11: Cycling and Personal Mobility Devices
Further to my previous submission on this issue and the need to reinstate the Liffey Valley Greenway as a specific objective within the new Cycle Network Plan and GDA Transport Strategy 2022-2042, I wanted to highlight the potential of the Greenway.
It would bring connectivity to walkers and cyclists from Castleknock, Lucan, Leixlip, Clonsilla, Palmerstown, Chapelizod and Ongar along this exceptional ecological, cultural and heritage route.
It could open up access to the river and to landmarks such as Shackleton’s Mill and the Weirs along the Strawberry Beds, creating a potentially world-class sustainable Tourism Trail that connects St Catherine’s Park, Lucan Weir, St Edmondsbury, the Strawberry Beds, Waterstown Park, Farmleigh Estate and Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge.
It would join together already outstanding green spaces in West Dublin, known and unknown, and create something very special from Leixlip all the way to Dublin 8. There are opportunities to acquire more green spaces too.
It would bring purpose to this national treasure that is the LIffey Valley, designated a Special Amenity Area by Order by the Department of the Environment, while conserving it for the future. There are only two other such Orders in Dublin, Howth Head and Bull Island.
As previously stated the Greenway has been demoted in the new proposal to separate cycle routes that wouldn't run on both sides of the Liffey from Lucan Village. And without being a strategic priority, it is destined to sit on local county council plans for another decade.
Opening up the Silver/Farmleigh Bridge would be transformational for West Dublin and a feasibility study should be conducted as a matter of priority. The other crossings at Waterstown Park/Strawberry Beds/Chapelizod should also be progressed, but more crossings should be considered also including at St Edmondsbury lands in Lucan/Shackleton's Mill.
This Greenway would be transformational for the Liffey Valley and would secure it as an amenity to be cherished now and in the future. Please reinstate the Liffey Valley Greenway as a national priority in the Plan and develop it as a local and national amenity.