Dublin Port has commenced enabling works on major active travel and public amenity, the Liffey-Tolka Project, as part of its continued drive towards integrating the working port with the busy city, with Minister Darragh O’Brien TD marking the milestone.
The transformative project will create a safe and accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists along the East Wall Road corridor, which is becoming more important as the population of Ringsend, North Wall and East Wall grows.
This first phase extends from the River Liffey adjacent to the Tom Clarke Bridge as far as Alexandra Road and will eventually connect the city to the existing Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway and local City cycling routes under consideration.
Enabling works began in late 2025 and the project is expected to take 18-24 months, with completion of the first section targeted for early 2027.
The project is co-funded by the National Transport Authority and is being delivered with the support of Dublin City Council.
Key Features of the Liffey Tolka Project:
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Active Travel Infrastructure: Separated cycle paths up to 3.5 metres wide to create a safer route, with segregated routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
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Public Realm Enhancements: The creation of North Wall Square, a new civic space, and the planting of approximately 50 trees and planted bioretention areas to boost biodiversity.
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Boundary Improvements: The removal of the existing austere boundary wall and its replacement with a more attractive boundary along the port city interface will provide space for walking and cycling paths incorporating hidden maritime heritage into the design.
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Future Connectivity: Plans to extend cycle lanes and improve pedestrian crossings to strengthen links and create a safer passage between Dublin City Centre and the Port.
Speaking at the commencement of work, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD said:
”I am very pleased to mark the commencement of works on the Liffey-Tolka Project, which will deliver over one hectare of new public space and enhance urban connectivity while supporting biodiversity, revealing hidden heritage and ensuring the working port and city can exist co-operatively side by side.
“The project represents an important investment in active travel and public space in a part of the city that is experiencing significant growth. The Greenway will form a key part of Fáilte Ireland’s coastal trail, ultimately linking Balbriggan, Donabate and Malahide, and southwards to Killiney.
“As more people live, work and move through the North Wall and East Wall areas, projects like this are essential to ensuring safe, accessible and sustainable routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
“This project demonstrates how a working port and a growing city can successfully coexist. I want to acknowledge the commitment of Dublin Port, the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council in bringing this project forward, and I look forward to seeing it deliver lasting benefits for local communities and for the city as a whole.
“My Department, via the National Transport Authority is delighted to support the delivery of the Liffey-Tolka Project with €3.5 million allocated to the project to date through the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme.”
Dublin Port Chief Executive, Barry O’Connell added:
“This project builds on Dublin Port’s ongoing work to better integrate the working port with the city and to improve public amenities in our immediate neighbourhood.
“The Dublin Port Greenway at the Tolka Estuary opened at the end of 2024, and since then we have had over 250,000 visits by people enjoying new views of the Dublin Bay Biosphere and new aspects of our busy port.
“Dublin Port has a strong history of delivering high quality infrastructure, and this level of use clearly shows that these projects are valued by the community and deliver real, tangible benefits.
“The start of the Liffey-Tolka Project marks the next phase in improving amenities around the Port estate.
“Anyone who uses the busy East Wall Road will know it can be a challenging environment, with little separation from traffic.
“This project will directly address those issues, improving safety and comfort for pedestrians and cyclists along with providing more peace of mind for drivers.”
Dublin City Council Chief Executive, Richard Shakespeare said:
“Dublin City Council would like to congratulate Dublin Port Company on the significant investment and contributions to Dublin City’s Active Travel Network. Dublin Port Company’s transformative plans will open the Port to the public.
“By connecting to the Liffey active travel corridor, it will add a significant amenity for residents and visitors in the city, by making the estuary more accessible for walking, wheeling and cycling.
“This scheme will also connect to the city’s East Coast trail, which when complete will link Sutton to Sandycove.
“Thereby drawing in people from both North and South Dublin to visit the unique landscape the Port and estuary offer.
“Collaboration on integrated provision of public amenities is the cornerstone for the continued sustainable economic growth of the city”
“This Liffey-Tolka Project represents a major step in Dublin Port Company’s Masterplan 2040 vision to integrate the Port with the city and create vibrant, accessible public spaces alongside the growing working Port. The greenway network also provides essential connectivity to the Port’s Distributed Museum network.
“The scheme, designed by the internationally renowned Grafton Architects along with ROD engineering consultants, is being delivered by Kilwex Limited main contractors and is timed to coincide with the refurbishment of Alexandra Road and Dublin Port Centre.”
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