Work begins on Safe Paths & Cycling Lanes at R132 Blakes Cross to Ministers Road

Fingal County Council has announced that following completion of a tender process, McAvoy Contracts Ltd has been appointed to undertake the development of Protected Cycle Lanes and safe walking infrastructure along the R132 from Blakes Cross to Ministers Road.

The council say site preparation works are already underway with construction beginning this week marking the beginning of a transformative project that will benefit the local community and improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians as well as those driving in the locality.

The project includes the creation of Protected Cycle Lanes and walking space on both sides of the road, built within the existing hard shoulder.

A reduction in the speed limit from 80km per hour to 60km per hour, will also be implemented to enhance safety. Speed limit reductions are proven to reduce risk and severity of crashes (OECD https://www.itf-oecd.org/lower-speed-means-fewer-road-deaths ) and a recent spike in Irish road deaths  has demonstrated clearly that such measures are needed.

A Safe Routes to School treatment will be added outside Corduff National School and a quiet zone implemented on Kilhedge Lane.

The quiet zone will be a 30km per hour road space where walkers and those on bikes and motor vehicles can safely travel together aided by additional signage and road markings.

In a statement, the council said:

“Fingal County Council is committed to minimizing disruption during construction.

“Traffic management will be in place at times and will be advertised as implemented.

“Local travellers are advised to keep an eye on Fingal County Council social media and www.fingal.ie/activetravel/r132/lusk for updates.

“The project is expected to be completed within three months, and residents and businesses located along the route will be updated throughout by the contractor.

“This initiative aligns with Fingal County Council’s vision for Active Travel, contributing to safer routes to school, promoting better mental and physical health, and supporting a cleaner climate. The scheme represents another vital puzzle piece in the Fingal Active Travel network as we work towards integrating individual schemes into the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) cycle network.

“This project is funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and represents an investment of more than €2.4m for the local area.”

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, welcomed the news, commenting, “I am really pleased to see safe cycling infrastructure being added in rural places as well as urban ones. This scheme will improve safety when cycling and walking to school, a right every child should enjoy without worry.”

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said, “I’m pleased to see the appointment of the contractor McAvoy Ltd today as we move to begin construction. The project has been designed to make the very most of it’s setting, with the hard shoulder being repurposed as protected cycle lane and walking space. With this progress our Active Travel unit continues to advance the mission to provide Active Travel infrastructure to every part of the county.”

Noel McAvoy, representing McAvoy Contracts Ltd, says, “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Fingal County Council on this essential infrastructure. Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality cycling and walking network that will enhance the lives of the local community.”