PROPOSALS for the Royal Canal Greenway Cycle scheme from Maynooth to the Docklands are expected to be published early this year.
The National Transport Authority and Fingal County Council have been examining design options and plans will be put out for public consultation when that process is complete.
However, the NTA anticipate a lengthy planning process meaning work on the project could be delayed until late 2020.
Fianna Fáil TD, Jack Chambers, said expansion of the Royal Canal Greenway Cycle scheme had the potential to bring much-needed safer cycling infrastructure to the Dublin West area.
“The NTA has confirmed to me that they are currently engaged with Fingal County Council to determine a preferred route that will go for public consultation quite soon,” he said.
“Understandably, very many people locally will have concerns relating to the project and they must be heard but it has the potential to transform our areas cycling infrastructure.
“I am cautiously optimistic that we can expect work on this section of cycleway to get underway by late 2020 but I intend on following this process very closely and keep the pressure on.”
In response to a parliamentary question from Deputy Champers, NTA Deputy Chief Executive, Hugh Creegan, outlined where the plans are currently at.
“An emerging preferred route option will go on public consultation in early 2019,” he said.
“However, it is important to note that this section has significant environmental and engineering constraints, and the planning process is likely to be lengthy.
“The project is projected to start construction in the latter part of 2020, subject to planning approval.”