Communities in Wicklow asked to avoid Varty Upper Reservoir Walking Trials while Storm Darragh clean-up continues

Following the impact of high winds from Storm Darragh, Uisce Éireann is working with Dublin City Council to remove a significant number of fallen trees in Vartry Reservoir Woodland areas.

Fallen trees have blocked the main access points to the Upper Vartry Reservoir Park and Dam. A significant number of trees are also partially uprooted and at a heightened risk of falling.

Uisce Éireann, working with Dublin City Council, have mobilised a contractor to clear all uprooted trees, undertake a risk assessment of remaining trees, and remove additional trees which may pose a risk to the public. This work is likely to take a number of weeks to complete.

We are appealing to the public to avoid the Vartry Upper Reservoir Park and surrounding areas until works to ensure the area is safe are complete.

To facilitate these essential works, all public walking trails in and around the park will be closed until the end of January 2025. The affected areas will be fenced off to restrict access during the holiday period and prevent any potential harm to the public.

In the interest of public safety, the following areas will be closed to the public until further notice:

• Vartry Upper Reservoir Park – Vartry Upper Dam Crest
• Roundwood Reservoir – Upper Vartry Trail
• Vartry Upper Reservoir – Car Park and Layby along R765
• Vartry Upper – Woodland Trail 
• Vartry Upper – Roundwood Reservoir Woodpecker Trail
• All woodland walking trails in and around Vartry Upper Reservoir

Uisce Éireann acknowledge the inconvenience that these closures may cause, particularly during the holiday season, and appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we prioritise public safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when available. We would like to thank Wicklow County Council and Dublin City Council for their support with the ongoing clean-up efforts at the Vartry Upper Reservoir.