Portobello to Blackhorse Active Travel Scheme
This new scheme will provide 4.4km of improved walking and cycling facilities from La Touche Bridge to Blackhorse Bridge. It is currently in the Concept Development and Option Selection phase.
The Portobello to Blackhorse Active Travel Scheme proposes to provide new footpaths and cycle tracks along the banks of the Grand Canal. It consists of a 4.4-kilometre walking and cycling route from La Touche Bridge at Portobello to Blackhorse Bridge at Tyrconnell Road along the Grand Canal.
This scheme forms part of Dublin City Council's 314km Active Travel Network. To see where it fits into this citywide network, you can view our interactive GIS map.
The scheme will link Portobello and Rathmines to Harold’s Cross, Dolphin’s Barn, Crumlin, Rialto, Drimnagh, Inchicore and Bluebell.
Key features of the scheme include:
- A continuous and consistent two-way pedestrian and cycle route along the Grand Canal from Portobello Bridge to Blackhorse Bridge
- Upgrades to seven major signalised junctions
- Safe pedestrian and cyclist crossings
- Enhancement of the Grand Canal as an amenity for users
Scope and Purpose
Concept Development and Option Selection
Preliminary Design
Statutory Processes and Public Consultation
Detailed Design and Procurement
Construction
Close-Out and Review
- Provide pedestrian and cycle facilities along the entire route
- Upgrade seven major signalised junctions
- Provide safe pedestrian and cycle crossings
- Provide safe linkage to the existing and proposed Active Travel Network
- Identify and provide safe links to schools and sports facilities along the route
- Integrate BusConnects proposals intersecting the route
- Integrate the Portobello Harbour refurbishment requirements
- Complement and enhance the amenity of the Grand Canal for users
- Protect the biodiversity and heritage value of the canal and surrounds
- To continue the existing high-quality cycle route from Grand Canal Street Lower to Portobello. This scheme will fill a key missing link on the Grand Canal Cycle route linking up the Grand Canal Way at Blackhorse Bridge.
- To reduce the risk of cyclist collisions through segregation from traffic, where practicable, and minimise conflicts.
- To encourage increased levels of physical activity and leisure use along the corridor through provision of a safe, high-quality and attractive route for both cyclists and pedestrians.
- To facilitate the delivery of the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) Cycle Network Plan.
This scheme is to be fully funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The objective of the scheme is to maximise the use of existing road space, footpaths and towpaths. There is not expected to be any removal of parking along the route.
There are currently no loading bays or taxi ranks within the scheme area.
The scheme aims to add additional cycle parking at key destinations along the route such as public transport hubs, shops, schools and community facilities.
The project team is currently looking at multiple design options. Once this process is completed, a preferred option will be shared with stakeholders and the local community through a public consultation, to allow them to have their say on the scheme.
The scheme is currently at the Concept Development and Option Selection phase. At this phase, the exact route is yet to be decided, as this will follow on from a detailed assessment of all options. It is an objective of the scheme to identify a route that will minimise the impact on ecology, biodiversity and trees.
The scheme will follow the NTA’s seven phases of design and delivery.
The scheme is currently at the Concept Development and Option Selection phase, which will be followed by Preliminary Design and then Statutory Processes and Public Consultation.
At the Statutory Processes and Public Consultation phase, there will be a public consultation during which members of the public will be invited to provide feedback on the scheme. Feedback from the public consultation will be reviewed and used to inform the next phase, which is Detailed Design and Procurement. This public consultation is anticipated to occur in the second half of 2025.