Grand Canal Greenway preferred route for Blackhorse to Portobello section expected soon

— Route from Adamstown to Kildare border goes to construction stage.

Dublin City Council has said that it expected to publish an ’emerging preferred route’ for the Blackhorse to Portobello section of the Grand Canal Greenway sometime before the end of June.

Some readers will remember that, as this website covered, a report on this section was due in 2022. The finalisation of the preferred route is the next step, and the council has indicated that considerable work has progressed in the last year or so.

The emerging preferred route will look at, for example, which canal bank the greenway will use. It had for a long time been viewed that the north bank would be the most likely to be used, but it was indicated during the council debate on Portobello Harbour Plaza, or park, that the cycle route would be more likely to be on the south bank of the canal.

The section of the canal represents a missing link between the Grand Canal Way cycle route, which links Portobello to the Royal Canal Greenway via the Docklands, which opened in 2012, and the existing Grand Canal Greenway from Blackhorse to Adamstown, which opened in 2010.

In a report to councillors referring to the Blackhorse to Portobello section of the route, Dublin City Council said: “Work is progressing on the options development and identification of an emerging preferred route. This project phase is expected to be completed in Q2 2025 and will be presented to the local community and stakeholders through a non-statutory public consultation.”

“The outcome of the option selection process and updated ecological screening reports will determine the statutory approval process and programme for construction,” the council said.

Dublin City Council added: “The key achievements in Q1 include the initial engagement with the Disabled Persons Organisations on the project, the Feasibility and option selection report and traffic modelling report have been drafted. Traffic survey work has been completed as well as an initial ecological survey of the project area.”

From Adamstown to Kildare border goes to construction

Rural sections of the greenway have been open since the previous developments in the city area over a decade ago, but, much like the progress on the Royal Canal Greenway, progress has been slower on the route in Dublin’s continuous urban area.

South Dublin County Council, however, is progressing to construction on its final section from 12th Lock at Adamstown to Hazelhatch at the Dublin/Kildare border.

In an update report in January, South Dublin County Council said: “The tender process for appointing
a contractor to construct the Grand Canal Greenway from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch has successfully concluded. Following tender evaluation, the contract has been awarded to John Craddock Ltd., a contractor with extensive experience in delivering largescale infrastructure projects.

“Preparatory work is now underway to facilitate the commencement of construction which is scheduled to begin this month. The works will involve the construction of a 4.6-kilometre section of greenway along the northern towpath of the Grand Canal, connecting the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch at the Kildare boundary. The project is expected to take approximately nine months to complete, ensuring that the extended greenway is on track for completion this year.”

The council said: “This significant addition to the greenway network represents another important step in the ongoing development of Ireland’s interconnected greenway system, which, when fully realised will create a continuous route stretching all the way to Shannon Harbour in County Offaly.”

The council added: “Once completed, this section of the greenway will enhance the recreational and amenity opportunities for residents and visitors, while also providing an attractive and sustainable commuting option for employees of the adjacent Grange Castle Business Park. Additionally, it will contribute to the expansion of the countywide cycle network, further promoting active travel and sustainable tourism.”