Wicklow County Council is pleased to announce that the final report for the Black Castle Public Realm Enhancement Project has been formally presented to the Elected Members and Council Officials of the Wicklow Municipal District.
The project’s appointed consultants, Studio Idir, outlined their vision for the Black Castle site: to create a resilient, inclusive and inspiring coastal heritage landscape, where nature, culture and community come together to strengthen the identity of the Black Castle as a place of connection.
Studio Idir collaborated with a multi – disciplinary team, including archaeologists, ecologists and structural engineers and undertook a comprehensive site analysis of the Black Castle and its surrounding public lands. This work informed a holistic and sensitive approach to the site’s archaeological, ecological and structural significance.
The project was developed in close collaboration with the Wicklow Town Team and included an extensive programme of public engagement. Three public consultations took place in recent months, providing residents, local groups and community representatives with opportunities to share their ideas, suggestions and feedback on how best to enhance the public lands surrounding Wicklow’s iconic Black Castle.
The final report outlines nine proposals, each designed to enhance biodiversity, accessibility and civic life whilst respecting the site’s historic and environmental importance. For each proposal, the report sets out the overall vision, anticipated benefits, potential funding requirements and details of any necessary statutory or regulatory approvals.
The objective of the project was to develop a comprehensive design plan aimed at enhancing the public lands surrounding Black Castle. The project also included a detailed assessment of the condition and structural integrity of the Black Castle ruins, forming part of an overall long-term site strategy to ensure the protection and sustainable use of this important heritage asset.
This initiative is funded by the Town and Village Renewal Scheme through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District, Cllr. Graham Richmond, welcomed the report stating, “The Black Castle Public Realm Enhancement Project represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the identity of Wicklow as a coastal town with a rich heritage. I commend the extensive public consultation process and the commitment to biodiversity, accessibility and inclusion. The proposals presented provide a strong and thoughtful framework for the future enhancement of this important landmark”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’ Gorman, commented, “Wicklow County Council is committed to delivering high – quality public realm projects grounded in strong principles of community engagement and a participatory, multi – disciplinary design process. This collaboration between the Elected Members, the Town Team, the Town Regeneration Office and local residents has allowed us to explore new opportunities to protect and enhance this landmark, ensuring it remains a focal point of both local pride and tourism. This project represents a significant step in strengthening the role of the Black Castle as a landmark of shared heritage and connection for Wicklow Town.”
Chair of the Wicklow Town Team, Myra Porter, remarked, “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when a community works collaboratively with the local authority and design professionals. The Black Castle is a place of deep historical and cultural importance for Wicklow. The Town Team are proud to have successfully secured the funding for this project and to have played a role in shaping a vision that enhances the area for both residents and visitors alike while respecting its heritage and natural setting.”
The next steps will include the Wicklow Town Team closely monitoring forthcoming associated funding announcements to allow for the delivery of the proposals within the project.
The Black Castle Public Realm Enhancement Project report can be viewed or downloaded below.