South Dublin County Council has announced that it has awarded a contract for the development of a feasibility study and plan for the creation of a Liffey Blueway.

A blueway is a water path or trail that is developed with launch points, river side activities and points of interest for canoeists, paddle boarders, kayakers and other water users.

The feasibility study will look at opportunities to facilitate safe, sustainable and increased access to the River Liffey for water-based activities from publicly owned land, and recommend river side tourist focused recreation activities. These activities would be supported with appropriate promotion to attract visitors to the area.

-- Advertisement --

Mayor Guss O'Connell of South Dublin County Council said: "South Dublin County Council's Tourism Strategy positions the outdoors as part of the visitor experience of Dublin and is aimed at making the experience of Dublin's outdoors accessible and enjoyable for all.

"The rivers, parks and mountains of the County play an important role in attracting visitors to the region. Exploring sustainable interventions along the River Liffey, with its landscape and vistas which was recognised by the renowned Town Planner, Myles Wright, as one of the Jewels of Dublin, therefore has the potential to act as a destination for tourists and a great amenity for Dubliners too."

It is expected that a final project plan and report will be made available to the Council in 2017.

Image: Waterstown Park. Courtesy, South Dublin County Council.

(JP/MH)