Client: Fingal County Council
The Royal Canal Urban Greenway is a pedestrian and cycle route (approx. 8.1km in length) which is to be constructed along / adjacent to the Royal Canal as it heads eastwards from the Kildare County Boundary to the Old Navan Road (near 12th Lock) to connect with a previously constructed section of the Greenway (Ashtown Greenway). The proposed development is a joint scheme, Fingal County Council (the Client) is the scheme promoter in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) as the funding body and Waterways Ireland (WI) who are the principle property owner
It will provide a high quality, safe, attractive and environmentally sympathetic walking and cycling corridor serving Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Clonsilla, Coolmine and the wider Dublin 15 area. The greenway will encourage recreation while offering an attractive sustainable transport choice for school children and commuters, bringing significant environmental, economic and health benefits to the wider community.
This 8.1km scheme is one of the more challenging sections of the overall Royal Canal Greenway route, with significant constraints such as environmental designations and engineering challenges associated with the route’s proximity to the adjacent rail line and existing topography which consists of steep embankments through the ‘deep sinking’.
DBFL undertook a number of ecological surveys and developed a comprehensive route options assessment which considered approximately 30 different route options within the study area which included solutions ranging from standard paved construction to structural solutions such as cantilevered boardwalks, retaining structures and pedestrian/cycle bridges. Route options were subjected to multi-criteria analysis to determine the preferred solutions including consideration of impacts on ecology, conservation, rail and canal operations and ultimate cost.
A full Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) Report were undertaken for the planning application.
The scheme proposes to enhanced public realm through greening along the entire corridor including planting of native/naturalised hedgreows, trees and Wildflower meadows. A pocket Park is proposed Hansfield, which will provide additional planting of native wildflowers and trees, enhancing the site for biodiversity resulting in a positive residual impact for biodiversity in this area. The pocket park has been sensitively designed to provide continuity of the valuable wildlife corridor along the Royal Canal. The provision of underpasses and foraging banks will increase habitat and connectivity for Badger and other species found along this section of the canal.
Project Director
