provide sole access to the park for heavy trucks and vehicles.

“In addition the road also provides access to several coastal areas on the North Wexford Coastline, such as Castletown, Ballymoney, Tara Hill, Seafield. In summer time this road is filled with local and visiting traffic alike travelling to beaches, golf courses and holiday parks.

“The confluence of heavy vehicular traffic and families in their cars at an uncontrolled junction on an already busy road is a recipe for disaster.

Brennan continued: “I fully respect the planning process and as such I urge Wexford County Council to seriously consider all options available to them with a view to making the roundabout a reality.

“Gorey is a town bursting at the seams, so it is absolutely vital that area such as Ballyloughan be developed to ensure that the town continues to grow and thrive.”