The move, welcomed by Wicklow County Council and local TDs, marks a significant reversal of earlier decisions that stalled progress and fuelled frustration among commuters facing daily gridlock.
The local authority has pledged to continue collaborating with their partners and stakeholders to move the projects forward.
The project will see upgrades carried out on approximately 22km of the route, extending from the existing M11/M50 junction west of Shankill in County Dublin, to the N11/M11 junction at Coyne’s Cross in Wicklow.
It aims to address traffic congestion, improve road safety and increase travel reliability for commuters. The corridor currently experiences persistent capacity issues, and the upgrade has been regarded as essential infrastructure to support connectivity and economic development.
The announcement appears to row back on a previous update from Transport Infrastructure Ireland officials last month, who confirmed in correspondence to Wicklow Wexford TD Malcom Byrne that the Department of Transport were not in a position to provide funding for the works.
Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris acknowledged the need to upgrade and ease congestion on the N11, which has been having a hugely negative impact on Wicklow commuters in recent years.
“It’s vital now that this project is quickly advanced and prioritised for delivery. The current situation which sees thousands of commuters stuck in traffic for lengthy periods each more is not sustainable and must be addressed urgently. This news is certainty a step in the right direction.”
N11/M11 at Kilmacanogue.
Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has welcomed the reinstatement of the upgrade in the NDP, but said the project should never have been dropped in the first place. Funding was cut in 2022 by then Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, a decision that has now pushed the project back by at least three years.
Deputy Brady believes the Government’s past decision to strip funding from the project was “reckless and deeply damaging.”
“It should never have happened. Communities across Wicklow are now paying the price for that mistake, with the entire project being pushed back by at least three years.”
“I said at the time that the decision would have real consequences — and unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened. Commuters have been left stuck in daily gridlock because of an ideological decision to halt progress.”
“This road is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure serving Wicklow and the wider region. Delaying the upgrade has been nothing short of irresponsible.” he added.
on. The plan commits to construction starting in 2027 and places the extension alongside other Dart expansion projects, with a view to trains running an hourly service south of Greystones from 2029.
It is planned that the new battery electric DART carriages will first be deployed from Dublin to Drogheda from mid 2027, despite initial plans to roll them out in early 2026.
John Brady
As additional carriages arrive it is intended that DART services will extend to and from Wicklow.
Noting the funding allocation Deputy Brady believes significant investment in efficient, reliable, and affordable public transport – must form a core part of the solution, so that people have real alternatives to sitting in traffic for hours every week.
“The extension of the Dart to Wicklow Town is critical and delivery of it must be prioritised and deadlines for delivery must be adhered to.”
“The fact that the N11/M11 project is now back in the NDP is welcome, but reinstatement alone is not enough.”
“The Government must now ensure that the necessary funding is delivered and that a clear, credible timeline is set out to deliver the upgrade.” he added.
The Tánaiste believes the new plan removes uncertainty and places the Wicklow schemes into defined commitments.
“The plan makes clear that the N11-M11 upgrade and the Dart extension are to proceed as part of Government’s national investment priorities.”
However Social Democrats transport spokesperson Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore believes the review is “completely lacking in ambition.”
Deputy Jennifer Whitmore.
“Luas Finglas, which received planning permission this month, won’t start construction until 2029. This is not a complicated project, it’s a four kilometre extension of a line that already exists. There is no excuse for this kind of delay.”
“Earlier this year, the Taoiseach promised to accelerate the delivery of the Cork Luas. However, yesterday’s plan didn’t earmark any funding for this commitment.
“Similarly, there is no funding for Luas Lucan, Poolbeg or Bray in my constituency – and no indication of when these projects are likely to go ahead.”
“Under the plan, Dart+ South West, which also already has planning precision, will not begin construction until 2030 – after this government’s term of office is over.”
“The Waterford to Rosslare rail line, a critical project for development in the South East, was also ignored by the plan – a document littered with shortcomings.
“This failure to prioritise public transport means increasing gridlock, longer commutes and higher emissions.
“It will also have consequences for the delivery of homes around the country, given long promised transport infrastructure is not likely to be developed until deep into the next decade or even later.”
“This government claims to want to prioritise public transport but the reality is those vital projects have been sacrificed so more money can be pumped into roads.”
“Lip service and empty promises are no use to communities which are severely underserviced by public transport, hugely lengthening commutes to work, school and college and making more and more people dependent on their cars.”
“This government claims to want to prioritise public transport but the reality is those vital projects have been sacrificed so more money can be pumped into roads.”
“A sea change in approach towards the delivery of public transport is urgently needed. These projects need competent planning, shorter timelines and adequate funding so that communities can be connected to the places they need to be.” she added.
Separately Wicklow County Council has confirmed work is ongoing in progressing the development of the N81 route improvement schemes, including the N81 Whitestown Lower project and the N81 Hangman’s Bend and Tuckmill project in conjunction with the Kildare National Roads Office.
These schemes are being advanced in parallel with the intention of addressing road deficiencies that have contributed to a poor safety record on the network.
The preferred options will be further refined and developed into preliminary designs over the coming months.
The Train Station in Wicklow town.
Today’s News in 90 seconds – Monday, December 1st 2025
Once the preliminary designs are sufficiently advanced, landowners affected by the proposed road scheme will be consulted to understand their needs and concerns, and to develop design solutions that minimise disturbance where possible, particularly regarding access arrangements and accommodation works.
Cllr. Avril Cronin who is Cathaoirleach of the Baltinglass Municipal District, said the council is committed to delivering safer, more reliable journeys for everyone who depends on the N81.
The progression of these improvement schemes represents a significant investment in the well-being of our communities, enhancing road safety while supporting local connectivity and long-term regional development.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman said the schemes will help to strengthen connections between communities, while supporting sustainable growth, and ensuring the infrastructure can meet future demands.
“As the project progresses further, we remain committed to constructive engagement with landowners and stakeholders to deliver a scheme that maximises public benefit and supports Wicklow’s continued development.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme