Dublin City Council has officially opened the highly anticipated Clontarf to City Centre (C2CC) Active Travel Project connecting the Royal Canal Greenway to the East Coast Trail and part of the Tolka Valley Greenway.
DCC has described this project as “providing a safe, pleasant and continuous segregated walking and cycling route from Howth to the city centre.”
This walk-wheel-cycle initiative is part of DCC’s ongoing transformation of the city’s transportation network, delivering what it describes as “state-of-the-art infrastructure, encouraging a more sustainable, connected and efficient city for residents, commuters and visitors.”
The C2CC Project extends 2.7 km from the Clontarf Road / Alfie Byrne Road junction along North Strand Road to Amiens Street at Connolly Station.
The route is part of the Dublin City Council Active Travel Network, an initiative designed to support Dublin’s “growing need for greener transport through improved walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport facilities.”
Cllr Naoise O’ Muirí (deputising for the Lord Mayor) speaking about the C2CC Project said: “This is a great scheme for the local community and for the north city which I am proud to have been part of from the very start.
“As a local user of the scheme, I am already enjoying a more pleasant and safe walking and cycling environment and a much-improved public domain in Fairview. I have no doubt that more Dubliners and visitors to the city will be drawn towards Fairview and Clontarf, bringing with them more footfall and business for local shops and traders.
“This project is a clear demonstration of Dublin City Council’s commitment to working with local communities and other stakeholders in delivering high-quality and world-leading public infrastructure. I encourage people and in particular families to try the C2CC route and make full use of the various amenities along the way.”
Given the nature of the works, a significant general traffic diversion was necessary to facilitate construction.
Dublin City Council has thanked stakeholders involved in this project, including the local community, for their patience and understanding during construction.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, said:
“It is great to be here today to launch this new Clontarf to City Centre Project as a safe, accessible ‘highway’ for cyclists and pedestrians and a great example of how active travel can completely transform the way people get into and out of their city.
“Just standing here for a minute or two, you can see immediately by the numbers using it that it’s the type of people focused infrastructure that people want. For far too long we have let the car dominate our city and this has been no good for anybody. This is a clear signal that Dublin - just like other leading cities like Paris or London - is moving towards a better, cleaner, and greener future.”
The C2CC Project has delivered 8km of upgraded pedestrian walkways, 6.8km of new cycle lanes, and 5.4km of upgraded bus lanes - with upgrades to nine major junctions and three pedestrian crossings.
In addition, there are two brand new pedestrian crossings connecting Fairview village to the park.
Extensive public works have been conducted as part of this project; this includes replacing 6.5km of century-old water mains and providing a 26km network of utilities for traffic, public lighting and ESB.
Dublin City Council has described the C2CC Project as a “clear demonstration of commitment to climate change adaptation measures and reducing our carbon footprint.”
The project includes sustainable urban drainage (SUDS) to mitigate against flooding, over 280 new Public Lighting Columns with energy efficient LED fittings.
Substantial greening measures were also involved, including over 100 trees planted and 50 new planted areas, with over 4,600 shrubs and hedges.
The streetscape along the route has been significantly enhanced with eight new community plazas.
Mr Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Development Plan Delivery and Reform, said:
“My department will continue to invest in public infrastructure that delivers on objectives set out in the National Development Plan. The Clontarf to City Centre Project is a good example of this.
“It is another step in ensuring that our communities are connected with high-quality, safer and inclusive infrastructure thatsupports more sustainable lifestyle choices. I am confident these facilities will be a catalyst for people to walk, wheel or cycle more often.
“This will lead to healthier communities and positively contribute to business activity.”
Ms Anne Graham, CEO, National Transport Authority (NTA), said:
“The NTA is proud to support the Clontarf to City Centre Project which is part of the NTA’s Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan. It aligns with our vision for a more integrated and efficient transport system not only at a regional level but also at national level.
“It is another step forward in the delivery of an effective and efficient integrated travel network for Dublin City.
This project will not only enhance walking and cycling and public transport in the city but also support Ireland’s broader transport and environmental objectives.”
