Kildare County Council has officially opened the 7.75km Maynooth to Leixlip section of the Royal Canal Greenway, running from Maynooth Harbour to Confey/Cope Bridge, Leixlip.

The project was delivered by Glas Civil Engineering Ltd, with detailed design and construction oversight provided by AtkinsRéalis.

Funded by the National Transport Authority through the Active Travel Investment Grants, the scheme forms part of the Royal Canal Greenway, a historic route stretching from the River Shannon in Longford to Dublin's Spencer Dock. The completed section now allows users to cycle over 120km along the canal from Leixlip, County Kildare, to Cloondara, County Longford.

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The construction included a mix of bound and unbound greenway surfaces, a segregated cycle track alongside the R148 regional road, and associated amenities. The project enhances local transport infrastructure, providing safe and sustainable active travel options for commuters and recreational users between Maynooth and Leixlip.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Darragh O'Brien highlighted the importance of high-quality walking and cycling infrastructure and noted that this section completes a critical 120km stretch along the Royal Canal. Meanwhile, Minister James Lawless emphasised the new route's role in connecting communities and supporting healthier, sustainable transport choices.

Additionally, Hugh Creegan, Interim Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, commended Kildare County Council for successfully delivering this vital link, while John Tolan of Waterways Ireland praised the collaboration between contractors, consultants, and public bodies.

Since the first 130km of the Royal Canal Greenway opened in 2021, it has attracted 640,000 visits in its first year, generating €17 million in economic impact and supporting the growth of 30 local businesses.