The Long-Awaited Connection: Royal Canal Greenway Expansion Moves Forward

It feels like we've been talking about the Royal Canal Greenway for ages, and for good reason. This ambitious project, aiming to create Ireland's longest off-road cycleway from Dublin to Longford, has been a slow burn, but there's finally some real movement. Plans for the crucial "missing link" of the Royal Canal Greenway have just been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála. This 8km stretch, managed by Fingal County Council, is the final piece of the puzzle to connect Castleknock in west Dublin to the Kildare border near Leixlip.

This isn't just about a few more kilometers of cycling path; it's a significant leap forward for Irish tourism and a brilliant way to connect communities. Once this section is complete, cyclists will have an uninterrupted, off-road journey along the canal from Dublin's docklands all the way to Longford or Athlone. That's a serious achievement and something many of us have been looking forward to for a long time.

A Vision Almost Two Decades in the Making

The idea of a comprehensive greenway system across Ireland isn't new. Back in 2012, then-Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar announced plans for a 277km coast-to-coast greenway from Dublin to Galway, with a target completion of 2020. Well, 2020 came and went, and while significant progress has been made, that Dublin to Galway dream is still a work in progress. The Dublin to Athlone route, however, has been steadily pieced together. While some paths within Dublin city still need upgrades, they are generally accessible. The real sticking point, the 8km Fingal section, faced some serious engineering challenges.

The Royal Canal Greenway expansion hit a snag due to a particularly tricky 2km stretch between Castleknock and Clonsilla. Here, the canal sinks several meters lower than the existing towpath, creating an engineering headache. Fingal County Council's new plans address these issues head-on, proposing solutions like setting the route back from the canal bank in places, using bridges, and creating raised boardwalks. It sounds like a complex undertaking, but it is clear they are committed to making this happen.

Navigating the New Section: What to Expect

Let's get into the specifics of this new section of the Royal Canal Greenway expansion. The route begins where the Old Navan Road meets the canal, just west of the M50 aqueduct in Castleknock. Initially, it will follow the south bank, linking up with the existing route from Ashtown. But after about half a kilometer, a new 235-meter long bridge will carry cyclists and pedestrians over to the north bank, where the path will largely remain.

This isn't a simple straight shot along the canal. The plans show a thoughtful approach to the terrain. After crossing the new bridge, the greenway will veer slightly north through Brompton Green. Most of this section will be paved or asphalt, which is great for a smooth ride, but there will also be stretches of elevated boardwalk and a small bridge running parallel to the canal, spanning an old quarry near Delwood Park.

Further along, past Kirkpatrick Bridge (near Coolmine train station), the route uses Sheepmoor Lane, again slightly set back from the canal. It then joins an existing cycle path through Windmill Court before another new elevated boardwalk takes it past Dr Troy Bridge. After Keenan Bridge, the path returns closer to the canal, just north of the current towpath, leading to Lambourn Park in Clonsilla. Here, a cantilevered boardwalk will bring riders right beside the canal bank towards Callaghan Bridge.

The route continues along the canal south of Hansfield Road, then moves away from the bank into open space. After the Hansfield railway bridge, it follows the existing towpath, which will be upgraded (though largely with gravel rather than pavement). Finally, it reaches the Kildare border, where it will seamlessly connect with the Leixlip/Confey to Maynooth section, which was completed last year. It sounds like a journey with varied scenery and thoughtful engineering.

What Happens Next and the Broader Picture

Submissions on this new application for the Royal Canal Greenway expansion can be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála until November 25th, with a decision expected early next year. If approved, work is likely to take several years, but there's a good chance sections could open in stages, starting from the western (Kildare) end.

The last cost estimates for this project, published in 2021, were over €24 million. We all know how construction costs have gone since then, so the final figure will undoubtedly be higher, but that won't be known until the project goes to tender. It's a significant investment, but the benefits for health, tourism, and local communities are hard to overstate.

Looking at the bigger picture, this Royal Canal Greenway expansion is a crucial component of Ireland's contribution to the EuroVelo Route 2, a grand cycling route that stretches across Europe all the way to Russia. It's an exciting thought to be part of such an extensive network. While the preferred route for the Athlone to Galway greenway was selected in 2022, that particular section still needs to progress. For now, getting this Dublin to Longford link fully operational is the immediate goal, and it's a huge win for anyone who loves getting out on two wheels.

This greenway spans six local authority areas: Dublin City Council, Fingal, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, and Longford County Councils. This kind of cross-county collaboration is exactly what we need for major infrastructure projects. It shows a commitment to providing accessible, safe, and scenic routes for everyone. Waterways Ireland has done an incredible job maintaining the existing sections, and you can find more information about the Royal Canal Greenway on their site.

For those of us living in or visiting Ireland, the completion of this Royal Canal Greenway expansion means more opportunities for family outings, fitness, and exploring our beautiful countryside at a slower, more immersive pace. It's about connecting places, yes, but more importantly, it's about connecting people to the landscape and to each other. I think we can all agree, that's something worth celebrating.