Work on new north Dublin greenway set to begin, says council

Work on the design of the new greenway in north Dublin is set to get under way this month, Dublin City Council has confirmed.

The 6.4km cycling and walking trail will connect the North Bull Island with Santry, via Raheny and Coolock.

The project is being developed alongside the Santry River Restoration Project which aims to improve biodiversity and water quality and protect local habitats in the area.

The local authority said that a multi-disciplinary design team had been appointed to the project and contracts had been signed.

The team has been asked to develop a design proposal, including preferred routes and estimated timeline on planning applications.

DCC also says that it is working with Fingal County Council to develop an extension of greenway towards Santry Demesne.

Work on the project is expected to begin way this month and could take up to two years to complete.

A Dublin City Council spokesperson said that public consultations will be conducted during the design process and local communities will be asked to submit their opinions.

Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall said that she welcomed progress on the Santry River Greenway project.

“This long-promised infrastructure offers a unique opportunity to improve recreational facilities in the local area, restore the ecological quality of Santry River and create a safe cycle and pedestrian link to Bull Island,” she said.

“Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council must prioritise its delivery.”

Labour councillor and former Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland said that the development of such infrastructure is long behind schedule.

“While it is positive we have got to this stage, it is frustrating that progress is taking so long,” she said.

“This greenway will really improve active travel options in the local area, which not only supports our climate imperatives, but also provides an attractive enhancement to a route that is already used by many.”