County councils’ Grand plans for Canal Greenway

AMBITIOUS plans for the new Grand Canal Greenway have been unveiled.

South Dublin County Council and Kildare County Council have both published plans for the Greenway that would run from the 12th Lock to the Offaly border. Some 4.6km of the proposed route would be in South Dublin, running from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch, Newcastle. 

 Local councillor for the area, Emer Higgins, has welcomed the plans.

 “Greenways are fantastic initiatives,” she said. “They promote fitness, wellness, exposure to nature and attract tourists. I’m delighted with the progress on the Greenway through Hazelhatch, as it's something I've been campaigning on for a number of years and I would encourage people to use this opportunity to have their say on how to make the most of the cycle and path way.” 

 With 4.6km of the proposed Greenway running through South Dublin, it would provide for a shared walk and cycle way along the existing Grand Canal towpath. Significant surfacing works would be required to the existing track and a number of pedestrian and cycle friendly gates would be installed.

 “I had the opportunity to cycle on the Greenway in Dungarvan and was so impressed by the amenity,” Cllr Higgins added.

“Anyone interested in helping to shape the plans for our own local Greenway have until January 21 to have their say through the dublincoco.ie portal.

“In my submission, I’ll be asking for adequate access points to be provided for residents who live near the route to make sure that locals have every opportunity to use what I know will be a fantastic amenity and a great addition to the area. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to protect and enhance our area.”

According to the website irishtrails.ie the Grand Canal was designed to connect Dublin through the midlands with the River Shannon. Although construction work began in 1757, the waterway was not completed as far as the Shannon until 1804. It closed to commercial traffic in 1951, but in recent decades the canal has been restored for amenity use, and is well-frequented by pleasure craft of all kinds.

The Grand Canal Way follows pleasant grassy towpaths, gravel and sometimes tarmac canal-side roads from Lucan Bridge near Adamstown in County Dublin to Shannon Harbour on Ireland’s longest river.

The route is an informal linear park punctuated by the locks that characterise canal technology, carefully restored surviving lock-keepers’ cottages, and the villages whose existence is owed to the canal trade.