Wicklow Town Team secured funding from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2025 for a Project Development Measure in respect of improving and enhancing the Black Castle.  

The project was a collaboration between Wicklow Town Team, Wicklow County Council and Wicklow Municipal District.  

Consultants were appointed, and a series of public consultations were held to explore ideas to enhance the public lands at the Black Castle, while protecting its heritage and natural environment. 

Residents, local groups and community representatives came together at walking workshops, a photo exhibition and a number of sessions at Wicklow Library.  

Studio Idir consultants took on board all of the feedback from the community engagement sessions. Key themes and feedback from the public focused on improving accessibility, recreational and visitor facilities, supporting biodiversity and preserving the heritage of the area.

The Final Report, which will form the basis for the planning process, included a number of proposals for improvements to the existing car park and picnic areas, enhancing biodiversity, conservation works on the existing castle ruins, new picnic tables, public toilets, benches, bins and signage and improving online information. 

Once the planning process is complete, it is hoped there will be further opportunities to seek funding to implement the identified improvements. 

The project was led by the Wicklow Town Team, working with businesses and Wicklow County Council to improve the visual aesthetic of the town by lighting up seven different features of the town, including bridges, places of interest, churches and statues. 

The lighting of landmarks has several purposes:

• Increases visibility
• Enhances appearance
• Positive for Tourism
• Highlights landmarks of cultural or historical significance

Wicklow Town Team were successful in their application for funding in 2023, receiving €225,000 for the track under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with Wicklow County Council contributing a further €25,000. 

Planning permission was granted in 2024.  The track was designed and built by Trailbreaker based in Roundwood and was officially opened in November 2025.

Wicklow Town now has the longest Pump Track in the Country, it is a track for all ages and abilities.  With 230 meters of main track including the 30 metre spin line.  The beginner’s track is 50 metres long giving 280 linear metres of track.  It is the first track in the country with a separate line for advanced riders.

The murals and art works installed around Wicklow Town in 2023 were commissioned by Wicklow Town Team following a successful funding application under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. 

Together with Wicklow Municipal District the Town Team recognised the need for placemaking and to revitalise the important links between Main Street and South Quay.  

Following a public procurement process, The Walls project from Waterford were chosen to work with the Town Team to develop and manage the project.  

Community workshops were held in July 2023, following which the theme of Wicklow Maritime Heritage Past and Present was selected to include contemporary style artworks and murals with vibrant bright colours at prominent locations.