Approval by An Bord Pleanála for a greenway across the Broadmeadow Estuary — along side the northern line railway most of the way between Malahide and Donabate — has been welcomed by local politicians.
Cllr David Healy (Green Party) said: “The Greenway will be a wonderful public amenity walking and cycling route. It will also change local geography fundamentally, connecting Malahide and Donabate by bicycle faster and easier than any other mode.”
He said: “This is something I and Green Party colleagues has been campaigning for over 20 years, and I know former Green representatives such as former TD Trevor Sargent and former Councillors Heidi Bedell and Robert Kelly will be equally delighted today. Over recent years what started as a Green Party initiative has received the support of all local councillors reflecting a solid political consensus in Fingal in favour of prioritising walking and cycling.”
He added: “There has been an overwhelming public welcome to the recently completed Baldoyle to Portmarnock Greenway. This approval is another link in the route along the entire coast. I will continue to push for progress on the overall Sutton to Malahide Route and the vital connecting links a) between Malahide and Swords, b) between Portmarnock, and Kinsealy and on to Swords and c) between Baldoyle and Clongriffin and on to Belmayne.”
Cllr Eoghan O’Brien (FF) said: “Brilliant news today! Green light for the @fingalcoco Broadmeadow Way from ABP. This has been a long time coming so I’ll be pushing for the earliest possible start of construction.”
Cllr Paul Mulville (SocDems) said: “Delighted with @anbordpleanala approval for @Fingalcoco application for #broadmeadowsway greenway from Donabate to Malahide – it will be a fantastic cycling and walking amenity and key part of Donabate LAP.”
Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG) said: “Great news @fingalcoco approval for Broadmeadows Way @anbordpleanala. Years after the works done on repairing the Via Duct over the Estuary #Malahide to #Donabate. Really looking forward to work commencing on this new cycling and walking amenity.”
Irish Rail also said: “What an amenity this will be. Well done @Fingalcoco We look forward to helping you to deliver the Broadmeadow Greenway.”
Greenway route marked in hashed blue line:
Delighted to hear that the Malahide to Donabate Greenway has got approval. Here’s a question: Will cargo bikes, trishaws, disability bikes and bikes with trailers for children/pets all be permitted to use and have access? Here is a quote from the DLR Council Sen. Exec. Engineer: “Cargo bikes are not appropriate on greenways or in public parks”. This opinion/view must be challenged, as it is discriminatory. Access for cycling for all ages and abilities must be protected.
Did he give any reason for why he thinks they are inappropriate? On the face of it sounds like arrant nonsense.
Firstly Its brilliant news and willl take miles off the existing route. But, as Clara says it should be accessible for every type of cyclist. What a poor reflection of the awareness of DLR Sen Eng. Hopefully the equivalent guy on the north side wont have such a position. The more bikes the better for all of us.
Part of the route, in front of Newbridge house, is designed to not allow people to cycle on any kind of bike.
@Colm… I didn’t see the details… what do you mean?
I’m mistaken, In the very first non-statutory public consultation, the plan was to leave the gravel surface in front of Newbridge house and have no cycling there. This is now changed to use epoxy bound gravel, and allow cycling.
However in Malahide, there is cyclist dismount signs
https://consult.fingal.ie/en/system/files/materials/12446/12_160_252%20EIAR%20BMW%20Layout%20Sheet%201%20of%2017.pdf
call me a cynic, but might the driving force behind this be that after the recent enough bridge collapse that they identified the need for a maintenance path/road?