Royal Canal Greenway Phase 4 - Project Overview
The Royal Canal Greenway is a primary greenway route in the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan, published by the National Transport Authority. The greenway forms part of the 165km N2 Royal Canal Greenway between Mullingar and Dublin.
Phase 4 of the Royal Canal Greenway comprises a 4.2km section between Phibsborough and Ashtown along the northern bank of the Royal Canal. This is the final phase of the Royal Canal Greenway project within the Dublin City Council Boundary.
Upon completion, the Royal Canal Greenway within Dublin City Council will provide a high-quality and continuous route for walking, wheeling and cycling from Ashtown to the Docklands.
Artist's Impression of the Royal Canal Greenway near Broombridge Road
A Phased Delivery
Phase 4 of the Royal Canal Greenway will be delivered in four distinct stages:
- Phase 4A - Broombridge Road Improvement Works
- Phase 4B - Phibsborough to Ashtown Greenway Development
- Phase 4C - Railway Underpass Upgrade (and pinch point improvements)
- Phase 4D - Tolka Valley Park to Phoenix Park (Ashtown Gate)
Delivering the project in four stages aims to expedite sections of the scheme that can be delivered within a faster timeframe.
Phase 4A
Phase 4A comprises of advance works to install a toucan crossing and 'shuttle signals' on Broombridge Road. A toucan crossing allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road simultaneously.
This is aimed at improving the safety of crossing Broombridge Road, particularly for users of the canal towpath, alongside accommodating contra-flow access for buses and cyclists on the one-way portion of the street.
Phase 4A has been complete, as pictured below.
Safety improvements at Broombridge Road
Phase 4B
Further Information about Phase 4B is available
Phase 4B will increase the quality and capacity of the existing greenway between Phibsborough and Ashtown. This includes the delivery of segregated two-way cycling facilities and a separate pedestrian footpath.
Separated cycling and walking facilities will be adjoined by shared spaces of at least 4.5m width in certain areas. This is proposed to permit access for maintenance purposes and allow deliveries for residents.
The phase will also include improvements to public lighting, security (CCTV installation) and greenway access.
Further information about Phase 4B is available by following the link below:
Due to a referral made by a 3rd Party on 18th October 2023 regarding the Determination received on the Environment Impact Assessment Screening and the Appropriate Assessment Screening, the Draft Chief Executive’s report cannot be concluded within the expected timeframe. A decision from An Bord Pleanála on the Appropriate Assessment Screening was received on 1st May 2024, which recommended that the preparation of a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is required for the scheme. The An Bord Pleanála decision on the Environment Impact Assessment Screening is still pending.
Artist's Impression of the Royal Canal Greenway near Broombridge Station
Artist's Impression of the Royal Canal Greenway at Lock 6
Phase 4C
Phase 4C consists of an upgrade of the existing railway underpass adjacent to Liffey Junction and the 7th Lock (pictured below), as well as upgrading any greenway pinch points that could not be fully addressed in Phase 4B.
Additional ground investigation works are required to guide the proposed upgrade of the existing railway underpass.
Railway Underpass at Liffey Junction
Phase 4D
Phase 4D consists of an Active Travel link between Tolka Valley Park and Phoenix Park at Ashtown Gate. This will enable safer access for cyclists and pedestrians between the two key recreation locations.
Phase 4D does not form part of the wider Royal Canal Greenway and aims to improve the benefits of the primary greenway route to the local community.
Phase 4D is currently at options assessment stage.