PHIBSBORO TO DRUMCONDRA
New Bridge on the Royal Canal Greenway: Progress and Challenges
The recent installation of a new walking and cycling bridge between Phibsborough and Drumcondra marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3. This bridge, part of a larger €30.8 million project, will allow users to seamlessly switch from the south to the north bank of the canal, enhancing connectivity and accessibility along the 2.1km route.
History and Delays of the Royal Canal Project
The Royal Canal, completed in 1817, was initially intended for commercial transport but fell into decline with the advent of railways. The vision to transform it into a greenway emerged in the early 2000s, aiming to create a continuous off-road route for cyclists and pedestrians.
However, the project has faced numerous delays due to various factors, including:
Land acquisition and legal complexities: Securing necessary land rights and navigating legal challenges have been time-consuming.
Environmental concerns: Mitigating the project’s impact on the canal’s delicate ecosystem and addressing concerns about potential flooding have required careful planning and adjustments.
Funding constraints: Securing adequate funding for such a large-scale infrastructure project has been an ongoing challenge.
Utility diversions: The need to relocate or accommodate existing utilities, such as gas and electricity lines, has caused unforeseen delays and additional costs.
Current Status and Future Outlook
Despite these challenges, the Royal Canal Greenway project has made substantial progress in recent years. Phase 1 and 2, covering sections from Maynooth to Blanchardstown and Ashtown to Sheriff Street, are already open to the public.
Phase 3, currently under construction, is set to connect North Strand Road to Phibsborough Road. While initial completion was targeted for Q2 2025, recent updates suggest potential delays pushing the completion date back to at least Q3 2025 due to unforeseen issues with the canal quay wall and utility diversions.
Once completed, the Royal Canal Greenway will provide a vital link for active travel across Dublin, encouraging sustainable transport and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Design Choices: Path Switching and Width Variations
The decision to switch the greenway cycle path from one side of the canal to the other at the new bridge is likely driven by a combination of factors:
Optimal route: The switch might offer a more direct or efficient route, avoiding obstacles or challenging terrain on one side.
Land ownership and access: The availability of land or existing infrastructure on each side could influence the path’s alignment.
User experience: The switch might provide better views or a more varied experience for users.
Width variations along the cycle path can be attributed to several factors:
Existing constraints: Space limitations due to bridges, buildings, or other structures might necessitate narrower sections in certain areas.
Cost considerations: Widening the path in all sections might be prohibitively expensive.
User volumes: Sections with lower anticipated user volumes might be designed with narrower paths to optimise space and resources.
While these variations might pose minor inconveniences, they are often unavoidable in such complex infrastructure projects. Overall, the benefits of the completed Royal Canal Greenway are expected to far outweigh these minor drawbacks.