Work starts on Greenway project

WORK has commenced on a new amenity that will encourage a more active lifestyle in two Northside communities. 

Fingal County Council awarded a €2.5 million contract to Murphy International earlier this month to construct the Baldoyle to Portmarnock Walking and Cycling Greenway Project. 

The proposed 1.8km Greenway, located in Racecourse Park, will allow cyclists and pedestrians travel through the park parallel to the coast road linking Baldoyle with Portmarnock.  

Atkins designed the route, taking specific account of the coastal setting and ecology of the area. It will provide a continuous pedestrian link between the two areas and represent a major new amenity for the local community. 

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said he was delighted to see work commence on the project in the spectacular coastal setting.  

“The outdoor active lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular and I can see this Greenway becoming a very popular, safe and enjoyable resource for the local community as well as visitors and commuters,” he said. 

Fingal County Council interim chief executive AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “In keeping with our commitment to climate action, this scheme will provide a valuable addition to travel infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The route has been designed taking account of the coastal setting so visitors and residents alike can enjoy Fingal’s incredible coastline and natural landscape.”

Fingal, with 88 kilometres of coastline, has great potential for the provision of cycleways that will improve sustainability, transport infrastructure and the health and wellbeing of the county’s residents. 

The Baldoyle to Portmarnock route is the first phase of a major initiative to provide a Greenway along the entire Fingal coastline. 

The scheme is co-funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is due to be completed by the end of October. Further phases of the project are progressing through the planning and design process.

Local councillor Cian O’Callaghan (SD) welcomed news that the work has commenced. 

“For many years the local community has campaigned for the provision of a safe cycling and walking route to connect Baldoyle and Portmarnock,” he said.