Bray Municipal District Councillors have approved a significant discretionary funding program totalling €416,868 for 2026. This funding will support a wide range of projects aimed at enhancing community facilities, improving public spaces, protecting local heritage and investing in environmental initiatives across the district.
The funding package, approved at the Bray Municipal District meeting on 5th May 2026, consists of €351,868 in discretionary funding, alongside an additional €65,000 generated from seafront parking income.
The approved program includes investments in the restoration of railings in the People’s Park and along Bray Seafront, grass cutting and maintenance of public green spaces, the development of a new playground at St. Peter’s Park, support for Ballywaltrim Pavilion, beach nourishment works, tree planting in the town centre and further investigations into the restoration of the historic Victorian Shelters on Bray Seafront.
Additional funding has been allocated to various community and cultural projects, including support for the Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray Tidy Towns, heritage interpretation at Bray Town Hall, school safety measures, improvements at Ballywaltrim Skatepark, the installation of supplementary public bins, and resurfacing at Kilmacanogue Car Park.
Among the largest allocations approved are:
- €70,000 for grass cutting and maintenance programs
- €70,000 towards the Beach Nourishment Project
- €60,000 for the development of a new playground at St. Peter’s Park
- €50,000 for investigations into the restoration of the Victorian Shelters on Bray Seafront
- €30,000 for improvements to Ballywaltrim Pavilion
Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Cllr. Erika Doyle welcomed the approval of the funding package and highlighted the importance of investing in community amenities. “It is important that people can see clearly how Local Property Tax and parking revenue are being invested in their community. This programme of works demonstrates that commitment to transparency, setting out the projects that will be delivered through these funding streams. The works are spread across the municipal district. Some of the works may not be the most eye-catching, but they are essential improvements that support residents’ daily lives and enhance visitors’ experience in our area. I am particularly pleased to see investment in a new playground, which will provide lasting benefits for local families and our community. ”
The discretionary funding program reflects the priorities identified by local councillors and will support the continued enhancement of public spaces, community facilities and local amenities throughout the Bray Municipal District in the coming year.
The approved projects will deliver benefits across a broad range of sectors, including recreation, environmental enhancement, cultural development, heritage conservation, community safety and public realm improvements, ensuring that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy high-quality amenities throughout the district.
Pictured from left to right are District Administrator Brian Wildes, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Cllr. Erika Doyle, Cllr. Caroline Winstanley, Cllr. Ned Whelan and District Engineer Stephen Fox. Photo Credit: Leigh Anderson.