Dublin’s new cycling network along its canals is underway

It took me a fiancé and a beach city to become the type of person who says, “Let’s go for a bike ride.” Being with someone who prefers bikes to cars, and living in an area with beautiful bike paths that take you through canyons and alongside the beach will do that to you. And when visiting new areas, I often find the best way to do it is on foot or bike, which is why I’m happy to learn about Dublin’s newest cycling venture.

The Irish capital has announced plans to establish a new cycling network along its canals, away from the city’s traffic and air pollution. The project will involve transforming the Royal Canal in north Dublin into a beautiful 2.1-kilometer-long green space as part of the city’s Greenways strategy, which aims to develop car-free pathways to encourage sustainable modes of transportation.

“We believe this will encourage more people to walk or cycle as part of their daily commute. This is good news for commuters and those interested in active travel, but it’s also good news when it comes to meeting our climate action targets,” said Anne Graham, the National Transport Authority chief executive.

The  €30 million cycle path has been in the making for more than seven years and is finally now about to start construction on its third phase. The project includes improving the current paved towpath, constructing accessible ramps at all road crossings, and building a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the canal. The anticipated completion date for this development is in the middle of 2025.