ON TRACK €25 MILLION OFF-ROAD PROJECT:A "GREEN route" along the Grand Canal which is being opened today will provide off-road access for walkers and cyclists from west Dublin to the city centre.
The 8.5km (5.28 miles) path stretches from the 12th lock on the canal at Lucan to the 3rd lock in Inchicore, where it links with existing routes to the city.
The route, which passes by the large Parkwest business park, is designed for commuters and leisure users, and includes fishing stands, boating and berthing areas and seats alongside the canal.
Over 300 computer-monitored lights have been installed along the path to maximise security, along with 66 CCTV cameras. The lights can be dimmed to accommodate nocturnal wildlife species such as bats, for which roosting boxes have been installed.
The works also incorporate a twin 110kV electricity line from Inchicore to the 12th lock at Grangecastle, which the council says will help to promote employment opportunities in southwest Dublin.
The old towpath along the canal has been closed for 18 months while works on the €25 million project proceeded.
The route, which is almost completely off-road, starts at Davitt Road in Inchicore and crosses the Kylemore Road, Killeen Road, Parkwest Avenue and Ninth Lock Road by way of ramps and pedestrian crossings before ending at the 12th lock in Lucan.
It links into a cycle route currently being built in Adamstown, as well as the existing pathway from Inchicore along the canal to the Grand Canal Basin. Eventually, it will link to the Portobello to Clontarf route which is in design at present, thus providing a continuous off-road route from Lucan to Howth. Today’s opening ceremony in Lucan will be performed by South Dublin County Council Mayor Cllr Mick Duff, Dublin city Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello, and officials from ESB Networks and Waterways Ireland.
