A NEW 43km trail across the Dublin mountains from Shankill to Tallaght was officially opened yesterday at Ticknock Forest by the Dublin Mountains Partnership.
This has been one of the partnership’s flagship projects, which was an objective in the county development plans for more than 20 years.
The Dublin Mountains Partnership is a partnership of organisations with the vision of managing recreation on the public lands in the Dublin Mountains.
It is made up of Coillte, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Dublin Mountains Initiative.
“The proximity of the Dublin Mountains delivers a wonderful amenity for people of all ages,” said Coillte chief executive David Gunning.
“The Dublin Mountains Way provides a challenging long- distance hike for the serious walker and lovely, shorter, day walks for families and casual walkers. All the partners must be complemented on their vision in coming together and delivering this important infrastructure in an innovative way despite the difficult economic situation,” Mr Gunning added.
Cathaoirleach for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Lettie McCarthy said she was delighted at the close co-operation of the partners and in addition, there were more than 300 volunteers who developed and waymarked sections of the route.
Lord Mayor Gerry Breen said it provided an ideal opportunity for everyone to get out into the mountains to enjoy healthy leisure activities at virtually no cost.
The Dublin Mountains Partnership in co-operation with East West Mapping also published a map of the Dublin Mountains, highlighting the public lands available for recreational use, access points, car parks and various outdoor facilities such as orienteering courses, mountain-biking trails, and historical features.