A new 5km stretch of the Grand Canal Greenway between the 12th Lock and Hazelhatch has opened in South Dublin.

The route was launched by the Mayor of South Dublin with Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien T.D., alongside Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Waterways Ireland. The project advances the creation of a continuous, accessible walking and cycling corridor along the Grand Canal, supporting both sustainable travel and recreation.

Highlighting the local and long‑term significance of the scheme, the Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Pamela Kearns, said it will benefit communities across the county. The Mayor noted that "this greenway delivers a high‑quality, safe and accessible route along one of our most historic landscapes, improving connectivity between neighbourhoods and offering a valuable amenity for people of all ages. It forms part of South Dublin County Council’s wider plans for the area — supporting the developing community at Clonburris, and the significant projects now underway at the 12th Lock". She also acknowledged the team effort behind delivery, adding that "..the work of SDCC staff, especially our Economic Development Department, has been central to bringing this project to today’s milestone".

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Addressing attendees, TII Chief Executive Lorcan O'Connor placed the new link within the broader Grand Canal network from Dublin to the Shannon. He said: "The delivery of this 5km section of Greenway from 12th Lock to Hazelhatch represents another important milestone in the delivery of the 130km Grand Canal Greenway from Dublin to the River Shannon. This high quality, safe and accessible facility is available for use by the local community, visitors and commuters. Thank you to our delivery partners in South Dublin County Council and Waterways Ireland for supporting the projects and achieving this milestone."

Waterways Ireland CEO John McDonagh underlined the organisation's vision for greener, more connected journeys in the capital and its hinterland. He said: "Waterways Ireland's 10 Year Plan outlines the transformative opportunity to deliver for the public good in Greater Dublin, to reimagine how locals and visitors experience and traverse the city and surrounding areas; to make a climate positive impact through traffic reduction by hosting more journeys on our Greenways. Waterways Ireland are delighted to mark the official opening of the Grand Canal Greenway from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch in County Dublin and we express our appreciation to all stakeholders for the excellent work in delivering it, alongside the Waterways Ireland team. Waterways Ireland will continue to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders on the completion of the remaining sections of the Grand Canal Greenway - which will link the Liffey all the way to the Shannon - and on further enhancing the visitor experience."

The new route is designed to bolster connections between neighbourhoods, link key amenities and open spaces, and provide a safe, low‑carbon option for everyday trips. It is expected to support major growth areas including the emerging community at Clonburris, aiding the Council's goals for health, wellbeing, climate action and placemaking from the outset.

South Dublin County Council thanked TII, Waterways Ireland, the project contractors and engineering partners, and its own staff — in particular the Economic Development Department — for their collaboration and commitment throughout the project.