Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3 officially opened

Here on the banks of the Royal Canal, with Croke Park in sight, it was my absolute pleasure this week to officially open Phase 3 of the Royal Canal Greenway.

This new 2.1km stretch runs from Newcomen Bridge at North Strand to Cross Guns Bridge in Phibsborough, creating a continuous 3.2km route all the way to the River Liffey. It’s a transformation for the north city — safer, healthier, and more connected.

A project shaped by many hands

When I stood to open the Greenway, I was especially pleased to welcome Minister Paschal Donohoe, who turned the sod here back in 2023. His steadfast support, right back to his time as Minister for Transport, has helped bring us to this day.

I also acknowledged my colleagues on Dublin City Council as well as our Chief Executive Richard Shakespeare, Assistant Chief Executive Dermot Collins, and so many dedicated Council staff.

Above all, it was wonderful to see the children of St Vincent’s Girls School and O’Connell Primary School. They and their families are the real reason for this project. This Greenway is about giving them a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable city.

Delivering Phase 3 was a complex task — bridges, ramps, cycle tracks, public lighting, underground cabling and more. It required true partnership. My thanks to Waterways Ireland, CIÉ, Irish Rail, ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland and Eir for working alongside us. Thanks too to the National Transport Authority, whose investment and vision for a connected Active Travel Network are transforming how Dublin moves.

And within Dublin City Council, I also acknowledged the many colleagues — engineers, designers, contractors and project managers — whose professionalism is visible in every detail. This was teamwork at its best.

More than infrastructure

As I said at the opening: this Greenway is about more than concrete, steel and tarmac.

It is about people. It is about place. It is about Dublin.

It is about building a Living City — with cleaner air, safer streets and healthier neighbourhoods.
It is about creating an Active City — where walking, wheeling and cycling are everyday choices.
And it is about shaping an Engaged City — where communities, councillors, agencies and Government deliver lasting change together.

The Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3 embodies all three of these pillars. It connects people, combats isolation, strengthens neighbourhoods and gives Dubliners of all ages a new way to enjoy the beauty of our city.

Looking ahead

This is the third phase of the Greenway delivered by Dublin City Council. Work will now move to the fourth and final phase, extending the route to Ashtown and ultimately linking to the wider 146km Royal Canal Greenway — from the River Liffey all the way to the River Shannon.

It’s an exciting vision, and one I am determined to help see through.

My message to Dubliners

Finally, and most importantly — to the children, parents, teachers, residents and neighbours: this Greenway belongs to you.

So whether you walk, wheel or cycle — come down, explore it, and make the most of this beautiful new amenity in the heart of Dublin.

LET’S GET OUT AND USE IT!