Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018
962. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the plans to link Shannon harbour and Dublin city centre with a greenway cycle and pedestrian path; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30133/18]
View answerThe Grand Canal crosses Leinster from Ringsend in Dublin City to Shannon Harbour in Co Offaly. Its main line is 131km in length with the Naas and Corbally Branch adding a further 12km to the route and the Kilbeggan Branch adding an additional 13km. The towpath along the canal is fully in public ownership and provides a unique opportunity to provide a Greenway linking Grand Canal Dock in Dublin with Shannon Harbour in Co Offaly. Work on the development of the Grand Canal towpath has already taken place at Ringsend, the 3rd lock at Inchicore to the 12th lock in Lucan, Co. Dublin , Hazelhatch, Co. Kildare and Edenderry, Co. Offaly.
Waterways Ireland is currently working with Offaly County Council, Kildare County Council, South Dublin Council and Dublin City Council to ensure the progression of planning permission for those areas not yet developed as a walking and cycling route for recreational, tourism and commuter purposes. All Local Authorities are keen to progress the development of the towpath and it is anticipated that each Council area will submit Part 8 planning applications for the undeveloped sections in the autumn of 2018/spring of 2019, and Waterways Ireland are assisting this process by working closely with officials.
