Call for €950,000 Main Street Site to Become Arklow Community Hub
Arklow councillor Warren O’Toole has called on Wicklow County Council to consider purchasing a prominent Main Street property and transforming it into a centrally located community centre.
The premises at 57/58 Main Street, which is currently listed for sale with an asking price of €950,000, has been described by Cllr O’Toole as a “rare opportunity” to deliver a dedicated community space in the heart of the town.
In a public post, Cllr O’Toole said that previous discussions with the council regarding the former Eir building highlighted concerns about its suitability as a town-centre location.
He said the newly available Main Street site “presents a different and more strategic option”.
The property is situated directly opposite Arklow’s public library and backs onto the Municipal District offices and adjoining public car park, placing it at what he described as one of the town’s key civic hubs.
According to Cllr O’Toole, acquiring and regenerating the site would “allow Wicklow County Council to create a community-focused development with a dedicated community centre at its core.”
“A centrally located facility would generate consistent footfall on Main Street, support surrounding businesses and services, and provide a space accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Unlike a stand-alone facility on the outskirts of town, a Main Street location would become part of the daily life of Arklow.”
The councillor also pointed to the wider challenges facing traditional town centres, noting that retail has come under increasing pressure from online shopping and larger out-of-town retailers.
He argued that adapting how space is used by focusing on community services, culture and connection is key to maintaining vitality in town centres.
Cllr O’Toole said council intervention could also help prevent the property from being purchased and left vacant, a situation he said has contributed to long-term dereliction in parts of Main Street.
He described the potential acquisition as a positive, future-focused move that could support regeneration efforts and benefit residents for generations to come.
Wicklow County Council has not yet commented publicly on whether it intends to pursue the purchase of the site.
