Opening of new George’s Quay to Aston Quay Cycle Route

Dublin City Council is delighted to announce the opening of the new George’s Quay to Aston Quay Cycle Route. 

The route was officially opened this morning by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain, and includes the upgrading of the existing road layout to improve walking and cycling facilities. 

The George’s Quay to Aston Quay route is part of the Liffey Cycle Route, which in turn is a key project in Dublin City Council’s Active Travel Network. 

The expected final cost of the route opened today is €5.5M, coming in at approximately 18% under budget.

Construction began in March 2024 and was originally not due for completion until Q2 2025, so the project has come in ahead of schedule. 

Lord Mayor Emma Blain said: “I am honoured to be marking the opening of this important cycle route along the River Liffey in the centre of Dublin city. By widening footpaths, upgrading junctions and putting in place segregated cycle paths, this project enables more people to walk, wheel and cycle safely and efficiently in the city centre. By giving more space to active travel, we are connecting communities while improving the cityscape.”

The George’s Quay to Aston Quay Cycle Route will: 

•Provide improved segregated two-way cycle facilities from Talbot Bridge to O’Connell Bridge

•Improve crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians; for instance, by eliminating the pedestrian island at O’Connell Bridge junction 

•Reduce the number of traffic lanes from two to one, while maintaining the bus lane 

•Improve the carriageway surface

•Upgrade four junctions

•Encourage walking and cycling in the area by providing improved facilities

•Contribute to a reduction in transport emissions in line with the objectives of Dublin City Council’s Climate Action Plan by encouraging a modal shift to active travel and public transport use

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien commented: “I am delighted with the significant progress made by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) in delivering vital Active Travel infrastructure across the city. The Government is strongly committed to investing in Active Travel, and the George’s Quay to Aston Quay Cycle Route is a prime example of this. This project will provide a safe and attractive route for both commuter and recreational cyclists while also enhancing pedestrian crossing facilities. Investments in projects like this bring substantial benefits to society, public health, and the environment. Most importantly, they contribute to reducing carbon emissions, supporting a more sustainable future.”

Joe Seymour, Assistant Director Transport Planning and Investment at the National Transport Authority, said: “Dublin’s quays are a bustling hive of activity on any given day. Whether it’s people heading to work, to catch a bus or to criss cross the city and enjoy all that Dublin has to offer, the area is a huge draw for people who are walking, wheeling or on a bicycle. Working closely with our partners in Dublin City Council, the NTA is investing in creating a safer, more pleasant and enjoyable environment along the Liffey and this scheme is a great example of what can be achieved.”