The Grand Canal Pedestrian & Cycle Safety Improvements - Overview
Project Status
The Grand Canal Pedestrian & Cycle Safety Improvements Project is currently on hold. Progress was paused on 3rd May 2023 as a result of the unexpected Liquidation of the main contractor, SIAC Construction. At that point, the project was almost 60% complete. Upgrade works had been substantially completed at three of the six major junctions. These are;
- Herberton Road
- Clogher Road
- Harold Cross
However road resurfacing was still to be carried out. In addition to works at major junctions, footpath build outs had also been completed at a number of minor junctions including;
- Slievenamon Road,
- Dolphin Road,
- Herberton Drive,
- Aughavannagh Road and,
- Greenmount Lane.
Following the notice of Liquidation, Dublin City Council immediately implemented measures to ensure that public safety was maintained using a third party contractor.
Completion Plan
It is the intention of Dublin City Council to complete all outstanding works related to the Grand Canal Pedestrian & Cycle Safety Improvements Project as originally planned. A process of retendering for the remaining works has commenced and it is envisaged that a new contractor will be officially appointed in Q1 2024. Further updates on a completion program will be issued once a new contractor has been appointed.
Project Information
The Grand Canal Pedestrian & Cycle Safety Improvements Project will:
- Deliver improved pedestrian facilities by upgrading footpaths and installing nine additional pedestrian crossings along the entire corridor;
- Improve the quality infrastructure for cyclists, by resurfacing and increasing the widths of on-road cycle lanes.
- The extension of footpaths at eleven junctions to provide shorter, safer and more convenient pedestrian crossing points to cater for all ages and abilities to meet existing and future demand;
- Deliver street improvements by reconstructing footpaths along the route.
- Provide safe and accessible pedestrian and cycle links from Drimnagh, Dolphins Barn and Harolds Cross to the Grand Canal, making the Grand Canal accessible for all.
- The scheme will encourage and improve the comfort and safety for walking and cycling for both commuting and leisure purposes, improving the route to local schools such as St. Clares, St. Marys College, Scoil Iosagain and Scoil Mhuire Og and local sports grounds such as Templeogue Synge Street GAA and Good Counsel GAA club.
- Contribute to a reduction in transport emissions in line with the objectives of the Climate Action Plan by encouraging a modal shift to active travel and public transport use;