Dublin City Council officially opens phase three of Royal Canal Greenway
Kenneth Fox
Dublin City Council has officially opened phase three of the Royal Canal Greenway.
The new 2.1 kilometre stretch runs from North Strand to Phibsborough, creating a continuous 3.2 kilometre walking and cycling route from the River Liffey to the northside.
The project includes a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, upgraded lighting, CCTV, and a new community plaza.
It is part of Dublin’s wider Active Travel Network, and when complete, the Royal Canal Greenway will connect the Liffey to the Shannon.
The DCC said it is a complex public infrastructure project that has included a new pedestrian and cycle bridge, high-quality, safe, and accessible walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities, and significant public realm improvements, including a new community plaza.
In addition to such active travel upgrades, the scheme has replaced public lighting and CCTV infrastructure along the route and, in partnership with ESB Networks, laid ducting for future electricity network upgrades.
This scheme is the outcome of a collaborative effort between Dublin City Council, Waterways Ireland, CIÉ, and Irish Rail.
This route is part of the 314km Dublin City Council Active Travel Network, a key programme designed to meet Dublin’s growing need for greener transport through better walking, wheeling, and cycling facilities.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: “This is a fantastic scheme for the local community and for the North Inner City, as well as for Dublin at large. The Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3 provides a beautiful public amenity in an important, historic part of the city.
"As a local, I will be an enthusiastic user of the scheme myself and look forward to experiencing the benefits of the safe, segregated walking and cycling infrastructure and much-enhanced public realm.
"It is heartening to see the area around Croke Park transformed into a beautiful, peaceful outdoor space, and I encourage people to come out with their families and experience it themselves.”
Meanwhile, the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, said: “As a former Minister for Transport, it is gratifying to see the Government’s vision of a greener, more connected Ireland come to life in such an important part of the city and along such an iconic landmark as the Royal Canal.
"With the Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3, this space has been transformed into a valuable public good. We are delighted to invest in such active travel projects and will continue to support the development of the Active Travel Network."
"Creating this oasis in the city and opening the Greenway to more people to walk, wheel or cycle will connect communities, foster positive relationships, and stimulate local business activity. I know that I will be using this infrastructure myself, and I encourage everyone to give it a go.”
The long-term aim is that the Dublin parts of the greenway will link up to the 130km Royal Canal Greenway, which is Ireland’s longest greenway and runs from Maynooth to Cloondara.
The Maynooth to Cloondara stretch of the Royal Canal Greenway was launched in 2021 and has proved popular, resulting in significant societal benefits (including economic benefits) and winning international awards.
Once complete, there will be a world-class Greenway running along the 200-year-old, 146-kilometre Royal Canal, connecting the River Liffey to the River Shannon.
Waterways Ireland said it is delighted to mark the official opening of Phase 3 and express their appreciation to all stakeholders for the excellent work in delivering it, alongside the Waterways Ireland team.
The Royal Canal Greenway is the longest greenway in Ireland; Waterways Ireland will continue to collaborate with partners and stakeholders on the completion of the remaining two sections, which will link the Liffey all the way to the Shannon, and on further enhancing the visitor experience.”
