Ireland’s First National Cycle Policy Framework, 2009-2020 published by the Department of Transport in April 2009 identifies the Sutton to Sandycove Cycleway as a key policy, stating “We will complete the Sutton to Sandycove (S2S) cycleway / promenade.  This 22km continuous facility will act as a commuting route as well as a world class recreational and tourist route. It will be a flagship project for the capital.”

A significant amount of this proposed facility already exists on the north side of Dublin. Dublin City Council has focused on those sections that are missing and, if completed, would deliver 12 km of continuous cycleway and promenade. The area from the Bull Wall to the Causeway, traverses a Special Area of Conservation and Natura 2000 site. Dublin City Council is now announcing the completion of an innovative design of this section which addresses these key environmental issues and also incorporates Coastal flood protection for the adjoining seafront.

An Environmental Impact Statement will be submitted in June 2009 to An Bord Pleanala for Planning approval.

Subject to the necessary Planning approval, Dublin City Council will be seeking the necessary funding from the Government in accordance with the National Cycle Policy with the construction to be spread over a number of years from 2010.

The completed project will provide a major recreational and leisure facility readily accessible by all age groups with the potential to become a significant tourist attraction within the Dublin Region, especially as the route commands unparalleled views of Dublin Bay. The project will also link with radial cycle routes already in place along with more proposed routes along our waterways.

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