Planning for the proposed Dublin-Galway cycle route is currently being carried out by my Department, aided by the National Roads Authority and National Transport Authority. The National Transport Authority is responsible for the provision of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area and is therefore proceeding with the planning of the Dublin City Centre to Maynooth section of the proposed route.
I have been informed by the NTA that work on the proposed route has already been undertaken by the extension of the Premium Grand Canal Cycle Route from Portobello to its junction with Sherriff Street. The NTA propose to extend this route.
Overall the cost of this urban section between the City Centre (Guild Street) and Maynooth is envisaged to be in the order of €15 million to €20 million. This urban section will require, in places, extensive engineering works in the form of bridges and other structures, which is reflected in the indicative cost level. This early estimate also includes an indicative cost estimate for the Castleknock to Leixlip section of €8 million, which incorporates the deep cutting section between Castleknock and Porterstown.
In the past year, the Royal Canal towpath between Clonsilla and Keenan Bridge in Porterstown was cleared of brush and a path laid for cyclists and walkers. The Department has allocated funding to upgrade the path between Castleknock and Ashtown this year. The 'deep sinking' section between Castleknock and Keenan Bridge is by far the most expensive and most challenging. It is a pity that so little was done to make the towpath accessible and to upgrade the canal as an amenity during the long period of Fianna Fáil-led government with the Green Party and Independents when there was so much money available.
With regard to the section from Maynooth to Mullingar, route alignment work, followed by detailed planning and design work, could be completed by August 2013. Subject to funding availability, delivery of this section would then be likely to take in the region of 6 to 10 months. Robust cost estimates are not possible prior to the detailed route alignment and design work, however, based on previous project delivery it is likely that costs for Maynooth to Mullingar would be in the region of €5 million.
