A major €850,000 upgrade of the Royal Canal towpath between Broombridge and Ashtown is getting underway, including resurfacing, localised widening and new measures aimed at reducing excessive speeds by bikes and electronic wheeled devices.
Waterways Ireland, which is responsible for the Royal Canal and towpath, has received the funding from the National Transport Authority for works between the 7th and 10th Locks.
The works will run from the 7th Lock at Broombridge to the 10th Lock at Ashtown/Longford Bridge, beside Ashtown Station.
Local Fine Gael Councillor Colm O’Rourke said the investment brings together a number of improvements that residents have been calling for over many years and which he has repeatedly raised with the relevant authorities.
Cllr O’Rourke said: “I want to particularly thank Waterways Ireland for progressing these works and the National Transport Authority for providing the €850,000 in funding.
“Residents have been asking for improvements to this stretch of the Royal Canal for years and I have been consistently raising the condition of the towpath and concerns about excessive speeds. It is great to see Waterways Ireland now progressing such a significant package of works.
“This is not just resurfacing. The works will also include localised widening and new accessible speed control measures aimed at reducing excessive speeds by bikes and electronic wheeled devices.
“These are issues that come up time and time again with residents. People want a better towpath, but they also want to be able to walk along the canal safely without bikes or other devices passing them at excessive speeds.”
The contractor is mobilising on site from today, October 5 and Waterways Ireland estimates that the works will take approximately three months to complete.
The towpath will close in sections on a rolling basis while works are underway. Pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to pass through the section where works are actively taking place.
Local diversion routes will be signposted. Waterways Ireland has advised that information on closures will also be provided through its social media channels and electronic VMS signs along the canal.
A map showing the different phases of the works is due to be circulated once the contractor is established on site.
Cllr O’Rourke added: “There will inevitably be some short term disruption for people who use the canal for walking, cycling, exercise and commuting.
“I would ask people to bear with Waterways Ireland and the contractors while these significant works are carried out.
“Waterways Ireland has advised that closures will take place on a rolling basis and local diversions will be signposted.
“I will continue to share information with residents on the different phases, closures and diversions as it becomes available.
“€850,000 is a significant investment in this part of the Royal Canal.
“I want to thank Waterways Ireland again for taking on board the issues that have been raised locally and for progressing improvements that residents have been seeking for a long time.”