Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, and Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Darragh O’Brien TD, yesterday officially opened the Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian and Cycle Route in Balbriggan.
The €16m project was built by Jon’s Civil Engineering Co. Ltd with construction started in 2023.
The project includes 13 safe controlled crossings including zebra and toucan crossings, new cycle-tracks, upgraded footpaths, and landscaping including the planting of trees and hedgerow.
A number of schools are served by the new route including St Molaga’s SNS, Loretto Secondary School, Balbriggan Community College, Bracken Educate Together NS, Ardgillan Community College and Gaelscoil Bhaile Brigín.
Fingal County Council said that the project is aligned with its ‘Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan’, which seeks to “transform and improve Balbriggan by revitalising and creating a unique and sustainable public open space.”
Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “The Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian and Cycle Route will enhance the active travel network for Balbriggan. By providing a cycle-link connecting the six local schools along the route, it encourages the local school users to embrace a greener alternative to get to and from school safely.”
He added: “As a long-time cyclist myself, I can appreciate how the well-designed and inclusive cycling route creates a safer environment for the community to enjoy their beautiful town.”
Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Environment, and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, stated: “This project represents a significant milestone in our commitment to promoting active travel. By encouraging walking and cycling as sustainable transport options, we are fostering lifelong healthy habits as well as reducing emissions.”
He added: “The Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian and Cycle Route will benefit Balbriggan and its surrounding areas for generations to come.”
AnnMarie Farrelly, chief executive at Fingal County Council, said: ‘‘The Harry Reynolds Road Pedestrian and Cycle Route connects six schools along the 3km route, as well as offering a safe cycling and walking route to shops, childcare facilities and community amenities including Millpond Park, Castlelands Community Centre, and Flemington Community Centre.”
She added: “The route will make travelling by Active Travel in Balbriggan safer and more convenient, particularly for children, older people, and less experienced cyclists. It is another substantial infrastructure investment in Balbriggan that will have long-term benefits for the community.”
Joe Seymour, assistant director of Transport Planning and Investment at the National Transport Authority, said: “Designed with accessibility and safety at its core, incorporating traffic calming measures, pedestrian-friendly crossings, and segregated infrastructure, we are creating a route that is safer and more inclusive for everyone. This project represents a significant step forward in making Balbriggan’s streets safer and more welcoming for all road users.”
Dr David Begg, chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, which oversees Fingal County Council’s Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Programme, said people from Balbriggan and beyond would enjoy what he described as a ‘wonderful facility’.
He said: “It is fantastic to see this step in the right direction to get more people active, and incentivise them to make more trips by bike, I know it will help non-cyclists rediscover the joy of cycling, encourage people to choose cycling ahead of getting in their car, and help normalise cycling to school, college and work in a safer environment.”
The nice thing about this one is that it actually goes somewhere.