Greystones Harbour and North Beach PPP Project

Artist impression of Greystones Harbour

An Bord Pleanala Approves Greystones Harbour Development

Wicklow County Council and Sispar welcome the decision announced by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for the re-development of Greystones Harbour. We are particularly pleased that the Bord's decision to approve the project was unanimous.

artist impression of harbour

Consideration of this major application by the Bord was exhaustive and comprehensive. The approval comes after two oral hearings before an Inspector of the Bord in 2006 and 2007. The second hearing followed the submission of additional information by Wicklow County Council and Sispar which was requested by the Bord in August 2006.

The scheme will provide major benefits to the community in Greystones and bring significant new amenities including a new harbour, coastal protection works, facilities for local sporting clubs, a new public beach, park, new public square, boardwalk, piers and improved access to the Greystones to Bray cliff walk.

The Bord has attached thirteen conditions to its approval relating inter alia to:

road access to the site and local traffic calming
bringing beach nourishment materials by ship to the harbour so as to reduce the impact of heavy goods vehicle movements
archaeological monitoring of site works
hours of operation on site and the preparation of codes of practice for work
ensuring access to the Cliff Walk during the works
the establishment of a local liaison committee to disseminate information on the development

The development will include a 230 berth marina, new retail facilities including cafes and restaurants, 341 residential units and a new public square at the Harbour with substantial private parking.

Wicklow County Council and Sispar look forward to working closely with the local community, as already promised and as also provided for by the Bord, to phase construction in order to minimise disruption and environmental impact. The Council and company will liaise closely with local organisations, residents groups and schools.

The proposed development is a public/private partnership involving Wicklow County Council and Sispar - a joint venture company made up of Ireland’s largest construction company, John Sisk and Son Ltd and one of Ireland’s leading property development companies, Park Developments.

It is expected that work will begin on site in the coming months and be completed within four to five years.

Reacting to the Bord Pleanála decision, Wicklow County Manager Eddie Sheehy said:

“We are delighted that the Bord has given the go ahead for the provision of a world-class harbour facility for Greystones. This €300m project, which includes public facilities to a value of over €50 million, will mean that the existing derelict harbour will be rejuvenated to become an integral part of the town. I am confident that this will be regarded as one of the most visionary and innovative public private partnership projects ever undertaken in the State and I look forward to the start of works in the coming months.”

The Managing Director of John Sisk and Son Ltd, Tom Costello said:

“The proposal to re-develop Greystones Harbour will provided badly needed facilities for the rapidly growing town and hinterland of Greystones. It is a unique construction challenge which we look forward to addressing.”

Michael Cotter, Managing Director of Park Developments said:

“I believe that in five years time, Greystones Harbour will be held up as one of the finest examples of how the public and private sectors can work together for the greater benefit of a vibrant local community.”