Grand Canal Greenway to be extended
THE Grand Canal Greenway is to be extended from Lock 12 to Hazelhatch Bridge. The announcement came after the Irish government allocated an additional sum of €1.4 million to South Dublin County Council for the completion of works by 2022.
This 4km section of the Grand Canal contains some interesting features including the former limestone quarries at Gollierstown and one of Omer’s original lock keeper houses at Stacumney. The extension of the greenway will provide greater access to those wishing to view these important heritage sites as well as acting as a vital link for Dublin suburb commuters.
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, said he was delighted to allocate the funding, stating: “This key 4km section will provide safe segregated access to people working in Grange Castle Business Park as well as those living in Hazelhatch, Celbridge and the surrounding areas.
“This project is a great example of the role that greenways are playing in providing safe and enjoyable access to schools and workplaces as well as opportunities for leisure and tourism. This work will be completed in 2022 and will enable people to walk and cycle from Inchicore to Hazelhatch Bridge, and later in 2023 as far as Sallins in County Kildare.”
Additional funding has already been provided to Offaly County Council in 2020 to extend the greenway from Daingean to Edenderry, with further funding now in place to develop a future route between the Grand and the Royal Canals.